The Obtainer - 2/21/24, Wednesday
↦ We Put Some Sweat Into This One
Wednesday, February 21st Edition
Today’s newsletter has a fitness angle, so you might want to stretch a little before reading. Otherwise, you *might* get a cramp.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Good/better/best
Who Makes the Best Workout Shorts?
Look around the gym and you'll notice that there's never been more varieties of gym shorts on offer. Some guys are still pulling on the same ill-fitting mesh shorts that they wore back in high school. Others are embracing all the strides in performance wear that's lead to a new breed of gym shorts that are not only flattering but also a whole lot more functional too. With such features as moisture-wicking fabrics, laser-cut ventilation and secure pockets engineered to keep keys and phones safe, these shorts are much better for your workouts.But which one is worth your money? It all depends on your personal tastes and needs. Some men don't want to spend a lot on shorts they're just going to sweat in and then toss in the hamper. That's understandable. Others are going for such intense workouts that they all but require gear that can put up with such a rigorous routine. We tried on a bunch, lifted and lunged and then washed (over and over again) to test out which ones were really worth your money. These are the three our team can confidently recommend.
Cut from lightweight AIRism fabric that's sweat-wicking and quick-drying
Unlined, with a straight-cut silhouette and wrapped waistband
Zippered back pocket
Basic design, but the price allows you to buy multiple pairs
5-inch Ultra Stretch DRY-EX short, $29.90 by UNIQLO
The stretch woven fabric provides a barely-there-feeling shell
Built-in, moisture-wicking performance brief liner
The centered back zip pocket keeps valuables secure (and balanced during movement) and fits most phones
The breathable knit waistband comfortably stays put
5-inch AFO short, $64 by Janji
The sweat-wicking nylon shell features permanent anti-odor treatment and stays cling-free during intense workouts
Laser-cut vents for air circulation, zippered pockets and bonded hems and leg gusset for added range of motion
Durable no-bunch waistband and optional medium compression liner
Backed by a lifetime guarantee
5-inch Interval short, $68 by Ten Thousand
Stuff We Swear by
This Specialized Detergent Really Cleans Performance Wear
It’s kind of a good news/bad news situation: Today’s best workout clothes are cut from stretchy, space-age materials, with fabric that was engineered to draw the sweat away from our bodies and dry quickly. But therein lies trouble with these impressive performance clothes—they're almost too advanced for our old-fashioned laundry techniques. If you're noticing that your workout gear isn't coming out of the wash smelling fresh, then you might need to make some adjustments on laundry day.
First of all, you’ll want to wash your gym clothes inside out. Your sweat and deodorant can build up on the inside of the clothing. That not only traps bacteria that will eventually start to stink, it also impedes the wicking performance. Flipping them inside out ensures the dirtiest parts will get the most rigorous washing. Secondly, you may need a detergent made especially for performance fabrics. WIN’s highly effective pH formula preserves and restores the stretch in your workout clothing, while getting out stains and sweats and oil build-up. It doesn't use any enzymes or other harmful chemicals, but oxygen ions will break down the bonds that hold oils onto synthetic fibers. The result is fresh-smelling gym clothes that look and feel like new.
Activewear detergent,$14.95 by WIN
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This classic jacket is made from super-soft, "hi-pile sherpa fleece" to keep you feeling nice and cozy on a cool, breezy spring day.
$180 / $83.96 by Gramicci
Blundstone (which doesn't host many sales) is now offering 25% off select styles. Take advantage and get some of these cult-favorite boots.
$229.95 / $172.46 by Blundstone
A&F's rugged shirt jacket is cut from a soft canvas fabric in a vintage striped pattern, then finished with oversized pockets and a corduroy collar.
$120 / $69.99 by Abercrombie & Fitch
A rounded silhouette gives this handblown smoked glass hurricane a slightly retro look. Place a candle inside or use it as a vase for flowers.
$35 / $26.21 by CB2
Green watches have been having a moment, and this handsome automatic Seiko 5, in a classic Submariner style, is a great option for a really good price.
$325 / $200 by Seiko
It's a Dyson ... what more needs to be said? Get a jumpstart on your spring cleaning while this favorite wireless vac is on sale.
$519.99 / $349.99 by Dyson
Millimetri e secondi.
January 17
