Best in Class

Best in Class is the Strategist’s carefully curated series of rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Here’s a detailed look at how we curate each guide.

  1. electronics
    The 4 Very Best Screen ProtectorsIt’s cheaper than replacing a broken screen.
    By Jordan McMahon
  2. bath and body
    The Very Best Bodywashes for Dry SkinIncluding a formula for dry, acne-prone skin.
    By Brenley Goertzen
  3. bath and body
    The Very Best Body OilsTested by our bath-and-body writer, vetted by our staffers, and recommended by dermatologists.
    By Brenley Goertzen
  4. decor
    The Very Best Curtain RodsFrom fancy iron finials to unobtrusive rods with “the smallest rings possible.”
    By Erin Schwartz
  5. garden
    The Very Best Compost BinsFrom an easy-to-clean countertop option to a system that can handle “the crazy Frankenstein stuff in the back of your fridge.”
    By Erin Schwartz
  6. small appliances
    The 9 Very Best Toasters“It’s the toaster for toast people.”
    By Emma Wartzman
  7. women’s apparel
    The Very Best ShapewearSpanx isn’t the only option, but it’s a favorite for a reason.
    By Ambar Pardilla
  8. women’s sleepwear
    The 10 Very Best Silk Pajamas for WomenIncluding the silk version of the shirt Nicole Kidman wears in Eyes Wide Shut.
    By Ambar Pardilla
  9. health
    The Very Best Nice-Looking Pill CasesFor taking the drudgery out of your pill-taking routine.
    By Bella Druckman
  10. skin-care treatments
    The 14 Very Best Keratosis-Pilaris TreatmentsIncluding exfoliating lotions, cleansers, and scrubs.
    By Tembe Denton-Hurst
  11. bathroom
    The 8 Very Best Bidets“I can, with confidence, say that my butt health is at a resounding 100 percent.”
    By Arielle Avila and Lauren Ro
  12. vacuums
    The 5 Very Best Handheld Vacuum CleanersAll personally tested on sand, pet hair, and food spills.
    By Amelia Mularz
  13. cleaning
    The 8 Very Best Carpet Steam CleanersTo keep carpets clean like a professional.
    By Chris Mandle and Erin Schwartz
  14. vacuums
    The 15 Very Best VacuumsThese will suck up everything from dust to dog hair to Play-Doh.
    By Amelia Mularz
  15. vacuums
    The 8 Very Best Cordless VacuumsDon’t let cords get in the way of cleaning.
    By Madeleine Kuhns
  16. air quality
    There’s a New Generation of Window AC Units. We Found the Best Ones.They’re quieter, more efficient, and cheaper to run than the ones most of us have been using.
    By Michael Zhao
  17. headphones
    The 7 Very Best Noise-Canceling HeadphonesFor listening to your favorite music and podcasts, and for blocking everything else out.
    By Jordan McMahon
  18. fitness
    The 10 Very Best Yoga MatsFor every type of yoga enthusiast.
    By Brenley Goertzen and Jeremy Rellosa
  19. adult
    35 of the Very Best VibratorsAccording to sex experts, shop owners, and professional reviewers.
    By Dominique Pariso
  20. mattresses
    The 9 Very Best Plush Mattress ToppersTo add a layer of cushioning and comfort to any mattress that could use a li’l boost.
    By Amelia Jerden
  21. bedding
    The 10 Very Best Mattress ProtectorsBecause your mattress isn’t washing-machine-friendly.
    By Amelia Jerden
  22. cookware and utensils
    14 of the Very Best Chef’s KnivesFinding one you feel comfortable holding and using for all your meals is vital to your efficiency and success as a cook.
    By Emma Wartzman
  23. organization
    The 20 Very Best Shoe OrganizersFeaturing a shoe cabinet that has survived four apartments.
    By Ambar Pardilla
  24. women’s apparel
    The 9 Very Best Wireless Bras for Large BreastsAll the support without a wire.
    By Ambar Pardilla
  25. cleaning
    The 11 Very Best Dish RacksNo more sopping countertops.
    By Emma Wartzman
  26. sporting goods
    The 11 Best Bike Helmets for KidsComfy and cool designs they’ll actually want to wear.
    By Katherine Gillespie
  27. moisturizers
    The 17 Very Best Eye Creams“I would swim in this product if I could.”
    By Tembe Denton-Hurst
  28. luggage
    The 11 Very Best Hard-Side SuitcasesNot all hard-shells are created equal.
    By Katherine Gillespie
  29. moisturizers
    The 10 Very Best Hand CreamsIncluding a retinol-packed hand cream that comes in a nice-looking jar.
    By Tembe Denton-Hurst
  30. women’s apparel
    The 15 Best Women’s RaincoatsFor drizzle or downpours.
    By Katherine Gillespie
  31. pillows
    The 8 Very Best Cooling PillowsIncluding latex, silk, and even surprisingly cool memory-foam options.
    By Amelia Jerden
  32. kitchen
    The 10 Very Best Kitchen Trash CansNo more wasted space for your waste.
    By Emma Wartzman
  33. cookware and utensils
    The 12 Best Pieces of BakewareMore than a dozen chefs recommend baking dishes, cake tins, and more.
    By Emma Wartzman
  34. grooming
    The 8 Very Best Shaving CreamsHow to tackle hair on the face, bikini line, armpits, and legs — if you’re so inclined.
    By Rachael Griffiths
  35. hair tools
    The 8 Very Best Hair DryersIncluding lightweight, foldable, and high-speed options.
    By Dominique Pariso
  36. women’s apparel
    The 16 Very Best BrasFrom everyday T-shirt styles to special-occasion strapless.
    By Ambar Pardilla
  37. mattresses
    The 11 Very Best Mattress ToppersTo turn your too-firm or too-soft mattress into one that’s just right.
    By Amelia Jerden
  38. moisturizers
    The 14 Very Best Night CreamsIncluding options for skin that’s acne-prone, dry, normal, or aging.
    By Tembe Denton-Hurst
  39. fitness
    The 10 Best Energy GelsIncluding gels that actually taste like real food.
    By Michael Zhao
  40. men’s apparel
    15 of the Very Best Men’s SocksFrom cozy cashmere to moisture-wicking merino.
    By Michael Zhao
  41. men’s apparel
    I Found the 14 Best Pairs of Sweatpants, and the Favorite Is Just $40For two straight months, I wore nothing but sweats.
    By Michael Zhao
  42. bedding
    The 11 Very Best Cooling SheetsOptions for anyone who is always chasing the cool side of the pillow.
    By Lauren Ro
  43. coffee
    13 of the Very Best Coffee GrindersAny cup of coffee worth drinking is made from freshly ground beans.
    By Emma Wartzman
  44. small appliances
    10 of the Very Best Air FryersIn a market where there’s more chaff than wheat, we asked a panel of experts for the models they use and love.
    By Emma Wartzman
  45. office
    The 6 Very Best Standing-Desk ConvertersWith a standing-desk converter, you can turn any table or desktop into an ergonomic workspace.
    By Dominique Pariso
  46. hair tools
    The 8 Very Best Blow-dryer BrushesThis ’90s tool is back.
    By Dominique Pariso
  47. bathroom
    The Very Best Bath MatsFrom cozy cotton mats to sleek stone ones you never have to wash.
    By Bella Druckman
  48. best in class
    The 12 Best Carry-on BackpacksBecause sometimes straps are better than a suitcase.
    By Katherine Gillespie
  49. organization
    The 18 Very Best Laundry Hampers and BasketsIncluding a backpack “if you’re someone who despises the walk to your local laundromat.”
    By Erin Schwartz
  50. packing and gear
    The 12 Very Best UmbrellasFrom compact travel umbrellas to stormproof monsters with fiberglass frames.
    By Katherine Gillespie
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