Pairs Well With: The Tempest Watches Carbon 2

Earlier this week, we reviewed the new Carbon 2 dual-crown diver from Tempest Watches. The Carbon 2 is a sequel to a watch the brand first released in 2014. What made that piece unique, and what is carried over to this latest iteration, is the use of forged carbon as the case material. Forged carbon, as some of you may know, is a relatively new synthetic composite finding increased use in the automotive industry, where it is prized for its lightness and high strength.

Within the realm of horology, forged carbon is generally reserved for use in high-end and luxury sports watches, which only further highlights what Tempest Watches achieved here, and that is to bring this exotic material to the masses in a watch that is under $1,000.

PairsWellWith_TemptestCarbon2_FeaturedToday’s Pairs Well With appropriately matches the Carbon 2 to some of our favorite technical duds—clothes that are built for purpose utilizing unique construction and fabrics to maximize their overall utility. And for added synergy, we’ve stuck to a largely monochromatic look in honor of the marbling on the case.

Advertisement

1. Patagonia Piolet Jacket

The distinguishing characteristic of the Piolet is definitely the twin layers of GORE-TEX fabric that make up the shell. GORE-TEX essentially exploits the pressure gradient between your skin and the inside of the jacket. The outer layer is backed by a Teflon membrane that prevents water molecules from entering while the inner layer pulls sweat towards the microporous membrane. Because the sweat droplets are bigger than the membrane openings, your sweat is quite literally vaporized as it’s drawn through. This culminates into an incredibly durable, yet breathable and lightweight coat.

PWW-TempestWatchesCarbon2-6The Piolet is designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind. It’s treated with a durable water repellent finish to repel the elements without dragging you down with heavy fabrics and hardware. Likewise, the face of the fabric is tightly woven to boost water repellency and resistance against abrasions, and the gusseted underarm panels ensure maximum mobility. On top of all that, the Piolet boasts a helmet-compatible hood, microfleece chin padding, and the brand’s Touch Point system to adjust the fit of the jacket without having to take it off.

The Piolet jacket is also aesthetically pleasing. Coming in eight colors ranging from neutrals to brighter tones iconic to Patagonia, the different variations are sure to satisfy any preference. Coming in at just under $300, Patagonia’s Piolet is serious bang-for-your-buck, easily challenging technical jackets at much higher price points.

2. Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt

First, a bit on Outlier. Originating in Brooklyn in 2008, Outlier entered the market with the OG pant, prioritizing function and durability above all else. In the years since, Outlier has expanded its catalogue to include most wardrobe staples, each of them with a technical and utilitarian twist.

Now, merino wool might not be the first fabric you’d think of for a t-shirt, but to put it quite simply, Outlier’s ingenious take on this wardrobe staple is light-years ahead of the pack. The Zque-certified (ethics and sustainability accreditation) merino wool is sourced from New Zealand and knit right here in the USA. In terms of day-to-day use, the cloth has natural anti-bacterial and odor-fighting qualities, it wicks away moisture, and it’s a highly effective insulator in a range of temperatures. It also has natural UV resistance, so the rich color of the shirt will hardly fade.

The Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt is available in eight different colors and can be purchased in a pack of three for $275. The price may be steep, but this is definitely one of those but-it-for-life sort of things. The company offers a 45-day no-questions-asked return policy.

3. Warby Parker Reed Sunglasses

Warby Parker was founded on the principle of offering designer eyewear for obtainable prices, standing firm against the industry-dominating Luxxotica without sacrificing quality. Warby Parker’s new Reed model blends a classic silhouette with modern materials, construction, and fit, sporting a unique layered construction that involves placing a pieced of sculpted acetate between two layers of titanium. The titanium continues to the temples, so you can be assured of their longevity. Beyond that, the aesthetic is sporty, modern, and wholly cool.

All Warby Parker sunglasses come standard with CR-39 polarized lenses to ensure minimum distortion without sacrificing protection against the sun’s rays. Prescription lenses are also available.

With a MSRP of $145, a fashion forward pair of sunglasses with lenses is a great deal, and Warby Parker offers a free trial to help make sure you walk away with the right pair!

4. Everlane Modern Snap BackPack

Since 2010, Everlane has been changing the game of retail not just with their stylish offerings, but with their unmatched degree of openness when it comes to their business practices. The San Francisco-based company’s “radical transparency” highlights the conditions of its factories and breaks down the cost factors associated with each item. Everlane only sells products online, eliminating the cost adjustment of brick & mortar to keep prices as low as possible. The result is an ethical and innovative company that, to put it simply, keeps it honest.

PWW-TempestWatchesCarbon2-3The Modern Snap Backpack is one of Everlane’s most popular offerings. The bag employs a stylish, contemporary design with enough compartments and space so as to ensure functionality. The exterior is a treated water-resistant cotton twill with a cotton-poly blend lining. Two leather straps serve to fasten the main compartment, which can accommodate a 15” laptop. Twin side pockets are great for water bottles, sunglasses, and anything else that needs to be accessible, while the center zipper pouch is ideal for smaller items like a phone charger or wallet.

The Modern Snap Backpack comes in five neutral colors and retails for $68.

5. Outlier Slim Dungarees

Yup, Outlier once again, this time for your lower half. As one might expect, Outlier’s Slim Dungarees are by no means an ordinary pair of pants, so let’s break down the technology.

To start, they’re constructed of Outlier’s proprietary Workcloth Doubleweave Canvas. The outer face of the cloth is made from a durable Cordura while the inner is loosely-woven nylon-poly blend that’s soft to the touch. The fabric is finished with NanoSphere technology, which emulates the self-cleaning capabilities of a lotus leaf. Now, by no means am I saying that you shouldn’t wash these pants, but they don’t need to be cleaned as often as regular textiles do. The composition of the fabric allows for it to be resistant to tears, water, coffee, and beer spills among other things, making them an excellent choice whether you’re cycling or dressing for a night out.

Priced at $198, Outlier’s Slim Dungarees are available in six colors, though they’re all variations of blue and gray (no complaints from me).

6. Adidas Energy Boost 3

If you keep up at all with sneaker trends, you’ll know that Adidas has been absolutely killing it over the past year. Aside from producing inventive designs, Adidas has introduced several new technologies into their shoes–most notably Boost cushioning and their Torsion system, both of which increase the comfort level one can expect from a sneaker. The Boost cushioning system is unlike the standard EVA foam found in many running shoes. It is actually composed of a TPU material similar to what one would find in a dashboard of a car. 2,500 little plastic spheres are fused together with pressurized steam to create an excellent and springy cushion. In lab tests, the Boost material was found to be far less affected by temperature swings than similar foams in other sneakers.

The Energy Boost 3 is a recent release. This model is engineered to have a snug, sock-like fit to minimize foot slippage and works especially well with the Torsion system. Not to mention, the sneakers look slick. Coming in at $160 MSRP and eight available colorways, the Adidas Energy Boost 3 is a solid choice for a good-looking, functional running shoe that will look right at home at the gym and on the street.

For more sartorial content, visit StylesofMan.

Related Posts
Frank was born, raised, and currently resides in Philadelphia. He has a passion for menswear, watches, and the great outdoors. Frank is an active member of Reddit’s r/watches and r/malefashionadvice communities and manages @stylesofman on Instagram as a means of providing inspiration to young men looking to better their fashion sense.
StylesofMan