Welcome to Further Details, a series dedicated to ubiquitous but overlooked elements hidden on your favorite products.
Products we use every day often have small details that go overlooked. Maybe you’ve noticed them and brushed them off, or never noticed them altogether. But when you take the time to learn about the function, sometimes you get a new perk out of your product that you’d never considered.
Photo by Chase Pellerin for Gear PatrolWhy Do Aviator Sunglasses Usually Come with Green Lenses?
Seeing green? There is a pretty good reason why, and it dates back to the beginning of manned flight.
Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear PatrolEver Wonder Why There’s a Loop on the Back of Your Button-Down Shirt?
It prevents wrinkles, lets people know if you’re spoken for and it’s on the back of your favorite button up shirt.
Henry PhillipsThis Is the Reason Why Sweatshirts Have a V at the Neck
The little V at the neck of your favorite sweatshirt has a long history and it’s more than just for looks.
Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear PatrolWhy Do Suits Have a Random Buttonhole on the Lapel?
The mystery of the buttonless buttonhole.
Henry PhillipsWhat the Heck Does Napoleon Have to Do With Your Jacket’s Handiest Pocket?
The outdoor industry’s term for the ubiquitous zippered chest pocket is inextricably linked to the legendary French conqueror.
Henry PhillipsThink You Know What That Small Pocket on Your Jeans Is For? You’re Probably Wrong
The jeans you’re wearing right now have a curious feature you might have wondered about.
Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear PatrolWhy the Hell Is There a Dimple on the Bottom of Wine Bottles?
Bottoms up — wait, what’s that dent?
Photo by Henry Phillips for Gear PatrolThere’s a Very Tricky Ring on the Bottom of Your Cast-Iron Skillet. What’s It for?
The answer: history.
Tyler ChinWhy the Hell Does Your Chemex Have a Nipple?
The button harkens back to a time before coffee snobs were as kitted out as the café down the street.
Edgar CervantesYour Pint Glass Has a Weird Bulge. Here’s What It’s For
The nonic pint glass is one way to protect clumsy beer guzzlers and overwhelmed bartenders.
FiloWhy Are So Many Door Knobs Made of Brass?
The Ancient Egyptians used copper as a sterilizer. Now the metal is protecting us from coronavirus.
Chase PellerinThis Is Absolutely the Fastest Way to Lace Your Boots
Do the speed hooks on your boots seem…not so speedy?
Photo by Chandler Bondurant for Gear PatrolEver Wonder What That Extra Lace Hole on Your Gym Shoes Is For?
Your athletic shoes likely have an extra lace eyelet, and you might not know how to use it correctly…until now.
Gear PatrolEver Notice That Converse Chuck Taylors Have Fuzzy Soles? Here’s Why
Clearing up the fuzzy details on the Chuck Taylor’s strangest feature.
Henry PhillipsYour Backpack Has a Hidden Feature That Can Save Your Life
Not every pack has this smart touch, but if yours is designed for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, skiing or snowboarding, it probably does.
BicYou Know That Little Hole in Your Pen Cap? It Could Save Your Life
Maybe stop chewing on your pens.
Zen LoveWhy Does Your Rolex Dive Watch Have a Hole in Its Side?
Like a screen door on a submarine, you wouldn’t think a hole in the side of your dive watch would be a good idea.
Gear PatrolYour Bike’s Most Unique Feature Is Completely Hidden
Geeking out on the sounds of coasting may forever change the way you look at — and listen to — these two-wheeled wonders.
Henry PhillipsWhat Do the Random Characters on Your Pocket Knife Blade Mean?
Open your pocket knife. On one side of the blade, close to the handle, there are likely numbers and letters. They signify more than you might think.
Henry PhillipsThe Real Meaning Behind the Strange Symbol on Every Apple Keyboard
Ever wonder how the Command key became the most important key on every Mac computer? And What the heck does the pretzel-shaped symbol mean?
Gear PatrolEver Wonder What Those Rings on a Headphone Plug Are For?
The number of rings on the headphone jack matters a lot.
Chandler BondurantYour Phone Has a Tiny, Crucial Design Detail You’ve Probably Never Even Noticed
The small stripes of plastic along a smartphone’s outer edge are one of its most important features.
Photo Courtesy of Reddit u/BobbyBrewskiDid You Know the Ram 1500 Has Math Formulas Hidden Inside? We Found Out Why
Ram owners may be wondering why their truck contains crib notes fit for high school math class. So we asked.
AudiEver Wonder Why Your Car’s Shift Goes P-R-N-D? Here’s Why the Government Says So
Uncle Sam explains.
NissanEver Wonder What Sport Mode in Your Car Really Does?
That little switch doesn’t unlock more power, but it might make you think it does.