The Obtainer - 4/17/24, Wednesday

Valet.
The Obtainer

Wednesday,
April 17th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

What’s tougher than a pair of jeans? How about some rugged pants with a long history of military service? We found the best pairs of fatigue pants for your money, so let us make the case for picking up a pair this spring.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

 

Good/Better/Best

Fatigue Pants

First, a quick history lesson on one of menswear’s toughest pair of trousers: First issued to American soldiers in the early 1950s, the OG (Olive Green)-107 fatigues were the result of the Army Uniform Board's textile research and development plan to create comfortable and lightweight pants that are also durable enough to withstand the rigors of the battlefield. They'd end up being one of the longest-issued uniforms the Army ever had, eventually being replaced by cargo pants in the 1980s.

But even after they were decommissioned, the pants stuck around with veterans and young people who started buying them on the cheap from surplus stores. Why? It comes back to that function-first ethos. The hallmarks of the pants are two large front patch pockets, two rear patch pockets with button flap closures and double-stitching throughout for added toughness. They're like the badass cousin of your favorite pair of chinos and pair perfectly with a beefy tee, a denim shirt, and basically any shoe in your closet. You could grab a vintage pair, but some of our favorite menswear brands are issuing their own take on the classic pant that come washed and ready to be worn over and over. Here are three options in a range of prices to suit your style and budget.

*** Good/Better/Best ***
 
Good 

The Underrated Basic Pair

+ 100% cotton, garment-dyed and washed

+ Vintage-inspired cat eye buttons

+ Additional workwear hip pocket

+ Available in six other shades than olive drab

Sowing field pant,
$69 by Blacksmith

 
 
Better 

The Herringbone Pair

+ Modeled after the vintage OG107 pant, with the same sturdy herringbone fabric

+ Garment-dyed and enzyme-washed for a lived-in look and feel

+ Slight gusset at the crotch for extra comfort

+ Wider hems at the ankle make for easy cuffing

Field pant,
$175 by Alex Mill

 
 
Best 

The Relaxed Pair

+ Cut and sewn in America from a yarn-dyed Japanese cloth with some slub texture

+ Patterned from an old pair that's been worn down to the threads

+ Slouchy, relaxed fit

+ Button-fly with WWII-reissue buttons

Military field pant,
$195 by imogene + willie

 
*** Yellow Span - Headlines ***

Stuff We Swear by

Shampoo That Fixes Common Hair Troubles

 

*** Yellow Span - Making the Case ***

It can be tough to find a shampoo that does everything you need it to, right? You want it to clean the hair without stripping it of its natural oils, but still absorb excess grease and grime. It should hydrate your scalp and ideally smell kinda good, not have any nasty chemicals and rinse out easily. Maybe you find a bottle that does one or two of those, but rarely all of it at once. But the Amino Acid Shampoo by Kiehl’s is the rare one that has consistently outperformed anything else we’ve tried.

The mild shampoo helps to add body and fullness, while leaving hair feeling healthy, soft and shiny. It’s paraben-free, silicone-free and suitable for anyone. In the place of problematic sulfates are natural amino acids derived from coconut, which still give that thorough cleanse feel. That’s why it’s suitable for both oily and dry hair types: It’s cleansing, but not stripping. The coconut oil gives it a subtle scent while helping to strengthen and condition hair. In fact, if you use this shampoo regularly, I’d argue that you don’t even need a separate conditioner.

 

Amino Acid shampoo,
from $26 by Kiehl’s

 
*** Yellow Span - Drops ***
Drop to Watch For
 
 

Supreme’s new collaboration with Nike comprises an extensive showcase of apparel, including everything from outerwear and sweats to breezy short-sleeve tops, casual shorts as well as hats. Infused with a hazy, retro vibe, the streetwear staples feature sporty elements, while seemingly more traditional athletic silhouettes are reimagined in fabrications such as denim and fleece. Somewhat surprising, is the fact that the drop is completely sneaker-free.

Available April 18th

*** Smart Buys ***
Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 

Bodega is currently offering 30% off outerwear with the code 30OFFOUTERWEAR. Which means it's the perfect time to grab a lightweight jacket like this one from Carhartt WIP.

$308 / $215.60
by Carhartt WIP

 

J.Crew's technical apparel is currently on sale, which means these hybrid dock shorts, with a built-in, supportive boxer brief, are now half off. Might as well get two for the price of one.

$79.50 / $39.50
by J.Crew

 

Just in time for spring trips, Tile is hosting a sale on bundles. Grab some trackers and ensure that your stuff is safe and accounted for, no matter where you are.

$49.98 / $39.98
by Tile

 

The Todd Snyder sale section is on fire lately. Grab some seasonal gear, like this indigo-dyed slub jersey T-shirt. It will continue to get lighter with each wearing and washing.

$108 / $79
by Todd Snyder

 

The Arizona sandals have been a Birkenstock classic since they were introduced back in the '70s. Grab a fresh pair for spring and summer while they're marked down at MR PORTER.

$135 / $81
by Birkenstock

 

One of the most iconic pieces of cookware ever, for good reason. The enameled cast iron will last you a lifetime, but the neutral colorways rarely go on sale like this, so take advantage.

$430 / $259.95
by Le Creuset

 

Want more?
See all 45 sales »

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