The Obtainer - 2/24/25, Monday

Valet.
The Obtainer

Monday,
February 24th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

Level up your sock rotation this season. And we’ve got just the ones to do it with.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

 

It’s Time to Refresh Your Sock Drawer

I’ve got a message for you from your sock drawer: It's sick of your bullshit. It knows that you haven't shown it much respect lately and it's not going to put up with it for much longer. Think about it—when was the last time you refreshed your sock drawer? Pulled out all those pairs and the random single socks that no longer have a matching twin. Have you felt that threadbare texture on the heels and near the toes of the socks you wear each week? Yeah, we thought so.

The good news is that there's never been more options for you. So take advantage. Treat yourself and/or sock drawer to some fresh pairs. The end of one season and the beginning of the next is the ideal time to reassess and think about what you'll want to wear over the next few months. Looking ahead, we see a lot of sneakers, loafers and slides in your future. This type of footwear benefits from some interesting socks.

You might think that socks are simply underwear—an afterthought, of sorts. But that's a mistake. A quality pair of socks is an insider flex. A quiet, but impactful way to finish off an outfit and make a statement. Pull on throwback striped styles for a sporty look, try some textural knits or experiment with different colors. That way, your sock drawer stays in peak condition and you can continually enjoy the psychological boost that comes with pulling on a fresh pair of socks. Trust me, little things like that can make a big difference. To help you out, we've pulled some of our favorites in a range of styles and price points from brands both big and small.

Our Picks

Around 30% more stretch than your average sock, these will never fall.

$16 by Bombas

 

A breathable wool blend built for boots or Birkenstocks.

$28 / $21 by Barbour

 

These merino socks are inspired by classic sportswear from the 1980s.

$42 (for two-pack) by Shiro

 

Knit from a hearty hemp and merino wool blend for durability and softness.

$38 by Jungmaven

5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week

Timex keeps digging into their archive to find stylish timepieces worth re-issuing. And we're excited they decided to revive the E Line. Originally released back in 1983, it's a classic dress watch ($219) distinguished by a rounded square case shape affectionately dubbed the “TV dial”. For 2025, Timex upgraded its case to brushed and polished stainless-steel and equipped it with a Miyota caliber 8215 Japanese automatic movement with 21 jewels that's powered by your daily motion. The understated face features a discreet date window and it will come in several colors, but for now, only the blue is available.

See all 5 products »

Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 

The Barista Touch Impress is one of Breville’s most capable espresso makers. And this user-friendly machine has never been less than $1,000, so take advantage.

$1,499.95 / $999.95
by Breville

 

With its waterproof design and box-quilted lining for maximum warmth, the Barbour Bedale is a timeless classic. Get this refreshed style in a textured navy colorway.

$485 / $291
by Barbour

 

The roll top of this ACG crossbody bag is reinforced with strong, lightweight Dyneema fibers and is expandable to help make your weekend run or quick hike go smoothly.

$75 / $56.97
by Nike

 

Want more?
See all 28 sales »

Worth a Read

The best stories from around the web.

 

While a torn label doesn’t fully reflect on the quality of the wine within, it offers clues into how the bottle has been handled and stored.”

 

How to Sell a Bottle of Wine From Your Collection

 

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Robb Report
 

Both mugs have become highly collectible within Yeti Nation, with prices starting around $70 on secondhand sites like eBay.”

 

Yeti Quietly Re-Released One of Its Rarest (and Most Affordable) Everyday Items

 

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Gear Patrol
 

I used it every single day. It became a weird competition with myself.”

 

Is Monastery’s Red-Light Mask Actually Worth $700?

 

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