A Sustainable Start - YouLookFab Forum

So...... I've decided that sustainability has to start with small steps at this point in my life. I'm already in the first phase: buying clothing that fits my real life needs while expressing my personal style, right-sizing my wardrobe. Now, I'm progressing to step 2: buying better quality, or items that will last longer while acknowledging that my budget --- always modest --- is quite limited (having kids 6 months apart in age means two in college at the same time, gulp).

I'm working from the bottom up, here (literally)! For the next few months I'm working on shifting the family's footwear purchases. Today, I'm focusing on...........socks!

I have a 18 year old son who is a serious runner
I have an 18 daughter who looks for cute and SOFT socks in her Christmas stocking each year. Next, DH is a cyclist and a practical sort. At work he is business casual. As for me, I often have my shoes off as I work in people's homes (I'm a music therapist). I like lightweight, soft socks with just a little style or pattern. Nothing to eccentric, but not just a drawer of black socks, either.

In 2014, I purchased wool socks for a hiking trip out west. Some of these (FITS Sock Co.) are still going! I'm actually willing to darn them to keep them longer. However, they aren't very soft. I'm thinking of trying the ones in the pics.

Anyone have some great finds to share with me?

My family's feet will be so happy!

Amazon

Kirkland Signature Womens 6 Pack Extra Fine Merino Wool Trail Socks

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Amazon

Darn Tough Element No Show Tab Lightweight Sock - Men's

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4 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Socks are a great place to start! Those Kirkland merino ones are beautiful, and just the kind of socks I prefer these days--black with a subtle pattern.

I just started learning to darn and tried my skills on a holy sweater belonging to my 18yo son. He loved how it turned out, and suggested visibly mending other items he owns. It's kind of relaxing, if time consuming, and really wonderful to have something you're willing to put that kind of work into.

Runcarla

The longest lasting socks I have ever owned are Thorlo’s. Spendy, but worth every penny. They are for folks who like a thicker sock, though. I get 10 years from them. If that isn’t sustainable, I don’t know what is. I’m not up on what is current with them, because my most recent ones are ‘only’ 5 yo. I wear the sockets for athletic stuff (running, cycling, gym) and ankle socks for every day.

I also like Smart Wool, but this brand is newer to me, and mine are 2-3 yo. They show no signs of wear yet, but only get worn half the year (winter/cold weather).

I got some Darn Tough for DS#2 who works on his feet all day and is hard on his socks. He also likes a thinner sock. They are holding up at 2 yo, but feel ‘hard’ rather than soft and cushiony, IYKWIM.

My Thorlo’s look exactly like the ones below and I got them at a running store called Them Running Room.’

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karen13

I have some icebreaker socks that I just can’t wear out! Literally 10 years old! Worn all the time. I have 6 pairs and they are amazing. Plus they have a lifetime warranty so you can feel good about the upfront cost.

i like the look of the Kirkland ones. Let us know if you purchase.basically I only buy merino wool socks now. It may be TMI but I took 5 pairs of Smartwool and Icebreaker on a one month trip and only rinsed a few pairs out out due to stepping in gross city puddles, and I walk constantly.

rachylou

Excellent recommendation! I will look into it. I’m am ever on the quest for the perfect sock!

Beth Ann

Jenn: Yes, I do have some sewing skills, although they've been focused more on new garment, pillow and curtain creations! I figure a bit more attention to mending might allow me to be more responsible while also spending more per item. I figure I could mend while listening to audiobooks -- because I drive so much for my job, I am listen to something like 80 audiobooks a year.

RunCarla Thorlo -- I've not seen those recently! I bet they last because they've got lots of nylon. We used to use more nylon and less polyester. I have a sleek mostly-nylon cardi from Walmart --- it's still going 15 years on. It will likely outlive me -- which might be a problem, but I can't tell you how many more expensive sweaters have died untimely deaths!
I like my socks to be soft, but not too thick, and I know my runner son just wants no blisters! He's running about 60 miles a week, and will likely be running 80 next year.

Karen: We love to camp --- and my wool socks will make it multiple days, even in "the wild" if I air them out. I'd forgotten about icebreaker! Great suggestion!

Gigi

I have some Kirkland socks--they look like the ones in your find, but they might be a different material. Mine are thick and so warm! I am on year 3 of these, I think. They show hardly any wear. One of the socks did get a small snag in it, but that's it. They're very comfortable and great for the coldest Midwest winter days. I would definitely try out the Kirklands.

Thanks, Gigi! I'm in the midwest, so that works for me!

Ledonna N.

I’ve no input but cannot wait to see the evolution and build up

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Good strategy! I have no sock recommendations though.

Joy

I like Smart Wool that is not padded (takes up too much room in shoe or boot). I look for them at The Rack as they are usually less expensive than places like REI. I also like my Hue socks with metallic threads. They get lots of compliments. Cashmere are warm and soft but do not hold up for long. Same with 100% cotton. They can rub painfully if there are seams.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Balega is my favorite workout sock brand. I've also had good luck with the Bombas socks I've tried. For compression socks, I love the Duluth Trading ones.

Becky

I'm a Smartwool fan through and through. I have multiple designs/thicknesses for different activities and shoe/boot styles. They last me close to 10 years, probably.

Thanks, Ledonna and Angie! Socks are functional pieces of clothing -- less drama and emotion and more practicality are involved in the purchase. I'd love to have happy feet while being a responsible steward of resources!

Joy: Glad to know to check out the Rack!

Laura: I'm glad to get a review of these brands, Thanks!

Becky: 10 years if amazing! I'm hoping the website description will give me a sense of thickness!

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