The Obtainer - 5/1/23, Monday
↦ The Best Fatigue Pants at Any Price
Monday, May 1st Edition
Unsolicited advice that will ensure you’re the coolest in your group chats: Please don’t send the meme of Justin Timberlake today rhyming something with the word day—your friends will thank you.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Buying Guide
The Best Fatigue Pants at Any Price
Before 1952, American soldiers were wearing herringbone twill (known as HBT) during the WWII era. But the Army Uniform Board wanted to do a complete makeover of the uniform and conducted textile research during the Korean War, seeking something as durable but more lightweight to withstand the damp, warm temperatures. The OG (Olive Green)-107 fatigues came to fruition and were made of 8.5 oz. cotton sateen, and would end up being one of the longest-issued uniforms in the U.S. Army, spanning between the Cold War and Vietnam War.What was made back then is still recognized in today's iterations of the pants—two large front patch pockets, two rear patch pockets with button flap closures and size adjustment tabs on the waist. The pants stuck around in a post-war America as well. Early adopters included everyone from veterans in the suburbs to vets-turned-protesters and even subcultures such as hippies and punks back in the day.Now, as pants are getting roomier and more relaxed, it's time to incorporate a pair of fatigues into your wardrobe. They usually come in a hefty cotton twill fabric or herringbone, but some brands have updated them to be more wearable for warm weather in fabrics like linen. If you want to up the authenticity, you can also find some secondhand shopping online or at local thrift shops—olive and khaki colors are the standard issue. Whether you're looking to expand or start a collection, fatigues are a springtime workhorse of a pant, and we've rounded up over a dozen to get the ball rolling. Choose wisely.
4 of Our Favorites
A pair that's garment-washed for a lived-in feel the moment you put them on.
Field pant, $165 by Alex Mill
Modeled from a classic pair of fatigues, but updated with a frayed hem for a rugged tailored look.
Commando pant, $245 by Mother
This pair is so good they could be mistaken for the original thanks to orSlow's fabric sourcing on vintage military pants.
U.S. Army fatigue pant, $240 by orSlow
These look like fatigues, however they're made of airy linen fabric with an elasticated waist for maximum comfort.
Loomed linen fatigue pant, $158 by Buck Mason
I know his probably costs $500+, but where can I get some hats like Kendall Roy? Quality fabric, but just understated and luxe as f#ck?
- Noah
L to the U-X-E—we got you. You're right, the hat that Kendall is wearing is crazy expensive, and it's from Loro Piana. Here's a cool Instagram account that highlights each outfit in different episodes. The internet is coining the phrase “Stealth Wealth”, and honestly, I'm here for it.
Whether you have the funds to afford a luxe, minimal cap or you don't, the commonality is having an understated look because you don't want your clothes screaming, “I'm interesting look at me”. Let's get back on the luxe cap hunt—Varsity Headwear offers one for $135, and they even have a dedicated page discussing Succession's caps. Here are some other options: one from NN07 and another from Arc'Teryx. You've got the right mindset—luxe, understated and high-quality materials—the only thing missing is a trillion-dollar media empire, or at least, some daddy issues.
⋆ Have a style question you'd like answered? Ask The Obtainer
Test Drive
The Never-Quit Workout Shorts
Technically speaking, you could workout in any old pair of shorts. You wear some baggy mesh shorts—the same ones you kick around the house in—or even some cut-off jean shorts. But what kind of performance are you getting out of those? I have a couple of pieces of Ten Thousand gear, but these have become my go-to workout shorts as of late. You know you’ve got some good shorts when you’d rather do a load of laundry than wear a different pair. But what makes them so good (and worth the $78 price tag)? Well, for starters it’s the fabric. It’s lightweight, stretchy (but not clingy) and quick-drying, which means it’s never uncomfortable and can double as a pair of swim trunks. The outside shell is a durable ripstop, but the inside has a supportive compression liner that never rides up and keeps everything where it needs to be. The waistband doesn’t pinch, but even more important, it doesn’t stretch out or fray either.In short, they feel great and can withstand the most punishing workouts and countless wash and dry cycles and come out looking clean and smelling fresh. Perhaps that’s because these were designed and tested in collaboration with members of the U.S. Special Operations Forces. These are guys who work far harder than I do at the gym, so if it works for them, it can certainly handle anything I throw at them. And not for nothing, but the 5-inch inseam and subtle side seam slits not only offer extra mobility, but they really show off the best parts of your quads (as long as you’re not skipping leg day). - Cory Ohlendorf
Tactical short,$78 Ten Thousand
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Jackets, tote bags, umbrellas? Anything can be stored on this hanging system. There are 14 hooks to accommodate big or small items, and it's made of a solid steel rod frame with a powder-coated finish.
$245 / $208.25by Herman Miller
This throw blanket is made in India with 100% cotton, and the two reversible sides add sophistication when it's draped over your bed or sofa.
$79.99 / $55.99by EQ3
Don't have a grill but want the same flavor? This cast iron skillet is pre-seasoned, can withstand up to 500 degrees, and it's under $100. But the real seller? This skillet is dishwasher-safe.
$105 / $89by Kana
The three best stories from around the web.
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I grew up using a lot of specific end-use clothing, so I have an understanding and an appreciation for those sorts of things and honoring them.”
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Fashion repeatedly reverts to indigo twill because, like a less ridiculous version of pre-distressed luxury, it’s a humblebrag.”
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In the early ‘80s, Domino’s partnered with Rolex to provide high-earning store managers with motivation to hit lofty sales goals.”
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Recipe developer and chef @pierceabernathy wears the new Wallace & Barnes chore blazer while he sources ingredients in downtown NYC. “I always start at the farmers market—I love connecting with local purveyors and producers. From there, I go to specialty stores like Aqua Best, which is a community-minded seafood market in Chinatown. I’m interested in the future of food systems and people who are passionate about what they do.”
March 16