The Obtainer - 8/14/23, Monday
↦ Wear Them Now, Wear Them Later
Monday, August 14th Edition
Do you all shower in the morning or at night? Either way, I have a cool and accessible grooming duo that has changed my routine for the better. It may even make you want to shower twice-a-day. It’s that damn good.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
BuyingGuide
The Best Men’s White Denim at Any Price
It’s clear we’re living through a no-holds-barred era of menswear. The old rules don't really apply anymore and you can wear whatever you like. But even in this newfound freedom, it's hard to shake old habits, so let us just put this out there: You can (and should) wear white denim all year long. As Labor Day approaches, let this serve as a reminder not to pack them away, but to consider buying a fresh pair. Because some crisp white jeans just might be the coolest you can wear, no matter the forecast.Of course, they look good with your billowy camp collar shirts and sandals. But as the summer weather transitions into fall and even winter, wearing white denim has a cool, knowing vibe. It's at once relaxed yet elegant. Plus, sporting such a light pair in the cooler months has a badass quality—after all, the season is rife with inclement weather. Plus, you'll find that white jeans in winter has the ability to lift your fit out of what could be a somewhat flat, overly dark look. Especially since most of us lean towards moody colors once it's cold out, right?But that's what makes these so adaptable. They're just jeans. So you can wear them with nearly anything: A light blue button-down with black loafers? An easy winning look. A knit polo and some fisherman sandals? A killer combo. And as the mercury starts to dip, start pulling on some sweaters and swap the sandals for a pair of chunky brown boots. With next to no effort, you'll have an outfit that looks intentional and pulled together. Have we made a compelling enough argument here? If so, we've rounded up the very best white jeans from brands big and small in a range of prices. From washed and worn-in options to classic selvedge styles that will require some breaking in, you've got plenty to choose from. Pick a pair and wear the hell outta them. Now, next month and all winter long through to next spring.
Our Picks
Relaxed through the hip and thigh, this style, inspired by the ’90s is cut from a natural, slightly off-white denim.
1991 straight-fit jean, $168 / $79 by Madewell
Buck Mason's Ford jeans fit like your favorite stovepipe denim. They're made of a sturdy 9.5oz.-cotton twill and garment-dyed for softness.
Roper twill jean, $138 by Buck Mason
The fit of 501 is not too slim and not too baggy. This clean white pair looks excellent on everyone and is easy on the wallet.
501 jean, $80 by Levi's
Stüssy's big ol' jeans are just that. They're a wide-leg fit in over-dyed denim. The detailed nickel shank buttons and rivets add extra durability.
Overdyed jean, $160 by Stüssy
How do you improve on a classic? Astorflex makes some of the best desert boots in the business, all crafted by hand in a sixth-generation workshop in Northern Italy. They're comfortable, good looking and incredibly durable—all for a reasonable price, given the quality. Now, they've updated the timeless chukka with a moccasin-stitched toe ($210). The soft suede exterior and natural plantation crepe outsoles remain, but the moc-toe update makes it feel very much right now. Also, with the memory foam insoles covered in vegetable-tanned calf leather, you'll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable pair—especially at this price.
Test Drive
The Cheeky Duo Kit
What if I told you there was a brand that’s a fusion of Stüssy and Dr. Bronners? That sounds like a weird match, but skin and haircare brand California Naturals infuses a dose of West Coast cool with naturally derived, plant-based grooming products. Founded by Shelby Wild, who was also the founder of high-end haircare line Playa is bringing an elevated yet accessible grooming range to the mass market. You can find the entire brand offering at Target, and everything is $10, excluding the bundles. Not a bad deal considering all the products are cruelty-free, color safe and the packaging is 100% recycled plastic.
I’m always hesitant to try new grooming items because my skin is delicate and breaks out easily if I’m not using gentle or moisturizing products. The label’s cheeky duo kit has been my go-to in the shower for several weeks. I try to avoid scented body washes and lotions, but both have worked well for me. The bottle reads “made for all skin types”, and I wanted to reaffirm that they do. The body wash is packed with vitamin E, saw palmetto and blue lotus flower. All three components hydrate, soothe and add a layer of smoothness. I place a generous amount between my palms, and lather and clean all my nooks and crannies. When I get out to pat dry, my skin feels replenished and moisturized, and I smell like a warm scent of bergamot and sandalwood.
After drying, I use the brand’s body lotion that’s made from sweet almonds, olive oil fruits and shea butter. The sweet almond and olive oil quickly absorb to help restore barrier function while the shea butter locks in essential hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and glowy after just one swipe. The lotion is lightweight, but it’s enough because the body wash already does a great job of hydrating your skin.
My only complaint is about the body lotion bottle. It’s a spin-and-pop bottle; however, I spun it so much, and nothing was happening, so it broke. I'd love it if they made the lotion bottle the same as their other products, which squirt out to disperse. Overall, I’ll be restocking this duo soon because it smells good, keeps my skin hydrated and is easily accessible. Accessibility is crucial, especially whenever you run out of a product that you use religiously.
Cheeky duo kit,$18 by California Naturals
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
These daybreak shorts are fully recyclable, made of a durable ripstop fabric, and the pockets with zippers keep everything secure, no matter the adventure.
$130 / $78 byHoudini Sportswear
This canvas bag is ideal for weekend getaways. The removable shoulder strap makes it easier to carry heavier items, and the depth of the bag is large enough to pack generously.
$220 / $154(w/code FRIENDS30)by Nisolo
The straight hem of this airy piqué polo has a slightly longer back hem, creating a relaxed fit. And the textured weave is super breathable, so it'll keep you dry all day.
$114 / $59 byUniversal Works
The three best stories from around the web.
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The New Orleans-born forward breaks down his style evolution and why ‘how I feel is what I wear.’”
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Such arcane methods were not shared by our experts, who simply advocate machine-washing jeans in cold water turned inside-out before being hung to air-dry.”
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“
The multidisciplinary collective was aptly named ACNE: an acronym for ‘Ambitions to Create Novel Expressions’.”
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Tshirt → @patagoniaShorts → @patagoniasneaker → @newbalance
July 6
