The Obtainer - 2/6/23, Monday
↦ Up Your Fleece Game
Monday, February 6th Edition
Does anybody still watch the Grammys? Too bad they don’t give out awards for everyone’s Spotify Wrapped playlists from the year before.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Fleeces at Any Price
Fleeces have been a menswear go-to winter-layering option for the past few seasons and don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. GORPcore and sustainability being among fashion's biggest buzzwords certainly helped bring this trusted outdoor item back to prominence. Once worn only by mountain climbers in the most brutally cold conditions, the fluffy layers now come in a range of styles. And bonus ... many brands needing to minimize their carbon footprint began creating fleeces out of recyclable materials like paper and plastic.What makes this synthetic top a must-have? The versatility is unmatched compared to other winter layers like wool sweaters, turtlenecks and cardigans. Fleeces now come in funky colors and fuzzy fabrics that are either full-zip or half-zip sweaters or jackets. A fleece is comfortable, yes, but it is also something that you don't have to think about—throw one on with a pair of sweats, chinos or jeans, and you're out the door. They even look excellent with a topcoat, dad cap and shades. We've rounded up nearly two dozen of the best ones in a range or price points and colors.
4 of Our Favorites
A classic fleece made of hefty woolen with a stand collar, patch pockets and a two-way zipper makes this the ideal jacket for layering.
Alpine merino fleece pack jacket,$198 by Buck Mason
Patagonia makes classic fleeces—complete with Ragland sleeves and discreet chest pockets—and this one is crafted of 100% recycled polyester and is fair trade certified sewn.
Retro pile fleece jacket, $149 by Patagonia
This half-zip fleece is handmade in Turkey from Casentino wool, which is soft to the touch and insulates while being extremely wearable. The fit is boxy, and the kangaroo pocket will protect all your EDC.
Casentino half-zip fleece pullover, $300 by Percival
You're practically getting two jackets for the price of one—a cozy fleece on one side and a nylon weather-resistant jacket on the other. Either way, you'll be protected against any inclement weather.
Sherpa fleece jacket, $169 by Topo Designs
About to jump on the raw denim resurgence bandwagon. Do I really not wash them for a year?
- Jake
Before getting into washing instructions, let’s talk about fit. Generally, with most raw denim, it’s suggested that you always stay true to size; however, I’ve found that going up one or two sizes in the waist is beneficial. Since raw denim is 100% cotton, it will stretch half an inch to an inch, but it’ll also shrink after washing. You also want to think about the length as well—the majority of raw denim comes in a 34-36 inseam due to the yardage of the denim roll, so you can hem them before wearing or cuff, wear them a few times, then get them tailored. But you always want to keep the original hem because that’s where you’ll see some roping (abrasion on the hems of jeans where it looks like it's twisting around itself).
Denim doesn’t need to be washed as frequently as underwear and undershirts, but washing them at least every three months is recommended. The denim experts at 3Sixteen make some of the best jeans (like the Cs-100x jean pictured) and just released a how-to video on washing denim. They suggest flipping your jeans inside out and washing them by hand for about 15 minutes the first few times with detergent to preserve the indigo and prevent any creasing or premature marbling, then hang them to dry.After you’ve washed your jeans by hand several times, your creases have set in, and your jeans have already begun to fade, machine washing is safe as long as you have a front-loading washing machine. They do not recommend washing your jeans using a top-loading washing machine because jeans often twist around the center agitator, creating strange fade lines that look like marbling. Hope we were of help Jake and remember—the only way to get an authentic wash that's uniquely yours is to wear the hell out of them.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
Test Drive
A Long-Sleeve Pique Polo
I remember being younger and seeing my dad wear long sleeve polo shirts tucked in with a brown braided belt and some relaxed jeans. Turns out, I’m dressing just like him these days, minus the tuck—only applicable with a suit. A long sleeve polo shirt is the office workhorse whenever you don’t want to dress up but still need to look nice—I think my dad might’ve been ahead all these years while breaking the dress code for “business-professional”.Long sleeve polo shirts come in many fabrics, from wool and cashmere to the classic piqué cotton. Named after the horseback sport, the polo shirt was introduced in the 1930s to wear while playing tennis. Knit in traditional piqué cotton for subtle texture and ease of movement, this is a smart choice for heading to the courts or out to lunch. And J.Crew has long made one of the most classic (and affordable) options around.The label highlighted the long sleeve polo shirt in last summer’s campaign that saw a brand refresh under menswear designer Brendon Babenzien. I received the polo shirt last fall, and it’s constantly been in my rotation ever since. I went with navy blue since it looks great with anything and is perfect with a khaki-colored suit for a spring wedding. The polo also looks excellent with worn-in denim and sneakers. Made of 100% cotton and ribbing on the cuffs for an athletic fit, it’s true to size, and after washing, I hang to dry. I’ve yet to get any natural sun-fading on it, but by springtime, that’ll start to happen, I’m sure. For the number of times you’ll wear this, it's a no-brainer, and they just happen to be on a massive discount as well.
Long-sleeve classic piqué polo shirt,$85 / $49.50 by J.Crew
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
A durable denim welder's jacket is perfect to wear year-round. Made of rope-dyed yarn and environmental-friendly materials, this jacket gets better with each wear. Plus, there are several pockets to keep all your belongings safe throughout the day.
$325 / $162.50by Pilgrim Surf + Supply
Haglöfs makes one of the best outdoor vests. The Mimic vest is insulated with mimic gold—a great outdoor fabric that can stand against any unforeseen weather. Layer this underneath a topcoat or a down jacket for extra warmth.
$205 / $123by Haglöfs
The perfect do-it-all tote bag comes in a rugged duck camo print. It's as handsome as it is functional—a flat-bottom design, an interior sleeve for your laptop, and four exterior pockets for your EDC, not to mention the interior is all water-resistant.
$168 / $100by Flint and Tinder
The three best stories from around the web.
“
Sure, it can be fun to try something new, but there’s something compelling about choosing to ignore the latest novelties in favour of developing a consistent and considered approach to getting dressed.”
//
“
There’s usually a garment that defines a particular epoch of cultural history, but denim’s dynamism has meant its cultural identity has repeatedly changed throughout its 150-year lifespan.”
//
“
We joined him on a recent sunrise oyster harvest to discuss the history of the region’s oyster industry and the tranquility of fishing.”
//
Right before and right after @prada, Milan
January 17