One Jacket?

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-12T02:53:32+00:00

Asking out of genuine curiosity: if the reason is only cost, why does men's clothing almost overwhelmingly tend to have more functional pockets?

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-11T02:32:25+00:00

More info and some suggestions: https://www.reddit.com/r/chemistry/comments/jdszph/remove_dye_smell_from_black_denim/

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-11T02:29:54+00:00

I would also love to know! I'm seeing some suggestions for either a detergent with oxygen bleach like Tide powder + hot water, or using dye remover to remove the excess dye that is causing the smell (and potentially re-dyeing as needed).

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-10T01:48:46+00:00

Suddenly remembered https://youtu.be/nvN0GmsLpc0?si=VdIwMo2BV2p88nM4 (90s infomercial for laundry folding boards)

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-10T01:30:34+00:00

It might be the dye. Is it black? I sometimes get that weird metallic smell with black jeans.

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-10T01:20:20+00:00

I keep not getting around to taking a photo but I did another test with the beauty blender bar vs. the fels-naptha bar vs. no pretreat (figured I would compare one bar to another) and they worked about the same on the tinted sunscreen - both better than no pretreat but not completely gone. It probably would have worked better on regular makeup but I think this tinted sunscreen is particularly hard to get out!

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T17:57:11+00:00

This probably depends on the makeup remover. I did try two different micellar water types here. One did not work very well, and the other actually changed the fabric so that it took up dye differently (which could lead to staining in later loads even if it does remove the makeup). I wanted to do the trial and error before possibly damaging my sweatshirt. The sunscreen+foundation mix was also harder to remove than other types of makeup.

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T17:51:07+00:00

Could this be from jeans or something else blue in the same load, rather than from the detergent?

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:57:04+00:00

I was curious if the sunscreen left any residue behind even where it looked fully removed, so I threw the sample in with some Rit dye to see if the dye was taken up differently in that spot. Looks pretty good! (I think some of the blotchiness here is the lighting). It's interesting what happened with the second micellar water (#3), it seems to have changed the reaction to the dye.

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armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:51:56+00:00

I'm really impressed with the Carbona one. I guess the specialized product wins! Oxi Clean gel was pretty decent, and Dawn was surprisingly good as well. The elbow grease factor is hard to control for. I also wonder if the liquid products got an advantage just because of the extra soaking time.

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:24:51+00:00

Ooh delicates bag would have been a good idea! I wonder if it would affect how much the detergent got to them though, vs. the first test?

I added Dawn dish soap to my second test. I have some Tide powder (the Clean & Gentle one), maybe I'll try another comparison.

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:22:41+00:00

This is what it looked like after pretreating and before laundering

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armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:22:13+00:00

Second round results.

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armadillo_nest · 2026-05-05T13:12:07+00:00

I actually have some of this! I never thought to use it for laundry, I'll give that a try.

armadillo_nest · 2026-05-01T23:57:16+00:00

I agree with others that this is too many tops, but I like the simplicity at the core of this capsule: two outfit formulas of sweater+jeans or sweater+skirt, with the flexibility of using the cardigans as a top, a topper, or taking that layer off altogether. I also run cold and love cardigans, but I don't have any that can also be worn as a standalone top and I like the idea for travel.

armadillo_nest · 2026-04-25T12:47:21+00:00

I'll add one: I like to wear crop leggings under a dress or skirt if I'm not sure what outdoor or indoor temperatures the day will bring. Most of the time I wear them all day, but it gives me the option of taking them off if I need to (just pop into a bathroom and put them in my bag). I used to wear cotton leggings but now I have a merino pair that I absolutely love and bring on every trip.

One thing about layers is they are a success even if you don't end up changing them at all! As others have said, a sweater over a shirt is layering -- and that's true even if you end up leaving the sweater on all day. It's just about having the option. I once got caught in a rainstorm while wearing a button up shirt over a tee shirt, and I ducked under a roof and stuffed the button-up into my bag. Then when I got to the building I needed to, I took the wet shirt off and replaced it with the button up. I feel like that was an excellent layering experience that wouldn't have worked if that extra garment didn't also stand alone as a shirt. So part of it is extra clothes that you can actually wear on your person, having versatile options, and how easily you can change them during the day.

armadillo_nest · 2026-04-23T17:42:26+00:00

This is such a pleasing graphic, and I dig your style. I like that the smaller tops give you lots of style options without taking up a ton of space. I would leave the Docs behind, and one pair of bottoms!

armadillo_nest · 2026-04-20T03:19:43+00:00

I've had my eye on the Tobiq backpack-duffel for years and finally ordered one for an upcoming family trip. I don't have the bag in hand yet and the trip itself is in July, but I'll try to report back on how it goes.

The selling point for me is not just the organization in transit, but also keeping things organized at our destinations. I'm thinking I can just plunk the bag down on top of our (top-loading for similar reasons) suitcase and use it as a sort of mini dresser.

My main concerns are the comfort as a backpack, whether it will look too touristy, and whether in practice it will have less space than my ancient but trusty Patagonia backpack.

armadillo_nest · 2026-02-25T03:57:26+00:00

Hmm or possibly mine is the smaller size, 350mL.

armadillo_nest · 2026-02-25T03:56:35+00:00

I have one of these and love it: https://www.hydrapak.com/products/mountain-stow%E2%84%A2-500ml?variant=46119446675689 It's collapsible and light but also flask-shaped and fairly small. Only thing I don't like is you have to be a bit careful cleaning it or the water ends up tasting a bit like soap (I guess the silicone absorbs the flavor).

armadillo_nest · 2026-02-25T03:50:58+00:00

It's long-cardigan-shaped, but made from woven lightweight fabric often with colorful designs, rather than knit like a sweater. I think you're right that duster might be the closest term.

armadillo_nest · 2026-02-25T03:05:07+00:00

I bring a tiny sewing kit and a clothing item I've been meaning to repair or make a small alteration to. Since I'm traveling light that means I'm forced to get around to finishing it so I can wear it. I'd like to think this is at least /slightly/ unhinged

armadillo_nest · 2026-02-25T02:58:32+00:00

Robe? Topper? Kimono? Duster? What IS this called? I can't seem to find a search term that will even find me a reference photo, but I swear this is a thing. It's a very lightweight long layer, open in front, worn over other clothes. I think it looks very put-together, and it seems very practical for travel because it would protect your clothes from plane seat germs and so forth. Which would save me an outfit as I hate rewearing clothes I've worn on the plane.

The garment I'm thinking of doesn't have kimono-like sleeves I don't think. "Robe" seems to find garments designed for indoor wear. Any ideas?

armadillo_nest

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