The Obtainer - 11/6/23, Monday
↦ It's Fleece Season
Monday, November 6th Edition
We’ve turned back the clocks. Like it or not, winter is coming. But on the bright side, that means we can really start dressing. And if you ask us, that means pulling on some fleece.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
BuyingGuide
Our Go-To Winter Layering Piece
Is it possible for a piece of clothing to be too comfortable? Like dangerously cozy? Because the latest fleece jacket or vests, with all the softness and texture of teddy bear, could be considered emotional support outerwear. Let them wrap their fuzzy arms around you and tell you that everything is going to be alright. Sure, the world seems like a dumpster fire right now, but these nubby layers offer warmth and a serious shot of style to your winter wardrobe. In a season where hazy greys, dark browns and blacks are all but inescapable, a pop of eye-grabbing color and texture from a fleece is an easy way to infuse an electric burst of energy into an otherwise reserved look.No longer relegated to Nalgene-carrying climber types and tech bros, fluffy fleeces have now officially become part of the general menswear landscape. What's more, there are no special rules involved in wearing one. A fleece is comfortable, yes, but it's also something that you don't have to think about—throw one on with a pair of sweats and sneakers or downplay the athletic vibe with chinos and a pair of loafers. Of course, it's great when worn with some jeans and boots, too—maybe even layered under a top coat when the weather really cools down. You've just got to love a piece that satisfies both fashion and function, right?
Our Picks
This gilet features a minimalist design with bound seam details, which gives it a retro yet contemporary feel. It's a warm winter layer with a stylish, sporty touch.
Wool fleece vest,$400 by Sunspel
A wicking fleece helps manage moisture and keep you warm, while the half-zip and chest pocket allows you to customize your comfort and carry small items easily.
Rove half-zip fleece,$224 by Ostrya
This ’70s-inspired sherpa jacket is a stylish and comfortable outerwear piece with a blend of materials like nylon, a bungee drawcord, and enamel snaps, making it both practical and fashionable.
Altafleece full-zip jacket, $225 by Alex Mill
Looking for one of those fuzzy cardigans you keep seeing everywhere? This is a great starter option ($165). It's about a third of the price of most, but this Japanese brand has, of course, nailed all the details. A high V-neck collar? Check. Vintage-inspired buttons? Check. Signature stretchy mohair blend knit in a bold shade? Check. Grab one before it inevitably sells out.
Test drive
A Nostalgic Snack That Does a Body Good
Do you remember a few years ago, when Magic Spoon tapped into millennials' nostalgia for their childhood sugary breakfast cereals and skyrocketed to direct-to-consumer fame? They singlehandedly kicked off a third-wave cereal trend that promised the sweet, familiar flavors of our youth while satisfying our grownup health standards. Well, now they're taking that high-protein, low-carb, and no-sugar cereal and whipping them into Rise Krispie treats. Just without any of the guilt.
Starting out with two classic flavors, marshmallow and peanut butter with a swirl of chocolate. We got a chance to try out both flavors and were impressed by the soft, chewy texture that still retained just enough crunch. The flavors were familiar and indulgent, and as a regular drinker of protein shakes and other high-protein products, I tasted nothing but childhood memories. So I grabbed for a bar when running out the door, after workouts or whenever I was in need of something sweet in the afternoon. Another tester on staff, who never messes with protein products, felt there was enough of an aftertaste to not finish his bar. So I guess your level of enjoyment is entirely based on your personal history with healthy-adjacent snack foods.
$39 (for four boxes) by Magic Spoon
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
The Bosca table lamp is a well-crafted and aesthetically pleasing lighting fixture that can enhance the ambiance of a room while offering functionality. Its blend of glass and metal, drum shade, and adjustable lighting make it a versatile choice for different lighting needs and interior styles.
$199 / $139by Article
Ten Thousand's tech jacket provides warmth and protection from the elements. PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active is a high-quality synthetic insulation material known for its ability to retain heat and provide warmth even when wet. The tech jacket is a no-brainer for outdoor and activewear, as it can keep you warm in various weather conditions.
$278 / $139by Ten Thousand
Percival and Champion teamed up to design this cozy pair of sweatpants. They're embroidered with a fleece backing for added warmth and comfort—and made from cotton for a soft and breathable feel.
$135 / $53by Percival
The three best stories from around the web.
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My personal style signifier is a leather belt with a heavy brass buckle that I bought about 12 years ago on Guerrero Street, in San Francisco’s Mission District.”
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And it remains the perfect gateway for any guy trying to ease into a more stylish version of himself.”
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Thanks to an economic boom in Italy in the late ‘80s, when Italy briefly became the sixth richest country in the world, an entire generation of wealthy business owners were looking for stylish ways to spend their lira.”
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