Dappered | In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino

[Dappered | In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino](#1) - [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Spring Coats, Affordable Shades, & More](#2) - [Style Scenario: Blue Sportcoat, Blue Shirt, Blue Jeans](#3) [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino](r/Dappered/~3/bxrSOTBouUY/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 25 Feb 2020 03:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Banana Republic Factory Core Temp Chinos – $50ish]( ($98) What kind of difference does 2% make? Ask someone who usually drinks 2% milk and accidentally gets skim. Or Vice versa. It sure doesn’t seem like much, but that 2% difference can turn “[I want some milk!]( into “[milk was a bad choice!]( The lesson, as always: small differences matter. And that leads us to the newest installment of “are these tech pants as good as [Banana Republic’s original Core Temp Chinos?](” Past installments featured options from [Old Navy](, [Old Navy again](, and [Banana Republic again](. It’s almost like Gap Inc. (past and current members) got marketing data that indicates this is what the people want. What do they do with this information? [They give the people what they want](. So good on them for trying. Here’s to hoping that Mr. or Ms. B. Republic is reading this and will offer [their original, still the best, Core Temp Chinos]( in an athletic tapered fit. [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino | Dappered.com]( BR Factory’s (not the original by BR) Core Temp Chino. Size shown is 36×32 on 5’11” 200lbs. Color is the “Dusty Blue. “ This week’s entrant is [BR Factory’s Core Temp Chinos](. I’ll admit, I was not expecting BR’s outlet option to start selling core temp anything. I especially wasn’t expecting them to sell the seemingly same core temp chinos in the same Aiden fit, with the same $98.00 MSRP (presale, of course), in the same (minus the flowery language) colors. I’ll know something’s up when [Jimmy Garoppolo]( ends up as the BR Factory spokesman, since current BR spokesman and fellow (mediocre) QB [Jared Goff]( needs a buddy. The Banana Republic Factory Core Temp Chino is made from 56% cotton (1% more than the original), 40% polyester (1% more than the original), and 4% spandex (2% less than the original). These are an exact copy BR Core Temp Chinos in terms of fit and style. So if you like The Banana Republic Slim Aiden fit pant silhouette, no matter what, these pants are for you. But. They look different. They sound different. And they stretch different. So yes, these pants are different. [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino | Dappered.com]( These, unlike the originals, “swish swish” when you walk. And there’s [some shine]( to them. Another difference. When I say they look different, I mean these pants are shiny. It doesn’t really come through in the pics, but in person, it’s noticeable. Especially when compared to the matte look [of the original](, more expensive Core Temp pant. [Some people]( like shiny pants. I am not one of those people, especially if I’m going to wear them at my office. But in a more casual setting? And if the shine doesn’t bother you (or if you prefer it)? Then you would like these pants. Then there’s the sound. Remember how the regular, original, mainline Core Temps don’t “swish swish” when you walk? Well, these ones do. And it’s quite loud. It’s not quite as loud as doing regular interviews [over the backdrop of a helicopter that’s currently running](, but it’s noisy. So again, not quite my style. But still, not a deal-breaker. [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino | Dappered.com]( Noticeably more stretch than the original Core Temp. And finally, the stretch. These offered way more stretch than the regular Core Temps. To me, that was the best part of the pants. Not that I planned to wear these to the gym or for [a game of pickup basketball]( but as a soon-to-be dad, I figure I might enjoy some pants with that amount of stretch. Especially since they’re pants that are versatile enough to go from taking care of a baby at home to taking care of errands in public without requiring me to look ridiculous (though [Ben sure looks comfortable]() during the latter. So this aspect was a big win for me. Overall, most will want to stick with [the original](. They’re just… better. Some would say, the best. But if you’re really after even more stretch, and the shine and sound don’t bother you, then go for it. But since the price is just about the same or the same depending on the sale, then again, most will want to stick with the mainline’s original Core Temp chino. About the Author: Brandon D. is [a recently married]( trial attorney living in Houston, TX (but will forever be a New Yorker). Brandon has been wearing a suit to work for the better part of a decade, so he appreciates the insights into quality-yet-affordable style options for which Dappered is known. When not at work, he enjoys traveling with his wife, lounging with his dog Charlie (she’s half-Chihuahua/half-Dachshund, which has the added bonus of being known as a “Chiweenie”), and the weekly trip to Costco. [In Review: The Banana Republic FACTORY Core Temp Chino | Dappered.com]( Sweatshirt in this post is a sold out Todd Snyder + Champion. [How ’bout the Bomber Jacket though?]( ff/Dappered?a=bxrSOTBouUY:7q9HZnBEhTw:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=bxrSOTBouUY:7q9HZnBEhTw:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=bxrSOTBouUY:7q9HZnBEhTw:gIN9vFwOqvQ [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Spring Coats, Affordable Shades, & More](r/Dappered/~3/EqZZQ3mh-WQ/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 24 Feb 2020 02:00 PM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Seventy Five bucks. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you [a couple pairs of Levi’s](, a [decent casual dinner out](, or a couple months at your local gym. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, with some of them much, much less. Expect these round-ups on a monthly basis. Got a tip on something for under $75? Send those in to joe@dappered.com. [Target Goodfellow & Co. Stadium Overcoat – $79.99]( [Target Goodfellow & Co. Stadium Overcoat]( It’s Target, so it’ll go on sale. I have high hopes but I know I shouldn’t have high hopes. Why? Fabric makeup is 67% Polyester, 24% Acrylic, 6% Wool, 3% Other fibers. Six! Six percent wool! Looks awesome from here though. [Bespoke Post Parlor Box – $45]( [Bespoke Post Parlor Box]( For all the glasses us dudes seem to own, 99% of them are terrible. I don’t know why. It’s in our nature. Stolen pub glasses, thrift store water glasses, some juice glass you don’t know how you have and you never use because it’s too small… The Bespoke Post “Parlor” box is all kinds of right. A nice decanter, two nicely weighted double old fashioned glasses, and a reclaimed wood tray to class the whole thing up. One of my pals has this box. I’m always impressed when I see it. [UNIQLO AIRism Button Down Collar Pique Polo – $29.90]( Look what’s back! Labeled with their “airism” brand for this year. Sure appears to be similar if not identical to the previous years lightweight, breathable, cotton/synthetic polos though? And the button down collar keeps you looking crisp all day. No collar curl or flop here. [Kent Wang Browline Sunglasses – $55]() [Kent Wang Browline Sunglasses]() Kent Wang is not the “everything” store. But what Kent Wang does, Kent Wang does extraordinarily well. Ties, Polos, and you think these sunglasses would be somethin’ else too. Made from blocks of cellulose acetate that are carved instead of plastic that’s been injected into a mold, these things don’t have that annoying (and sometimes sharp) seam running around the edges. Polarized lenses too. 50 mm lens width. [Suitsupply White Cotton Sweater – $79]( [Suitsupply White Cotton Sweater]( Just over the $75 limit, but it ships and returns for free. So it’s a fair play. Suitsupply does more than suits. Much more. This sweater proves it. [Everything is F*cked: A book about hope by Mark Manson – $13.49]( [Everything is F*cked: A book about hope by Mark Mason]( The closest thing to a theory of everything in regards to the human condition. I know this sounds absurd, but this book actually attempts to, and I believe succeeds, in explaining it all in regards to emotion, cognition, and everything else ricocheting around in our minds. Mark Manson’s writing makes rational arguments for why we humans act so irrationally, and then backs it up with an absurd amount of research. There’s also a healthy dose of profanity. It’s the best book I’ve ever read. I loved it, and had an unstoppable running conversation with myself and the author in the margins. You might experience the same thing. Alternatively, you might absolutely hate it. But that doesn’t make it wrong. And now that I’ve pumped it up so much, it will, without a doubt, let you down. [AND THE BOOK EXPLAINS THIS TOO](. I wouldn’t read this if you’re not in the right frame of mind to have your perspective on life questioned. [It could wreck your head, Princess](. [Amazon Goodthreads Quilted Vest – $35 – $40]( [Amazon Goodthreads Quilted Vest]( First, nice vest. Matte. Not shiny. Always a plus. Second, far be it from me to criticize photo choices and/or editing, but I wish retailers (especially the likes of Amazon which is a zillion dollar company) would stop photo-shopping different colors of a product onto the exact same model pic. It looks silly, and it reduces trust. We can tell that’s not really the vest. The color has been changed in post-editing. So do we really know what it looks like? Nope. It’s lazy. And you’re worth a gazillion dollars Amazon. [C’mon man](. [Nike Killshot in White / Gum / Maroon – $75.97](//www.nike.com/t/killshot-2-leather-mens-shoe-zrq1wk/432997-112) ($90) [Nike Killshot in White / Gum / Maroon](//www.nike.com/t/killshot-2-leather-mens-shoe-zrq1wk/432997-112) Give the people what they want. And the people, at least here, seem to want the Nike Killshot sneaker. On sale, but just with the Maroon swoosh. Sizes are quite limited at post time. [Bonobos The Performance Golf Polo – $68]( [Bonobos The Performance Golf Polo]( Bonobos makes some excellent looking golf wear. Whether you actually play golf, or just appreciate the preppy/somewhat retro aesthetics of the performance line is irrelevant. Not cheap though. That’s for sure. And yes, that is a BONOBOS logo on the right sleeve. That won’t sit well with some. [Made in the USA Flint & Tinder Striped Tee – $27]( ($38) [Made in the USA Flint & Tinder Striped Tee]( Tens of thousands of years ago, Caveman put on his favorite, plain, solid tee. And he was unimpressed. Caveman turned to his Cavewoman and said: “This sh*t ain’t sh*t. I need something new. Something fresh!” Cavewoman rolled her eyes at Caveman and said: “What you need to do is to invent some trousers, because this [Porky-Pig]( look, with your zug-zug maker dangling in the breeze, is incredibly unedifying.” And Caveman looked at his zug-zug maker, looked back at his Cavewoman, and helicoptered his zug-zug maker out of spite. “I have an idea!” said Caveman, “I will COMBINE this t-shirt with my other t-shirt of a different color, and thus get two NEW t-shirts out of it!” So he set to work with flint and axe, slicing up his two t-shirts, only to combine them later with thread purchased at his local prehistoric five-and-dime. And he showed Cavewoman when he was done. And Cavewoman said: “Nice stripes. Now make some pants please.” And this is how stripes were born. For other Best Bets under $75 from previous months, [click here](. ff/Dappered?a=EqZZQ3mh-WQ:hymGjKzvi2s:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=EqZZQ3mh-WQ:hymGjKzvi2s:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=EqZZQ3mh-WQ:hymGjKzvi2s:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Blue Sportcoat, Blue Shirt, Blue Jeans](r/Dappered/~3/mrMG6PYXgCg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 24 Feb 2020 08:00 AM PST Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And this look ain’t broke. Here’s how to pull off the “all blues” look, without going totally broke in the process. Want to dress it up a little? Swap the jeans out [for gray 5-pockets]( or chinos. Ta-Da. Instant business casual. [Style Scenario: Everybody Get the Blues! | Dappered.com] The Blazer: [Blue Check Wool Sportcoat from Suitsupply – $399]( or [Spier – $279]( ($328). They’re basically the same jacket. Suitsupply has slim sizes in stock, while Spier has plenty sizes in their more athletic, contemporary fit. The subtle jolts of medium and even light blue in the pattern helps the eye not confuse it with the dark denim. The Sunglasses: [Hugo Boss 51mm Sunglasses – $59.97]( Classic keyhole bridge that’s not over-stylized. Saturated tortoise shell pattern. Very much on sale. Thanks Nordy Rack! The Shirt: [Amazon Goodthreads Men’s The Perfect Oxford Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Shirt – $25](. Or whatever light-blue OCBD you happen to prefer. The Jeans: [Banana Republic Rapid Movement in Slim]( or [Athletic Tapered – $49]( ($119). These things have weirdly been on sale for so long, I’m starting to forget what it was like when they were constantly excluded from sales. The Coat: [Banana Republic Water-Resistant 3-Layer Mac Jacket – $198](. For those times of year when you need a coat long enough to cover a suit or sportcoat tail, but you don’t want some heavy wool thing. There are more of those times than you’d think, and a basic mac style like this, is pretty darn perfect. Has gone on sale, will go on sale again. The Socks: [USA Made Wigwam Skull & Cross Bones Merino Cool Dress Socks – $15]( ($19.50). When can charcoal be considered a “pop of contrasting color?” When the rest of your outfit is blue. Perfect weight to these. Not super thin dress socks, not overly bulky camp socks either. Right in-between. Nice cushioning. The Belt: [Gap Basic Leather Belt – $34]( ($39.95). I could put some different belt in here, just to try to sell you another belt, [but that’s not what we do here.]( This thing is nails, and works in so many casual to smart-casual situations it’s almost unfair. The Shoes: [Made in Italy Astorflex Desert Boots in Stone- $127.98]( ($150). Sure, most would go for the “dark khaki” here, but I think the lighter gray/taupe stone is more subtle, but still super attractive thanks to the contrast. Extremely comfortable, soft suede, nice quality. The Watch: [Timex Beekman – $158](. Classy good looks for a relatively reasonable price. Has gone on sale before. Fingers crossed that it does again. [Full review here](. ff/Dappered?a=mrMG6PYXgCg:BCjaMn-wCF8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=mrMG6PYXgCg:BCjaMn-wCF8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=mrMG6PYXgCg:BCjaMn-wCF8:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States