Our 10 Favorite Items Of 2023
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I haven't heard much about major things that happened this year, but I do know that 2023 was an incredible year for products. Our Esquire editors endorsed a lot of shit... A lot of good really shit, actually. We waxed poetics about new candles that won't leave our bedside; the stompy loafers we'll never take off; and the jeans every man should own a pair of.
And sure, we've awarded all sorts of home goods, grooming things, and tech gadgets, but even those don't carry the full-throated Esquire Endorsement. These aren't just the products we think are worth your money. These are the products we spend our own paychecks on. They're the things we wear, use, and touch everyday. And, to make it even simpler for you to shop, we narrowed the whole list down. From the 50 things we endorsed this year, these are our top 10 favorites.
Adrian Kiltie Loafers
I’m a longtime fan of Docs, as the curators and purveyors of certified stomping shoes; their boots have been a wardrobe staple in my closet for as long as I can remember. I’ve grown to know and love the way the footbeds of Docs contour to your sole, the way one pair will last you a lifetime. And now, with the Adrian Snaffle Smooth Leather Kiltie Loafers, I’ve grown to know one more thing about Doc Martens, too: they make a damn good pair of loafers. —Trishna Rikhy
FreeSip
I probably sold over 1,000 water bottles in my time as a sporting goods sales associate. But, if you asked me which brand made the best water bottle, I’d be hard pressed to answer. They all had issues. The Hydro Flasks leaked; the Yetis were too heavy; the straw on the Camelbak was impossible to clean; and the Nalgenes, though adorable, were impossible to drink from. What I learned from the year I spent hawking water bottles is that there’s no such thing as a perfect water bottle. At least there didn’t use to be. Enter the Owala Free Sip. —Abigail Covington
Suede Trucker Jacket
When I tell you right now that I've found a leather jacket that any guy—and I mean any guy—could wear without worry, I don't want you to think I'm just blowing smoke. There are two crucial things to consider about this particular jacket. The first is that it's actually suede, the softer, kinder cousin of those hard-wearing hides preferred by bikers and the like. The second is that it's cut in a universally flattering trucker shape, so you can further avoid any accusations of costuming up. Instead, this thing is poised to become a part of your cold-weather uniform. Oh, and there's a third thing: While it's not dirt-cheap at $500, it looks like it costs a whole lot more. —Jonathan Evans
Cowboy Cut Original Fit
I'm about to put forward some legislation: The Jean New Deal, my plan to get a solid pair of jeans on the ass of every American. Luckily, Wrangler's dirt-cheap Cowboy Cut is keeping our great denim tradition alive. If you want a flattering, affordable, and classic pair of jeans, grab a $50 bill and follow me. —Luke Guillory
Les Mondes de Diptyque Refillable Candle
When you light one of these candles, the scent fills the room it’s in. Not overwhelmingly, but not subtly, either; the aroma is a persistent, long-lasting, gentle nudge that just makes your room look, feel, and smell better. Those tinted glass jars liven up any nightstand, dresser, table, or, if you’re like me, windowsill—and seeing as how once you have one, you’ll have it forever, it’s a good thing they’re so damn pretty and timeless. —T.R.
Transport
A sneaker that supports your lifestyle in more than one environment—that's a rare find. A find I couldn't find. I needed a solid pair that could do both the outdoors and the city. Maybe I'm on a trail run, maybe I'm stomping through puddles en route to the corner store in Brooklyn, maybe I've gone camping and just don't want to wear a full boot. Turns out, the Hoka Transport has me covered. —L.G.
Oca
This shoe is a classic, timeless style that truly works with everything. And if you don’t want an all-white sneaker, no problem—the OCA Lows come in five neutral leather colors, but if you want to opt for the same style in suede or canvas, there are even more options to choose from. You’ll be able to pair them with your wardrobe whether you’re glam or grunge, whether you’re going to a first date or a wedding. You’ll wear these to wherever you need to be, and then some. —T.R.
Alarm Clock
If you are like me, attempting to curate the perfect bedtime space, both psychologically and physically, like an asshole, then you might very well be tempted by what follows. This product, Loftie, is an alarm clock. Seen it, but don't know exactly what it does? Well, it's a clock, with an alarm built in to wake you up each morning. It has a snooze button. But it is more than that. It is a nighttime phone-replacer, a piece of bedside decor, and a sleep machine in one. —Sarah Rense
Bamboo Sheet Set
When you think about it, sheets might just be the most important part of your bedding. They touch your skin on all sides, unlike your mattress. You need a pair you love enough to use as pillowcases, a top sheet, and a fitted sheet. If you don’t love the material, you aren’t going to love your sleep. And (shudder) if you hate the color—well, you’re going to hate your bedroom. Me, though? I have the perfect sheets, so that could never be me. —T.R.
L.12.12 Pique Polo
In the past 90 years, have we gotten a shirt that's better than the classic Lacoste petit piqué polo? No. Has a fashion logo ever been so overused, yet remained so undeniably cool? Nope. —L.G.
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