The Obtainer - 2/21/24, Wednesday

↦ We Put Some Sweat Into This One

Wednesday, February 21st Edition

Today’s newsletter has a fitness angle, so you might want to stretch a little before reading. Otherwise, you *might* get a cramp.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Good/better/best

Who Makes the Best Workout Shorts?

Look around the gym and you'll notice that there's never been more varieties of gym shorts on offer. Some guys are still pulling on the same ill-fitting mesh shorts that they wore back in high school. Others are embracing all the strides in performance wear that's lead to a new breed of gym shorts that are not only flattering but also a whole lot more functional too. With such features as moisture-wicking fabrics, laser-cut ventilation and secure pockets engineered to keep keys and phones safe, these shorts are much better for your workouts.But which one is worth your money? It all depends on your personal tastes and needs. Some men don't want to spend a lot on shorts they're just going to sweat in and then toss in the hamper. That's understandable. Others are going for such intense workouts that they all but require gear that can put up with such a rigorous routine. We tried on a bunch, lifted and lunged and then washed (over and over again) to test out which ones were really worth your money. These are the three our team can confidently recommend.

The Starter Pair

Cut from lightweight AIRism fabric that's sweat-wicking and quick-drying

Unlined, with a straight-cut silhouette and wrapped waistband

Zippered back pocket

Basic design, but the price allows you to buy multiple pairs

5-inch Ultra Stretch DRY-EX short, $29.90 by UNIQLO

The Lightweight Pair

The stretch woven fabric provides a barely-there-feeling shell

Built-in, moisture-wicking performance brief liner

The centered back zip pocket keeps valuables secure (and balanced during movement) and fits most phones

The breathable knit waistband comfortably stays put

5-inch AFO short, $64 by Janji

The Indestructible Pair

The sweat-wicking nylon shell features permanent anti-odor treatment and stays cling-free during intense workouts

Laser-cut vents for air circulation, zippered pockets and bonded hems and leg gusset for added range of motion

Durable no-bunch waistband and optional medium compression liner

Backed by a lifetime guarantee

5-inch Interval short, $68 by Ten Thousand

Stuff We Swear by

This Specialized Detergent Really Cleans Performance Wear

It’s kind of a good news/bad news situation: Today’s best workout clothes are cut from stretchy, space-age materials, with fabric that was engineered to draw the sweat away from our bodies and dry quickly. But therein lies trouble with these impressive performance clothes—they're almost too advanced for our old-fashioned laundry techniques. If you're noticing that your workout gear isn't coming out of the wash smelling fresh, then you might need to make some adjustments on laundry day.

First of all, you’ll want to wash your gym clothes inside out. Your sweat and deodorant can build up on the inside of the clothing. That not only traps bacteria that will eventually start to stink, it also impedes the wicking performance. Flipping them inside out ensures the dirtiest parts will get the most rigorous washing. Secondly, you may need a detergent made especially for performance fabrics. WIN’s highly effective pH formula preserves and restores the stretch in your workout clothing, while getting out stains and sweats and oil build-up. It doesn't use any enzymes or other harmful chemicals, but oxygen ions will break down the bonds that hold oils onto synthetic fibers. The result is fresh-smelling gym clothes that look and feel like new.

Activewear detergent,$14.95 by WIN

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

This classic jacket is made from super-soft, "hi-pile sherpa fleece" to keep you feeling nice and cozy on a cool, breezy spring day.

$180 / $83.96 by Gramicci

Blundstone (which doesn't host many sales) is now offering 25% off select styles. Take advantage and get some of these cult-favorite boots.

$229.95 / $172.46 by Blundstone

A&F's rugged shirt jacket is cut from a soft canvas fabric in a vintage striped pattern, then finished with oversized pockets and a corduroy collar.

$120 / $69.99 by Abercrombie & Fitch

A rounded silhouette gives this handblown smoked glass hurricane a slightly retro look. Place a candle inside or use it as a vase for flowers.

$35 / $26.21 by CB2

Green watches have been having a moment, and this handsome automatic Seiko 5, in a classic Submariner style, is a great option for a really good price.

$325 / $200 by Seiko