The Obtainer - 6/26/23, Monday
↦ Summer's Essential Shorts
Monday, June 26th Edition
Hope everyone had a good weekend—did you all binge season 2 of The Bear? I think I’ll start storing all of my denim in the oven courtesy of Carmy Berzatto.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
Summer’s Essential Shorts
Shorts have certainly come a long way in the last few years. Once seen as trading your style for comfort, they're now found on red carpets and Insta mood boards, while in-the-know menswear bros debate inseam lengths (are you more five-inch or seven-inch?). Nylon shorts have been at the forefront of this revival, and rightfully so—they're comfortable enough to lounge in all day and yet functional enough to take for a hike or swim. But the old-school favorites are back in the game this summer as well. We're talking about cargo, denim and even pleated chino versions. When putting together your look, pretty much nothing is off-limits. Feel free to mix it up and wear a long sleeve T-shirt or a linen sweater with your bare legs for a nice, juxtaposed look when the weather permits. Here are some of our favorite pairs that will take you all the way through Labor Day.
Our Picks
This 100% nylon short has a relaxed, generous cut and a tonal colorway for a minimal and modern look.
Site nylon short, $115 / $80 by Adsum
There's nothing cooler than a pair of cutoff denim shorts that look like you cut them yourself. Some '90s 501s have been authentically distressed in these worn-in cutoffs.
501 '93 cutoff denim short, $69.50 by Levi's
These tough-as-nails shorts are crafted from a sturdy military slub twill with adjustable tabs. Garment-dyed for a lived-in feel, these are the quintessential summer cargos.
Voyager cargo short, $118 by Outerknown
Pleated shorts are a throwback to the '90s and are ideal for a more polished look. The extra coin pocket is a small yet convenient detail to store your daily essentials.
Pleated chino short, $95 by Alex Mill
What could make Hamilton's classic Boulton watch ($695) even cooler? Perhaps if the world's most famous fictional archeologist was spotted wearing it? First introduced in 1941, the Boulton was one of Hamilton's most popular timepieces. The Swiss-made American watch was revived and reintroduced in the 1980s, and it now boasts slightly larger proportions and better water-resistance than the original. Not to mention a cosign by Indiana Jones, who wears it in the final installment of the iconic franchise.
Test Drive
This Slick Glass Lantern Is Also a Speaker
You’ve undoubtedly seen this chic home speaker on social media or your favorite influencers' vlog. Transpa.rent is a Swedish brand founded by longtime coworkers specializing in timeless, modular audio electronics. They believe technology should age well rather than become obsolete—and that companies are responsible for removing electronic waste from the world. The name of their brand is quite literal. All their products are transparent with design and sound.
Now that it’s summertime, I figured it would be a great time to test their light speaker. It's a portable lantern that moonlights as a speaker. Easy to carry around at just 1.3 lbs., so feel free to pack it on your next outdoor adventure. The aluminum and glass frame houses a 2.5-in. full-range driver with a built-in light that radiates to the beat of your selected song. The five watts of sound spread 360 degrees thanks to an innovative dome design at the top, and it'll play for up to ten hours via Bluetooth connection or the included aux cord. It’s a stylish solution that combines two things we need when relaxing al fresco after the sun goes down.
While the design aesthetics are eye-catching, there are a few things I would update for the speaker. Connecting your phone to the device can take a few minutes, and the connection isn’t immediate. Also, for the price, I wish it got a bit louder. The audio is crisp and clear but lacks a bit of bass compared to other Bluetooth speakers for the same price. And while you could use this in your dining room or living room, it’s probably best to use outdoors. But the light is super bright, and looks cool as hell on a picnic table, so it marries form and functions perfectly.
Portable glass lantern speaker,$350 by Transpa.rent
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
This camp collar is made of 100% linen and is perfect to throw on over a wife pleaser or button-down for a dinner date.
$250 / $90by rag & bone
Hosting a huge summer party? These 12-pint glasses are stackable, Italian-made and durable enough to prevent chipping.
$96 / $76(set of 12)by Bormioli Rocco
This agave cloth helps cleanse and exfoliate your skin in the shower and is 100% biodegradable.
$18 / $14.40by Well Kept
The three best stories from around the web.
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Rather than pursuing grand gestures or revolutionary concepts, Passos’ work represents an evolution of design styles rooted in history.”
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The guy behind the hit show—now back for its second season—serves up his thoughts on getting dressed.”
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Although it would precipitate a revolution in the industry when mass production eventually became cheaper, the first Astron watches were more expensive than many mechanical watches of the time. It's said to have been equivalent in price to a midsized car at JPY450,000.”
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Thanks Brittany, you never disappoint 🫐
April 25