https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:41:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136524 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 02:56:31 +0000 Elly 1136524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like most of us agree-- a good bra is important. I never felt the need to shell out until I went up a couple cup sizes into the plus-D range and still had a smallish band size. Getting fit&nbsp; made a huge difference, and after I felt it there was no going back. </p> <p>I'm also always split on panties-- I enjoy mine, but don't know that they are much better than the cheaper ones. Then again, I buy black cotton hipsters with lace waist and legholes . . . pretty much period. </p> <p>I appreciate all the advice on the socks. I don't run long distances (i.e. many many miles a run) and the cotton or inexpensive synthetic socks generally do well. Hiking socks I've invested in. It is just that I'm freezing at work, and can't fit a pair of thicker socks in my shoes. </p> <p>I found a deal on mostly merino Wigwam crew socks for 6-something a pair, and will report on how they do when they come. I'm very greatful to all those who chimed in with warnings on some smartwool socks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136461 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:25:55 +0000 lyn* 1136461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore walmart panties from high school until maybe a week ago. I wanted something pretty and more fun, so I splurged and bought new underwear. I currently am in the process of making all my old stuff rags and buying new stuff - I had&nbsp;<i>forgotten how underwear is supposed to fit</i> - and it feels&nbsp;<i>amazing!</i></p> <p>I love pretty bras, so I am a little spendy on them, and I also have a common size. I like to get my support of my girls in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136457 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:22:00 +0000 Suz 1136457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span><i>"Smartwool "lifestyle" socks are crap. My Smartwool sports socks had worn like steel, so it came as a shocker when the non-athletic casual socks pilled after 2-3 wearings, and wore through the heels after just 10-12 wearings. This was with cold wash and air dry."</p> <p></i>I don't (entirely) agree. They are not created equal. Ditto to Angie's point about them crawling down your feet. The&nbsp;cabled socks last reasonably well, but on me do the crawling thing that Angie refers to . In my experience, the Margarita socks wear out almost as quickly as AmyK says -- though admittedly, I tend to wash and dry mine in the dryer.&nbsp;But I have a couple of medium weight styles that last and last. So...YMMV. Literally, I guess! And here's the thing -- even if they do wear out faster than some socks, they&nbsp;genuinely keep your feet more comfortable. So my solution is to have piles of "regular" blend socks for interim weather when my feet won't be too bothered. And then several pairs of good Smartwool lifestyle socks for those days when I really can't compromise on warmth.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>I pay the premium for most of my bras -- I have to, due to a hard-to-find size. I do have a couple of very simple, medium priced t-shirt bras from a Canadian company.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>For undies, I haven't found the perfect no VPL pair yet for me, so until I do, I will be trying any and all brands at all price points.&nbsp;<br /><i></p> <p></i></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136454 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 01:21:09 +0000 Tania 1136454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy nice wool socks because I get cold easily and I walk a lot.&nbsp; I have never had luck with Smartwool lasting very long (they seem to wear and get holes easily), but I have purchased some organic wool hiking socks through Frontier wholesale co-ops for under 10 a pair.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can probably find a co-op local to you, or&nbsp;you can set up your own account (but there is a minimum order).&nbsp; They sell all sorts of organic and natural products.&nbsp;&nbsp;I don't replace all my socks every year, but I do have to replace a few.&nbsp; I tend to buy less and wear more often though.&nbsp; &nbsp; I've had luck with Fox River wool socks and Wigwam in the past, and have a set of Carhartt heavy wool boot socks otw after the recent frigid temps around here.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136446 Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:58:47 +0000 daisy5 1136446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the Costco merino wool socks too. Though some pairs only lasted me one winter, but at 3 pairs for $10 I can afford to replace them every year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136373 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 23:19:11 +0000 DonnaF 1136373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For bras and panties, I would go with whatever fits and doesn't itch or irritate with extra points awarded for (lack of) price.&nbsp; To get my size, I have to spend more than I prefer.&nbsp; Super cheapo panties aren't worth it unless it is an emergency and you need to buy something fast.</p> <p>As to socks?&nbsp; I need super padding on my athletic socks so I am a Thorlo girl all the way.&nbsp; I try to buy them on some type of special deal and not to wash them in hot water.&nbsp; They last a long time.&nbsp; I've bought cheap athletic socks in the past for DH -- and you can tell.&nbsp; Not worth it.</p> <p>I've only bought the SmartWool no show type socks (both versions) and love them. &nbsp;<i></i>I haven't worn them enough to worry about wear.&nbsp; I haven't bought other wool socks, and I think I have so many other socks that wear is rarely a consideration.&nbsp; Umm, I still have a pair of cheap acrylic socks from college -- nearly 40 years ago. &nbsp; </p> <p>I don't have problems with waistbands squishing my waist, so don't buy spendy hose.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136346 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:54:43 +0000 JAileen 1136346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just checked, and the socks I wear daily are Thorlo hikers and they are $16.95 at REI. I wear them with boots, hiking, walking, everything. I've had Smartwool socks and I HATE them. They work their way down into my shoe or boot. It is very irritating. The Thorlos stay put and are cushioned. I am far less cranky since I started wearing them.</p> <p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/677153/thorlo-coolmax-light-hiker-socks-womens" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/677.....cks-womens</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136339 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:43:55 +0000 Emily 1136339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For warm socks, I'm going to say yes. &nbsp;I have two pairs of Fox River ski socks (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=fox%20river">http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=fox%20river</a>) that I frequently wear with dress pants and booties in the winter. &nbsp;They are thin, but warm, and cost $10-15 per pair. &nbsp;Mine are worn for super cold days and outdoor activities and have&nbsp;lasted years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136331 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:30:23 +0000 Linda 1136331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question!&nbsp; I think,it CAN be sort of worth spending.&nbsp; Lol.&nbsp; I've found great fits in bras that weren't big names (I don't think the JCP bras from Cosmopolitan I posted about elsewere are pricey or a big name), and I think a lot depends on whether you can get a good fit from that particular maker, as far as bras go.</p> <p>I am kind of a fan of pretty undies (well, I guess who isn't?).&nbsp; I've found some of the pricey underpants wear very well, but so do some bargain pairs I've tried.&nbsp; I don't much like ON underwear, however.&nbsp; I pay less attention to the maker of undies really than to fit and comfort and style.&nbsp; </p> <p>Socks, ay!&nbsp; I have trouble finding socks I really like and which are sturdy.&nbsp; No problem with running socks -- I seem to be happy running in most low-cut socks in most cases.&nbsp; But for fashion socks, I've lucked out with finding a few pair now and then that I really like, but not able to find them again when i went searching to replenish.&nbsp; I bought a few nice pairs at KMart (of all places!&nbsp; Goes to show, leave NO stone unturned is true!!), but don't see them there this season.&nbsp; I am hoping the ones I just bought at Century21 will be as sturdy, fashionable and comfy as those KMart pairs.&nbsp; For that store, the socks I like were on the expensive side, but I don't think they were more than like $6 or $8 a pair, possibly even less.&nbsp; I don't THINK I'm hard on socks, but I sometimes despair and fall for a pack of lousy quality because they're all navy, or other colors that I need and I don't like most of the selection.&nbsp; Guess I have a love/hate relationship with socks.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136325 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:20:25 +0000 Mellllls 1136325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found Gap and BR socks are amazing and worth the money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136322 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 22:16:47 +0000 josie411 1136322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like Wigwam socks - they hold up very well. Am also a fan of <a href="http://www.sockdreams.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.sockdreams.com</a> for socks, tights, leggings. Bras are absolutely worth the price to get the right fit/support. Knickers - not so sure spending more yields a better fit or durability, but then again, I have not paid that much attention to them except for the odd pair here and there I bought for their entertainment value. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136298 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:38:13 +0000 Diana 1136298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bras - definitely. The French make the best (and prettiest!) bras IMO, but they are spendy. My favorite brand, Lejaby, is rarely sold in the USA, so it tends to be even more expensive since I have to order from France or the uk. However, I have an ongoing eBay search for my size, and sometimes I get a good deal from sellers in Europe. </p> <p>Underwear - I like 100% cotton so they tend to not be super expensive. My favorite fit is gap low rise hipster but they are not very durable theses days so I tend to wait for sales. </p> <p>Socks - I like smart wool but i also buy random cheaper cotton ones at the rack or tj maxx. Sometimes 6pm.com has good sales on smart wool if you want to keep a n eye out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136296 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 21:36:43 +0000 Elly 1136296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>how about wigwam? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136238 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 20:01:15 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1136238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always buy my workout socks from REI and prefer synthetic wicking brands. They are a bit pricey but are much easier on my feet than cotton. I would love to find a regular sock that is of similar quality. I'm disappointed to read that folks haven't had success with smart wool because I'd heard good things about it. </p> <p>With a bit of trial and error I've found a couple department store brands of bras that work for me, so I don't spend huge amounts of money on them. I'm short between waist and hip and the best fitting panties I've found have been cotton hipsters from Lane Bryant, actually. I think I posted about this in the 'what do you hate to buy' thread but every time I try another brand or cut I end up disappointed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136229 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:32:48 +0000 elpgal 1136229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly what Amy said about Smartwool socks. </p> <p>I can't do less expensive bras because of sizing and fit issues so I am ok spending 100+ on bras but am very happy with the 3 pack Hanes undoes supplemented with a few pairs of Shimera and Soma for no VPL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136215 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:08:46 +0000 ironkurtin 1136215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whatever works for you, I say! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136214 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:07:37 +0000 Janet 1136214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd say for bras, yes. Panties are extremely hit or miss, in my experience. Some of my favorite undies ever are inexpensive and always available in Macy's, usually on some great 3-for-$18 sale or something, but otherwise, it's really unpredictable. But keep in mind I'm a weird fit in underwear -- big hips and thighs so I need a generous leg opening, but not booty, so I don't want a big expanse of fabric in the rear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Socks are also hit-or-miss, but I'm a big fan of Balega for my running socks and have given up on all the cheapie workout socks for these.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've also thrown away two pairs of cheap old-ish socks in the last week and replaced them with Angie's sock recommendations from Nordstrom. So far they are winners as far as NOT falling down into my shoes, but we'll see how they hold up to wear and washing. I'm hard on my socks these days because I try to walk at least four miles every day.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136211 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 19:02:20 +0000 gryffin 1136211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elly - I put a priority on fit and material for socks and panties.&nbsp; I am a huge gap hi cut bikini fan.&nbsp; Comfortable, breathable and stay put.&nbsp; I used to wear the VS high cut hipsters but they changed the material and I did not like them.&nbsp; For socks, and I have cold feet too, I like Hue pindot knee highs (they stay up and are warm but light)&nbsp; Not fancy but great work horses.&nbsp; To me underwear is all about comfort and function.&nbsp; Plus, the old adage, would you be comfortable being seen in the ER with that underwear?!!&nbsp; With my gap pullover bras, I feel like I have a respectable little bathing suit on and that gives me comfort and piece of mind!!&nbsp; Good luck on your picks!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136205 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:49:39 +0000 Sarah A 1136205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Goodhew for wool blend socks. Also DH loves his Brooks Bros 346 merino for solid color dress socks. They list for $10 but with current promos got him restocked for 3.50 pr. Of course this would only work if your feet are at the larger sizes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136204 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:49:36 +0000 Gaylene 1136204@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Angie, definite YES to pricey bras for fit, style, and comfort; big inclination towards yes for undies because of the pretty factor; small inclination towards yes for socks. </p> <p>I love light-weight wool socks for a Canadian winter so I've been buying IceBreaker and Smartwool socks for several years now. The IceBreaker merino wool ones seem to last better than Smartwool ones. But my new love is Costco's Kirkland brand wool socks--a 3-pack for $10!</p> <p>My wool sock savings, though, will be directed toward more expensive cotton socks for summer. I learned the hard way (blisters on my heels and toes) that cheap cotton socks are a bad idea if you do a lot of walking. I once wore a cheap pair of cotton socks borrowed from my sister to walk half an hour into a neighboring village and was in so much discomfort that I actually went into a pricey department store to buy some replacement socks for the walk home. The replacement long-fibre cotton socks cost me $30, but what a revelation--well-fitting and supremely comfortable during the return walk. I promptly bought two more pairs for the rest of the trip. Not only were those socks more comfortable, they didn't wear out as fast so the CPW made them much cheaper in the long run. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136199 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:41:56 +0000 kkards 1136199@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I pay more for socks because the cheap brands don't fit my small foot. I can honestly say, I don't think I have ever worn thru a pair of wool or high end cotton sock, but I do wear out nylon trouser socks often. Just bought my 1st pairs of the Nordies compression trouser socks that were an Angie recommend , so we will see how that goes. 1st wear, I was very impressed.<br /> Bra's, I think it's worth it to get the best you can.<br /> Panties, I require a cotton liner, so that limits me somewhat, but I'd say, I have about 1/2 VS and 1/2 are expensive natori. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136194 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:37:59 +0000 Greyscale 1136194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I replaced almost all my socks with a few pairs of Smartwool athletic socks: two ankle-high athletic pairs for wearing with Converse or boots, and two low-cut pairs for flats and oxfords. I love them. All my previous socks were Hue cotton from Nordstrom Rack. Very&nbsp;nice but cotton ends up sort of clammy by the end of the day for me.</p> <p>These are the ankle ones I like. Very thin, and stay on my feet reliably (your mileage may vary). For me the price was worth it given how much wear I've gotten out of them.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.smartwool.com/womens/socks/womens-phd-run-ultra-light-micro.html">http://www.smartwool.com/women.....micro.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136189 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:30:55 +0000 qfbrenda 1136189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As far as socks go, my favorite ones are the wool-blend ones from Costo.&nbsp; They seem kinda expensive to me but are cheaper than Smart wool.&nbsp; I haven't ever bought expensive undies so I don't know about those. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136169 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 18:17:18 +0000 MsMary 1136169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For athletic socks I'd say "within reason."&nbsp; I just upgraded to Hue from Nordstrom Rack from the cheapies at Target, and I definitely notice a difference both in comfort and in how they're holding up.&nbsp; Although certainly the Hue aren't super-high-end, either.&nbsp; Maybe it's just a matter of finding a brand you like regardless of price.</p> <p>I recently switched to high-end bras and I am never going back.&nbsp; I love my Prima Donnas!</p> <p>Panties?&nbsp; I love my Soma vanishing edge, but it turns out the Target knockoffs are almost identical for much less money. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136138 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 17:45:33 +0000 minimalist 1136138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smartwool "lifestyle" socks are crap. My Smartwool sports socks had worn like steel, so it came as a shocker when the non-athletic casual socks pilled after 2-3 wearings, and wore through the heels after just 10-12 wearings. This was with cold wash and air dry.</p> <p>I heard that Smartwool was re-formulating the yarns and there should be improvement in the future. But for now, I'm looking for Smartwool "ultra lite" athletic socks in lengths I can wear with clogs and boots. Looks like I'll end up paying full price for those, but if the quality is still good, it'll absolutely be worth it.</p> <p>I'm also looking at other manufacturers, like IceBreaker. An REI sales associate discouraged me from buying DarnTough socks, as hers shrank beyond wear just from a few cold washings.</p> <p>Underwear: I don't skimp on panties. Especially not given VS' suppliers' environmental and labor practices, it's just not worth saving a few cents/wear.</p> <p>Bras: Van de Velde's brands hold up wonderfully. Of the Prima Donna Twist expanded set I wear most of the time, I've had the pre-formed bra since March 2012 and the unlined bra since February 2013, and both are still holding up very well. (They're dark, so don't show underarm stains/clothing-dye rub-off the way light colors would.) The panties (hotpants and thongs) I'd bought with the first bra feel a bit softer now than the newer ones do, but they still look great and haven't stretched out at all. Downside: it's hard to get all the pieces I want in the same line and color, especially since moving to the U.S.</p> <p>Had heard good things about Wacoal, but when I tried on a few of their "high-end" models I was horrified: women really subject themselves to that mediocre quality fabric and shoddy stitching, while paying that much money? No. Just no. From your experience, it sounds like Chantelle is good quality. Do they have matching/coordinating undies you'd be interested in trying? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136135 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 17:44:45 +0000 Angie 1136135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Socks, no. Not in my experience. Smart wool socks fall off my feet.&nbsp;</p> <p>Expensive undies - well, bras FOR SURE. Personally, I adore pretty lace and high quality bras - which are pricey. They make me feel fab.&nbsp;Knickers - it depends entirely on you. Whatever floats your boat and fits the bottom. If inexpensive panties are the comfy and flattering&nbsp;ticket - go for it. Does it really matter if the style&nbsp;needs to be replaced more frequently? Expensive knickers are no guarantee of high quality either - but they<b> are</b> pretty. Which floats my boat.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/are-expensive-socks-and-underwear-worth-it#post-1136128 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 17:37:14 +0000 Elly 1136128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two years ago I invested in some fairly expensive underwear because I could not find something like I wanted for less. I've been very happy with them and 13 pair lasted me two years. However, since then I've found a VS style that aren't as soft, and have just a bit less fabric but are still comfortable and invisible under clothes-- and are half the cost of my old favorites before any discounts. $25-30 a year versus $70+ a year sounds like a much better price for panties. </p> <p>I also had real bra fittings and bought some Chantelle bras and although after a year are in need of replacement, they are totally worth it. </p> <p>That brings me to my dillema. I've only ever worn cheap cotton socks, except for wool hiking socks. I have chronically cold feet and work in a cold office-- my wool socks are so much warmer, but too bulky for work. I can't find a pair of merino or good wool crew or knee socks that get good reviews for less than $12.75. </p> <p>I'm ready to be more comfortable, but I am wondering if the more expensive socks are going to be worth it. Obviously this in an individual thing.</p> <p>How do your smartwool and other socks wear? Will I be replacing them after a year or can I expect several winters out of them? </p> <p>How about you? Have expensive socks and undies been worth hit to your style budget personally? </p>