The Obtainer - 1/11/23, Wednesday
↦ A Classic Sweater Every Guy Should Have
Wednesday, January 11th Edition
I could care less about fishing, but dressing the part of a fisherman? Sign me up. The classic cream-colored Aran sweater is undefeated against all weather conditions.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Good/Better/Best
Fisherman Sweaters
Leading men from Steve McQueen to Chris Evans have made fisherman sweaters popular on the big screen. But before they did, they were initially worn by—you guessed it—fishermen and farmers beginning in the 18th and 19th centuries. The official name of this type of sweater is Aran, which derives from the Aran Islands off the West coast of Ireland. It’s notable for using intricately textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in a single garment. The sweater is typically knitted from hardy sheep's wool—warm and moisture-wicking enough to be worn in inclement weather.Although the original sweater was made from wool, other brands today have reinterpreted this classic with easier-to-wear cotton and even cashmere. Several colors and prints have brought new life into this garment; however, we will always be reaching for the classic cream-colored one—it’s versatile and looks good on anyone. How much you want to spend is entirely up to you, but one thing is for certain, these will always be in style and keeping you warm.
This is 100% cotton and machine washable, so it’s easy to wear and care for
Ribbed collar, hem and cuffs to ensure a slimmer fit
Sweater has a looser knit in the design so you may feel a breeze
Raglan sleeves that may run long, so cuff the sleeves where your wrists are
Signature cotton fisherman sweater, $109 by L.L. Bean
Made from 90% soft wool and 10% cashmere
Hand washing only
Classic style, but thinner and not as bulky
Runs small, so you may want to take the next size up
Iconic fisherman’s sweater, $268 / $229.99 by Polo Ralph Lauren
Hand-knit in an Aran Islands workshop from a classic Donegal yarn
Made from ultra-soft 70% merino wool and 30% cashmere
Crafted using organic and quality dyes for environmentally friendly colors
Don’t wear underneath other wool fabrics to prevent pilling
Cashmere Aran sweater, $695 by Inis Meáin
Stuff We Swear by
The Recovery Slide
It’s the new year, and you are either carrying over your workout regimen from last year or starting a new one—props to you for moving your body. If you’re doing a long-distance run, HIIT class, or have a labor-intensive job—you need a comfortable shoe to allow your body to decompress.Hoka has been the go-to performance running sneaker for the past few years and has also crossed over into the fashion world with the emergence of the tech and hiking trend that has dominated the last couple of seasons. Besides making some of the best shoes to exercise in on the market, they also make the best recovery slides.
What is a “recovery slide”? Well, the Ora slip-on weighs just 6.6 ounces and features a high bed of soft cushions designed to provide a forgiving impact and ride. An oversized midsole and the brand’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry offer supreme comfort. The slide also received a stamp of approval from the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), recognizing this as a product that has been found to be beneficial to improving foot health.
I’ve recently tried these out. They feel great after a workout, but they’ve also become my new house shoes, and I even wear them on quick errand runs—with socks, of course, no free foot shots from me. As soon as I slide these on, my feet feel stabilized thanks to the dual-layer construction. You want these to be form-fitting and not have your feet slide in the back, which defeats the purpose of allowing your feet to rest, so make sure to take your normal size. Although spring is a few months away, I’m already eyeing another colorway since they’re on sale and the epitome of comfort.
Ora recovery slide, $55 / $39.99 by Hoka
Drops to Watch For
The classic streetwear brand Stüssy and iconic boot maker Timberland teamed up again on a version of the world hiker boot—this is their first collaboration since 2014. Combining Stüssy’s design sensibility with Timberland’s outdoor legacy, the boot features a full GORE-TEX waterproofed upper in premium textured leather paired with a Vibram rubber outsole. Two colorways—black and wheat—will be offered, each with two additional sets of contrasting laces.
Friday, January 13th at 1pm EST
Interdisciplinary artist Daniel Arsham is back reimagining a contemporary object, this time it's his favorite car—the Porsche 930. His VEILED PORSCHE is an edition based on a sculpture depicting the iconic sports car mid-reveal as the fabric is being blown off of it. Using a fluid Arsham drapery technique, the sculpture appears suspended in time, heightening the suspense of the car in motion. Each sculpture is 15 inches in length and only 500 will be made.
Friday, January 13th at 12pm EST
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Tough outerwear should be comfortable, warm and ideally weather-resistant—this one from NN07 is all three. It's got a sharp, sporty look, plus deep pockets to accommodate your winter accessories.
$275 / $233.75 (w/code FLASH15) by NN07
The big Todd Snyder sale just got even better. Now you can take an extra 30% off already marked down items. Like this hybrid cardigan, which combines the class of a button-up sweater and the comfortable feel of an old-school sweatshirt.
$198 / $65.80 (w/code WINTER30)by Todd Snyder
Whether you're braising short ribs or making pasta, a Dutch oven is a kitchen necessity. The French-made pot is entirely covered in durable enamel inside and out, making it (and the heavy glass lid) both easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
$150 / $108 by Staub
The three best stories from around the web.
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Not to mention we can eat well, admire sublime paintings, visit enlightened shops and maybe even catch a few fish—all of my preferred pastimes.”
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Every January and June, 30,000 members of the international industry, from artisans, buyers, journalists, and fans, descend upon Florence for four days, invoking images of sartorial splendour and taking notes on the year ahead.”
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Noma 3.0 will be a lab where staff will develop new dishes and products.”
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The @inis_meain Raftery coat. Not a stuffy coat this, but not a sloppy one either. For loungers and meanderers alike, with just enough pockets for a day’s sojourn and an evening’s pub crawl.
November 28