The Obtainer - 4/8/24, Monday

 
Valet.
The Obtainer

Monday,
April 8th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf

Maybe you have one already, but I’m here to tell you that you’ll likely want another knit shirt this spring. Because they just keep getting better, and there’s absolutely no way you don’t look great in it. We’ve pulled together the best ones to suit any budget.

- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf

 

The New Essentials

Elevate Your Style With a Knit Shirt

It’s not always easy to pull on the same fits you see A-list celebrities from Ryan Gosling and Michael B. Jordan to Dwayne Johnson and Tom Holland wearing when they're out looking like leading men. The red carpet can be a pretty wild place these days. But there's definitely one item that's become something of a hero piece (and you don't have to play a superhero to wear it). We're talking about the knit shirt.

Over the past few seasons, it's gone from a rogue, vintage-inspired piece that early adopters mixed into their warm weather wardrobes to a bonafide menswear staple. Why? Well, it's seriously cool. These soft styles, knit from cotton, linen or lightweight wool yarn give you an immediate rich-looking, throwback vibe. Like there's a Rat Pack swagger knitted into each and every one. Decidedly more dressy than the standard button-downs and polos, these shirts have a luxe, worldly air to them and can be worn with everything from chinos and shorts to a pair of equally right-now pleated pants.

What's more, they look good on just about anyone and every body type. Which is another reason why they've become a go-to for celebrities of all shapes and sizes. Put another way: The knit polo has range! Plus, if you don't want to wear a tie with your lightweight suit, these look particularly chill under a jacket. In short, they're as easy to pull on as your everyday T-shirt, but with their retro collars and soothing textures, they make for a one-step move to nail sophisticated warm weather style.

The Best Picks

The Italian fabric features a jacquard stripe in black and tan for subtle texture. It’s also incredibly breathable.

Jacquard knit shirt,
$278 by Todd Snyder

 

This has a slightly boxy, cropped silhouette, with an airy crochet-style embroidered stitching throughout.

Crochet button-through knit shirt,
$80 / $68 by Abercrombie & Fitch

 

A luxe, sophisticated version of a knit polo, made from organic cotton with a touch of cashmere for added softness.

Cotton/cashmere knit polo,
$128 by Wills

 

A tonal and graphic knit take on a camp-collar shirt that looks good layered over a tee or tank.

Asher knit button-down,
$128 / $88 by Marine Layer

 

This is a modern take on a vintage resort shirt, knit from a nubby bouclé organic cotton blend.

Boucle knit shirt,
$120 by COS

 

A lightweight cotton-nylon knit gives this shirt a flowy, retro look.

Felix cotton knit shirt,
$265 / $135 by

*** Ask The Obtainer ***
Ask The Obtainer

The case for my Ray-Bans fell apart. I need a replacement and wonder what you might suggest?

- Ryan

I’m actually experiencing this very same thing at the same time, so I appreciate this question allowing me to explore some options. Of course, you can always replace your original Ray-Ban case. You’d think it might be tricky or require a special order from the brand’s retail shops, but you can just pick one up from Amazon. However, if you’re getting a new case, maybe get one that’s a little smarter, like this shape-shifting magnetic case that folds flat when it’s not storing your shades. It’s available in a range of colors and cut from a durable, water-resistant vegan leather and will only set you back about ten bucks. Or, if you want something softer, you could go with this sleeping bag pouch from CAMP Eyewear that’s easily pocketable.

Magnetic folding eyewear case,
$10.95 by Real Sic


Have a style question
you'd like answered?

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*** 5 Stylish ***
5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week

Go ahead, and call it a comeback. The original American Trench launched in the #menswear heyday of 2013 had one helluva good run. About 18 months ago, the brand's cofounder, Jacob Hurwitz, felt it was time to revisit the silhouette. “It took a good year to redevelop our namesake garment,” he says. “We dived into the classics and sampled vintage trench coat styles, like Burberry pieces from the '60s. The A-line shape, rather than the slim, tube-like designs of the early 2000s, was the way forward.” The A-line is classic because it's roomy yet also flattering. And while they added a waxed cotton version, they also redeveloped their original Ventile fabric ($849). “It's elegant, breathable, classic, and historically significant,” says Hurwitz. For the uninitiated, Ventile is made from natural fibers, not synthetic. Tightly woven with a dense structure, it will always maintain its weatherproof properties. When Ventile is wet, the cotton fibers swell, blocking out any moisture from seeping in.

See all 5 products »

*** Yellow Span - Headlines ***
Smart Buys

The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.

 
*** Yellow Span - Smart Buys ***

This special-edition pair of work pants is cut from durable cotton twill in a modern straight-leg fit with a raw edge cropped hem—perfect for spring. Especially when on sale.

$69 / $41<
by Dickies

 

This serum from K-beauty brand COSRX contains 23% pure vitamin C as well as vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and slow down skin damage.

$25 / $14
by CORSX

 

Want to fit more into your suitcase? Then you need these clever compression packing cubes. They rarely go on sale, but right now a handful of designs are currently marked down.

$52 / $44.20
by Calpak

 

This portable water flosser has three pressure settings ranging from 45 to 75 PSI—ideal for keeping teeth and gums clean. Plus, it’s easy to use in the shower and now it’s 30% off.

$99.99 / $69.99
by Waterpik

 

A great colorway for spring and summer, these two-tone Weejuns from Bass will get plenty of use. And while they rarely go on sale, Madewell currently has this pair marked down.

$175 / $124.99
by G.H. Bass

 

J.Crew is offering an additional 25% off sale items with this code. So now’s the time to pick up some of the brand’s recently refreshed best-selling dock shorts.

$89.50 / $53.99
(w/code SALETIME)
by J.Crew

 

Want more?
See all 38 sales »

*** Worth a Read - 1 ***
Worth a Read

The best stories from around the web.

 

McQueen may be more closely associated with motorcycles and sports cars, but he bought this high-riding two-door at the end of 1969.”

 

Steve McQueen’s Old Chevy Blazer Is Now Up for Grabs

 

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Robb Report
 

Predicting what will blow up in 10 years’ time is a bit of a lottery and a degree of risk is inevitable.”

 

Are Watches, Clothes and Jewellery Smart Purchases in More Ways Than One?

 

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MR PORTER
 

Impeccably researched and insightful, these must-read fashion books will not only enrich one's understanding of style but also provide the inspiration to refine and confidently express one's own personal aesthetic.”

 

The Fashion Books Every Style-Conscious Man Needs in His Library

 

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The Rake