The Obtainer - 7/26/23, Wednesday
↦ Who Makes the Best "Wife Pleaser"?
Wednesday, July 26th Edition
From guys like James Gandolfini to Bruce Lee, the A-shirt is here to stay well past summertime. But do you have a favorite brand? We can probably help with that.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
Good/Better/Best
Tank Tops
Have you embraced the return of the A-shirt? I bet you didn't know that's what these ribbed tanks are officially called, thanks to Hanes, which rechristened the undergarment as the athletic shirt (or A-shirt) in the 1970s. You've no doubt heard them referred to by their domestic violence-influenced nickname—but that's been rebranded these days into the more palatable “wife pleasers” moniker. It's one of those old-school closet essentials that has seen some resurgence in the last few years—relaxed, reliable and easily accessible. Think of it as the undershirt you need when it's too damn hot for an undershirt.They're such a staple that everyone from legendary leading men to modern-day celebrities have rocked them in their own unique way. Bruce Lee opted to train in his as it frees up your shoulders for maximum movement. A young Matt Dillon shows that the tank is the key to keeping your poplin shirt fresh while Shawn Mendes is raw-dogging it in the city with some wide-leg pants. Honestly, that's a bold style move that would probably look better with a billowy camp collar or unbuttoned sweater polo tossed over it.Showing off a little more chest and maybe a necklace or two, these tanks exude a cool, sexy confidence. But you've got to find the one that works for you. When they're available everywhere—and we mean everywhere from drug stores and big box retailers to specialty shops—how do you decide which one's worth the money? And how much should you spend on an undershirt? We tested a handful to bring you three that offer comfort, value and quality. Each is made for flexing, literally, but how much you want to spend is entirely up to you.
Thicker than your average “wife pleaser”, made from 73% cotton and 27% polyester
The fabric utilizes the company's DRY technology that wicks sweat away without feeling like performance wear
This tank has the lowest cut collar of the three
These run large, so consider sizing down for a snug undershirt-style fit and they're longer, so plan to tuck them in
DRY color ribbed tank top, $9.90 by UNIQLO
This is made from $96% organic cotton and 4% spandex
If you're not much of a tank guy, this has a high-cut neckline and thicker straps, which looks great under an open-collar shirt
The trim around the neck and arm openings is thicker, giving it a more luxe look and the slight stretch of the spandex helps it retain its shape after each wear
The stitched hem running down the back helps with a more flattering silhouette
Ribbed cotton tank top, $40 by Banana Republic
This is made of a thin, 100% cotton fabric
A great value at about $15 for each shirt (comes in a three-pack) and the quality is excellent
Lightweight with a just-deep-enough scoopneck which hugs the torso and feels like you're wearing nothing
The best-fitting option from the straight hem to the widened band around the shoulders
Cotton classic fit tank top, $46 (for three-pack) by Calvin Klein
Stuff We Swear by
Chinos That Look Like Jeans
I love jeans and consider myself an enthusiast. It's hard to beat the comfort of a well-worn pair that almost feel like a second skin. But the heat has been so intense lately, I’ve had to give my regular jeans a break; however, I’ve been sporting a pair of denim chinos that give me my much-needed indigo fix. I know “chinos that look like denim” sounds risky, but Todd Snyder has done a helluva job mending the two together. Also, I love these for nostalgia because I remember my dad having a pair from Polo Ralph Lauren back in the day and rocking them with some K-Swiss. I didn’t appreciate them at the time, but who’s having the last laugh now?
These feel like they were passed down from my dad—they’re that soft from the beginning. The fabric is an incredibly light nine-ounce selvedge that’s been imported from Japan’s famed Kuroki Mill. It’s made on traditional shuttle looms that are able to achieve the dry-yet-soft feel of a vintage military khaki. The fit is relaxed with a slightly straight hem and an inseam (I’m a 30x30) that’ll hit right at your ankle.What I really appreciate about these pants though are the frayed hemlines at the bottom. There’s some pre-distressed roping around the bottom hem to create a worn-in look, but after each wear and wash, the fraying gets a little looser, creating a welcomed disheveled look. I love pairing these pants with anything in the olive or cream family, and a long-sleeve navy polo with some white canvas sneakers doesn’t look bad.
A note on care: Make sure you wash these on cold and by themselves, at least the first time, so the indigo doesn’t bleed onto your light-colored clothes. And while these pants have sturdy melamine buttons, over time they loosen—or maybe I just wear them that much. In any case, I’m planning on having a tailor help reinforce them. Because in 15-20 years, I’ll be passing these down to my son.
Japanese relaxed selvedge chino pant,$328 by Todd Snyder
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Séfr's trucker jacket comes in this beautiful rustic wash, made from 100% cotton twill, and has a contrasting collar for a workwear vibe. Score it now while it's on sale.
$320 / $128 by Séfr
The 1996 regular jean commemorates the year when Acne Studios began. This straight-fit 100% cotton denim is a luxurious jean that's now marked down to a more attainable price-point.
$390 / $156 by Acne Studios
Crafted from a lightweight organic cotton denim from Japan's Kaihara mill, this workshirt features chest pockets, triple-needle stitching and hardwearing Corozo buttons.
$248 / $125 by Outerknown
John Elliott knows how to cut a good shirt. This boxy camp collar is smooth and flowy thanks to the soft cotton and rayon blend fabric. And it's practically a bargain for half off.
$248 / $124 by John Elliott
Sunglass brand Chimi made an excellent eyewear companion with this hat. Cut from a sturdy cotton twill, it goes with everything, so you probably won't be taking it off until fall.
$70 / $35 by Chimi
Inspired by the shorts soldiers once wore during basic training, this washed cotton-linen pair feature fatigue-style pockets and a relaxed fit.
$75 / $67.99 by J.Crew
The three best stories from around the web.
“
There’s something special about knowing that Cartier was the wristwatch of choice of maverick artists, designers and fashion icons.”
//
“
The fashion veteran and footwear expert walks us through his personal style.”
//
“
Consider: around 62 million tons of clothing is manufactured worldwide every year, amounting to somewhere between 80 and 150 billion garments to clothe 8 billion people.”
//
Panariota laundry shop
June 2
