Wool socks opinions

[cypher1]

In the last couple of years I've taken a more minimalist approach with my wardrobe, while slowly phasing out clothes for higher quality items when replacement is near. I was just curious of others opinion on purchasing merino wool socks for dress and sportswear, and if you invest more in higher quality materials. Or if the majority just pays for cheaper items (not just on socks) and replace more frequency.

In other words, do you believe its worth spending more on these types of clothing for hopefully lasting longer with use?

[kork13]

DW & I both use wool socks on the regular, they're great. Of course, we live in Alaska, so the warmth factor is a significant benefit. I've had some difficulty finding good wool sports socks, though.

Personally, I'm not a fan of "buy cheap & replace" for clothes (or most things)... I much prefer to spend more to get quality, comfortable items that will last for years. Many of my clothes, I've had for 5-10 years. I only replace them when they wear through, or there are unrepairable holes. Anything that lasts just 1-2 years, in my view, is a waste of money (not to mention the materials themselves).

[bjl584]

I have some really nice winter socks from Cabela's.
They aren't wool. They're some sort of synthetic blended material.
But, they are super durable and warm.

[myrdale]

I bought some wool socks a few years ago for hiking. Then I started wearing them as my work socks, even during the summer. They were comfortable and my feet stayed dry. Contrary to that statement though, I had a toenail fungus come up and I blamed the socks for it. I have switched over to Wigwam cotton ankle socks and love them. The brand of wool socks I was wearing was Smart Wool. I have heard alot of good things about Fox River also but I've never tried them.

[disneysteve]

do you believe its worth spending more on these types of clothing for hopefully lasting longer with use?

I think there's a huge difference between the super cheap ultra-discount products and the average everyday brands. I think there is far less difference between the average brands and the premium/luxury brands.

I don't wear wool socks so I can't speak to that specifically but to use another example, I buy all of my dress/work shirts at the Van Heusen outlet stores. I don't think I've ever paid more than $20 for a shirt, maybe low $20s. I get at least 10 years use out of those shirts. Sure I could go into Brooks Brothers or Nordstrom and buy dress shirts for $200 or more but why? If the $20 shirt lasts 10 years, would the $200 shirt last 100 years?

I have casual t-shirts that I bought 7 or 8 years ago at Walmart for $6 each. I wear them all the time. They are just starting to show some wear and I've had to replace a couple of them. I could have spent $30 each for higher end t-shirts but again, why would I do that? What's the benefit? If the run of the mill stuff lasts 8 or 10 years or more, I think you're paying more for the designer label, status, and expensive ads featuring hot celebrities when you buy the more costly brands.

As for socks, many of my blue dress socks were getting worn out so back in May I bought a 6-pack of socks on Amazon for $20. After I got them and wore them a couple of times, I liked them and ordered another 6-pack. I fully expect those 12 pairs to last me the rest of my working years. There's no reason I shouldn't get 6-8 years out of those socks.

So I'd say don't buy your clothes at the dollar store, but normal stuff from mainstream retailers should last just fine and at a reasonable price.

[ua_guy]

Fit/comfort/durability are my criteria. My clothing selection is a bit Jekyl/Hyde. I dress up (classic/conservative button-up shirts and pressed slacks) for work but my weekend/outdoors/not-work is all workwear. There are places where I will spend more for products that fit the criteria. Can't spend too much on good footwear. Same with socks and underwear. For years I've done Gold Toe, Carhartt (wool blend), Wigwam (Hiking, and heavy duty work). I up-spend on dress socks as well because the elastics tend to hold up better as does the stitching. Underwear is everyday comfort so I'm not opposed to spending $30-$40 on a pair of underwear. My last fleet of undies came from UA about 7 years ago and they've lasted just fine. Wearing spandex-blend undies is a new kind of freedom, dryness, and all-day comfort. Same with undershirts...forget the cotton ones that shrivel up in the dryer. Dress shirts I'm not a big spender but usually buy from MW or Nordies in that $50-$75 category. I'd do Van-Heusen except they don't do tall sizes, or at least they didn't when I looked.

For everyday stuff, Carhartt has been my go-to, but it's been a real thorn in my side. Their QC with sizing has been an absolute joke for about the last 5-6 years. A waist 36 pant can be a 32 or a 42, same with inseam, it's a total gamble with a lot of variation in the exact same style, so EVERYTHING has to be tried on in advance. I've had better luck with Duluth Trading Co. I do love a good pair of Carhartt double-layer duck pants though.

[disneysteve]

I'm not opposed to spending $30-$40 on a pair of underwear.

For one pair? And here I am buying a 10-pack of Fruit of the Loom at Target for $15. And they last for several years at least. I guess I'm just not that picky.

[ua_guy]

For one pair? And here I am buying a 10-pack of Fruit of the Loom at Target for $15. And they last for several years at least. I guess I'm just not that picky.

It seems outrageous but they've lasted 7 years so far and most of them have no signs of giving up. They work really well for work/activity, gym, outdoors. I'm a big guy so the waistband has to feel right and absolutely no bunching, especially in the thighs.

[cypher1]

Fit/comfort/durability are my criteria. My clothing selection is a bit Jekyl/Hyde. I dress up (classic/conservative button-up shirts and pressed slacks) for work but my weekend/outdoors/not-work is all workwear. There are places where I will spend more for products that fit the criteria. Can't spend too much on good footwear. Same with socks and underwear. For years I've done Gold Toe, Carhartt (wool blend), Wigwam (Hiking, and heavy duty work). I up-spend on dress socks as well because the elastics tend to hold up better as does the stitching. Underwear is everyday comfort so I'm not opposed to spending $30-$40 on a pair of underwear. My last fleet of undies came from UA about 7 years ago and they've lasted just fine. Wearing spandex-blend undies is a new kind of freedom, dryness, and all-day comfort. Same with undershirts...forget the cotton ones that shrivel up in the dryer. Dress shirts I'm not a big spender but usually buy from MW or Nordies in that $50-$75 category. I'd do Van-Heusen except they don't do tall sizes, or at least they didn't when I looked.

I'm kind of in a similar boat for certain items of clothing. My wardrobe is pretty small and plain, overall. I'm able to get away with decent jeans and t-shirts/sweaters at the office.

In the last year I switched over from Hanes to Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs which I believe are reasonably priced. With socks getting worn out, I'm debating about spending more on wool/or blend type. T-shirts are from Old Navy or H&M, which I consider disposable for quality. Jeans I buy used from eBay since i'm looking for certain brands or older styles that I know fit well for me. Dress shirts and sweaters are Banana Republic. I've been splurging more on multiple pairs of shoes for the gym on lifting/running so I don't wear them out as quickly.

[scfr]

Yes, I believe it's worth spending a bit more for higher quality clothing that will last longer. But I'm also a fan of saving money so I'm willing to wait until something goes on "final clearance" pricing or buy second hand. I'm not a fashionista (that's an understatement) so I'm willing to buy a color or style that has gone out of fashion to save, and I continue to wear decades after things have gone out of style. And as I've shared elsewhere I'm willing to buy the "kids" version of shoes if they fit me because they are usually lower-priced.

[disneysteve]

But I'm also a fan of saving money so I'm willing to wait until something goes on "final clearance" pricing or buy second hand.

Clearance racks are the ONLY place we shop in certain stores. And if they've added a % off the lowest marked price, even better. The best deals are when they're doing end of season closeouts.

[cypher1]

Yes, I believe it's worth spending a bit more for higher quality clothing that will last longer. But I'm also a fan of saving money so I'm willing to wait until something goes on "final clearance" pricing or buy second hand. I'm not a fashionista (that's an understatement) so I'm willing to buy a color or style that has gone out of fashion to save, and I continue to wear decades after things have gone out of style.

As you and DS bring up, I should probably keep my eyes open for more clearance items. But then again, I hardly purchase clothes each year as I'm just not a fan of shopping. And if I do, it's mainly due to worn down items. Used jeans are another area I prefer certain older styles that feel comfortable, in comparison to newer trends or styles I couldn't care less about. Granted they may be a little worn, and have less life for wear, but I'd rather purchase for a fraction of the price than ones. And yes, I could go to Kohls, or Old Navy for new pairs but if I can avoid the malls, the better.

[ZoeuLX]

Yes, I am sure it's worth it! This simple rule works everywhere. The greedy man is a poor man because he pays twice as much, and it will always be so! I think it's better to buy a more expensive item, that will last longer. I always try to purchase quality things even if they cost more. Of course, it's not so easy but I try to take advantage of the good opportunities that I find. It's a strange coincidence, but the last thing I have bought was three pairs of amazing socks. But I have something to amaze you. You can put any image on the socks. If you want to do it, just visit this https://myfacesocks.com/ site, and you will understand my excitement.

[HundredK]

I'm a bit of a sock snob, and also a minimalist. I avoid wool in my socks because no matter how high quality, they make my skin feel itchy and rash out - but I'm sure that's different with every individual. The sporty brand I recommend the absolute most is Balega. They're so good at wicking sweat and they last forever (which they should for what they cost). For dressier socks, I like Sockwell socks. And then I have a couple pair of big fluffy socks to wear on nights when my feet get cold. Neither the Sockwell nor the Balegas are cheap, but I have rarely had to replace a pair. And I think I bought most of them using my REI dividends.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Spend more if needed. DH wears all costco clothes and swag (metric ton) from work. He only wears t-shirts and jeans for the past 5 years. Before that he worn khaki and button down shirts. All bought probably at costco (socks, undershirt, etc). But he has to like it and he's SUPER picky. I have bought him jeans for the past 15 years from lucky but about years ago they discontinued the exact model he wears. So I went on ebay and bought it there new from some wholesaler who had a metric ton because it wasn't a popular line (he would never wear used). Then I drove recently to the nearby lucky outlet about 1 hour away and bought the ones i thought might work. We went to the store and they didn't have exactly what he wanted with spandex and non skinny cut jeans. Lady said try outlet. So then I got him different styles and he picked one. I went back and bought one in his size 30x32 in every color and 2 in dark blue and called it a day.

I now have to scour that exact lucky 223 or whatever line because he can feel the difference. Same with shirts. He has a sensory issue and used to also not wear t shirts because he didn't like things going over his head. And clothes have a certain texture he has to like. He does now like the uniqlo airism boxer briefs so those are it. We've tried quite a few different brands. Now if things work I don't break it and buy the same damn thing in different colors so at least I can see he changed. He's the same size since high school and prefer to wear things including shoes until there are holes because he has to be something he likes and can tolerate.

This is the guy who tells me he hates frozen food because he can feel the ice crystals from frozen ice cream (too long), meat, veggies on his tongue. And certain veggies give his teeth vibrations when he eats them. And I wonder where my kids get their quirks from. I will admit he does have eczema and bad allergies to everything pollen and many fruits because of the pollen so it's not entirely mental. It's february and he's on allergy meds because something is bothering him again and no it's not cats and dogs.