The Obtainer - 3/6/23, Monday
↦ Who Makes the Ultimate Affordable Hoodie?
Monday, March 6th Edition
Feels good to be back this week. But wow … does anyone else feel like we skipped over the month of February?
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Hoodies Under $100
What makes a hoodie so good? The fit, the fabric, and the size of the hood for starters. I have too many to keep count of—several in the same colors, but all in different weights, one with no drawstrings, one with drawstrings, and another without the usual kangaroo pocket. The varieties are endless, but the comfort remains the same. I wear one year-round, usually opting for a soft French terry fabric hoodie for summer evenings and a heavyweight fleece to layer for the cooler months. The pullover's versatility is virtually unmatched. The structure of the hood is something you want to pay attention to though—you want one that keeps its structure after washing and that doesn't feel like a parachute hovering over your head. The stiffer the hood, the better.While there are hoodies over $1,000 and some that start at $20, this is a garment that doesn't have to cost a lot to look good on everyone. Things like specific weaving styles or being manufactured on vintage loopwheel machines can quickly jack up the price. But those kind of niche details aren't imperative—especially if you're looking to stock up on a few colors for each season. There are now some excellent hoodies that you can pick up for well under a hundred bucks. We've pulled together a few of the best and most affordable versions right now, so take your pick.
4 of Our Favorites
A French terry hoodie that's been garment washed for a lived-in feel from the first wear, so you won't ever want to take it off.A French terry hoodie that's been garment washed for a lived-in feel from the first wear, so you won't ever want to take it off.
Brushed loopback hoodie, $98 by Buck Mason
A 14oz. fleece hoodie that's heavy enough to wear on its own, and provides extra warmth when layered.
Heavy fleece hoodie, $68 by Los Angeles Apparel
Champion made the first-ever hoodie. This understated version proves that they still make some of the best in the game.
Reverse weave open hem hoodie,$75 / $39 by Champion x UO
A knit hoodie crafted from smooth Mongolian cashmere for under $100 is a steal and looks cozy and polished.
Mongolian cashmere hoodie, $99.90 by Quince
What’s the best type of steamer? And how should you properly steam your clothes?
- @the.astronott
The next best thing to scoring great clothes … is caring for them so they’ll last. I switched from an iron and ironing board about a decade ago because the place we were living at didn’t have enough storage for room a full ironing board, plus an iron can be too much to care for as far as cleaning goes.I’ve tried my fair share of steamers and found you don’t really need anything fancy, just a hard-working one. I use this model from Hilife ($38.99 / $23.99) frequently. It comes with all the bells and whistles of an ideal travel steamer, plus it’s easy to store. The cord is nine feet long, it comes with a handy cup to fill the water reservoir and includes detachable bristles to protect your fabrics. I’ve used it mercilessly for about three years now and it still works perfectly—both at home and on the road.
Using a steamer is as easy as making your favorite pour-over coffee. Fill it up, but make sure you don’t pass the fill line—the steamer will start to spit out of the spout and soak your clothes (or burn your hand). Turn on the power switch and wait for about a minute while the water heats up and, you guessed it, blow out the steam. I prefer placing clothes inside-out while steaming and not tilting the steamer (water will drip) while you’re going over your fabrics. Keep in mind, you’ve got about 15 minutes’ worth of steam, so make sure your clothes are on hangers and ready to go. Pull the bottom hem of the garment taught while steaming to help ease out any stubborn wrinkles. Lastly—one of my favorite steps—snap off the bristles and clean them since they tend to collect little lint bunnies after you steam. That’s it!
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Test Drive
Some Do-It-All Black Jeans
It’s no secret that I have a love affair with all things denim. Especially a pair that’s worn in and has become my second skin. But it’s not just the blues. I also love black jeans—if you’re not the dressy type, then a pair of black denim will do the trick. They’re also more incognito than your standard dark denim or well-worn jeans—some people may notice whenever you wear your favorite blue jeans (and there’s nothing wrong with that), but I could wear a pair of black jeans for weeks, and I doubt anyone would call me out.One brand that we’ve been watching lately is Mother—the L.A.-based brand cranking out some of the best jeans on the market. They have two signature fits for their jeans. The first pair is the Neat, which is a slim-straight denim offering, and the second fit is the Chaser, which is straight-leg jeans. I was in the market for some black jeans that I can throw on without thinking about what to pair them with, and these Chasers have worked out quite well.All the label’s denim is cut and sewn in Los Angeles, and these come with an initial wash which means they were super comfortable right out of the box. This is one of the few pairs the brand offers that have stretch in them. As a denim purist, I tend to prefer my jeans and pants to have zero stretch in them, but surprisingly, I don’t mind it at all with these. The reason is that it’s not that much (just 2% elastane). Plus, I usually get my jeans hemmed since I’m just over a 30-inch inseam; however, the stretch provides a stacking silhouette that looks great with loafers and sneakers. No hemming required. The jeans run true to size and have been washing well—just throw them in on cold and hang to dry. The only other item you’ll need to keep these looking new is a lint roller—I guess it comes with the price of looking good.
The Chaser black jean,$198 by Mother
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This down shirt jacket puffer is adaptable in inclement weather—thoughtfully constructed with 60/40 weather-resistant shell fabric, stuffed with 700+ fill goose down, and handcrafted in Seattle.
$572 / $286 byCrescent Down Works
This cozy thermal cardigan can be layered now or worn by itself come warmer days. It's garment-dyed with a roomier fit, and the price is just right.
$180 / $120 byGeneral Admission
This pair of navy sweatpants come in a relaxed cut with elastic trims around the ankles for a tapered look—oh yeah, and they're now under $60.
$95 / $55 byBeams Plus
The three best stories from around the web.
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This is the origin of American style after all. I enjoy mixing some vintage British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force items. Tricker's & Church's shoes with Drake's ties and scarves.”
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Jones loves stuff. Loves buying it. Loves giving it away as presents. Loves sharing it with other people.”
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After cutting ties with Kanye West, the sneaker company is unsure of what to do with nearly half a billion in unsold merchandise.”
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Thanks @matchesfashionPhotography @jack.bool / Styling @karolynpho / Art direction @jarodtaber @authorized____dealer
January 25