The Obtainer - 4/10/23, Monday
↦ Up Your Texture Game
Monday, April 10th Edition
Happy Monday! We’re having all things waffle for today’s breakfast.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
Waffle Is More Wearable Than Ever
This time of year is tough to get dressed for because some days are cold and sunny, other days are warm and rainy. A waffle-knit thermal is ideal to take on this level of unpredictability. It's essentially engineered to insulate while remaining breathable and adding a shot of texture to any outfit. But we're not just talking about thermals anymore. The fabric has graduated from a simple layering piece into other silhouettes like pants, slippers, robes and overshirts. Of course, this is typically a fall fabric, but a wide range of brands today are repurposing it to be a year-round staple. The key is to find a relaxed shape or to even size up—waffle material is surprisingly light and sits comfortably on the skin, as long as it's not itchy like wool.One standout piece that uses the fabric in a fresh way is a cardigan. The casual cover looks great in the summertime over a T-shirt or can be layered with a denim shirt on cooler days. There are also a few waffle accessories, from hats that keep your head warm and dry to some chic house slippers that will keep your toes warm but not sweaty. However you style those grid-like ridges is up to you, but we've picked over a dozen to point you in the right direction.
4 of Our Favorites
A classic-fitting cardigan in a waffle-thermal fabric finished with durable snap buttons and semi-raglan sleeves for added comfort.
Flatback thermal cardigan, $170 by Reigning Champ
A made-in-the-USA 12 oz. thermal built for year-round wear.
Long-sleeve thermal, $98 by imogene + willie
A lightweight sweater designed from recycled cashmere and wool blend—this henley is the ideal layer to pull over all your favorite tees.
Shelter waffle henley, $298 by Outerknown
Everyday loose trousers in waffle featuring a drawstring, back pocket, and there’s even an overshirt to match.
Waffle everyday trouser,$165 by Percival
Test Drive
Frederik Fleece by Norse Projects
Menswear has loved fleece jackets for the last few seasons, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon so I decided it was time to get a new one. As for where to get it, I turned to Norse Projects, a brand with a well-earned reputation for sweating the details; in smart and subtle ways. Their Frederik fleece jacket is available in a few colors, but I had to have the one in the cream color with the camel-color detailed accents.When I first received the jacket, I liked the weight of it—most fleeces have a hefty deep pile fabric which I appreciate because those can be worn alone, but this one is lighter and is a three-season piece, and it’s easy to layer. The jacket is constructed with Polartec thermal insulation and a shearling jersey for a soft yet breathable garment. There’s a large chest pocket (roomy enough for keys, chapstick and a granola bar) and side seam pockets, and the fleece is mesh-lined so it’s breathable and light enough to wear with a T-shirt for chilly spring days.The “ecru” color block style gives it a more sophisticated vibe than your standard candy-colored fleeces, so I find I can wear this with more of my everyday wardrobe. I’ve thrown it over my favorite long-sleeve tees, and classic oxford cloth button-downs, and it has a way of elevating even the simplest of T-shirts. Since it’s made from 100% recycled polyester, I just throw it in the washer whenever it needs cleaning and then hang it to dry. I wash it by itself because I don’t want anything to bleed since the color is so light. Also, with some fleeces, some pilling can occur, but so far with this one, despite plenty of wear and washes, there’s been no pilling at all. This will be something in my closet for years to come because the versatility and wearability are welcome in any weather.
Frederik fleece full-zip jacket,$325 / $227.50 by Norse Projects
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This bold-colored CPO shirt is made of a 20 oz. wool blend and is perfect for layering. And now it’s half off.
$125 / $62by Schott
As we’ve said before, a wood bath mat is a stylish upgrade to any bathroom. This teakwood style is handsome and naturally water-resistant.
$59.95 / $29.97by CB2
An oversized anorak will keep you dry during spring showers. This version from Satta has two large front-cargo pockets, a half-zipper, and drawstrings at the neck and waist for a more tailored fit.
$335 / $268by Satta
The three best stories from around the web.
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Recently, I’m wearing a lot of very simple blue and white striped shirts, a navy blazer, a tweed jacket. Those are things that can carry you an awful long way.”
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There are all sorts of issues with fashion, but at the end of day it’s about human identity, it’s protection from the elements. These are the things that make clothing important.”
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His peers are long gone. His craft is a vanishing art. But high fashion’s master tailor is still making clothes for the ages.”
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February 20