The Obtainer - 3/20/24, Wednesday

↦ Good/Better/Best: Sunglasses

Valet.
Valet.
The Obtainer
The Obtainer

Wednesday, March 20th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

Once March hits, I rarely leave the house without shades on. So I was happy to explore a classic option that looks good on all face shapes. Remember, the classics endure for a reason.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Good/better/Best

Wire-Framed Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Caravan classic G-15 sunglasses

We ask a lot of our sunglasses. They should be, first and foremost, protective. The lenses should be dark and treated to block out the harmful rays of the bright sun. The frames should be sturdy enough to survive all the abuse we put them through—from tossing them into a bag to slinging them haphazardly onto our collars when not in use. And then, of course, we want them to look good, too. Which is why you should invest in a quality pair at the start of the season. Get some good ones and they will pay dividends for years. And we've found, through very unscientific research, that the more you spend on a pair of sunglasses, the less likely you are to lose them.If you're not sure which is the right pair for you, trust the classics. You can't go wrong with an iconic pair of wire-framed aviators. Instead of the traditional teardrop lenses, we prefer the more squared-off version. They are a little more subtle, with a reserved, mid-century kind of cool. And they're the type of understated shades that instantly give the wearer a badass quality. They make you look distinguished, but also a little bit dangerous. We put about a dozen to the test and pulled out the three best options, in a range of price points. You can't go wrong, no matter which you choose.

Good
Good

Made in Italy

58mm lenses with 100% UV protection

Smooth acetate temple tips and soft, adjustable nose pads

Gunmetal frame feels a little fragile with the thin wire temples

Caravan classic G-15 sunglasses, $133 / $79.99 by Ray-Ban

Better
Better

Made in Italy

54mm crystal lenses with 100% UV protection and smooth, polished steel frames

Available in five different lenses and frame combinations

Signature embossed arrows travel from the temple tips to the hinge

PO2490S sunglasses, $307 / $153.50 by Persol

Best
Best

Made in the U.S.

55mm scratch-resistant polarized lenses feature anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating

Comfortable bayonet temple for unobstructed wear

Lightweight stainless steel frames are sturdy with smooth hinges

Original pilot sunglasses, $280 by American Optical

Drops to Watch For

Gap is partnering with London-based skate label Palace, on a line (for both adults and kids) that interprets the legendary American retailer’s product icons through Palace’s fresh lens. The result is an impressive 55-piece collection that includes everything from varsity jackets and rugby shirts to hoodies and cargo pants.

Available March 22nd

Nike is taking their beloved sneaker designs and squishing them flat, reworking the designs into wallets. Seriously. For example, the Air Max 1 '86 wallet borrows some distinct Air Max sneaker elements, like its buttery blue leather Swoosh and bubble panel at the bottom. The release date hasn’t been confirmed, but sources say the wallets will drop on March 26, a.k.a. Air Max Day 2024.

Available March 26th

Smart Buys
Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

Everlane's popular heavyweight overshirt works great as a shirt, as an easy light jacket, or as a warm mid-layer under a coat. And right now, the versatile piece is half off.

$98 / $49 by Everlane 

Huckberry is currently offering 30% off the best-selling 72-Hour merino T-shirt from Proof with this special code. At this price, we'd suggest getting two since you can't wear them enough.

$78 / $54.60 (w/code MERINO30) at Huckberry

Looking for a ruggedly handsome timepiece built for all sorts of spring/summer adventures? Look no further. Especially since this reliable Timex is now less than 40 bucks.

$65 / $38.49 by Timex 

If you don't have a waterproof wireless speaker, or need to upgrade yours to one that's easy to pair and sounds like something three times its size, then you need to get this while it's marked down.

$60 / $48 by Sony

Interior designer Aaron Probyn is known for minimal styles, and this stoneware dinnerware epitomizes his perfectly imperfect vibe. Plus, you can now score an entire set on discount.

$192 / $167.99 by West Elm

Madewell has mastered the washed and worn-in oxford shirt. And this striped one will be perfect for spring. Plus, if you sign-up to be an Insider, you will get an additional 25% off.

$89.50 / $56.24 by Madewell

Mood Board
kenichi_0215
I miss summer…

I miss summer…Layers may be hard to do :(

March 19