The Obtainer - 6/5/23, Monday
↦ Lighten Up
Monday, June 5th Edition
My dedication to denim has been tested the past few days because of the heat, and I’ve been sporting shorts. But when the temps dip back below 80, you can catch me in lightweight jeans.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Lightweight Jeans for Summer
Summer is tough for folks who don’t like wearing shorts. I'll wear a pair out of necessity whenever it's blistering hot out, but I'd always prefer a nice pair of jeans. You might think it's best to put them aside until early fall, but you can wear jeans year-round, as long as they're the right weight, fit and wash.One piece of advice is to look for a pair of straight-fit or relaxed-fitting jeans. We saw this fit start to resurge last year, but it's on full blast this summer—even seeing some flare and bootcut options, but that's another story. Although skinny jeans are still alive (don't know how), you have to let the boys below breathe a bit—air circulation is key when the weather is this warm. If you're a denim head and only wear selvedge here's some great news: You can wear pre-washed selvedge jeans. Make sure you have a lighter weight to help prevent major sweat down in your undercarriage.What exactly classifies “lightweight”? It all comes down to the actual weight of the denim. Like most fabrics, denim comes in various weights—aim for around 12 ounces and no more than 14 ounces. That way, they're substantial like real jeans but not so heavy that they weigh you down on humid days. Stonewashed pairs are ideal this time of year—they're soft and breathable right off the hanger. Brands like Knickerbocker, Adsum and Madewell have nailed down the wash to give you that vintage comfort from your first wear. If you want something more unique and fun, some patchwork jeans are definitely having a moment. Here, we've pulled together some of our favorite light-washed denim for summer. Your legs can thank us later.
4 of Our Favorites
Levi’s commemorates 150 years of the 501 with these patchwork jeans. The Japanese motif works well as a one-of-one denim for summer.
501 '54 jean, $148 by Levi's
These are made in Japan from an undyed red-line selvedge with a slub texture—they’ll only get softer the more you wear them.
Ecru jean, $295 by Rubato
Not all jeans have to be blue. This 14 oz. overdyed pair has a relaxed fit and a dusty slate color for summer.
Overdyed five pocket jean, $210 by Adsum
A retro-inspired fit for under $100. The fabric has a broken-in denim feel and a touch of stretch for easy movement.
'90s straight jean, $79 by Abercrombie & Fitch
5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week
Finding the right pair of shades can be a challenge. You want them to look cool, be durable enough to withstand daily wear and ideally not cost too much, right? Walden is a brand that nails the bullseye right in the middle of that Venn diagram. Their sunglasses (starting at $99) are inspired by classic styles for a timeless look and the frames and lenses are sustainably made from recycled steel, bio-acetate and a unique “green nylon,” which includes plant-based materials. Custom double diamond rivet detailing at the temples offer some old school charm while the five-barrel riveted hinges provide durability and strength. All for just under a hundred bucks.
Test Drive
This Electric Lighter Sparks Fire Without a Flame
I love lighting candles and incense to help wind down after a busy day, but I’ll be real with you … I don’t really like matches or traditional lighters. I’ve almost burnt my thumb enough times trying to strike a match that I’ve all but given up on them. And I don't have the best dexterity—it's about as good as an infant’s—so even regular lighters can be tricky. For a minute, I’d been using those long, outdoor lighters, but they die out quicker than you think, which doesn't feel very sustainable. My wife, who is on Amazon daily, has suggested this rechargeable lighter, and we had to give it a try. I’m happy to report that I’ve now found the optimal way to light whatever needs igniting.The lighter looks like a sleek vape pen and instead of the typical flame, this uses an electrical charge to create a high-intensity plasma arc like a tiny stun-gun. Press the button and it comes to life like a miniature light saber. Pass the laser over your candle wick and poof, there’s fire. It charges via USB, which means it’s compatible with power banks, phone chargers and car chargers. I’d suggest juicing it up to full charge by leaving it plugged in for a good 60 minutes. Then you won’t have to charge it again for about a month at least—it lasts that long. Four LED lights indicate the lighter’s battery life to ensure you never run out of power when you most need it. And for my readers with kids, don’t worry: There’s a safety button to ensure there’s no accidental button-pushing.Besides the long-lasting battery life, I love how sleek it is, and how easily it fits into a small dopp kit or a pocket. Because it runs on Li-ion batteries, the lighter can be charged more than 500 times, which is a pretty solid bang for your buck if you ask me. Travel with this on your next outdoor adventure to light the grill, firewood or just some citronella candles—since it’s wind and splash-resistant, this lighter won’t let you down. Whether your thumbs are clumsy like mine or you just want a reliable and sustainable lighter, this is the one, and it’s currently under ten bucks.
Rechargeable lighter,$9.99 / $8.49 by Surprus
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
The earthy aroma of this candle is grounded in notes of cedarwood, patchouli and sandalwood. It's also a sustainably made fragrance with blended oils in a 100% natural wax of soy and coconut with a lead-free and unbleached organic cotton wick.
$90 / $63(w/code SUMMER)by St. Rose
A Supima cotton polo is an essential staple for summer. This one is made in the USA, pre-shrunk easy maintenance and garment-dyed for a lived-in feel.
$68 / $61by Forty Five
A clean, contemporary and ethically made nightstand for under $200 is quite the deal. It’s handcrafted in Los Angeles from responsibly harvested wood and finished with a clear, non-toxic varnish.
$199 / $169 byAvocado Green Mattress
The three best stories from around the web.
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One needn’t have the deep pockets—or snooty design sensibility—of a society matron to commission a future heirloom.”
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On one hand, they could destroy the product, which would be disastrous from a sustainability perspective, and on the other, they could sell it like any other shoes and book a profit, he estimated, of 500 million euros.”
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The casual and youthful scent afforded many young men an entry point into developing a preference for their eventual signature scents.”
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JOURNALBODY OF WORK —A CONVERSATION WITH JOHN PAWSON 13.04.23
April 18