The Obtainer - 2/1/23, Wednesday
↦ The Best Winter Parkas at Any Price
Wednesday, February 1st Edition
If I told you there was sunscreen that looked like whip cream and smelled like coconuts and bananas would you be more likely to apply it … or eat it?
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Good/Better/Best
Winter Parkas
In the heart of winter where we still have months of cold left, you need some substantial insulation—think wool, cashmere and down filling. Pea coats and leather jackets will always be iconic; however, sometimes you need something more heavy-duty, warm yet functional. Parkas have stood the test of time for that very reason. The upside is that you can also wear most parkas in early spring to dodge raindrops.While in the market for a down parka, you should ask yourself these questions: Do I need it to keep me warm for my daily commute? Will I only wear this for outdoor weekend adventures? Understanding various climates should help weigh in on your decision on which parka to purchase. While most parkas are filled with down, other brands have been able to substitute with recyclable materials (if you’re looking for ethically sourced parkas, we covered them in last week’s newsletter).If you’re not familiar, down usually comes from bird feathers, and there’s a scale that indicates the quality level and exactly how warm the jacket will be by measuring the fill power. The fill power rating ranges between 300 - 900+. This number is determined by a test that calculates how many cubic inches a single ounce of down will fill. Although tests shouldn’t matter, in this case, the higher the fill power rating, the warmer the jacket. If the websites you’re checking have the power rating in the product description, you want anything around a 600 rating—anything lower may not keep you as insulated as you’d like. While some may look too puffy or technical, we’ve found three similar styles that are handsome and rugged and available in a range of prices. How much you want to spend is entirely up to you, but these will always be in style and able to keep you warm.
The most affordable option, you can buy two in different colors
The shell of the coat is 100% nylon and lined with 100% polyester with fleece trim
No rating available, so it may not be reliably warm
A mock neck collar that has sherpa which provides warmth around your neck
Ultra parka, $99.99 / $84.99 by Abercrombie & Fitch
The jacket is 750 fill power and 15oz. recycled down
Made of 90% down and 10% feathers
The hood is insulated and detachable
There are two chest and two waist-line pockets, all lined with fleece
Barton puffer down parka, $600 by Triple F.A.T. Goose Outerwear
Made from a weatherproof polyester twill and filled with 800 fill power duck-down padding
Interior straps allow you to carry it like a backpack when you don’t need to wear it
Responsible Down Standard certified, ensuring ethical feather production from farm to the final product
Responsible Down Standard certified, ensuring ethical feather production from farm to the final product
Waterproof parka with detachable logo wool visor, $1,100 by Woolrich
Drops to Watch For
Vacation is the genius brand behind making sure you protect your skin in the most creative ways. They are restocking their best-selling item tomorrow—classic whip SPF30. The viral whipped cream-inspired sunscreen has sold out almost immediately. There are over 1,000 people on the waitlist, and for a good reason. The “lighter-than-air” sunscreen is made of eco-friendly propellants and features an authentic “tilt valve” actuator to produce instant heaps of easy-to-spread, skin-hydrating foam. It’s cruelty-free, entirely vegan and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes if you plan to use this on vacation. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this would make for a sweet gift.
Thursday, February 2nd
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
A speckled wood CPO shirt that will add texture and warmth to any outfit. Featuring a generous point collar and two chest patch pockets, this will look excellently layered underneath any topcoat.
$146.50 / $117.20(w/code EXTRA20)by Stüssy
These hydrocolloid patches are an editor favorite because they really deliver on shrinking the size and redness of a zit overnight. And the small ones are so imperceptible, you can even wear them during the day.
$13.50 / $10by Corsx
This beautifully-made zip cardigan from Mr P. is knit from 70% wool and 30% silk in a unique diagonal pattern. The result lets you see each shade of mélange yarns, and the relaxed shape has a ribbed collar so you can turn it up against the cold.
$355 / $177.50by Mr P.
This Week’s Streetstyle in front of the SK store.
December 11