The Obtainer - 12/11/23, Monday
↦ An Essential for Winter's Harshest Days
Monday, December 11th Edition
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Presented by
Life is too short and winter is too brutal not to have a good coat. Invest in a proper down jacket this season and it will pay you back by providing warmth until the sun stops setting at 4:15pm.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Buying Guide
The Best Down Jackets for Style Without the Shivering
Winter style can be great, right? You've got cozy layers and textural knits—in an ideal world, you'd step out in the morning with your long woolen overcoat worn open (to show off the fit) and maybe a scarf slung casually around your neck. But our world, as we know all too well, is not ideal. Winter can be a real bitch. Bone-chilling wind, frigid freezing rain, maybe snow and a heap of other unpredictable meteorological conditions. Without the right outerwear, you'll suffer.The smart move is to pull on a powerful puffer jacket. Quilted with a heat-trapping down filling, these coats' insulation is their secret to keeping you toasty, no matter the conditions outside. For the uninitiated, “down” is the light fluffy coating clustered beneath the feathers of ducks or geese that helps to protect them and keep them warm through natural insulation. Of course, nowadays, not all puffers are stuffed with genuine down. Some alternative fillings can be just as insulating but kinder on your allergies (or conscience). These sporty jackets warm up and retain heat in ways that regular old coats just can't. And luckily, you don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of your comfort. We're living in the golden age of outerwear thanks to the rise of Gorpcore and other hiking-inspired trends in menswear. Which means your options range from classic heritage brands and simplified styles (in a range of colors) to luxurious and rarefied options from modern and designer labels. So whether you're looking for an easy, packable nylon jacket to keep you warm on your travels or more of an investment piece, cut from a waxed Japanese broadcloth or refined Donegal wool fabric, we've pulled our favorites from the season. But don't wait until mid-winter (when you really need it) to buy. By then, they'll all be sold out.
Our picks
Snow Peak's down jacket is crafted from 100% tent-recycled nylon ripstop with a rain-repellent finish and reused feathers by the Green Down Project. The jacket features oversized patch pockets, adjustable drawstrings and a high neck for warmth.
Recycled down jacket, $449.95 by Snow Peak
UNIQLO's down jacket is one of the best for under $100. It's sleek, easy to pack, and made with a durable and easy-to-clean nylon taffeta fabric for wind and weather resistance.
Ultra light down jacket, $69.90 by UNIQLO
This one from Alpha Industries is oversized for a military-inspired fit. It features minimal fill for streamlined insulation, along with multiple pockets and an adjustable hood.
Unfrm tactile down jacket, $360 by Alpha Industries
Older Brother's down jacket is produced in California with hand-beeswaxed Japanese broadcloth. It's stuffed with eco-friendly tree fill and hand-dyed in fermented persimmon fruit for a natural look.
Waxed puff coat, $650 by Older Brother
How's your winter sock rotation? Could it use a few more hardy pairs? L.L.Bean makes some of the best—they knit these traditional ragg socks ($24.95 for two pairs) from soft, itch-free slub cotton yarns for an exceptional fit that won't bind or sag. The design has been improved this year by making them even more comfortable, and a little more stretchy, so they spring back after wearing. You need these for your boots, your Birks and your loafers.
Partner
Impressive Gifts for the Discerning Man
Some guys are notoriously hard to shop for. When in doubt, reach for a gift that's useful, stylish and luxurious enough to feel like something they might not splurge on for themselves. These are exactly the kind of items that Uncrate Supply specializes in. Like the shop's motto, these are “objects of desire and tools of the trade”—handsome, well-built and durable. Yes, some might have an air of mystery or danger, but nearly everything has a luxurious polish to it. From durable Japanese toolboxes and a leather-trimmed Dopp kit, to some heirloom quality watches and cult-favorite coffee kettles, there's something for any and everyone here.
Paris whiskey decanter, $180 by Nude
Classic car Christmas tree cocktail napkins, $55 by Uncrate Supply
Original Wayfarer sunglasses, $163 by Ray-Ban
Wave Plus pocket tool, $120 by Leatherman>
Carbon fiber poker set, $300 by Brouk and Co.
Leather wrapped flask, $80 by Barbour
It's OK night edition bluetooth cassette player, $120 by Ninm Lab
Test Drive
Cords Built to Move
When it’s cold and gloomy, you want as much comfort as possible right? But this is also the season for dressing up. My mission was clear: I needed some cords. Warm and velvety, sliding into those fuzzy pants is like basking in a hot tub filled with hot chocolate. That is if you can find the right pair. I tried a few that were too thick and so they weren’t very flattering. Others were cut too skinny—you don’t want your legs looking like fuzzy sausage casings. Then I saw that Flint and Tinder was making their signature 365 pants in a seasonal corduroy.
Available in six different colorways and three fits—from a tailored slim fit and athletic tapered to a relaxed straight—it seemed impossible that I couldn’t find what I was looking for. And I was right. I chose the rich moss green shade in a straight fit and was blown away. If you’re not familiar with this particular style of pant, the “365” moniker comes from the brand’s belief that these pants, cut like a pair of jeans in a classic five-pocket style, are so comfortable and versatile, that you’ll wear them everyday of the year.
The corduroy fabric they chose is a micro-wale (very thin ribs) which, in my opinion, makes them a little more versatile. They’re dressy but they feel more rugged than preppy. I’ve worn them with a denim shirt, an oversized cashmere sweater and even a tweed blazer. They look as good with loafers and boots as they do with my trusty Chuck Taylors. And since they’re Flint and Tinder, they’re designed to be worn and washed over and over again. The fabric comes out of the washer looking fresh and there’s a touch of stretch for added ease of movement and to help them rebound after a few wearings. In short, I’m thinking about picking up another color because these have become such a favorite. But sizes and colorways are selling out quick.
365 corduroy pant,$118 by Flint and Tinder
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This oversized corduroy shirt is an excellent overshirt with its classic collar and bellowed chest pockets. Leave it open or buttoned up—the fabric is hardy enough to take you well through spring.
$80 / $60 byAbercrombie & Fitch
Not sure what to get a loved one? A cozy cashmere wool blend scarf is the gift they didn't know they needed. It's soft, lightweight, and guaranteed to keep your neck warm. And now it’s on sale.
$98 / $69by Everlane
A pair of pleated twill trousers is never a bad style move. ARKET's is cut for a straight-leg fit and detailed with roomy single pleats, creating a relaxed yet modern silhouette.
$95 / $66.50by ARKET
The three best stories from around the web.
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Magazines are merch now: Signifiers of good taste, to be displayed on the coffee table or desk to let visitors know that you don’t just mindlessly scroll at your phone.”
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Now, the brand is betting that its forthcoming flagship retail store is its next step on the long path to building a legacy luxury label.”
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Most people believe you should never return a gift because it’s rude. Which means it’s also come to my attention that most people are selfish and wrong.”
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Discover Pierre Maheo’s interview in the November edition of GQ France. In the interview, Pierre reflects on the brand’s evolution since it was first created 10 years ago.
November 8
