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Author:Stephanie Patterson
Spring 2023 is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh wave of streetwear fashion that is set to dominate the fashion scene. Streetwear fashion has evolved significantly over the years, and each season brings exciting new trends and styles that make a statement on the streets.
From oversized tees to brightly colored jackets and bold accessories, there is something for everyone in the world of streetwear fashion. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best new streetwear styles for spring 2023 that are sure to turn heads and make a statement.
10 Best New Streetwear Styles for Spring 2023
#1 – A-COLD-WALL* logo-print T-shirt
A-COLD-WALL* logo-print T-shirt
This T-shirt from A-COLD-WALL* features a classic crew neck silhouette and a logo print to the rear of the design.
Set atop a Greca-embossed sole, the Trigreca sneakers pay homage to one of the label’s most iconic motifs. Composed of multiple colourful panels, the low-top pair is finished with branded detailing at the insole and tongue.
Made from breathable cotton and elevated with a signature logo plaque at the front. This apricot-hued iteration of Jacquemus’ Gadjo bucket hat evokes the brand’s playful casual take on accessories.
These sunglasses from Palm Angels arrive in a black colourway, accented by a palm tree motif at the side. Showcasing a structured rectangular frame, this accessory is finished with chunky angular temples.
This shoulder bag from A-COLD-WALL* is made recognisable by logo-print detailing to the front of the design. Meanwhile, multiple zip-fastening pockets offer a utilitarian finish.
Spring 2023 brings with it a fresh wave of exciting new streetwear styles that are set to make a statement on the fashion scene. From oversized tees to bold and colorful jackets, there is something for everyone in the world of streetwear fashion.
Whether you prefer a casual, laid-back look or something bolder and more expressive, the latest streetwear trends offer endless possibilities to express your personal style.
As we head into the new season, make sure to keep an eye out for these top streetwear trends and incorporate them into your wardrobe for a stylish and confident look that’s sure to turn heads.
Spring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation, and what better way to refresh your look than with some new beauty items?
With so many new products hitting the market, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the options.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best beauty items for spring 2023 to help you revamp your routine and step into the new season with confidence.
From skincare to makeup, we’ve got you covered with the latest and greatest products that will leave you feeling beautiful and radiant all season long.
Get ready to bloom with these must-have beauty items for spring 2023.
Top 15 Best Beauty Items for Spring 2023
#1 – La Mer The Eye Concentrate
La Mer The Eye Concentrate
The Eye Concentrate from La Mer featuring anti-ageing, reduces dark circles, reduces appearance of fine lines, for all skin types, cream, paraben-free, sulphate-free, 15ml, jar and silver-tipped applicator. Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market. The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.
The Serum from Clé de Peau Beauté featuring brightening, glowing finish, hydrating, strengthening, hydrating, for all skin types, algae extract, fluid and bottle.
The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream from La Mer featuring anti-ageing, anti-redness, anti-pollution, anti-dullness, reduces appearance of fine lines, for dry skin, for sensitive skin, for combination skin, for oily skin, cream, paraben-free, sulphate-free, 60ml, spatula, Miracle Broth™ and jar.
Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market. The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.
The Rich Cream from AUGUSTINUS BADER featuring hydrating, for all skin types, hyaluronic acid, cream, fragrance-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, sulphate-free, 50ml, bottle, pump and TFC8®. Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market.
The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.. Conscious: This product exceeds regulatory requirements. Its formulation also avoids ingredients that are identified by independent experts as potentially having a negative impact on the planet.
Regenerative Serum from Eighth Day featuring hydrating, plumping, for all skin types, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, serum, gluten-free, cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulphate-free, fragrance-free, 30ml, pipette applicator and vegan.
Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market. The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.
Faceshot™ Electric Microneedling Device from Face Gym featuring exfoliating, strengthening, repairing, reduces appearance of fine lines, for hyperpigmentation, glycolic acid, for all skin types, refillable, Faceshot™ device, USB power cable, clear outer ring, microneedle cartridge x 3 and glycolic acid ampoules x 3.
#9 – U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment serum
U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment serum
The Barrier Bioactive Treatment serum from U BEAUTY featuring smoothing, firming, hyaluronic acid, AHA, salicylic acid, sulphate-free, aluminium-free, gluten-free, acetone-free, fragrance-free, palm oil-free, pump and 50ml.
Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market. The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.
Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser from AESOP featuring cleansing, mandarin, bergamot, fresh, gel, paraben-free, silicone-free, 500ml, bottle and pump. Conscious: Cruelty-free certified .
Conscious: This product’s primary and secondary packaging contain at least 50% recycled materials. Those in the secondary packaging also come from forests certified as being managed in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Epitomizing beauty with a French flair, Lancôme has a vision of making you happy. Find joy in your everyday with La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum featuring notes of iris spring flowers and earthy tones of patchouli for a contemporary warm fragrance.
Black Monsieur Big mascara from Lancôme featuring full coverage, volumising, defining, long-lasting and brush.
Chouchette Baby Cheeks stick blush from Westman Atelier featuring luminous finish, buildable finish, blending, paraben-free, talc-free, solid, cream and stick.
Violet Code: The Violet Code sets the standard by which Violet Grey’s Committee of Industry Experts identifies hero products from the tens of thousands available on the market. The result is a curation of the best in beauty from those who know best.. Conscious: This product’s primary and secondary packaging contain at least 50% recycled materials.
Those in the secondary packaging also come from forests certified as being managed in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your beauty routine and try out some new products, and we hope our list of the best beauty items for spring 2023 has given you some inspiration.
From hydrating serums to bright and bold lipsticks, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your skincare routine, experiment with new makeup looks, or just treat yourself to something special, these products are sure to help you look and feel your best this season.
So go ahead and indulge in a little self-care, and enjoy all the beauty that spring has to offer.
As the winter weather begins to thaw and the flowers start to bloom, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for the special women in your life.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful present for your mother, sister, girlfriend, wife, or friend, the spring season offers a wealth of opportunities to show your appreciation and love.
From beauty products to fashion accessories, home decor to outdoor gear, this gift guide for women is packed with ideas to make the most of the spring season and spoil the important women in your life. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the ultimate gift guide for women for Spring 2023!
Top 10 Gifts for Women – Spring 2023
#1 – Off-White small Binder shoulder bag
Off-White small Binder shoulder bag
Off-White’s contemporary and self-referential approach to accessories is captured by this white iteration of the Binder bag, made from smooth calf leather in Italy and elevated with a gold-tone signature Binder Clip motif on its flap. Its adjustable strap allows it to be worn in multiple ways.
Jacquemus adds playful details to its designs as showcased by this ribbed knit mini dress. Its asymmetric silhouette features cut-out detailing and a distinctive decorative bead. Presented in a bright blue hue with a contrasting trim, the dress reveals the French brand’s sunny disposition.
Conscious: We’ve partnered with Good On You – an ethical agency that rates how sustainably brands perform. This product comes from a brand that performs well in relation to their impact on animals.
Simone Rocha’s hair clip boasts a colourful floral embellishment: a brand signature. It comprises pink and orange beads framed by facetd green crystals.
As the snow melts and the temperatures start to rise, it’s time to start thinking about refreshing your wardrobe for the upcoming spring season.
One of the most important parts of any outfit is the shoes, and this year’s shoe trends for women in spring 2023 are sure to impress. The fashion world is buzzing with excitement for the upcoming spring 2023 season, and with good reason.
From classic styles with a modern twist to new designs that are sure to turn heads, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you prefer something comfortable and practical or bold and statement-making, this article will cover all of the trending shoes for women in spring 2023 that you need to know about. Get ready to step into the new season in style!
Here are 10 must-see women’s shoes that are sure to be hot for the spring 2023 season.
These Gucci sandals are enhanced by a chain link detail, on top, with the brand’s emblematic Interlocking G logo. The pair is crafted from metallic leather and sits atop a high sculpted heel for a sleek and bold finish.
Reflecting Amina Muaddi’s early-2000s-inspired take on accessories, this dark grey iteration of the Laura mules are crafted in Italy from smooth calf leather and covered in faded denim. Boasting a square open toe, they sit atop a high stiletto heel.
Conscious: We’ve partnered with Good On You – an ethical agency that rates how sustainably brands perform. This item comes from a brand that performs well in relation to their impact on the planet.
Realised in distressed denim, this intriguing design from Dolce & Gabbana is punctuated with crystal-embellished buckle detailing at the toe. Meanwhile, a silver-tone logo plaque accents the stiletto heel for a branded finish.
Caution: extra laces are tied around the shoes for styling purpose and should be removed before use
Conscious: We’ve partnered with Good On You – an ethical agency that rates how sustainably brands perform. This item comes from a brand that performs well in relation to their impact on the planet.
These Padlock sandals from TOM FORD are so-called thanks to the gold-tone charm that illuminates the ankle straps. Crafted from smooth calf leather, this pair sits atop a polished mid-height heel, reflecting the label’s statement aesthetic.
In conclusion, the fashion world is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming spring 2023 shoe trends. From bold and bright colors to unique textures and embellishments, there is something for every fashion-forward woman to look forward to.
Whether you prefer a classic style or something a bit more daring, the latest trends offer endless possibilities to elevate your footwear game. So, get ready to step out in style this spring with the hottest shoe trends of 2023!
One of the most exciting parts of transitioning from the summer season to cooler weather is the opportunity to pull out your favourite pair of boots. They’re both a style staple and a way to express your personality, and socks are no different.
If you haven’t yet explored how to wear boot socks, it could be the knowledge that elevates your fashion. Pairing socks with boots is simple and fun, and besides upping your fashion game, learning how to wear boot socks can make you more comfortable while wearing them.
Once you develop the styling skills of how to wear socks with boots, your boots will end up lasting longer. And you won’t have to keep buying new outfits to switch up your style. Joining a sock club can ensure that you have lots of socks to pair with your boots so that your look is always fresh.
Physical Benefits to Wearing Socks With Boots
Do you wear socks with booties? It’s highly recommended. One of the biggest motivators to wear socks with boots is that a good pair of socks wick away moisture and has antibacterial properties. There is nothing more agonizing than wondering if your feet smell on a date, in a job interview or when out for coffee with a friend.
In addition to staying odorless and maintaining the condition of your boots, you’ll prevent the onset of blisters and calluses by wearing bare feet. Wearing socks can provide cushioning, which is beneficial to your joints and temperature regulation. Your feet will remain dry and cool in the warmer months or when you’re being active.
How Do You Wear Boot Socks?
Developing the knack for how to wear boot socks takes a bit of practice and some quiet confidence. The unspoken rules of socks and fashion can feel as rigid as the old rule of thumb, don’t wear white after Labor Day.
But you don’t have to hold back when finding your style edge, down to your boots and socks. Just note that boots are best worn with casual and business casual outfits, which is what we’ll outline in this style guide.
There are several factors that go into how to wear boot socks. There are many ways to approach your style, and you can change it around depending on your outfit, mood or the occasion. We’ll go through the types of socks that go with casual and smart casual looks.
Pairing Socks With Boots: By Sock Length
If you’re unsure of what length of sock to wear with your boots, consider what look you’re trying to achieve. Are you looking for a playful summer look with your suave boots? Is it comfortable fall fashion you have in mind? Are you seeking a layered casual look for a cold winter day? Once you’ve established what you want from your look, it’s easier to focus on the sock length that will convey your style.
When learning how to wear boot socks, you can apply your creativity and personal style. We’ll go through what kind of socks to wear with booties and the ABCs of boot socks to make choosing your outfits easier.
Crew Socks
For a relaxed and laissez-faire vibe on the weekend, pair your boots with a bigger bunched sock. Wearing boots with bunched crew socks looks terrific with skinny jeans and cuffed pants, and draws the eye to texture. Use a thick sock for added effect.
Tall Socks
Trouser length, knee socks, and over-the-knee socks pique interestwhen worn under cropped pants. They’ll also keep you nice and warm. Tall socks look like stylish leg warmers when paired with riding boots. When you pull your socks on, stretch them straight. If your pants reach over the socks, then roll the cuff to show them off.
Ankle Socks & No Show Socks
For warmer weather, an elegant style is to wear your socks with bare legs. It’s the perfect chance to show off your legs and your tan, while also keeping your temperature under control when it gets humid and hot.
Do you wear socks with ankle boots in the summer? Definitely. Socks to wear with booties for a bare look are mid-calf, ankle or no show socks. This comfy and free feeling look will allow you to wear your beloved boots in more seasons. Now that you know what kind of socks to wear with booties, let’s take a look at colors and materials.
Top Tips for Wearing Socks With Boots
Choosing Your Sock Color
Colored socks add an element of interest and intrigue to your outfit. You can use them to match shades found elsewhere in your outfit, or they can be the pop of vibrance in an ensemble that’s lacking color. If you’re wearing short boots, you won’t want to wear bright knee-high or thigh-high socks. Think more like a splash of color to accent your boots, not an explosion.
Socks that are neutral, in other words, black, grey, and beige, will compliment any colors you’re wearing in a subtle way. If you’re pairing socks with bare legs, stick with sock shades that match your skin tone. If you’re not into brightly colored socks, but still want them to be noticed, grey is a good option with darker bottoms.
Choosing Your Sock Material
Sock thickness: For a crisp fall day when you’re taking a hike in a pair of leggings, a thicker sock may suit your purpose. On a warm spring evening, when you are attending a casual dinner, a pair of thin socks will look classy with your boots. You can determine how much dimension you want from your socks based on the purpose of your outfit, the weather and the occasion.
Cotton
If you’re looking for a soft, breathable, everyday sock, you may choose a cotton sock. Crew socks are generally made out of cotton, and you can find them in different thickness levels, and start a collection of summer vs. winter socks.
Wool
To keep you toasty in cold weather, wool socks are a better option. If you think it’s worth it to invest in more expensive and durable socks, consider Merino wool: the natural fiber is moisture-wicking, fast-drying, anti-odour, and thermal regulation capabilities. Wool helps you avoid chafing and blisters that sometimes come with wearing boots.
Socks and Boots: Choosing Your Look
Maybe in the past, you undervalued the potential of socks to act as a key player in your fashion ensembles. By now it should be apparent to you that socks can be thedifference between an ordinary outfit and a memorable ensemble. Socks can set the tone for your look, whether you are aiming to look sexy, relaxed, understated or bold.
How to Wear Boot SocksStyle/Fabric/PatternLookNo show socks, ankle socks, mid-calf socks Bare legNo show socks Black dress pantsFluffy Socks Relaxed and chicBunched socks, Crew Cozy hipsterMid-calf colorful or patterned socks Peek-a-booColored socks Coordinated outfit or splash of color Tall black socks Sleek attireBlack socks with detailing Classy and boldMesh Socks Edgy and cool
Pairing Socks With Boots: By Outfit
Jeans
An essential part of the sock and boot lifestyle is knowing how to wear boot socks with jeans. For unique laid back look, consider wearing cuffed denim with a hint of patterned socks peeking out from the top of your boot cuffs.
You may wonder about how to wear boot socks over jeans. Another way to wear socks with jeans is to layer neutral crew socks over them. Pair that with a brown or black leather boot and that look will work for you all through fall and winter.
Khakis, Chinos, and Casual Pants
Invest in some quality over the calf socks. You’ll be impressed by the way that they stay up and show off your boot. Here’s a trick for when you’re trying to settle on your color or pattern of socks—match it with the pants, not the boot. When in doubt, go neutral.
Skirts and Dresses
A short or tall boot looks beautiful with dresses and skirts. Adding socks is a thoughtful detail that warms and gives definition to the outfit. If the weather is chilly, you might wear tights with socks layered over the top.
Create a polished look by wearing the same color of tights, boots and socks. Choosing an all-black ensemble can create a simple and elegant look with black booties. If you’re wondering how to wear ankle boots with socks, as a tip, let the sock rise 2-3 inches above your boots.
Now that we’ve broken down how to wear boot socks from all possible angles, you can see how easy it is. You can choose a neutral sock or show your daring personality with a bright, patterned choice.
These are style suggestions to keep in mind, but don’t be afraid to get creative—despite what you hear from fashion gurus, the rules can be flexible. Especially if you have the confidence to prove that they do in fact, look fly.
Caring for Your Socks and Boots
You may be dazzling onlookers with socks and boots combos, but to ensure that you can continue to do so, it is essential to care for your socks and boots. Check out our guide on how to wash your socks to keep them in great condition.
How to Clean Your Leather Boots
Remove the laces so that you can clean the boot thoroughly
Have warm, soapy water on hand and wash the laces to remove accumulated dirt
Replace the laces if necessary
Buff the boots with a horsehair brush
If possible, brush your boots after each wear but at least once a week keeps their condition
Use a damp rag and apply saddle soap to the boots
Let the boots dry for about ten minutes
How to Apply Leather Conditioner to Your Boots
Apply a good leather conditioner to counter water damage
Begin by rubbing the boots down
Use your applicator brush to test a single spot to see how the conditioner affects the leather. Spot test on the tongue of the boot
Wait a couple of hours to see how the spot comes out
Apply conditioner to a cloth and work it in making circular motions and getting into all areas of the boot
If you haven’t conditioned in a while, you may need several applications
Remove excess product with another rag
Leave boots to absorb the conditioner for 12 hours
How to Clean Your Suede Boots
Method Onerequires a brass wire brush or suede brush, and is great after heavy use of your boots: Make light stroking movements with the brush, ensuring that the bristles remove dirt and residue. Try not to brush too hard, and brush in only one direction. You can use a suede eraser or even a pencil eraser to remove stubborn marks. If the suede looks flat, hold the boot above a kettle and let the steam work over it, then brush.
Method Twoinvolves a little water: If your boots are wet, apply paper towel with pressure to the culprit spot. If you hold long enough, you can absorb all of the moisture. If your boots are water stained as opposed to soaked, spray a bit of water evenly over the boot. Gently brush the stains, then soak up the water with a dry sponge or cloth. Stick blank white paper in your shoes to absorb the water but be careful not to use newspaper. Leave the shoes in a ventilated area overnight. While the shoes dry, run over them softly with a suede brush to restore the grain.
Method Threeinvolves cornstarch or talcum powder: If you’ve had a spill, don’t fret. Pat the spot with a clean cloth and apply talcum powder or cornstarch. Leave it to sit overnight, then take a suede brush and gently use it to remove the dried powder. When the stains dry out, you can rub them with a suede cleaning block, the suede of the other shoe, an emery board or low-grit sandpaper. Once the stain is gone, spray the item once more, and use an eraser to restore the nap.
Getting Rid of Stubborn Stains
Type of Stain
Cleaning Method
Blood Stains
Use a peroxide-soaked cotton ball to dab at the stain.
Coffee/Tea/Juice
Place two layers of paper towel over the stain and then begin using a brush.
Ink Spills
Blot the ink up with a paper towel. If the ink sets, use sandpaper or use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Mud Stains
Wipe away the mud, break off larger chunks and then use a suede brush.
Salt Lines
Use a little bit of white vinegar with a soft rag. Let it dry and then work over it with a suede brush.
Oily/Unknown Stains
Use a suede brush the way you would for dirt. Then, use a nail brush with warm water to remove the stain.
Wax/Chewing Gum
Put your boot in the freezer to harden the gum. Break it off and use a suede brush to restore the material.
Now that you know everything there is to know about taking care of your boots and how to wear them with socks, go ahead and assemble a killer combo.
Socks are notorious for being the part of a man’s outfit that gets overlooked and under appreciated. They’re often covered by pants and shoes, but that doesn’t mean socks don’t deserve the same amount of love the rest of your outfit gets.
And when it comes to wool socks, they’re the closest equivalent to giving your feet a long, warm hug. Feeling intimidated about how to wash wool socks? This article has your back, don’t worry.
Wool socks are nothing like those cotton ones you own hundreds of. Wool socks are special. They’re soft. They’re warm. They’re pillows for your feet. If that doesn’t sound good enough, wool socks are a stylish, luxurious option for your feet that happen to carry tons of benefits. As outlined in Business Insider, here are some of the benefits of wearing wool socks:
Wool is one of the warmest fabrics, ensuring your feet stay toasty at all times
Wool fibers are naturally odor resistant (see you never, smelly feet!)
Wool is highly absorbent
Unlike cotton socks that soak in all kinds of odors and foot perspiration, wool socks are a guaranteed way to keep your feet both warm and dry. I know what you’re thinking: these socks sound perfect. And in many cases, they are. But learning how to wash wool socks will take a bit more effort than attending to your cotton socks. Keep reading for the best wool washing tips.
Can Wool Socks Be Dry Cleaned?
When thinking about how to wash wool socks, the first choice that comes to mind is the easiest: send them out to get dry cleaned, then they’re no longer your problem. But can wool socks be dry cleaned? No, wool socks cannot be dry cleaned. Here’s why:
When clothing is dry cleaned, high temperatures are used to thoroughly wash the garments. This intense heat will wear out the wool fibers, resulting in your socks not lasting as long
Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals to remove tough stains. These chemicals can actually shrink wool fibers and result in your socks no longer fitting.
Dry cleaning may seem like an easy option, but you’ll be doing more harm than good to your wool socks. To ensure your wool socks last as long as possible, you’ll want to take a more hands-on approach and wash those guys yourself. You no longer need to wonder about how to clean wool socks. You’ll find the highlights listed below.
Not All Wool is Machine Washable
An important tidbit of information to remember when thinking about how to wash wool socks
is that not all fabrics are created equal. Wool socks cannot merely be thrown haphazardly into the washing cycle with your jeans, underwear, and whatever else that needs to get soaped up. Wool requires a gentler hand. And learning how to wash wool socks will teach you why that is. So, why isn’t all wool machine washable?
Machine washing causes the woolen fibers to shrink.
Common laundry detergents contain chemicals that slowly begin to break down the wool.
Now that what not to do has been highlighted, let’s move on to a simple, easy-to-follow summary on how to wash wool socks.
How to Wash Blended Wool Socks
To put it simply, Blended Wool Socks are not 100% wool. Instead, they are made by combining wool with another fabric, usually at an 80:20 ratio.
Hand Wash
If you opt to hand wash your Blended Wool Socks, the process is fairly simple. Lucky for you, we’ve done all the research and condensed it into a handful of straightforward steps:
Squeeze mild orunscented soap onto a washcloth and gently dab at the socks. Do not scrub.
Rinse the socks thoroughly under lukewarm water.
Lay the socks on a clean towel and gently press them with the towel, removing any excess water. Never ring or squeeze the water out of your socks, which can cause stretching.
Allow the socks to air dry flat on a towel.
Machine Wash
First, your socks should be washed strictly in cold water with a mild or unscented detergent. Cold water helps the socks maintain their standard fit and reduce shrinkage. Washing the socks on a gentle cycle is an important, less abrasive method that ensures that the wool fibers remain intact.
Last, lay the socks on a towel and allow them to air dry.
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are made of wool from the merino sheep. It is not only super soft and finer than other wools: the natural fiber is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, wrinkle resistant, does not take in sweaty odours, and is fireproof (although we hope you never find yourself in a situation in which you are in danger of setting your feet on fire).
For more information on the wonders of this fabric, check out our Merino Wool Guide.
Hand Wash
If you’re wondering how to wash Merino wool socks, simply follow these outlined steps to ensure you properly care for this fabric:
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water.
Squeeze mild orunscented soap onto a washcloth and gently dab at the socks. Do not scrub.
Place the sudsy socks into the water and gently move them around, allowing the soap to remove any dirt.
Gently rinse the socks under lukewarm water, allowing all soap to be removed.
Lay the socks on a clean towel and gently press them, removing any excess water. Never attempt to ring or squeeze the water out of your socks!
Allow the socks to air dry flat on a towel.
Machine Wash
When opting to machine wash your Merino wool socks, there are a few key rules to keep in mind. Ensure you are using warm water, a mild detergent, and your machine is on a gentle cycle. After washing, press the socks between a towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry.
How to Wash Cashmere Wool Socks
Cashmere fibers are found from the fine hairs on a cashmere goat (how fancy does this goat sound?). Known for being one of the most luxurious and expensive fabrics, you want to make sure you’re washing your cashmere wool socks properly, to prevent unnecessary spending if you end up replacing them.
Hand Wash
Hand washing your cashmere wool socks is the same easy process as washing Merino wool socks. Here are the easy steps, one more time:
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water.
Squeeze mild orunscented soap onto a washcloth and gently dab at the socks. Do not scrub.
Place the soaped-up socks into the water and gently swish them around, allowing the soap to remove any dirt.
Gently rinse the socks under lukewarm water, allowing all soap to be removed.
Lay the socks on a clean towel and gently press them, removing any excess water. Never attempt to ring or squeeze the water out of your socks!
Allow the socks to air dry flat on a towel.
Machine Wash
Now, here is where machine washing your socks requires an easy, extra step. Cashmere is a very delicate fabric, so the process of machine washing these guys is a little different. Here is everything you need to know:
Place your socks in the washing-machine in a mesh washing bag.
Select the delicate cycle and cold water, using only a mild detergent.
When the cycle ends, place the wet socks on a dry towel and pat off any excess water.
Leave the socks to dry flat on a towel.
How to Wash Angora Wool Socks
Angora hair comes from the Angora rabbit (isn’t it fun to learn about these adorable creatures?). The fabric is known for being thin and soft, with a special fluffiness that makes it unique. Since Angora rabbits can be found in various colours, so can their wool.
Hand Wash
Angora wool socks must be hand washed. An important fact to remember is to only clean your Angora wool socks when necessary, to reduce agitation. Here’s how to hand wash your Angora wool socks:
Fill a sink with lukewarm water and mix in about a tablespoon of mild or unscented soap.
Place the socks in the water and gently move them around, applying a soft squeeze to the fabric. Leave for five minutes then repeat.
After ten minutes, rinse the socks with lukewarm water and place on a clean towel, gently patting off any excess water.
Lay the socks flat to dry.
Machine Wash: Not Recommended
Angora wool cannot be placed in a washing-machine. The thin fabric is too delicate to sustain the machine’s conditions and will cause the woolen fibers to shrink and tear.
How to Wash Australian Wool Socks
Australian wool socks are extremely soft and have a thick fleece texture to them. It is naturally insulated and keeps your feet both cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Hand Wash
Hand washing your Australian wool socks can be expertly executed in a few simple steps. You’ll want to fill your sink with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Avoiding excess agitation, let the socks soak for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse under lukewarm water and allow to air dry flat on a towel.
Machine Wash
Machine washing your Australian wool socks is quite easy:
Set your machine to the delicate cycle with cold water, again using a mild detergent.
When the socks are clean, allow them to dry flat on a towel.
Just in case washing your socks by hand sounds good in theory, but you won’t bother unless necessary:
Wool Type
Machine Washable?
Blended
Yes: cold water on a gentle cycle
Merino
Yes: warm water on a gentle cycle
Cashmere
Yes: cold water on a delicate cycle
Angora
Not recommended
Australian
Yes: cold water on a delicate cycle
Wearing Your Wool Socks
Figuring out how to wash wool socks may seem scary at first, but following the steps highlighted in this article will take you from amateur to pro in no time. Once you’ve mastered the steps, the only thing left to do is launch your reputation as a well-dressed man with an impeccable collection of wool socks.
Unsure of what pair to order or what outfit to match it to? Our blog has a variety of style content that will up your fashion game, like how to wear a pocket watch and how to wear a beanie. So go on, take your newfound knowledge of how to wash wool socks and start assembling your own sweet collection.
Take Care of Your Socks
Socks may be the most underrated apparel out there. Yes they keep our feet warm, and yes they prevent blisters—but there’s so much more to these foot-cozy bits of fabric than meets the eye.
A high quality and well washed sock helps anyone put their best foot forward, from the moment it’s slipped on till the instant it’s taken off. Socks are on the surface functional and practical, yet pairs like these men’s crazy socks can add pizzazz to any outfit.
Rather than simply tossing socks into the washing machine with the rest of your laundry, try cleaning them with care. Following our tips on how to wash socks will ensure that your socks come out fresh, vibrant and ready to face, or rather, foot another day.
How to Wash Socks in a Washing Machine
Follow four simple rules when machine washing your socks, and they’ll come out near as immaculate as the day you bought them.
Always flip socks inside out before tossing them into the laundry. This technique ensures they’ll be thoroughly cleaned, since most odour-causing bacteria builds up inside the sock. Turning them inside out will also keep them lint-free.
Separate socks by colour and style. Take care not to let a dark or colourful sock slip into a load of whites as the colour may bleed and stain the entire load. For instance, if you mix red socks with white pairs, you’ll likely end up with a pink sock collection.
Fill your washing machine with mild detergent.
Wash socks in cold water on a gentle cycle setting.
Steps 3 and 4 protect your socks from snags, runs and fading. These steps on how to wash socks also prevent them from coming out of the laundry misshapen and sad looking.
When it comes to white athletic socks, you have a bit more leeway. Feel free to toss them into the machine along with a load of white towels. To keep them in their original dazzling shade of white, add a capful of bleach to the load and wash in hot water.
Where dark or colourful dress socks are concerned, it’s safest to steer clear of bleach or detergent containing bleach. Washing with bleach can result in staining and discolouration. Stick to a cold water setting as opposed to hot, which can lead to shrinkage, wear, and tear.
When you shrink a pair of no show socks, which are tiny enough as they are, you’ll end up in a wrestling match trying to put them on. Tossing compression socks in the dryer is even worse—the breakdown of fabric causes them to lose their compression effects, and their snug fit can end up uncomfortably tight.
Have your socks ever gone MIA during laundry day? Washing machines are notorious for sucking the odd sock straight out the drainage pipe along with dirty water. Many missing socks have reportedly been discovered outside the washing machine drum or caught up in the motor. How they ended up there is anyone’s guess.
By following these simple tips on how to wash socks, you can save your favourite pairs from forever disappearing into sock limbo.
Before tossing them into the washing machine, fasten sock pairs together with a clothespin. They can be both washed and dried this way. Not only will this practice keep them from vanishing—it’ll save you from hunting through a pile of laundry for socks and their mates.
Prior to washing, tuck your socks into a mesh laundry bag. This technique will keep them from going AWOL during the wash cycle.
If you don’t own a mesh laundry bag, never fear: you can easily make your own from an old pair of pantyhose or any other loosely knitted garment.
The two most common reasons socks get thrown in the trash is either due to lint accumulation or because of a missing mate. By following our tips on how to wash socks, you can avoid both of these typical sock dilemmas.
How to Wash Socks by Hand
To avoid long-term damage, socks made from delicate material, such as cashmere, silk, and Merino wool socks, should most definitely be hand-washed. If you ever find yourself without use of a washing machine, any sock can be hand-washed in a pinch. Just follow these steps:
Fill a sink with cold water.
Add in some mild laundry detergent, or you can improvise with dishwashing liquid, if laundry detergent is not accessible.
Turn socks inside out for a thorough cleaning.
Allow socks to soak for at least 5 minutes. For an especially dirty batch, allow to soak for up to 30 minutes.
Swish socks around in the soapy water to loosen up grime.
Drain sink and rinse socks under cold running water until no longer soapy.
Avoid scrubbing, twisting or wringing as this can result in runs, snags and stretching.
For larger sock loads, swap out the sink for a tub and you’re ready to roll.
How to Air Dry Socks
While most socks can easily be tossed into a dryer, socks of quality fabric will catch lint if included in a regular load of clothes, towels or sport socks. Additionally, heat from a dryer gradually breaks down sock elasticity and eventually leads to stretching.
Socks made of delicate materials should be allowed to air dry. Any sock, no matter the style or fabric can be air dried as opposed to machine dried. Air drying socks will keep them looking and feeling great and will most definitely extend their lives.
Air drying socks may seem simple enough—but there’s a secret to removing excess water from freshly laundered socks.
Lay wet socks out flat on a clean towel and roll up tightly.
Press down on the towel to remove excess water.
Hang damp socks on a clothesline or clothing rack to air dry.
If you don’t own a clothesline or a clothing rack, then simply drape the socks over the edge of a tub or shower rod.
If its just one of those hectic days and you’re low on time, toss your socks into the dryer on a gentle and low-heat setting. This is the least harsh method for machine drying socks.
How to Wash Socks With Stains
If you don’t feel like purchasing a stain remover, you can go with some tried-and-true home remedies.
How to Wash Socks With StainsStain Type: Key Ingredient Directions Red Wine: Salt1. As soon as the spill happens, blot the stain to get as much wine out as you can. You don’t want to rub the stain, just dab at it. 2. Soak your sock in cool water to prevent the stain from setting in. 3. Cover the stain with enough salt so that the stain is covered. The salt will start to turn pink as it pulls the stain out. 4. Rinse the stain out with hot water. Grass: White Vinegar 1. Mix warm water with plain white vinegar. 2. Rub at the grass stain with this mixture. 3. Rinse the stain out with hot water. Ink: Hair Spray1. Spray the stain with hair spray. The alcohol in the spray will help break down the ink. 2. Let the sock, ink, and hair spray combination sit for several minutes. 3. Rinse the stain out with hot water.
After any of those stain treatments, go ahead and wash the item as planned.
An all-purpose, generic stain remover can easily be concocted using items from your kitchen cupboard. Mix 1 part liquid dishwashing detergent with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and allow stained garment to soak before washing as usual.
Alternatively, you can add 1 cup of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of powdered dishwasher detergent to your regular laundry detergent. This combination is particularly helpful for removing dirt stains, and it also helps brighten up white socks.
Should You Dry Clean Socks?
In your quest of learning how to wash socks, you may have wondered if dry cleaning is a good option. Emphatically no, for a few reasons. First, dry cleaning can be costly. The washing methods we have so far outlined are much more wallet friendly than taking your socks to be dry cleaned.
In actuality, dry cleaning is not good for your socks. The high heat used in dry cleaning will have the same adverse effects as the dryer you have at home: the elasticity of your socks will break down and they’ll end up stretching in a manner that is both unattractive and uncomfortable.
If you were to get your socks dry cleaned, you would really only be paying to have your socks destroyed. Completely nonsensical.
Make Your Socks Last
The way you choose to wash and dry your socks can be the deciding factor in how long your pairs last. Take pride in your socks, the way you do with your favourite premium brand sneakers or a cashmere sweater.
How to Wash SocksDo’sDon’ts Wash socks in cold water on a gentle setting Put socks with delicate materials in the dryer Use mild detergentPut socks in the dryer on high heat Flip socks inside outScrub, twist, or wring out wet socks Separate socks by colour and styleDry clean your socks
Launder your socks the way they deserve, and you’ll save them from snags and runs, and from becoming stretched out and misshapen. Regardless of how well you care for your socks, eventually all good things come to and end. Learn all about what to do with old socks.
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are designed to promote increased blood flow from an individual’s legs to their heart. They work by applying gentle pressure to the affected area which increases circulation and helps prevent or minimize venous issues. Due to the critical role compression socks play concerning blood flow, it’s important to follow our step-by-step guide in how to put on compression socks.
How to Put on Compression Socks
Compression socks play a vital role in maintaining blood flow within the lower legs and feet. But none of that matters if they aren’t worn properly. Unlike most items of clothing, when it comes to putting on compression socks, there is a right way and a wrong way.
You can damage compression garments if you aren’t wearing them properly. More importantly, an improper fit compromises the circulation benefits the sock is designed to give. If compression socks are too loose, your legs won’t receive the pressure required to improve circulation. Alternatively, the socks can be too fit, which can cause a cut off in circulation.
Compression socks are designed to be a snug fit, so they can be tricky to put on for beginners. If you follow our guidelines, you’ll see that it’s quite simple. Keep reading for instructions on how to put on compression socks the right way.
Ensure the compression sock is not inside out
Get in a seated position: whether in a chair, on the edge of a bed or on the floor, make sure you have enough space to move freely
Place your arm into the sock until your palm rests inside the sock’s heel
Using your thumb, pinch the sock heel against your palm
Using your other hand, pull the sock top back down your arm, turning it inside out as you go without letting go of the sock heel
Stop pulling the sock when you reach your thumb; this will make it easier to get your foot into position
Once your foot is in place, begin rolling the sock sleeve up toward your knee (calf length socks will stop below the knee and thigh highs will go over the knee and cover the entire leg
If your calf length compression sock goes too high, make a crisp fold in the material directly beneath the knee
Ensure the compression sock is smooth and not wrinkled or bunched
Our version of how to put on compression socks 101 isn’t over just yet. Here are some expert tips to help you get the hang of the process–and to ensure you don’t damage the socks along the way.
Keep your nails short and remove all jewellery before putting socks on or taking them off
Some experts recommend wearing rubber gloves to safeguard against snags and tears (they can also help you get a better grip)
While wearing compression socks, consider wearing slippers, shoes or loose socks over top
Don’t apply lotion to legs before wearing compression socks
Do not cut any loose threads that may appear on a compression garment
Avoid pulling or tugging on socks during wear, which can tear the fabric
The Best Way to Remove Compression Socks
Just as there are guidelines for how to put on compression socks, the same goes for taking them off. Tugging at them can result in damage and compromise to the compression they provide.
When removing your compression sock, follow these instructions:
Get a firm grip of the fabric at the top of the sock, just below the band
Fold the sock down over your leg, kind of like peeling a banana
When you’ve gone as far as you can go, slip the compression sock off over your foot
How Compression Socks Work
There isn’t much of a point to learning how to put on compression socks if you don’t know what they do. It all has to do with our circulatory system. The blood flow in our legs has to fight gravity in order to make its way back up to the heart. If a person is prone to or suffers from circulation issues, this can make it difficult for the blood to travel upward. The resulting pooling of blood in the lower extremities can lead to swelling, achiness, fatigue, blood clots and even more serious health conditions including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Wearing a compression sock can change this situation for the better. Calf high compression socks are tightest around the ankles, gradually loosening as they reach the knees and thighs. By compressing surface veins, arteries and muscles, the garment forces the circulating blood through narrow channels. This increases blood flow reaching the heart and reduces pain, discomfort and swelling in the lower legs and feet.
Types of Compression Socks
If you’re thinking of getting compression socks, you should know the three types available on the market: Graduated compression socks, Anti-embolism socks, Non-medical support hosiery
Graduated Compression Sock
The graduated compression sock typically requires a professional fitting and is sometimes only available by prescription. The level of compression offered by this garment is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases toward the top. This particular sock is designed to promote mobility yet can sometimes prove challenging to put on. This is where our clearly defined instructions for how to put on compression socks comes in handy.
Anti-Embolism Sock
The anti-embolism sock is generally used to reduce the risk of DVT and other vein issues. While the compression works in much the same way as the graduated sock, the levels can differ based on preference and necessity. The anti-embolism sock is often used by individuals who are on their feet or sitting for extended periods of time.
Non-Medical Support Hosiery
These particular compression garments do not require a prescription and can usually be found at most pharmacies. Hosiery comes in the form of compression stockings or pantyhose, meant to provide relief for tired and achy legs.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks
The advantages of wearing compression socks are numerous, from simply giving your legs a bit of a circulation boost to preventing or minimizing potentially life-threatening conditions. Make a wrong turn when putting your socks on and you can basically kiss the benefits goodbye.
These are the top benefits associated with wearing compression socks:
Increases circulation within the legs
Prevents/decreases leg, ankle and foot swelling
Vein support
Reduces pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins
Decreases the risk of developing DVT, a life threatening condition associated with blood clots
Provides legs with a refreshing and energized boost
When You Should Wear Compression Socks
Basically anyone can wear compression garments at any time for comfort and relief. For individuals suffering from potentially serious issues, a health care professional may prescribe or recommend specific compression items to be worn.
Whatever the case, compression socks have gotten a bad rap over the years. Many people believe they are reserved for the elderly and infirm but that’s just not true.They’ve come a long way – these days you can find them in any bright color or pattern imaginable.
These are the most common reasons for wearing compression socks:
Sitting for extended periods of time due to work or travel
Continuous standing
Suffering from or having a family history of certain health conditions such as DVT and/or varicose veins
Exercising: it is believed that compression socks can decrease muscle soreness while exercising or during post-exercise recovery
For relief after suffering a muscle injury
If you are uncertain, feel free to discuss with your health care provider to find out if wearing compression garments can be beneficial to you. Keep in mind, compression socks won’t matter in any of the above scenarios if they aren’t worn properly, so refer to our guidelines for how to put on compression socks.
Choosing the Right Compression Socks
Level of Compression
Before buying compression socks, it’s good to know that they come in a variety of pressures. Each compression gradient is specifically designed for a purpose. Figuring out which compression level is right for you is the first step in determining which sock to purchase.
Compression Level
Pressure Amount
Uses
Mild
8-15 mmhg
Used to relieve mild swelling in feet, ankles, legsPrevents fatigue during extended periods of sitting/standingReduces achiness and fatigue from day-to-day lifeCan help reduce/prevent formation of varicose/spider veins in pregnant women
Medium
15-20 mmhg
Most common level of compressionRelieves tired and achy legsPrevents and reduces swellingCan help prevent DVT and other serious health conditionsIdeal for use while travelling or in jobs requiring extensive time on your feet
Firm
20-30 mmhg
Offers same support as levels aboveUsed to treat serious venous issues such as swelling, ulcers and recovery from DVT and other inflammatory conditionsSeek medical advice before wearing this level of compression
Extra Firm
30-40 mmhg
Treats and prevents serious issuesShould only be worn when instructed to do so by a healthcare professional
Highest
40-50 mmhg
Treats serious venous diseasesShould only be worn when prescribed by a healthcare professional
Compression Sock Sizes
Next, you need to select the size compression sock that will fit you best. Sizing is typically based on shoe size as well as calf measurements. Consult the chart below as a guideline when deciding what size compression sock is right for you.
Compression Sock Size
Women’s Shoe Size
Men’s Shoe Size
Calf-Size
XS
5-8
5-7
10”-13”
S/M
8-10
8-10
13”-16”
L/XL
11-14
11-13
16”-20”
How to Measure For Knee High Compression Socks
Before choosing a knee high compression sock, an accurate calf measurement is the best way to ensure a good fit. A calf-measurement can be done by a certified fitter, but you can easily undertake this task yourself with a tape measure.
The most optimal time to measure is first thing in the morning, as legs tend to swell during the course of a day.
Always start with your ankle measurement: place the tape measure above the ankle bone at the most narrow part of the ankle and measure the circumference
Next is your calf measurement: place the tape measure around the widest part of the calf and measure the circumference
Calf length measurement: sit on a chair with legs at a 90-degree angle; using the tape measure, note the distance from the bend in your knee to the floor
How to Measure for Thigh High Compression Socks
In order to measure for thigh high compression socks, you’ll need to arm yourself with a tape measure once again. Here are the steps to follow:
Start with your ankle measurement, the first measurement you should always make
Next, measure your calf
Check your thigh measurement: wrap the tape measure around the widest part of the thigh, directly beneath the buttocks, and measure the circumference
Leg length measurement: using the tape measure, confirm the distance from the bottom of your buttocks to the floor
Washing and Caring For Compression Socks
In order to reduce the amount of wear and tear on your compression socks, proper care is essential. Experts recommend that compression socks be washed after each use. Washing restores the elasticity of the garment and ensures the wearer receives the proper amount of pressure for each wear. Washing also removes the inevitable build-up of sweat and oil which can cause damage to the compression sock over time.
Compression socks should always be hand-washed. Hot water should be avoided at all costs—otherwise, the integrity of the compression may be compromised. Follow these instructions and you’ll be good to go:
Fill a small basin or tub with cool water
Dip compression socks into the water to saturate and then remove
Add mild detergent to the water and mix with your hand
Place socks in the soapy water and allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes
Gently rub the socks to remove dirt and oil
Squeeze out excess soap and rinse under cool running water
Continue squeezing under running water until no soap is visible
Remove from running water and continue to gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible
Lay flat or hang to dry
When squeezing out excess water, do not pull or wring the compression socks. This can lead to them becoming damaged and misshapen. Either way, they won’t accurately perform the job they were designed to do.
It is also recommended that compression socks be replaced every 3 months. Even if they look new, chances are the elasticity has decreased and they no longer provide the intended level of compression. Carefully following the instructions on how to put on compression socks and their removal will also help keep them long-lasting and effective.
By now you know how to put on compression socks and just some of the huge array of benefits they provide. For more on compression socks, check out our in-depth guide.
The problem with sock drawers is that they’re often the most disorganized place for clothes. Instead of being a place where we know where everything can be found, they become a clutter magnet that attracts more than we need.
There’s more to organizing socks than just doing laundry, folding, and dumping back into the drawer. Organizing your socks can not only be a cerebral and creative endeavor, but help you economize space and clear your mind from the chaos.
Learning how to organize socks can often be a process of trial and error. It seems like with every new load of laundry there are more old socks, which eventually leads to an overflowing drawer that you have to push down just to close. To help clear your mind from the chaos, it’s important to learn how to organize the sock drawer.
After reading this guide, you’ll understand:
how to organize socks
how to store socks in a drawer
how to arrange a sock drawer
You can approach how to store socks neatly in a lot of different ways, but people agree on some of the most effective strategies to keep everything in order. These tips are brought to you by decluttering experts, and will help you save time in the future.
Listen to the Experts
Planning how to organize socks will help prevent the sock drawer from being a deep abyss of clutter over time. Some people like to determine how much space they want to use in their drawers, and then allocate a certain number of socks to each space.
The Internet is filled with motivational pictures to help you on your way. Some experts recommend creating a 30-day plan to mark on the calendar to help you stay focused on maintaining the structure you’ve created for yourself.
Decluttering experts agree on using dividers to keep socks orderly and separated, and to maximize space for the socks you’ll need for different occasions.
Learning how to organize socks isn’t something you do in a day, but something you learn through repetition, by constantly perfecting the process.
Take an Inventory of Your Socks
If you want to learn how to organize socks, the first step to really getting down to business is taking stock of the socks you have. You’ll need to empty your drawer and start purging. So empty your drawer of all your socks and make several piles for the socks you want to keep and the socks you no longer wear. There are tons of ways to repurpose socks, so check out our guide on what to do with old socks.
If you’re not up for repurposing socks, that’s completely fine. Not everyone is a crafter. Just make sure that you get rid of the ones you no longer wear. There is really no need to hoard old socks. You could go the charitable route instead.
Repurpose or Donate Old Socks to Goodwill
If you have socks that are in fairly good condition, but either do not fit or are considered extra, consider making a donation to a Goodwill organization. Socks are typically the number one requested item from under-serviced communities.
Some established charitable organizations you can look into are:
If none of these are not in your jurisdiction, just type in your location for Google.
Getting in the habit of donating socks, or learning how to repurpose old socks, is a key step in learning how to organize socks on a consistent basis. It’s like recycling.
Group Socks Into Different Piles For Sorting
After you’ve completed the purge, you can sort the remaining socks according to their size. Neatly start folding the socks and placing them into their predetermined spot. As you slowly learn how to organize socks better, you’ll spend less time stumbling around during those dark early mornings while you try to feel around in your drawer for the right pair.
Grouping socks according to their color will make this easier (white, dark, or multi-coloured). If by chance you have more multi-colored socks, you might find it convenient to sort them according to the dominant color or pattern.
Once you have piled socks you plan to keep and plan to get rid of, take a closer look at the pile of socks you plan to keep. Consider the possibility of replacing some of them with new socks.
Remember to remove any other items of clothing that occupy the sock drawer.
Based on what we’ve discussed so far, here’s what a basic sock purge should look like:
Remove all your socks from your drawer
Determine how many socks you will keep
Stack socks in different piles (those you want, those you need, those you don’t want)
Clean the drawer with damp cloth or paper towel
Determine how many dividers you will use
Revisit the socks you want to keep and determine if you can get rid of more
Throw out, repurpose or donate socks to Goodwill
How to Organize Your Sock Drawer
Learning how to organize a sock drawer first comes with understanding how to fold socks properly. Read this guide on how to fold different types of socks.
While some people might roll their socks into a ball, decluttering experts advise us to keep socks folded to prevent stretching the elastic and to maximize a sock’s lifespan. This will also help you maximize drawer space.
Try to place your socks on top of matching pairs to avoid confusion later (in their pre-specified spot within a divider in the drawer). This makes starting your day easier, not having to think about what you need, as it will already be laid out for you.
If a pair of socks is considerably thick, you might have to settle for just folding them in half. Once the folding has been done you can roll the sock into the waistband. Make sure that the waistband is on the outside, however, or you’ve done it the wrong way.
If you have a small drawer and not many socks, you may not need to use dividers and might just be able to neatly store your socks in rows according to their purpose. It might be easier to consider the number of socks you have and the amount of space there is to work with to create the best placement strategy. Here’s a typical sock storage example:
Sock drawer size
Amount of socks
Placement strategy
Small
7-14
Place neatly in rowsMake or order cardboard dividers for different kinds
Medium
14-24
Use dividers to separate Use baskets to hold different categories
Large
24-40
Use dividers to separateUse baskets to hold different categories Consider purchasing a drawer organizer
In the end, you’ll want to be flexible with the amount of folds to find the best ease of use for filling your new decluttered sock drawer.
Here is a quick breakdown of how to fold socks to fit better into a drawer:
If socks are not too thick, fold and roll them into thirds
Lay matching socks neatly on top of one another in their predetermined space
How to Store Socks Neatly
By now, you should have a pretty good idea how to store your socks into your newly organized sock drawer. Your drawer’s new look not only keeps your socks healthy, but might inspire you to organize other closets and drawers to fit your new lifestyle.
Keep in mind, you might have to fold certain socks several times. Folding them into the shape of a rectangle will help with placing them in the drawer. This will depend on how large your drawer is and how much space within the dividers have been allocated.
Each sock should be placed the same way on top of one another. Typically, you want to place one sock toe on the next, and so on. Then you can fold the sock in half. Now you can fold the socks again (into thirds) to maximize space.
How to Store Socks in a Drawer
Some people arrange their socks from end to end. Maybe one end for striped socks, and the other end for thick winter socks or athletic socks. Since you’ve already done the purge and maximized space, you might even have room for underwear.
People tend to learn how to organize socks based on the socks they have, the size of their drawer, and the methods of storage available to them. We found some unique ways people build sock drawer dividers for themselves:
Get a shoe box, use it in its entirety or cut the cardboard into strips
Visit your local grocery store for produce boxes (orange and banana boxes are great)
Cereal boxes can also work, but can be too thin
Old gift boxes are often small enough to use
Depending on your circumstances, you might have to adapt different methods or maybe invent some of your own. Some people use small cardboard boxes (sometimes made from shoe boxes) to stack their socks before placing the box in the sock drawer.
The shoe box method allows you to make transfers when you need to, and you can easily remove the box to restock after a load of laundry. It also prevents wrinkling and makes it less likely that some socks will fall into other sections of the drawer.
Ideally, if you’re using the shoe-box method, you can make each box for a different category (athletic socks in one box, special collection socks in another, etc.). Naturally, you’ll have more socks than others for certain categories so don’t feel like each box has to be the same size. If you don’t have access to boxes, you can purchase dividers online.
If you don’t want to organize your sock drawer in one day, and prefer simplicity, here is a breakdown of how to organize socks in a drawer in three easy steps:
STEP
ACTION
PURPOSE
1
Remove all socks from the drawer
To stack them in different piles according to your needs
2
Clean the drawer with damp cloth or paper towel
To determine how many dividers you will use
3
Determine the right way to fold socks for your drawer
To lay socks neatly on top of one another in their predetermined space
Having used this guide, you should have a good idea how to organize socks. It’s up to you to keep refining the process. Maybe next, you can take a look in your closet.
For many years, perfume was a gendered commodity. What we mean is that women’s perfume solely contained sweeter, lighter, more floral notes, whereas men’s fragrances were strictly bolder, muskier, and more expressive.
If you take a retrospective glance at the past few years, you’ll see that these tendencies are slowly starting to fade out due to greater awareness about gender identity issues, which has led to a call for stereotypes of either gender to be discarded.
As you would assume, manufacturers aim to answer society’s call for inclusivity so that their products will be successful, which is why more and more fragrance companies are now dropping gendered marketing strategies and producing unisex fragrances.
Today, men can enjoy scents that were previously thought to be feminine, while women can enjoy scents that used to be framed as masculine. That’s why we felt it was important to present you the best unisex fragrances to come about in 2022.
How to Choose the Best Unisex Fragrances
The truth is, there really are no rules or guidebooks to follow when it comes to choosing the right scent for you because it is mostly dependent on your expression, taste, and desires. That said, there are a few factors that you might want to consider before beginning your search.
You will want to think about which brand you’d like to buy from, what price range you want to stick to, the type of packaging you’d like your product to come in, what type of formula you want to apply, and most of all, how you’d like it to apply it.
In the sections below, we’ll give you all the details on how to navigate the process.
Brand
The brand you choose depends on your style and your budget. If you know that a particular brand embodies values that you do, you might want to navigate towards them. Some brands are more dedicated to producing cruelty-free, vegan, or ethical items than others are.
If you have a luxury budget, then you have some wiggle room to tread into the waters of Tom Ford or perhaps Le Labo. If you are on a tighter budget, then you might want to keep to more affordable brands such as MCM or Calvin Klein.
Packaging
One of the coolest things about unisex frgrances is their unique packaging. Given that they are unbound by gender norms and other stereotypes, their bottles get ultra-creative and derive inspiration from almost everything, from medicine to alcohol to buzzing nightclubs.
If you are the type of person that appreciates artistic elements in your perfume bottles or you just like to collect them afterwards, unisex fragrances offer you more than just scent.
Formula
This is probably one of the biggest considerations to be had about unisex fragrances, as your safety and health lies in the hands of choosing a good formula. There are both ethical and health-based concerns to think about here, such as allergies and skin conditions.
If you have super sensitive skin, you will want to lean towards natural ingredients because they are of a higher quality and less likely to irritate your skin. Harsh chemicals have no place in the human body or on the human body, so make sure to look out for things like phthalates and synthetic musks. Also, make sure to know your allergies before you buy.
Application
Are you the type of person who wants to spray and walk away? Then you will want a spray bottle. Do you like the traditional class of a vaporizer pump? Then you can find that on a unisex perfume bottle, although it is a little bit rarer. Are you looking for something convenient that you can just roll onto your skin? Again, these are all things to consider while browsing.
Gucci Mémoire d’une Odeur Eau de Parfum, $116
MCM Eau de Parfum, $65-$95
Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum, $190-$270
Thom Browne 09.27.65.01 Vetyver and Cucumber, $237
Commes de Garçons Copper Eau de Parfum, $230
Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, $200-$815
Malin+Goetz Cannabis Eau de Parfum, $120
Maison Margiela REPLICA Jazz Club, $85-$166
Calvin Klein CK One, $70-$84
Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum, $225-$1210
Atelier Cologne Lemon Island, $80-$235
Maison Valmont Storie Veneziane Verde Erba I, $395
Loewe Agua Miami Classic Eau de Toilette, $141
13 Best Unisex Fragrances
Below you’ll find our choices for the 13 best unisex fragrances on the market right now. These items range from luxury to non-luxury, light to bold, and everything in between. Each description will talk briefly about the brand and the product itself, followed by a bit of information about the price or price range if there are multiple items, given that fragrance companies typically offer varying sizes of a product.
This blend was envisioned by Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci, and given life by Spanish master perfumer Alberto Morillas. This unisex, layerable scent with a woody and earthy aura contains key notes like Roman chamomile, coral jasmine, and vanilla, blending together to create an enigmatic, timeless, unexpected experience to the wearer.
The bottle comes in three sizes – 40ml, 60ml, and 100ml – and is a ridged mint-green cylindrical structure, decorated with a gold cap and a gold and beige label with black lettering. The style of the bottle embodies natural elements such as golden skies and light seafoam. Embark on this olfactory journey for the price of $116 (60ml mid-range).
‘MCM’ stands for ‘Michael Cromer Munich’, named after founder Michael Cromer and the location of the brand’s origin: Munich. The iconic symbol is meant to represent prestige, which is exactly what the label has achieved with their reputation of producing luxury leather goods. It has since expanded to include other items in its repertoire, such as the MCM Eau de Parfum: a floral, woody fragrance that is advertised for women, but it can be worn by men too.
Top notes of raspberry and apricot interplay with mid-notes like white peony, jasmine absolute, and violet leaf. The dance is concluded with base notes of white moss, vanilla, ambrox, and sandalwood.
Packaged in a gorgeous tan bottle that is meant to look like a leather handbag with gold accents, a notable nod to the company’s true roots, the price range for the various sizes is $65 to $95.
Byredo created this bewitching concoction to pay homage to the Mojave Ghost flower. The blossom itself has translucent to cream-coloured petals that have pink and purple dots on the inside, and Byredo perfectly captured the scent of this beauty with an eau de parfum.
Featuring top notes of ambrette and Jamaican nesberry, middle notes of violet, sandalwood, and magnolia, and base notes of chantilly musk, crisp amber, and cedarwood. The aromatic fragrance embodies the daring and dynamic nature of the flower.
Nordstrom offers it in two sizes, with the price ranging from $190 to $270.
This fragrance is one in a series that features the key ingredient vetiver, or in French ‘vetyver’. Vetiver is a plant that can be used for medicinal reasons or for aromatherapy, as it relieves insomnia, nervousness, and joint and muscle pain.
Vetiver smells earthy, woody, musky, and leathery, which traditionally makes it more ‘masculine’. However, this unisex fragrance puts a refreshing spin on the norm, combining it with other essences for a more holistic and inclusive experience.
Cucumber, green squash, and traveller’s tree lead into the heart of the fragrance which contains lentisque oil orpur, lentisque absolute orpur, and angelica root oil. Notes like Thom Browne’s Vetyver Blend, cedarwood, and earth musk lie at the close.
Bottled in a clear glass container with a white label on it, it’s topped off with a black cap wrapped in a ribbon patterned with signature Thom Browne striped colours. Purchase this masterpiece on Thom Browne for $237.
Comme des Garçons is a Japanese fashion label that was founded by Rei Kawakubo in Paris. The brand is known for its high-fashion rebellion with a focus on equality and acceptance. CDG believes in freedom through style and being blind to things that create hard lines in society such as gender, sex, age, andn class.
Copper is a fragrance that symbolizes the manifold of identities in its distinct blend of Iranian galbanum, Peruvian peppercorn, Madagascan ginger, and Ethiopian myrrh, among several other natural and synthetic ingredients. The bottle is a coppery oval shape with the cap off-center, making it just as fun and ambiguous as the scent it carries.
Tom Ford’s sleek, sophisticated, luxurious style comes through in the design of this scent’s 50ml and 100ml bottle, which looks like a fusion between a picturesque structure and a chess piece. The deep brown glass is decorated with a gold label with black lettering on it. The 248ml bottle has the same sharp aesthetic, but the cap is a shiny pearl-like piece that is tied off with a gold string that has the TF logo hanging off of it.
The warm and spicy scent features key notes such as tobacco leaf, ginger, and vanilla accented with tonka bean, cocoa, and wood sap. The fragrance is reminiscent of the musk and opulence of a ‘gentleman’s club’, as Tom Ford describes it. It oozes confidence and class, and the unisex, layerable scent ranges in price from $200 (30ml) to $815 (248ml).
Founded in 2004 by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, the brand boasts design-conscious products that are made with natural ingredients and sensitive skin in mind. Everything is cruelty-free and made locally in New York to limit the carbon footprint of the production process.
The Cannabis Eau de Parfum for individuals of every skin type and gender. The earthy, herby, woody fragrance is meant to capture the essence of cannabis with key notes like black pepper, muguet, and sandalwood. Accents like magnolia, bergamot, cedarwood, and patchouli bring to mind memories of lazy uplifted weekends and evenings, making this olfactory cocktail an indescribably devilish yet undoubtedly nostalgic experience.
The vessel is a minimalist nod to apothecary bottles with its clear glass, white transparent lettering and silver cap. Lift your spirits with this fragrance offered on Sephora for $120.
Maison Margiela is a luxury French fashion house that was founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela. The brand is diverse and versatile, producing both haute couture artisanal pieces and pret-a-porter collections made for the modern, sophisticated individual.
‘Replica’ Jazz Club is inspired by the atmosphere of a Brooklynn jazz club, embracing the iconic scents of aged liquor, cigars, and leather. Pink pepper, rum absolute, and tobacco leaf absolute are the main players in this fragrance, although it contains other notable scents like vanilla, neroli oil, and lemon.
The bottle is designed to look like an apothecary jar with its cotton label and black ink text. The price range of this scent is $85(30ml) to $166 (100ml).
This CK fragrance encapsulates the classic comfort, style, and simplicity of Calvin Klein. The bottle is somewhat flask-like with bold black lettering on it, and it’s topped with a standard silver twist cap. Stylistically, it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but that is exactly what we would expect of a clean, pure fragrance profile.
The eau de toilette spray balances brightness and deep sensuality with spicy cardamom and musky bergamot, intertwined with fruity pineapple, and papaya. It all comes together with floral notes like rose, violet, and jasmine to produce a relaxed, yet luxurious scent.
Sephora offers this fragrance in the price range of $70 (50ml) to $84 (100ml).
Le Labo is an Estée Lauder perfume brand based in New York City that focuses on the creation of unique fragrances that capture luxury and pure, artisanal craftsmanship. This is reflected in Santal 33, which is inspired by images of the American West. Iconic frames of horse rides at dawn and cowboy campfires elicit the strong ideals of pure freedom and strong, independent masculinity.
Spicy, leathery, musky, and smokey notes like cardamom, iris, violet, and ambrox give the fragrance its unisex appeal and comforting, yet addictive, aura. The bottle is a simplistic, yet rustic clear glass with an aged label and a silver cap.
The depth, sensuality, and charm will make you want to break out into a Southern drawl. Le Labo offers this fragrance in the price range of $225 for 50ml to $1210 for 500ml.
This refreshing scent combines olfactory notes like lemon from the Indian Ocean, jasmine from India, and vanilla from Madagascar to reproduce the feeling of waking up on a bright, sunny morning in an earthy eden. In this unique unisex fragrance, 92% of the ingredients are of natural origin, inviting users into a citrus-based connection with the natural world.
The bottle is reflective of its organic contents, as it’s made of clear glass and decorated with a bright green label. The fragrance is offered individually and sold as part of a set as well, which is great for every occasion.
The 30ml and 200 ml bottles come with a free travel case and are offered in the range of $80 (30ml) to $235 (200ml).
La Maison Valmont, situated in Berlin, embraces the city’s dedication to traditional German architecture with an edgy, modern, sharp twist. President and creative director of the Valmont group Didier Guillon envisioned ‘La Maison’ as the leading center of fine skincare and relaxation.
The Verde Erba Iperfume embodies the splendour, warmth, and whimsy of Ventian dawn with its leading notes of syringa flower, papyrus essence, and sweet vanilla. The floral fragrance is bottled in a stylish green leather flask that features a gold painted facial outline.
Truly a work of art, the entire package reaches out to people of all kinds in a warm, floral embrace. Purchase Verde Erba I on La Maison Vermont for $395.
Loewe is a Spanish luxury fashion house, founded in 1846 by Enrique Loewe Roessberg. The eponymous, gender-bending brand specializes in leather goods, perfumes, clothing, and many other fashion accessories. Agua Miami is one such product that showcases Loewe’s dedication to Spanish sophistication.
Top notes of Italian tangerine, bitter orange, and lemon meet heart notes like petitgrain, neroli, and lily of the valley in a dynamic, sparkling dance. Then, base notes like musk and iris enter to captivate users in a deep and sensual flowing aura.
The bottle is made of smooth green glass and it’s topped with a wooden lid, reminding us of Miami’s sweet, sunny beaches. Holt Renfrew offers this scent for $141.
Which unisex fragrance has the best staying power?
The thing that usually determines how long a fragrance will last on your skin is its chemical stability. Deeper, woodsier notes like musk, amber, and leather are more stable than others, so they will likely have more staying power. As follows, the products on our list that would ‘stick’ for a long period of time would be Le Labo’s Santal 33 and Maison Margiela’s ‘Replica’ Jazz Club, given that they feature predominately musky, leathery notes.
Which unisex fragrance is the most affordable?
There are a couple of options that are super affordable on our list of best unisex fragrances. These are the MCM Eau de Parfum ($65) and Calvin Klein’s CK One ($70). Even their larger bottles do not break the $100 mark, whereas the other fragrances begin above it.
Where are the best places on the body to apply fragrance?
The best places to apply your fragrance are either moisturized areas or warmer areas such as your pulse points, the insides of your elbows, your chest, your neck, and even the back of your knees. The most important thing to note is that you shouldn’t apply it to areas that you cover up with lots of clothing, as it will dull the scent. The area that you apply it to should be exposed to air to prolong the scent’s staying power.
Which unisex fragrances are best for everyday wear?
Have you ever caught a whiff of somebody’s scent and thought to yourself that it was a bit much for the middle of the day? If so, then you probably picked up on an evening scent as opposed to a daytime scent: there is a huge difference!
Evening scents are typically heavier, deeper, and more heady, whereas daytime scents are lighter and more subtle. For the daytime, you want scents that have a presence, but strike a balance between intensity and subtleness, so it might be best to opt for citrusy, light, and aqueous scents. Loewe’sAgua Miami and Atelier’s Lemon Island strike a balance between sweet and fruity, which enhances your presence the perfect amount.
A good handbag with a timeless design will never go out of style. You can accessorize with fancy jewellery and jewel-encrusted hair pieces, but handbags are always the finishing touch on an outfit, since they’re something you grab on the way out the door. And depending on the season and the era, there’s always a popular handbag you can reach for.
This year, classics like Chanel and Tom Fordhave revamped styles that are sure to create lasting trends, while designer brands such as Bottega Veneta and Marc Jacobs have made waves in the luxury space with some of the most pictured handbags on Instagram. Though every season brings on new fads, the purses featured in this article are the most popular handbags of 2022.
How to Choose a New Purse From the Most Popular Handbags
After browsing through the most popular handbags, you’ll probably want to buy them all. Making a single choice may seem impossible, but we’re about to guide you through how to do so. In the following subsections, we’ll go over why brand, material, price, and wearability are the most important things to consider when choosing a new purse to mesh with your everyday style.
Brand
Each brand is unique and brings its own aesthetic and ethos to the fashion world, from timeless Chanel to ornate Versace. That said, each brand comes at a different price point. For example, Marc Jacobs handbagsare more affordable than Bottega Veneta’s popular handwoven designs that will set you back over $3,000.
When you are shopping for a popular designer handbag, you have to understand that the brand name can make the price soar. As one of the longest standing and most esteemed luxury fashion houses, Chanel bags will always cost more.
Material
All of the bags featured except for the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Popular Handbag, Stella McCartney Logo Saddle Popular Handbag, and the Chanel 19 Popular Handbag are made of high-quality soft leather. This leather will retain its appearance over time if cared for properly.
The materials of the other bags are vegan leather, durable canvas, and delicate tweed. Depending on how often you plan on wearing one of the most popular handbags, you’ll want to think about which materials will keep their form overtime.
Price
The prices of the most popular handbags of 2022 vary quite a bit, between $325 and $3,700. As we mentioned, price is dependent on many factors, such as brand, size (the bigger the bag, the more it will cost you), and fabrication. No matter which popular handbag you choose though, you know you’re getting designer quality for what it will cost you.
Wearability
If you’re going to be paying a pretty penny for one of the most popular handbags, you’ll want to make sure you can wear it throughout every season. Choosing a versatile, neutral color like black reinforces the fact that you can wear your designer handbag in the summer or the winter.
Bags that have long straps, adjustable straps, or multiple straps are the most wearable. They allow you to change up the look of your piece without actually changing your bag. Also, the simpler the style, the more you will probably wear it.
Fendi Mini Baguette Popular Handbag, $2,290
Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Popular Handbag, $2,300
Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Popular Handbag, $2,050
Chloe Darryl Clutch Popular Handbag, $1,015
Valentino Garavani Rockstud Calfskin Popular Handbag, $1,180
Chanel 19 Popular Handbag, $6,000
Versace Virtus Quilted Shoulder Popular Handbag, $1,975
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio City Popular Handbag, $486.50
Stella McCartney Logo Saddle Popular Handbag $438
Prada Saffiano Leather Bucket Popular Handbag $2,350
Marc Jacobs The Hot Shot Popular Handbag, $325
Tom Ford Box Palmellato Mini Popular Handbag, $1,290
Givenchy Mystic Leather Top handle Popular Handbag, $1,495
Bottega Veneta Medium Jodie Popular Handbag, $3,700
Tom Ford Grain Leather Alix Popular Handbag, $2,350
15 Most Popular Handbags
You have just looked over all of the important features to consider when purchasing a new bag, so now it’s time to look at the 15 most popular handbags of 2022. This list has something for everyone. If you are looking for a casual or dressy style, something modern or classic, there’s a bag for you.
#1 – Fendi Mini Baguette Popular Handbag
Fendi is best known for creating the beloved baguette bag, which was created in the 90s. Every Fendi bag model and celebrity has been spotted wearing one at some point, and they are constantly coming out with new iterations of the style. The Fendi Mini Baguette Popular Handbagis a mini version of the bag, and it’s become one of the most popular handbags of 2022.
This tiny variation has a sliding chain that can be worn over the shoulder or across the body. You’ve probably seen a few influencers carrying one by the top handle, showing off the front logo clasp with a gold metal finish and a front flap with an easy-to-access magnetic clasp.
This version is a perfect entryway into wearing the baguette style because it doesn’t need to be carried by hand. It comes in brown and black nappa leather or pink and black Nappa leather. Plus, it retails for $2,290.
#2 – Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Popular Handbag
Italian designer brand Gucci is a favorite among luxury lovers. The Gucci Jackie 1961 is exactly what the brand stands for: classics reinvented. This Jackie was designed in the 50s and previously called the ‘Fifties Constance’. After the famous Jackie Kennedy was spotted with it on her arm, it became synonymous with her style.
The historic shape was reintroduced in the fall/winter 2020 collection by Alessandro Michele. who is known for bringing back all of the most popular older designs with his modern take on them. The Jackie 1961 features a top handle and detachable shoulder strap that can be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody. It has a buckle closure and gold-toned hardware.
To top things off, it comes in white, black, light blue, light pink, red, beige, emerald green print, burnt orange, or emerald green. Worn by the likes of Harry Styles, Elle Fanning, and Cate Blanchett as of late, the Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Popular Handbag retails for $2,300.
Louis Vuitton is easy to spot thanks to its iconic monogram print that can be found on most of its products. LV started as a luxury trunk luggage brand but today, their handbags are a status symbol. With classics such as the Speedy and Neverfull, Louis Vuitton handbags never goes out of style.
TheLouis Vuitton Multi Pochette Popular Handbagfeels like multiple bags in one. It features a removable gold-tone chain so that it can be worn as a shoulder bag or a cross-body. The adjustable crossbody strap is inscribed with Louis Vuitton’s signature and it comes in two color options: light pink or khaki.
The ‘multi pochette’ features multiple pockets and a round coin purse that is practical and cute. This canvas number retails for $2,050 and is one of the most versatile, stylish, and durable bags you can get.
Chloe’s feminine, effortless designs have kept this designer brand relevant since 1953. Known for creating romantic pieces that celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Katie Holmes love, you can’t go with Chloe’s understated, sophisticated styles.
The Chloe Darryl Clutch Popular Handbagis an oversized evening clutch. It has a laidback and easygoing feel thanks to its larger size. Made out of a grained calfskin and smooth cowhide, you can get this bag in black, sepia brown, or cement brown. It also includes Chloe’s signature interlaced leather rings around the top opening.
The Darryl Clutch is on sale right now for $1,105 from $1,1450. If you’re looking for an evening bag that will never look overdone, this is the clutch for you.
#5 – Valentino Garavani Rockstud Calfskin Popular Handbag
Italian luxury brand Valentinois well regarded for incorporating some of the best haute couture into streetwear and accessories. In 2010 the Valentino rockstud was designed and has been seen on the brand’s accessories and clothing ever since, like the Rockstud Calfskin Popular Handbag.
This pouch bag is made out of grainy calfskin leather and finished with platinum studs and hardware around the exterior. It features a magnetic snap closure and front pocket, two interior compartments, and a zip pocket with card slots, all of which make the bag practical for its size. It also features a chain which makes it much more versatile.
Wear it on your shoulder, as a crossbody, or hold it as a pouch for $1,180.
Chanel represents the golden standard when it comes to luxury handbags. The French fashion giant creates timeless styles that people lust after, though Chanel’s products truly stand the test of time and are worth the investment.
The Chanel 19 Popular Handbagis a larger version of the new Chanel 19 style, and it comes in leather or tweed fabric. This variation is a tweed, gold and silver toned bag with ruthenium-finished metal. The color combo is metallic, which also helps to accessorize any outfit you’re wearing.
Plus, the roomy main compartment fits more than you would expect. Priced at $6,000,this bag will be a showstopper for years to come.
#7 – Versace Virtus Quilted Shoulder Popular Handbag
Versace is loved for its risky womenswear and since the company’s founding, its intricate motifs, designs, and patterns have become signifiers of the Versace brand. Designer Donatella Versace has dressed just about every celebrity, from Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley to Dua Lipa and Naomi Cambell.
Named after the Roman deity who resembles strength, courage and character, the Versace Virtus Quilted Shoulder Popular Handbagwas originally part of Versace’s fall/ winter 2019 collection. It comes in black or white and is made out of quilted leather. The centerpiece of this shoulder bag is the gold-tone ‘V’ that’s decorated with acanthus leaves taken from the brand’s iconic motif.
A top handle and long adjustable long chain make the Virtus Quilted Shoulder bag more wearable, and the magnetic flap closure keeps everything secure inside. It retails for $1,975.
#8 – Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio City Popular Handbag
Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo makes products that are as fashionable as they are functional. Ferragamo actually started as a shoe brand but is now a popular accessories and menswear outlet.
The Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio City Popular Handbag is the perfect crossbody bag to wear from running errands to working in the office. It comes in a durable and versatile black pebbled leather with gold tone hardware. It also features an embossed logo detail and magnetic snap closure with an adjustable crossbody strap.
You can get this simple, yet fashionable bag on sale for $486.50, down from $695.
Stella McCartney is the daughter of Beatles singer Paul McCartney, but her success in the fashion industry can only be credited to her creativity and forward-thinking innovation as a designer. Stella McCartney is a sustainable, ethical, vegan brand that produces bold, stylish pieces for women, men, and children.
The Stella McCartney Logo Saddle Popular Handbag is the ideal casual saddle bag for everyday wear. If you’re vegan or prefer not to have a bag made out of real leather, then this bag is for you. It has a top flap with a snap closure and a perforated detail in the shape of the Stella McCartney logo. It also comes in black, camel, and cameo blue with gold tone hardware.
Another convenient feature of the Logo Saddle bag by Stella McCartney is the adjustable shoulder strap. Even better, it’s currently on sale for $438 down from $730.
#10 – Prada Saffiano Leather Bucket Popular Handbag
Prada is another classic Italian heritage brand known for its custom leather goods, from shoes to accessories to handbags. Bucket bags have always been stylish, but this year they’ve been updated by the likes of Prada and might just be better than ever.
ThePrada Saffiano Leather Bucket Popular Handbagfeatures saffiano leather in the most dreamy colors including white, bluette, cerise, petal pink, clay gray, astral blue, fiery red, and papaya. It has a leather handle that appears delicate, yet durable. The Saffiano Leather Bucket bag also comes with a removable leather shoulder strap and leather drawstring closure.
For all the logo lovers, there is a classic metal Prada logo front and center. Although bucket bags have an inherently casual feel, Prada has found a way to make them more elegant, sophisticated, and chic. For $2,350,this one is all yours.
Marc Jacobs bridges the line between luxury and contemporary brands. Thanks to its affordable price point, the fashionable designs of Marc Jacobs aren’t so out of reach. Jacobs is known for his take on grungy, Americana style, which almost always results in the creation of playful pieces.
The Marc Jacobs SnapShot Popular Handbagis a well-loved design by the brand. It is a small camera-style pouch made out of saffiano leather. The DMT version (meaning dyed to match) comes in black, sunkissed, ink grey, white, and khaki. It also has an adjustable crossbody strap that is changeable.
Priced at $325, the SnapShot is a much more affordable option than many of the others on this list.
#12 – Tom Ford Box Palmellato Mini Popular Handbag
You may know Tom Ford by his namesake brand but the designer has actually been the brains behind a lot of favorites, from GuccitoSaint Laurent. Tom Ford is also known for creating intoxicating fragrances, dapper men’s suits, sensuous womenswear, and glamorous accessories, all of which have made the brand a luxury staple.
And since no one does timeless better than Tom Ford, this list of the most popular handbags of 2022 would not be complete without the Box Palmellato Mini Popular Handbag. This flap bag dons the signature TF logo and makes the most out of its space with 1 internal zipped pocket and 1 internal credit card pocket. It features a removable and adjustable leather strap that can be worn on the shoulder or as a crossbody, making it ideal for when you’re on the go.
Plus, it comes in 3 practical colors: chalk, black, and silk taupe. Priced at $1,290, this Tom Ford bag is worth every penny.
#13 – Givenchy Mystic Leather Top handle Popular Handbag
Since 1952, Hubert de Givenchy has been known as one of the best couturiers and even created many of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic looks. The French brand has expanded since that time but still creates innovative and chic pieces, from couture to ready-to-wear to accessories and even makeup.
The Givenchy Mystic Leather Top-handle Popular Handbag is a small, sleek bag. It has an embossed Givenchy logo and gold-toned hardware, as well as a flap clasp closure that makes it extremely practical. There is also an adjustable strap included so that you can carry it around in multiple ways.
Originally priced at $2,990, this bag is now on sale for $1,495. It is a great choice if you’re looking for a handbag that you can take with you everywhere, no matter the occasion.
Bottega Veneta has been a staple for fashion lovers since its founding in 1966. The brand’s unique intrecciato leather weaving technique has become mega popular over the past couple of years, as displayed on the Medium Jodie Popular Handbag.
A favorite amongst celebrities such as the stylish Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the Jodie Handbag is a hand-woven rounded hobo made out of intrecciato nappa lambskin leather. It has a voluminous shape and signature knot handle detailing. It also comes in grape with gold hardware, nero with silver hardware, or almond with gold hardware.
Priced at $3,700 the medium size is large enough to wear during the day but is chic enough to wear at night. If you prefer a mini bag, you can pick the Jodie up in a smaller size too.
Tom Ford bags are an extension of his fabulous taste, as we mentioned before. Take, for example, the Tom Ford Grain Leather Alix Popular Handbag; an ultra-chic and polished take on a classically casual, slouchy style.
The Grain Leather Alix Handbag handbag is large enough to carry everything you need. It is sleek and modern looking with a stylish front zip and the classic Tom Ford padlock and key bell. The minimalist yet impactful style comes in the essential colors: black or silk taupe. It also features 1 large interior compartment, an outer front pocket, and an interior detachable zipped pouch.
Since you’ll be carrying it with you everywhere you go, the Alix Handbag gives you peace of mind with its secure magnetic closure. Wear it to the office or dress it up with a sexy LBD for $2,350.
Out of all the most popular handbags of 2022, Fendi’s Mini Baguette Handbag, Marc Jacobs’ SnapShot, Louis Vuitton’s Multi Pochette, and Bottega Veneta’s Medium Jodie top the list.
The Fendi, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton options are all so practical that everyone can get their use out of them. That’s why they are often sold out! That said, the Bottega Veneta Medium Jodie Handbag is one we see celebrities wear constantly.
Which popular handbag is the most versatile?
When it comes to versatility, an evening bag or clutch may not be the best choice. Go for a larger bag or one with adjustable, removable, or crossbody straps to fulfill your cost per wear ideals.
If you are looking for the most affordable bags, opt for:
Marc Jacobs The Hot Shot Popular Handbag, $325
Stella McCartney Logo Saddle Popular Handbag $438
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancio City Popular Handbag, $486.50
If you are looking for the most expensive bags, try:
Chanel 19 Popular Handbag, $6,000
Bottega Veneta Medium Jodie Popular Handbag, $3,700
Tom Ford Grain Leather Alix Popular Handbag, $2,350
If you want the best value for your money, looks towards:
Fendi Mini Baguette Popular Handbag, $2,290
Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Popular Handbag, $2,300
Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Popular Handbag, $2,050
These are the days we can spend wasting away on a sandy beach, going on hikes in the sun, having a couple of wobbly-pops with friends on a patio, and plunging face-first into crystal clear waters.
Regardless of what you like to do in the summertime, the heat is hard on your lips. So, having one of the best lip stains by your side is imperative to keeping your pout looking plump.
Whether you are looking for something light and flirty, dark and mysterious, edgy and unique, or sultry and seductive, you are bound to find a lip stain on our list that suits your fancy.
How to Choose the Best Lip Stains
Before getting into the nitty gritty details, you need to have an idea of what you are looking for. There are a few key elements to choosing the best lip stain for you:
Color
Finish
Application
Durability
Ingredients
Additional Benefits
Below, we go through each of these factors to help you set the basis for your purchasing decision.
Color
Of course one of the first things you should ask yourself is what color you want to wear; but it is never just about the color you want, but also about the color you need. Sure, the super vibrant blue may look edgy and bold, but does it complement your skin? Do you care? If you don’t, then go for it! If you do, then you might want to rethink your purchase.
If you want the perfect shade, you need to first determine whether your skin is fair, medium, tan, or deep. Then you need to consider the undertones of your skin: is it warm, cool, or neutral?
Finish
After the skin-alysis is complete, you need to figure out how you want your lip stain to feel and look. Do you want it to be glossy and slick, matte and smooth, or velvety and soft? Buyer beware that the finish can have an affect on other things like the durability of the stain; for instance, a glossy stain might not have the staying power that a matte stain would, and a chunky glitter look may not keep itself together well throughout the day.
Application
Next up, consider how you would like the stain to be applied. Again, this is crucial. If you opt for something like a wand, you will need to keep an eye on the brush tip that you use because build-up or stray hairs might ruin things.
If you opt for a tube, you have to be really steady with it, as it is super easy to accidentally squeeze out the entire contents of your product. If your stain is a stick, then be gentle so it doesn’t break and show imperfections.
Durability
Most people that purchase lip stains are doing so because they want that lipstick look with greater durability. It goes without saying that it is an incredibly important factor to consider. Some lip stains stay on for 6 hours or a typical work day, while others will remain as remnants on your lips until the day you die. It depends on what you want and what you need.
Ingredients
You might be concerned about the ingredients: do you want a conventional formula? Do you seek only natural ingredients? Are you looking for something cruelty-free or vegan? These are things to consider when finding the best lip stain for you. It is always nice to see ingredient lists that contain natural, gentle items, such as jojoba oils and shea.
Regardless of your preferences though, it is recommended that if you can avoid chemical ingredients like parabens and terpenes, you really ought to for your own safety. If your lip stain says ‘please do not consume’ or smells like a biohazard, it probably is not good vibes.
Additional Benefits
These are like the hidden easter eggs of your products. Aside from the luscious color and staying power, what else do you want your lip stain to do for you? Do you want it to moisturize your lips throughout the day? This might be important if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Do you want it to plump your lips? Do you want it to gradually give your lips a natural tint? These are the questions you need to ask yourself, and possibly a specialist when you are shopping.
MAC Lunar New Year Versicolour Varnish Cream Lip Stain, $30
Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, $48-49
Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip & Cheek Stain, $39
Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss, $34
Burberry Lip Velvet Crush, $34
10 Best Lip Stains to Buy
Once you have all of the questions and answers out of the way and you’ve set your basis for choosing a lip stain, it is time to pick your product. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of the 10 best lip stains to shop for this summer. Now, you can be on-trend while sporting a color and style that suits your particular needs and desires.
#1 – Bite Beauty Outburst Longwear Lip Stain
This bold, intense lip stain uses passion flower oil, coconut oil, and sunflower seed wax to nurture and moisturize your pout, all while providing incredible durability (even if your lips get wet!).
This lip stain from Bite Beauty is also vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and you can get it in three lavish colors: Sangria Slush, Orange Fizz, and Strawberry Frozé.
This product is a natural matte lip tint that is applied with a doe foot applicator. It is a lightweight gel that offers plumping, moisturizing, and smoothing benefits. The vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dermatologically tested lip stain contains mustard sprout, hyaluronic acid, and squalene to give wearers a natural blush that compliments their features.
This product comes in two shades from Victoria Beckham Beauty: cherie, a beautiful deep red, and bisou, a blush pink.
Organic raspberry water for softening, organic aloe vera for moisturizing, and Clarins’ anti-pollution complex for protecting lips from the elements make this lip stain the durable, yet gentle, wonder that it is.
This product lasts through a day of kisses and mask-wearing, making it the perfect pandemic companion, regardless of your actual pandemic companion *wink wink*. It comes in violet, rose, orange, and red for $28.
This product advertises 10 hours of staying power with a bare-lip, natural feel. You can wear it alone or use a primer underneath to boost the vibrancy of the stain. Notable ingredients include squalene and castor oil, which both work to moisturize and nourish the lips.
With a doe foot applicator, the Dior Addict Lip Tattoo swipes on shades like natural rose, natural rosewood, natural red, natural berry and natural brown. It costs $39.
This gorgeous, vibrant matte lip stain boasts high-coverage and a non-sticky finish. It is unsurprising that it is the Allure’s 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner, as it provides a lightweight, flexible, smudge-proof color that is sure to turn heads.
Plus, each color is named after a twist on iconic songs and phrases. For example, walk this way is a rosy pink shade that gives a nod to Aerosmith, whereas Starwoman is a cool-toned red hue that screams Bowie-fever for $34.
#6 – MAC Lunar New Year Versicolour Varnish Cream Lip Stain
This product’s packaging is simply stunning. The Lunar New Year lip stain promises a glossy, full-coverage, long-wearing (nearly 12-hour), experience. MAC products do not test on animals, making this product a good choice for those who are looking to buy cruelty-free makeup.
Swipe on a deeper reddish brown hue or a bright pink with a doe foot applicator for $23.
This product boasts matte tattoo-like color that is long-staying (8 hours), lightweight, and non-drying. Instead of using the same type of wand as other brands, YSL’s lip stain uses a liner-like applicator tip for more precise results.
#8 – Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip & Cheek Stain
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are included in this little tube to hydrate and moisturize your pout. This long-wearing, buildablelip stain can act as a cheek tint as well, making it a truly versatile product.
To top things off, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and void of harsh chemicals like parabens and formaldehydes. It comes in a bright red, pinky brown, cherry red, nude brown, and soft pink for $39.
This product is the first to be more of a nourishing serum gloss than a lip stain. Nonetheless, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, konjac root, and shea butter all work to plump, moisturize, and protect your pout during wear.
The coverage is sheer and wet-looking, which is ideal for those who may want a flirtatious, juicy hint of color. Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss comes in clear, pink, nude, magenta, and red, and it’s priced at $35.
Burberry’s Lip Velvet Crushis a buildable, sheer-matte stain that offers a hint of customizable color. The cushioned applicator applies the product evenly and smoothly, resulting in a uniform, bold finish.
Plus, this product moisturizes lips for 8 hours. It also comes in a variety of shades, from cranberry red to dark oxblood. It rings in at $34.
Of the lip stains featured on our top 10 list, the products that seem to offer the most durability are the MAC Lunar New Year Versicolour Varnish Cream Lip Stain, the Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain, and the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment.
With YSL’s product, you’re getting absolutely everything you need, from intense color payoff to immeasurable staying power. On the other hand, with MAC’s stain, you’re getting durability with a more lightweight feel, while Nars’ product offers you a matte finish with longwear.
Which lip stain offers the most colour variations?
Without a doubt, the brands that offer the highest number of color variations are Nars (15), YSL (18), and Burberry (12). People are unique: a one-shade-fits-all approach to beauty is just not cutting it in today’s society.
These three brands offer shades for every occasion, ranging from casual to extravagant, and every type of skin, from super fair to ultra deep.
Which product contains the most benefits for my lips?
Look no further than Clarins’ Water Lip Stain, which contains raspberry water, aloe vera, and an anti-pollution complex, making it the choice for somebody who wants their lip color to be nourishing, but still have the staying power to last them all day.
As for the overall most beneficial product, that would be the Kosas Wet Lip Oil Gloss. Less of a stain and more of a glossy serum, this product contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, konjac root, and shea butter. If your main concern is protecting and nourishing your pout, this is the product for you.
Why Should You Fold Socks?
Socks are probably overlooked the most when folding laundry because it’s just so easy to throw them in the dresser individually or to grab two non-matching socks and roll them together.
You might not see the point in taking the extra step to fold your socks, because who is going to see your feet anyway? Wrong! Socks add a finishing touch to your outfit that makes you look more put together and less sloppy, especially during important moments like a job interview or a first date.
We’ve all been there. You go to grab some socks but the inside of your drawer looks like a hurricane came through. It’s much easier to push the drawer back in, forget what you saw and visit it again when the time comes. Or, you could take the time and actually get organized. That might bring the question to mind: “Well, how do you fold socks?”
There are many ways of how to fold socks together that will save you time, since you won’t have to scramble to find matching pairs. That will give you more space in your drawer, so you’ll have more room to buy cool socks. Whether you tend to just throw all your socks in your dresser separately, roll pairs together or you currently already know how to fold socks, it doesn’t hurt learning new ways to get the job done.
How to Fold Ankle Socks
Each pair of socks comes with their own special ways to fold them. Some methods work better than others, depending on the size and length of the sock. With ankle socks, there are a few foolproof ways to guarantee they are folded neatly to prevent wrinkles, and tightly so they don’t come undone and wreak havoc in your sock drawer. One method is to:
Take your socks and twist them so that the heel is facing up and flatten it.
Do this to the other sock and then place them on top of each other.
Then take the cuff end and fold it until the top reaches the middle of the sock.
Take the toe end and bring it to meet in the middle, then tuck the toes into the sock.
If you want to maintain the elasticity of your socks, here’s a technique that you may prefer:
Put the socks on top of one another.
Starting from the toes, roll the top sock only until the cuff side.
Then wrap around the roll with the other sock and tuck it in.
How to Fold Long Socks
One of the most popular ways to fold long socks is the square method. It might take some getting used to since it’s a little more complicated than most folding methods, but it’s one of the most effective. Here is one technique to folding long socks:
Lay your pair of socks on a flat surface.
Take one of the socks and place it on top of the other forming a cross or an ‘x’.
Bring the toe of the bottom sock over the top sock and tuck it under the top sock.
Fold the top part of the bottom sock over the socks.
Then fold the toe side of the top sock over the socks.
Take the top part of the top and fold it over the socks.
Tuck in the remaining parts of the sock.
The square method allows you to stack your socks on top of each other since the surface is flat, maximizing space in your drawer. Another space saving tip when folding long socks is to use the military style. This method doesn’t work as well with smaller socks like ankle socks or no show socks because they come apart more easily.
Lay the socks down on a flat surface with one on top of the other.
Make sure there are no wrinkles in the socks.
Starting at the toe, roll the socks together.
When you have reached the end, take the outside of the outer sock and hold it.
With the other hand, bring the outside edge of the outer sock securely around both socks.
How to Fold No Show Socks
Since no show socks are small and don’t have much material to them, it’s easy to toss them in with the others. To ensure each pair remains together and the harmony of your sock drawer stays in tact, here are some quick ways of how to fold no show socks:
Method
Instructions
One Inside the Other
All you need to do is place one sock inside of the other one.
Fold Over the Top
This style can be used on almost every kind of sock, but it’s especially easy for no shows. Here’s what you do: place one sock over the other and then fold the cuffs.
Roll them
Place one sock over the other and roll from one end to the next. Either cuff them once completely rolled, or leave them uncuffed.
No show socks are particularly easy to lose track of, since they’re so teeny. They can even get sucked into the back of your washing machine. Read up on the best ways to wash socks so that they don’t get lost when you do the laundry.
How to Fold Short Socks
Short socks still have enough length to manipulate them into suitable folding methods. Here are the different ways of how to fold short socks:
Method 1: place one sock on top of the other, then fold in half. Take the outer sock and wrap around the rest of the socks.
Method 2: Start with the socks on top of each other, then roll the sock starting at the toe. Once you get it rolled to the cuff, take the outer sock and secure it around the roll of socks.
Method 3: Have one sock laying on the other, fold the socks in half, and then fold them in half again. Take the outer sock and lock the rest of the sock in it. This way the socks are more flat, and are optimal for stacking.
If you want to know how to fold socks without stretching them, try not pulling the outer layer around the socks.
How to Fold Dress Socks
Dress socks are made from a thinner and delicate material, so it’s easier to stretch them out if you’re not carefully folding them. Then they end up looking wrinkled and creased.
Make sure you aren’t using the elastic of the sock to keep them together. This stretches the elastic band, which makes it look worn and causes an imperfect fit. Not folding dress socks properly can lead to spending more money in order to replace them. There are five steps to folding dress socks:
Lay the socks on a flat surface.
Lay one sock on top of the other and make sure they are aligned perfectly, so it just looks like one sock.
Have the heels pointing up and the toes pointing toward you.
Fold the cuffs towards the toes, about one third of the length. Then do the same thing again, but bring the toes back towards the cuffs, one third of the way.
Tuck the toes into the elastic at the top of the folded cuff.
At this point, your socks should now look flat and square-like.
How to Store Socks
If storing your socks in a dresser isn’t something you’re looking to do, or maybe you don’t have enough room in the drawers,read on about storing socks in a well ordered way.
Options
How to Use
Baskets
You can find baskets online, in stores or you can easily make your own that fit into your drawer. You can place your pairs of socks in large groupings or get smaller boxes for more detailed organizing.
Dividers
Dividers can be found online, in stores or can be handmade. Place individual folded socks within each divider.
Drawer Organizers
Find these online, in stores or make your own to fit perfectly into your drawer. Put your socks in each provided compartment.
Storage Hanger
You can even buy a storage system that allows you to hang your socks up by clipping each pair.
So far we have already learned an effective technique to rolling socks, but just like many aspects of life, there’s multiple ways to do something. Rolling up a sock is pretty straightforward, though some methods have different variations.
This rolling technique works best on thinner socks, but it can still be used on bulkier socks. It might just be difficult enclosing the sock at the end.
Lay the socks down flat on top of each other.
Flatten the heels so the sock becomes more of a rectangle shape rather than L-shaped.
Starting with the toe, roll the socks tightly, stopping half-way from the end.
Open the end of the top sock and stretch it all around the sock, enclosing the entire sock.
How to Fold Socks for Travel
We all know that when travelling we need to optimize the space in our suitcase or bag. Something that I’m sure you’ve been told to do is roll up all of your pieces of clothing to make them more compact. Since socks are worn everyday, you want to make sure you have enough room for them as well as capacity for your other items.
The best way to guarantee everything in your travelling bag is able to come on the ride with you is to do the Army Packing Hack, otherwise known as the Army Ranger Roll.
Place on sock over the other.
Starting from the toe end, tightly roll the socks.
About an inch down from the cuff, take the top sock and fold it under itself. It will help you to wrap the bottom sock around the roll.
Pick up the roll and then wrap the outer sock around the entire roll.
The end result will be a perfectly rolled up pair of socks that can fit in the palm of your hand.
How to Pack Socks
Instead of going the conventional route and packing each clothing item separately, why not try something one of a kind. Let’s master how to pack socks, but more specifically, how to pack an entire outfit into a sock. I know what you’re thinking, this sounds crazy, but it actually makes a lot of sense in regard to saving space. This hack is useful for those who want to pack light, so here’s how to do it:
First, gather up the outfit of your choosing.
Start by laying your shirt down on a flat surface, next fold your desired bottoms (pants, shorts, skirts) in half in the middle.
The tops of all the items should line up. Then fold your underwear in half and line them up about an inch below your bottoms.
Make one long rectangle by folding the sides of your shirt onto your bottoms.
Place one sock straight across on either side at the top of the shirt, with the toe ends pointing towards each other.
Now roll the whole thing up from the top as tightly as possible, while keeping everything in place.
Lastly, roll the socks over the roll of clothes. Do this as many times as possible.
There you have it, you are now an expert on how to fold, pack and store socks. We can all learn something from this, taking that tiny extra step of folding your socks makes a world of a difference to the inside of your drawers. Feel free to experiment with other methods or mix and match ones together.
We’ve all been there: you tell yourself that you’re only going to watch one more episode on Netflix and then you suddenly find yourself still watching at one o’clock in the morning. It’s easy to get caught in a sedentary cycle. The Couch to 5K program aims to help you get off the couch and on your feet at a pace that works for you.
Between working and commuting and all the typical adulting in between, all you may want to do at the end of a long day is sink into your sofa, potentially with potato chips. While spending an hour cycling through categories looking for something to watch may feel exhausting, it’s not exercise. Do you know what one of the easiest and low maintenance workouts is? Running.
It can be difficult to imagine yourself going from pajama parties for one to keeping pace with your neighborhood run club. By creating a plan for training and scheduling your runs and workouts, you can ease yourself into a more active lifestyle. Keep reading this article to learn how to make the Couch to 5k program work for you.
Benefits of Running 5K
Most people know there are benefits to running and just being active in general. Once you start running on the regular, you’ll instantly reap the benefits of your new, active lifestyle. Of course, everybody is different, but here are a few of the rewards you’ll gain on your journey to running 5K:
Weight management
Increased bone strength and density
Increased muscle tone
Stronger heart and lungs
Lower cholesterol
Improved mood
Lower stress levels
Weight Management
Running burns a lot of energy—400-700 calories, in fact. So if you’re looking for a gym-free way to burn through some calories, running is a great option.
Increased Bone Density
Increased bone density helps protect your bones from fractures and osteoporosis. The denser the bone, the less prone to fractures, which your body will thank you for as you age.
Increased Muscle Tone
If you’re looking to get leaner, running is for you. Muscle definition is a definite bonus, as running sculpts the leg, glute, and ab muscles.
Stronger Heart and Lungs
Cardio workouts bring more oxygen into the body and train your heart and lungs to use oxygen even more efficiently. Soon you won’t mind taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Lower Blood Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a leading factor in heart disease and stroke, which is pretty scary. The good news is, it’s largely preventable with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Improved Mood
With running, happiness is free. Your running workout will flood your system with endorphins which will elevate your mood and give you more energy. It’s that “runners’ high” you’ve heard so much about.
Lower Stress Levels
Many health professionals recommend exercise, particularly running, to combat negative feelings and emotions, and even as part of a treatment plan for conditions like depression.
So What is the Couch to 5K Plan?
You’re going to be glad you asked. If your daily routine involves your commute to your office chair and then straight to your couch, the idea of successfully running five whole kilometres can seem as far-fetched as that glass of water you left on the kitchen counter and are now too comfortable to get.
Created in 1996 by Josh Clark, the Couch to 5K plan is designed to get you to run five kilometres in manageable training increments over the course of nine weeks. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed or get discouraged at not being able to do it right away. It takes at least 2 weeks to a month to get into a running routine, so this gives you time to adapt and work up to 5K.
Joshua Clark, inventor of the Couch to 5K Plan
Small, realistic goals and consistent training are the keys to success here. In just 20-30 minutes per workout, three days per week, you’ll be on your way to 5K. Workouts begin with a warm-up, end with a cool-down, and will guide you through intermittent running and walking in between. By the end of the Couch to 5k program, you’ll be running up roads and hills no problem.
Pro Tools: Couch to 5K in the Palm of Your Hand
If you’re like a lot of people these days, you do nearly everything from your phone. From banking to email, Apple Pay and more, you’re used to getting things done on the go. Luckily, there are a couple of digital tools that make sticking to the program that much easier.
Get the Official Couch to 5K App
Yep, there’s an app for that. The Couch to 5K app helps you to stay on-program with easy workout tracking. It’s like having an invisible running coach, with audio cues to guide your daily run. You’ll also get a daily detailed workout guide and be able to track your progress over the course of the eight-week program. Just keep in mind some features are only available for purchase in-app, and the free version does show annoying ads (capitalist society, am I right?).
Other bells and whistles included in the app experience are:
Curated music playlists
Route mapping
MyFitnessPal integration
Social media connectivity
iPhone and Android compatibility
Apple Watch, smartwatch, and Fitbit compatibility
A good way to gauge whether an app is worth the download is to check out the reviews first. The C25K® 5K Trainer App on Apple’s App Store has a 4.7/5 rating. The overwhelming majority of users seem to be happy with the program, although some note various functionality issues.
☆☆☆☆☆
Incredible! Highly recommend it to people looking to start living a more active life.
“Absolutely wonderful app! C25K has made me love running! This app has pretty much reintroduced me to a healthy lifestyle after years of inactivity. Because of my newfound interest in running, I now take way better care of myself. Honestly life changing.” – Jctgwfa, 2019-09-10
Android users also seem pretty happy with this app, giving it an overall rating of 4.5/5 on Google Play. As with the iPhone app, the Android version seems to have functionality issues for a minority of users.
☆☆☆☆
“Only on day 3 but so far I love it! Straightforward, no fuss, achievable goals to crush. And that’s the free version!” – B. McAndrew, 2020-02-08
Couch to 5K NHS Podcast
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service has a number of ongoing initiatives to help UK citizens stay fit. Fortunately for the rest of us, their Couch to 5K podcast can also be taken advantage of by those of us across the pond. This is an alternative to the official C25K app if you’re not interested in tracking your stats but still want some digital coaching through the Couch to 5K Program.
Each episode is approximately 30 minutes, just long enough to last the duration of your workout. This nine-episode series features guided weekly workouts with great music and narrated cues for your warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest periods in between. You can find the NHS Couch to 5K podcast, and others like it, on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.
Couch to 5K Training Plan
By now you’re wondering what exactly the Couch to 5K running plan entails. Well, the program is broken down into nine week-long modules. Every week, you will have three workouts with rest days in between. The workouts increase in intensity as the weeks go on until you are ready to tackle a 5K run by the end of week nine.
In the beginning, your workouts will be short intervals of walking and jogging that you repeat for 20-30 minutes. Let’s look at a snapshot of some weeks in the Couch to 5K workout plan.
Week 1
Three runs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You will walk for 5 minutes, jog for 2 minutes, and walk for 5 minutes again. Repeat the sequence for 20-30 minutes.
Week 5
By week five, each run is varied. You’ll run for longer intervals, but with the previous runs behind you, it shouldn’t be too much of a challenge.
First run: walk 5 minutes, jog 9 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat.
Second run: jog 6 minutes, walk 6 minutes, jog 6 minutes, walk 6 minutes. Repeat.
Third run: walk 5 minutes, jog 10 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat.
Fourth run: walk 5 minutes, jog 11 minutes, walk 5 minutes. Repeat.
Week 9
At week nine your runs will be significantly longer than when you started. You’ll be able to judge when you need to slow down or take a break, and give yourself a buffer at the beginning and end of your workout with a brisk walk.
First run: jog 20 minutes.
Second run: jog 12 minutes, walk five minutes, jog 12 minutes.
Third run: jog 24 minutes.
Fourth run: jog 24 minutes.
Top Tips to Take You to Running 5K
It’s always exciting to start a new fitness routine, but it’s good to set a few ground rules for yourself before diving right in. Remember, you want to set yourself up for success. Read on to learn about what you can do to make it all the way to 5K and enjoy the journey.
Pick Your Pace
The Couch to 5K program is tailored toward newbie runners, so it’s okay to take it slow. If you’re not ready to move on to the next week’s challenges, that’s okay! Stick with the workouts you’re doing until you’re ready to move on. Make the workouts part of a weekly routine, and plan so that you have time to do them.
Rest Up
Your rest days are just as important as running days. Running is a high-impact activity and hard on your joints, so be sure to give your body time to recover. On off-days, you could even incorporate some stretching at home, or try a low-impact yoga class.
Don’t Skip the Warm-Up
Stretching and walking before you run might seem like no big deal, but it’s actually an important part of your workout. Warm-ups prepare your joints and muscles for your workout, and your cool-down will help to gradually lower your heart rate and regulate your breathing after your run.
Couch to 5K Training Schedule
Deciding to make running part of your routine takes commitment, and keeping that commitment takes planning. Altogether, the Couch to 5K program only asks for 90 minutes per week. Thinking of it this way makes it easier to carve out some time for your workouts. If you’re not sure where to start, check out the sample training schedule below.
Week
Monday
Tuesday
Wednes-day
Thurs-day
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
Walk: 5 minsJog: 2 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 2 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 3 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
2
Walk: 5 minsJog: 3 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 4 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 5 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
3
Walk: 5 minsJog: 6 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 4 minsWalk: 5 minsJog: 4 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 7 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
4
Walk: 5 minsJog: 7 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 8 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 9 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
5
Walk: 5 minsJog: 9 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 6 minsWalk: 5 minsJog: 6 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 10 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Walk: 5 minsJog: 11 minsWalk: 5 mins
6
Walk: 5 minsJog: 11 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 13 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 15 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
7
Jog: 15 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 8 minsWalk: 5 minsJog: 8 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 16 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 17 minsWalk: 5 mins
8
Jog: 17 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 18 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 20 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Rest day
9
Jog: 20 mins
Rest day
Jog: 12 minsWalk: 5 minsJog: 12 mins
Rest day
Jog: 24 minsWalk: 5 mins
Rest day
Jog: 24 mins
Essential Workout Gear for Runners
Compared to the cost of membership at your local gym, running can be a fairly inexpensive workout routine. Most people already have running shoes, but don’t think that’s all you need. Your ideal running gear is not too different from what you wear to the gym. There are a few essential items that can get you started on the right foot:
Running shoes
Running jacket
Running clothes
Running socks
Water bottles
Running Shoes
Wearing the proper shoes for your run is critical for a comfortable run. More than that, a good pair of runners with proper arch support and midsole cushioning will help prevent injuries like foot fractures, tendinitis, and other repetitive stress injuries.
Here’s what to look for in a shoe:
Proper fit: if you’re shopping in-store, use that weird metal foot sizer for an accurate fit. Online, follow your favorite brand’s guidelines for measuring. The right shoe should be like a glove for your foot, snug around the foot and ankle with a little wiggle room for your toes.
Good cushioning: running is high-impact so you’ll need ample cushioning that conforms to the bottom of your feet.
Heel height: some like a thick heel, some don’t. Learning your preference will help you choose a shoe that will keep you steady and stable while you run.
Good flex: stiff soles are the enemy when it comes to running. Choose a flexible shoe that can help you push off with every step. It should feel a little bouncy.
Material: you’ll need a breathable shoe, so double-check that the material can wick away sweat and help to keep your feet cool.
Running Jacket
One great thing about the Couch to 5K program is that you can start any time. If you’re planning on running outdoors all year round, a running jacket will see you through all kinds of inclement weather. They come in a range of styles and price points.
What to look for in a good running jacket:
Breathable fabric: running is hot and sweaty work, so look for moisture-wicking fabric.
Waterproof and wind-resistant: this will keep you dry and comfortable in all conditions (except for blizzards, hail storms, hurricanes, and weather that is just plain dangerous to be in).
Movement: make sure you have a full range of comfortable movement in your jacket.
Color and reflectives: you’ll want to be visible during the day and at night, so choose a color that won’t get lost in the scenery during the day, with reflective strips that will keep you visible at night for your own safety.
Running Clothes
Besides a running jacket, you might want to invest in some clothes specifically designed for running. No, not your sweat pants that double as pajamas. Look for running clothes in technical fabrics that will work overtime to wick away sweat and keep you cool while you burn through your workouts. Long sleeve tops with thumb holes are great, and you’ll want long pants and shorts as well.
Running Socks
Running socks are a definite running essential. They’re on the frontline of keeping your feet comfortable and free of moisture during your run. Athletic socks and compression socks are the best for running. Stay tuned, we’ll get into that in the next section.
Water Bottles
Hydration is important in general, but it’s especially critical for runners. Staying hydrated will help your body to regulate its natural cooling system. When choosing a water bottle, look for portability and capacity. That is, how much water you want to carry with you, and how you will carry it so you can stay hands-free.
Wearing the Right Running Gear Based on Weather
You can use any combination of your basics depending on the weather and your comfort level. Here’s a chart of recommended pieces for adverse weather and extreme temperatures.
Running Gear
Rain
Snow
Heat
Cold
Running jacket
✓
✓
✓
Running top – long sleeve
✓
✓
✓
Running top – short sleeve
✓
✓
Running pants/leggings
✓
✓
✓
Running Shorts
✓
Athletic socks
✓
✓
✓
✓
Best Socks for Runners
No matter the running outfit you choose for your workouts, you’ve gotta wear socks. There are socks that are great for runners specifically. If you’re having trouble deciding, here’s a good breakdown of your options.
Here’s a nightmare scenario. You commit to the Couch to 5K plan. You get out there three days a week, doing your runs like a boss. Before long, you develop painful blisters on your feet, and you give up your workouts entirely. One bad blister can stop you in your tracks, but a good pair of athletic socks can help protect your feet from that dreaded friction injury. On top of that, athletic socks draw moisture away from the feet to keep odor and fungal infections at bay.
Compression socks go up to the knee and provide mild pressure on the lower legs. This helps to promote healthy circulation and move blood back to the heart more efficiently. Avid runners love compression socks because, in addition to keeping the legs warm, they help to reduce muscle cramps. This makes it easier to run for longer and makes for easy recovery on rest days.
From Couch Potato to 5K: You’ve Got This
The Couch to 5K program is nothing to be intimidated about, and that’s by design. Created with the average person in mind, the program is broken down into manageable weekly routines. Start and continue at a pace that works for you, and in a few short weeks you’ll be kicking up dust running a full 5K. There’s nothing that beats the joy of reaching a personal best, and the Couch to 5K program is a great way to get there.
For the digitally minded, helpful apps and podcasts can help you take your workout to the next level. Great running gear is also a must. Along with essential running clothes, athletic socks and compression socks will be your workout MVPs. Now go out there and get running while your favorite spot on the couch becomes a distant memory.
Whether you are texting your bestie, shooting that last grocery list item to your SO, calling that long-lost cousin on Whatsapp because your mom will not stop badgering you to do so, or checking apps, you count on your phone for a lot of stuff. That is why phone cases are functional statement pieces.
Think of it like this: people without clothes are pretty much made of the same organic materials, but when we can add things to the canvas and decorate ourselves, that is how we make a statement. Just like clothing and accessories, phone cases are the adornments of phones.
Whatever your needs are when it comes to a phone case, there are options out there for you at all kinds of price-points. This list provides you with the best designer iPhone Cases of 2022, helping you make an informed shopping decision about how to protect and style your favorite gadget.
How to Choose the Best Designer iPhone Cases
There are a handful of considerations that must be addressed before you endeavour to buy an iPhone case, such as:
Brand
When it comes to brands, there is really no secret formula for determining which of them to go with. It is entirely dependent on your personality, your tastes, and your budget.
If you have a rugged, functional-type of style, you may align with a brand that embodies that. On the other hand, if you have an upscale sophisticated kind of style, you might want to look for something in that area.
On the other hand, budget does determine the brand you go with to a significant degree. You do not want to put yourself in debt for an iPhone case, so it is best to determine what exactly you are willing to dish out before you seek it.
Price
On the other hand, budget does determine the brand you go with to a significant degree. You do not want to put yourself in debt for an iPhone case, so it is best to determine what exactly you are willing to dish out before you seek it.
As mentioned, the price depends on the brand of the case and the materials used. A case from Gucci is going to cost more than a case from Walmart, while a case from Versace will probably cost more than a case from Gucci.
If you buy a plastic case, chances are that it won’t send you wailing to your local ATM. However, if you purchase a solid-gold case, that will burn a bigger hole into your pocket than plastic would.
In other words, if you feel like splurging, look for high-quality materials such as metals and gems, but be prepared to pay the price warranted by the quality.
Authenticity
Believe it or not, there are ways to spot a fake case. There are also ways to avoid accidentally purchasing a fake case if authenticity is a big thing for you. In order to avoid buying fakes:
Buy online directly from the company.
If that is not your thing, buy from reputable locations such as Best Buy.
If you decide to buy from independent sellers, check that the price of the case matches what you’d expect of the brand, and that the seller has some credibility.
Functionality
Many people do not just rely on their phone cases to protect their phones. Phone cases have evolved to be card holders, mirrors, and stands, so knowing exactly what you want and need from your case is a significant step in the buying process.
Prada Logo Plaque Case, $395
Louis Vuitton Eye Trunk Case, $925
Bottega Veneta iPhone 11 Pro Case, $150
Christian Louboutin Logo Case, $300
Gucci Ophidia iPhone 11 Case, $435
Fendi Smartphone Case, $520
Versace La Medusa Phone Case, $175
Saint Laurent Paris iPhone 11 Pro Chain Case, $965
Loewe Elephant Leather Case, $492
Kenzo XI Pro, $85
10 of the Best Designer iPhone Cases to Shop Now
We are about to take you through a list of the 10best designer iPhone cases available right now. All of these cases are aesthetically pleasing, unique, and vary in what they offer. All in all, each one of our top picks provides options for individuals of diverse tastes. Happy shopping!
Made out of 100% calf leather, this case embodies luxury. It only comes in one colour (black) and fits an iPhone 12 Pro Max. The cool thing about this beautifully designed case is that it is reminiscent of the most popular Prada bags, which also feature the enamel logo on a black canvas.
This case is a nod to the brand’s iconic trunk design that features the S-lock, leather trim, and metal rivets. The detailed features of this case are the monogram coated canvas, calf-leather trim, calf-leather lining, and gold hardware.
It comes in three materials – monogram, autres toiles monogram, and EPI (which comes in two different colours) – and it fits the models X and XS of the iPhone brand.
The notable thing about this case is the intrecciato design, which is the signature weaving technique of Bottega Veneta. The same design can be found on other items by the brand such as the Jodie bag or the Lido shoes.
Instead of leather, this case uses 100% silicon, making it easily cleanable and protective. It fits an iPhone XI Pro and comes in 5 different colours, including tomato (red), plaster (beige), and mirabelle (yellow/mustard).
Bottega Veneta offers this luxurious statement case for $150.
You can’t think of Louboutin without thinking about those signature red soles, which are reflected on this iPhone case. The case itself is a 100% plastic cutout of the brand’s logo that comes in one colour, ‘loubi’ (red, of course), and features an easy clip-on application method.
This case is compatible with an iPhone 11 Pro. Get some red soles for your phone on Selfridges&Co for $300.
Another nod to the heritage of a label, this case features Gucci’s GG logo which is an evolution from the original design established in the 30s. Notable product details are the beige and ebony GG monogram canvas, and the oval enamel detail with a metal double G.
This product suits an iPhone 11 and it’s available on Gucci’s site for $435.
This sleek Fendi case has the same look as the brand’s wallets, which feature the signature interchanging F’s. Made from 100% calf leather, 60% polyamide, 28% polyester, and 12% resin, it is a true high-quality piece.
The flip-open style comes in one colour (brown) and fits the iPhone 11 Pro. 24S is offering this case for $520.
If you are looking for a case that screams ‘Versace’ and looks more like an art piece than a phone case, this is the one for you. It features the brand’s La Medusa plaque, which is a nod to the decor of its first headquarters in Milan, Italy.
The exterior is made from 44% polyvinyl chloride, 38% polyurethane, and 18% polycarbonate, while the interior is 100% leather to protect your phone. This case fits the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. It’s also available in 4 different colors: black, red, blue, and pink.
Is this a case, or a purse? That is the question you will be asking yourself after a first glance at this gorgeous design. This iPhone case is truly a testament to Saint Laurent Paris in virtue of its sensual, sultry print.
It is made from 100% calfskin in the color ‘leopard’, and it’s accented with gold-toned metal hardware. It also comes with a detachable shoulder strap and fits the iPhone 11 Pro.
Purchase this case on Saint Laurent’s website for $965.
This case is adorable: it looks like a tiny elephant peeking out from behind your phone! In our minds, that is exactly what the designers at Loewe were thinking when they created this case as an homage to the brand’s iconic elephant bag.
Aside from its unique aesthetic appeal, this case has a leather exterior and a suede interior, meaning that it also scores high in the quality of its materials. It is also functional, with a handy wrist-strap for comfortable carrying.
Even better, you can get this tan-coloured beauty for your iPhone 11 Pro for just under $492 on MyTheresa.
Featuring Kenzo’s infamous tiger motif, this case is sleek and fierce all at once. Made from 50% silicone, 40% polycarbonate, and 10% polyamide, it’s incredibly lightweight, resulting in a barely-there feel.
The XI Pro Case comes in two colors: black and navy. You can grab it for yourself on Kenzo’s website for $85.
Which designer iPhone case is the most affordable?
When you are shopping for designer phone cases, you ought to realize that your pockets will (probably) feel the burn. However, there are a couple of items on this list that offer you the chance to reap designer case benefits without paying luxury prices.
By far, the most affordable case on the list is the Kenzo’s, coming in at only $85. Next in line would be Bottega Veneta’s case, which also is a massive steal at $150, given the aesthetic appeal of the design.
Which case comes in multiple iPhone formats?
There are two items on the list that fit more than one iPhone format: the Louis Vuitton case and the Versace case. The LV case fits both iPhone X and XS models, while the Versace case fits the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro models. All of the other brands offer a one-size-fits-all experience.
That said, the point of having a designer phone case is that you want it to match your personality and style, both of which are unique to you.
Without a doubt, 2020 and 2021 have been significant years for up and coming brands, especially those that offer their products exclusively online. With most of us working from home, jewelry has become an even more critical medium to express ourselves through since it is one of the few things that can be seen on a Zoom call.
If you’re bummed about getting dressed up only to stay inside the house, a solid solution for curing your pandemic-induced melancholy is to spruce yourself up, regardless of whether you plan to step out or not. An easy way to accomplish this is to look at some of the best jewelry designers to follow in 2022.
The Jewelry Designers to Shop for 2022’s Biggest Trends
Instagram is an absolute gold mine for discovering and shopping this year’s most prominent jewelry trends, and many of the best jewelry designers to follow in 2022 are present on the platform. Online, your choices for jewelry are endless, but knowing what to look for when it comes to trending items requires a bit of fashion knowledge. Not to worry – we’ve got all the details for you below.
Know What’s Trending
A brief journey into the waters of social media will enlighten you with some of the biggest trends in jewelry, including the ethereal, delicate motifs that have become ‘Grammable’ over the past couple of years. These jewelry pieces feature materials such as gold, petite and thin diamonds, and pearls. Chains, medallions, chunky bangles, and signet rings have also captured people’s attention.
Mejuri, a much gossiped about DTC jewelry brand that focuses on producing everyday pieces emphasizing yellow gold, has a section on its website that features best-selling products. It includes dainty chain-link necklaces with diamond accents that reflect the styles sought after today.
An increasing number of brands are advertising customizable pieces, allowing their clientele to control the design process. Celebrity-loved Adina’s Jewels has an entire sub-section on its website that offers personalized and customizable options that come with their unique touches.
Brands
Fortunately, there’s a large variety of options to choose from when browsing for new bling in 2022. Whether you are looking for something to style with your regular go-to pieces or for something with a little more ‘glitz’, the top names in jewelry can cater to your every need. But before you settle on one, you may want to ask yourself:
What is their style? Does it mesh well with yours?
Do they specialize in any particular product or piece of jewelry?
What is your budget? Does the cost of the piece match its quality?
Price
You may have already heard the terms ‘demi-fine, ‘fine,’ and ‘luxury’ pop up while shopping for jewelry. Demi-fine jewelry is the product of high-quality materials that echo timeless, traditional styles with a modern twist. Typically, a demi-fine piece will range between $100 and $400.
On the other hand, fine or luxury pieces feature pure, precious metals and genuine gemstones. They can run you anywhere from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on their size and quality, and fine wares are referred to as ‘investment pieces’ either bought to be resold for more than their value or passed down as heirlooms.
Zoe Lev
Maria Tash
Jennifer Fisher
Adina’s Jewels
Vanessa Mooney
Justine Clenquet
Kendra Scott
Limbo Jewelry
True Curated Designs
Sherman Field 1967
Sapir Bachar
De Cosmi
Limnia
Leda Medera
Mejuri
Éliou
16 Best Jewelry Designers
Now that you’ve got the skinny on which jewelry trends to look for, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 most popular jewelry designers for you to follow in 2022. They’re quickly becoming staples in wardrobes around the world, with even the most trendy demi-fine pieces finding their way into the hearts of Hollywood stars.
#1 – Zoe Lev
Zoe Lev is a brand for women from all walks of life. Created by fine jewelry designer Stephanie Gottlieb in LA, it first emerged as ‘Letters by Zoe’ in 2011. Zoe Lev offers signature, personalized, and custom-made pieces with high-quality metals and precious/semi-precious stones. Celebrities that have fallen in love with the brand include Margot Robbie, Ciara, and Eva Longoria.
14-karat gold is a mainstay in Zoe Lev designs, as well as ethically sourced, natural diamonds. Some products are made with other precious stones and metals, such as vermeil, made of a sterling silver base with a thick gold coating.
The prices of some of the best-selling Zoe Lev items are consistent with what you would expect of demi-fine jewelry. For instance, the Large Signet Ringcan be bought for $85, whereas the 14k Gold Diamond Evil Eye Braceletwill cost you $310.
Maria Tash is a New York-based jewelry brand that specializes in luxury body piercing and fine jewelry design. Founded in 1993 in NYC by Maria Tashjian, Maria Tash provides a delicate, luxury take on body piercings, which are traditionally chunky and edgy. Celebrities wearing Maria Tash jewelry are Maluma, Katy Perry, Blake Lively, and Rihanna.
An array of earrings, necklaces, rings, body jewelry, cuffs, and bracelets are available. The materials used to make them include (but are not limited to) precious metals like white, yellow, and rose gold, gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and sapphires.
Jennifer Fisher originated in New York but has since expanded to Beverly Hills, CA. Piloted by Jennifer Fisher herself, the brand specializes in customizable fine and brass jewelry. Jennifer Fisher’s earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are loved by Doja Cat, Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and Alicia Keys.
To get an idea of the JF price range, the Brass Micro Samira Huggiescost $281, while the 14-karat yellow gold Fine Micro Thread Huggies cost $437. The brass items are generally more affordable from this brand, although prices stay within the realm of hundreds to mid-thousands for both brass and fine jewelry.
Adina Kamkhatchi began her journey on IG, where she quickly gained a following and set the basis for her career in jewelry creation and marketing. Her brand specializes in gold-plated sterling silver jewelry that features centerpieces of cubic zirconia, freshwater pearls, and kitschy charms. Kylie Jenner, Miley Cyrus, and Bella Hadid are all fans of Adina’s.
Established in 2009, Vanessa Mooney provides versatile, fun, flirty, indie, and unashamedly rock ‘n’ roll pieces that range from vintage to highly sophisticated. If we could sum it up in one sentence, Vanessa Mooney is the place to go for statement pieces, bold colors, and shapes to suit every individual style.
Vanessa Mooney jewelry starts at prices as low as $35 for the Zelda Cross Ring,which ismade with 24-karat gold plated brass. The $42Rosie Bracelet Set is made of freshwater pearls, acrylic, glass, and howlite turquoise beads. In the demi-fine range, the Vintage Pluto Ring($700) is a standout made of oxidized sterling silver and genuine diamonds.
Justine Clenquet established her brand in 2010, promoting French craftsmanship through traditional jewelry items. Offering handmade pieces in France with brass covered in 24-karat pale gold, crystals, and palladium, Justine Clenquet jewelry is genuinely multi-functional and uncomplicated to style, depending on your outfit and mood.
This brand’s affordable price range hits the low-end and the upper-end of the typical demi-fine range. You can grab the Moon Gold Stud for $18 or the Charly Braceletfor $77. Alternatively, you can opt for the $191Larry Bodychain, which is sure to be your favorite in the summertime.
Founded in 2002, Kendra Scott is a self-proclaimed demi-fine jewelry brand that offers quality pieces of all kinds at affordable prices. The company prides itself on making high-quality jewelry accessible to all, which is what it succeeds at doing.
Limbo Jewelry is the lovechild of husband and wife duo Edson and Anne Rutt-Enriquez. Heavily influenced by architecture and nature, the brand uses natural materials such as precious and semi-precious metals to create elegant piecesfull of movement and personality.
With a commitment to being kind to the planet, Limbo also offers sustainably sourced materials and environmentally friendly packaging, making it the perfect choice for the earth-conscious buyer. The price range is narrow, but some pieces, such as the Zama Tulum Studs($69), are offered for under $100, while some items, such as the Link Unite Bracelet($149), come in at slightly more.
Vancouverite Tori Dundas founded True Curated Designs, a Canadian-made brand that focuses on fine jewelry and custom engagement rings. Dundas’ approachable take on luxe pieces is inspired by the fact that purchasing fine jewelry has felt like a stuffy and impersonal endeavor for so long. She hopes to change this, making each item special, beautiful, and unique as the person wearing it.
The focus of True Curated Designs is custom engagement rings, so the price range is hard to pinpoint. However, the fine jewelry pieces from this brand range from $69 for the Unstoppable Earrings to $530 for the Mallorca 14k Gold Hoop Earrings.
Originally established as a women’s clothing brand, Sherman Field 1967 relaunched as a fine jewelry retailer in 2019, featuring timeless vintage pieces made of high-quality materials. What makes this brand unique is its signature 18-karat yellow gold, which is a mixture of recycled pure gold and a variety of alloys. It gives Sherman Field jewelry a well-loved and lived-in look that stands the test of time.
Sapir Bachar was established in 2019 and embodied the perfect fusion between Middle Eastern and Western styles. The brand mainly uses sterling silver to craft its pieces but does not limit itself there, throwing together unique leather, semi-precious/precious stones, and gold.
Demi-fine prices can be expected of the jewelry from Sapir Bachar (for the most part). The Silver Paisley Ringcosts $195, while the Silver Moon Chokerexpenses about $495. Meanwhile, the adorable Silver Eclipse Earringscome with a price tag of $215.
De Cosmi is a nod to Mediterranean beaches and summery vibes that features handmade pieces designed by Catherine Servel. Each item is crafted with love and care, resulting in unique and beautiful pieces that can be customized to your specifications. Common materials used include diamonds, pearls, tourmaline, gold, and silver.
The De Cosmi price range balances between fine and luxury from $300 for the Bella Earringsto $1,900 for the Algues Bracelet, which is made of a fusion between sterling silver, sculptural pebbles, and sari silk. Then, some pieces have a much larger price tag, such as the Fragola Necklace($8,490), which combines natural pearls, 18-karat yellow gold, and pink tourmaline.
Brand founder Anette Lasala Spillane aims to create timeless jewelry for the modern woman with Limnia. Designed in New York and produced in the Philippines, the renewable and versatile pieces are testaments to the designer’s dedication to social change and female empowerment.
Giulia Tordini designs Leda Madera’s collection with class, sophistication, and a vintage feel in mind. The art-deco-inspired jewelry is made in Italy and features a signature pleat that gives each piece an air of movement. The majority of Leda Madera items are 100% brass plated in light gold.
The items available are consistent with demi-fine pricing. You can purchase the Small Susan Earringfor $490, the stunning Meryl Hair Clipfor $227,or the geometric-looking Geena Ringfor approximately $370.
Mejuri is a fine jewelry brand that prides itself on being conscious of its product’s environmental and social impact, holding its standards for fair labor practices, safe working conditions, and responsibly and ethically sourced materials high.
The price range varies greatly depending on the product but does not stray into the luxury or ultra-fine territory. Some best-selling items include the Boyfriend Hoops($80),the Diamonds Line Necklace($390),and the Large Diamond Necklace($1,325).
Cristina Mantilla and Duda Teixeira combine the natural materials and contemporary styles that makeup Éliou jewelry. Their handcrafted designs, which embody a laid-back, fun, beachy vibe, are made for everyday wear with pearls, colorful beading, and shiny gold.
Incredibly adorable and affordably priced, Éliou is for everybody. For a more sophisticated look, check out the gold-plated Lotte Necklace($145). For something more traditional, opt for the freshwater baroque pearl Vicenza Necklace($180).If you’re feeling fun and whimsical, there’s always the pony bead Tami Bracelet ($40).
When you purchase a piece of jewelry, typically, your goal is to make it last. To get the most out of your investment – no matter how big or small – use the following methods to keep your pieces in tip-top shape:
Keep your jewelry away from chemically-treated surfaces, as this may speed up the staining/tarnishing process.
Would you mind keeping it away from moisture? Moisture tends to create wear and rust, and for the same reasons, it is in your best interest to keep it away from body lotions, creams, perfumes, and sprays.
Keep softer metals away from harder metals because this may cause the softer ones to dent or show signs of wear.
Polish it from time to time. If you are polishing at home, a simple mixture of dish soap and water should do the trick.
When I was young, I used to experiment with eyeshadow all the time. I would wake up nice and early to slap some bright blue tint on my lids before a riveting day at middle school. I would also feel pain when my compact fell to the floor, leaving a powdery plume all over the bathroom floor.
You know what product won’t spray a dusty mess everywhere when dropped? Cream eyeshadow. Cream eyeshadow is a lifesaver for several reasons: it’s versatile, it’s moisturizing, buildable, and it goes on way easier than pressed powder.
Of course, there is a time and place for every kind of formula, but if we’re looking at overall benefits, cream eyeshadow wins the award for Most Convenient Makeup Product. That’s why we put together a list of the best cream eyeshadow for you.
Choosing the Best Cream Eyeshadow for You: A Guide
Before you throw out all of your powder eyeshadows and run to secure yourself some cream, make sure you’ve considered the following:
Brand
When shopping for cream shadow, look to the companies that are well-known for their version of it. For instance, the MAC Cosmetics Pro Long-Wear Paint Pot and the Hourglass Cosmetics Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow are two of the best-selling cream eyeshadows on the market. It also doesn’t hurt to ask your social circle for their top picks.
Price
The price of the product will be influenced by many different factors: the ingredients used, the size of the pot, and the brand. Typically, eyeshadow pots do not vary too widely in size, so the more influential factors are usually the ingredients and the brand.
Companies that produce luxury cosmetics – i.e Tom Ford – will sell shadows at much higher prices than drugstore brands will. So, it is good to set your budget before you start browsing.
Colour
There are several eye looks that are trending now, such as midnight eyes (dark blues, blacks, dark glitter), sunset eyes (warm tones that melt into each other), all-over metallic eyes, smokey eyes, and highlighter eyes (bright, dewy, ultra-light tones).
Luckily, there are plenty of cream shadows to help you recreate those trends. When stepping out at night, think about deeper colours with more drama and intensity. The nighttime is for sultry looks, experimentation with smudging, and sharp lines, so go crazy in the darker shade section.
For everyday wear, opt for softer colours and nudes with a hint of warmth. The point of day makeup is to enhance your natural beauty and give you a little lift. Some colours to consider are rosy blush tones, sandy beige tones, subtle bronzes, and peachy pinks.
Skin Concerns
Arguably, one of the most important things to consider is your eyelid skin. Are you looking for products that will nourish aging eyes? If so, you might be drawn to the items on our list that claim anti-aging benefits.
Do you have oily skin? Perhaps you want a mattifying product to help stave off sheen. Are you a health queen that wants only the most pure, organic ingredients on your skin? Not to worry – we have suggestions for you.
MAC Cosmetics Pro Long-Wear Paint Pot (Beige Range), $26
Here are our top 13 picks for the best cream eyeshadows. Some of these items are ones you may not have heard of, while others are best-sellers featured everywhere in the makeup world. Each description gives you information about the brand, the formula, and the price, among other tidbits that might be useful to you.
#1 – Best Nude Cream Eyeshadow: MAC Cosmetics Pro Long-Wear Paint Pot (Beige Range)
MAC Cosmetics, an acronym for ‘Make-up Art Cosmetics’, is a Canadian cosmetics manufacturer that was founded in Toronto. The brand is known for its bold, creative, and vibrant products, as well as its collaborations with celebrities.
RuPaul, Selena, Niki Minaj, and Patrick Starrr are just a few names to note, and given the brand’s popularity, it’s unsurprising that many of their products are on bestseller lists everywhere, including the Pro Longwear Paint Pot.
This longwear cream eyeshadow promises 24-hour pigmentation with flexibility, buildability, and smoothness. It is non-flaking, non-caking, non-creasing, water-resistant, and non-acnegenic.
Plus, it’s offered in over 23 shades, each costing $26 per pot.
Byredo is a European luxury brand founded in Stockholm in 2006 by Ben Gorham. Byredo’s high-end products promise quality ingredients and unforgettable, timeless experiences for every individual. One such product is the Byredo Color Stick.
This multi-use color stick can be applied all over the face, providing buildable pigment that is extremely easy to blend with other products. It’s available in intriguing colors, including Cleopatra (brown with turquoise glitter), solar flare (a nude hue with gold glitter), and sick pink (a hot pink magenta fusion).
Tom Ford has been in all of the high-fashion luxury seats of power as a former creative director for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. If that wasn’t enough, he has also written and directed a couple of Academy Award nominated films. His dedication to art is seen in his sleek and modern products, like this cream shadow.
Cream Colour for Eyes is a little black pot of buildable pigment with a lustrous metallic finish. The smooth, no-crease, no-smudge cream eyeshadow is free of sulfates and super easy to apply.
You can purchase the three available colors – platinum (cool taupe), opale (champagne), and sphinx (molten golden pink) – for $58.
Stila Cosmetics is an American company founded in 1994 by Jeanine Lobell. Allegedly the name ‘Stila’ is inspired by the Swedish word ‘stil’, which translates to ‘style’. This brand delivers on performance and cost-effectiveness, offering staple products at a more accessible price point.
Speaking of staples, nothing really prepares you for a night out like a good smokey eye, which is exactly what Stila’s Smudge Pots are for. This is an incredibly versatile product, as it can be slicked on as a gel eyeliner to complete your cat eye, or it can be smudged with a finger or a brush to create a grungy vibe.
The Smudge Pot, which comes in one colour (black), can be bought for $26.
The pilot of this cosmetic company, Rose-Marie Swift, was inspired to begin her creative journey after her battle with severe health issues. She was discouraged to find that many chemicals and toxins that had plagued her body were contained in many beauty products.
Thus, a health-conscious, truly organic makeup line was created. There are a ton of organic ingredients in RMS’s Eye Polish, including organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
With natural pigments that reflect the light, the nutrients in this formula are beneficial for those with sensitive or aging eyes. RMS Beauty offers this product in 7 different shades, each priced at $28.
L’oreal is a staple in the cosmetics industry, regardless of whether we are talking makeup, skincare, haircare, or anything in between. Yet another product that lands itself on the bestseller list for aging beauties is the Age Perfect Creamy Eyeshadow.
This non-comedogenic, clinically tested, gentle cream shadow is formulated with serums and mineral pigments, making it the perfect nourishing cocktail for delicate eyes. It is available in 8 shades, including dazzling white, celestial blue, and grey fever.
Right now, you can find it at a discounted price of $10 – just hurry before it’s all gone.
Founded in 2007 by Holly Thaggard, Supergoop is most known for its SPF products. Unsurprisingly, their beauty line does not stray from their core foundations, offering products that will protect from the harsh rays of the sun.
Supergoop is also an environmentally conscious brand for being reef-free, cruelty-free, and clean. Plus, everything is packaged in 100% recyclable materials.
The Shimmershade SPF 30 eyeshadow is available in four super reflective, summery shades: first light, golden hour, daydream, and sunset, which are all variations of golden tans and nudes. They’re anti-crease, anti-flake, and anti-fade creams that promise pigmented, buildable finishes.
Hourglass is dedicated to reinventing luxury cosmetics as cruelty-free and vegan products. Each item is crafted to be transformative and easy to apply, setting the bar high for how cosmetics ought to perform.
This lightweight, shimmery glitter bomb is infused with light-reflecting pearls to create bold, luminescent looks. The hybrid cream formula glides on seamlessly and is perfect for people with sensitive eyes, as it is paraben, fragrance, gluten, sulfate, GMO, and talc-free.
François Nars founded her brand, which is a subsidiary to Shiseido, in 1994. The appeal behind this label is that it brings all the luxury vibes, but with an unmistakable edge. It’s the perfect fusion of classy and provocation.
To see what we mean, just take a look at the Orgasm Collection. The products, shades, and even the names of the products are testaments to the label’s audacious personality.
Intense pigment and hyper-saturated color are what you can expect from the Velvet Cream Eyeshadow Stick. It provides a smooth, matte, crease-free and smudge-free look that lasts all day.
It is also incredibly nourishing, containing a complex of ingredients that slows aging and fights loss of firmness in the eye area. You can get this stick in one of seven colours for the discounted price of $26 on Nars’ site (was $37).
Celebrity makeup artist Laura Mercier is at the helm of this French/American company, which aims to keep up with the changing needs and desires of a modern clientele. The brand, known for its iconic products and luxe artistry, has produced some of the most well-known and trusted products, such as the Flawless Fusion Ultra-Longwear Foundation.
The Caviar Stick is yet another best-selling item in the repertoire, promising paraben and phthalate-free cream pigmentation. The multi-use shadow can be applied as a liner or highlighter.
The shimmer finishes are among the most popular, so it is relieving to see that there are 19 of them (!). Get yours for $38 on Sephora.
Jillian Dempsey is a renowned makeup artist, sculptor, painter, entrepreneur, and animal activist. Known for her mastery with colour, Dempsey’s brand embodies her appreciation for pigment and texture, while upholding her organic and cruelty-free principles.
The Lid Tint is a nutritious cream shadow that contains skin-healthy ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. This cruelty-free and vegan find is a foolproof product that can also be applied all over the face.
Rituel de Fille is a cosmetics brand founded by three sisters who were fascinated by and drawn to the magical side of naturaland organic ingredients, as well as the ritualistic feel of makeup artistry. Their products are 100% cruelty-free and handcrafted without parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances.
The Ash and Ember Eye Soot is a powder/cream hybrid that delivers intense, smoldering, long-lasting color in 12 different shades, all named after something dark and edgy. Take, for example, cultist (a slate grey shimmer).
This multi-functional product acts as a shadow, a base, or a liner, covering all of your cosmetic needs in one go. It can be yours for $38 a pot.
Sometimes, you don’t want to dip your fingers into a pot. Sometimes, you don’t have a brush handy, or yours is looking a little more crusty than it should be. That is why cream shadow sticks come in handy.
Nude Makeup Company designed Nudestix, one of many products that represents the brand’s dedication to creating easy-to-use products for glam on the go. The Magnetic Matte Eye Colorcan be used as a shadow, primer, or liner. It is a waterproof, long-wearing formula that comes in 11 different shades.
Plus, it comes packaged with a sharpener so that you can create as sharp a line as you want. Get this preservative-free, vegan colorstick for $26.
So, we got through all of the pre-requisites. We gave you the list of the best cream eye shadows, but there is one thing that remains to be said: whichever kind of cream eyeshadow you opt for, make sure that your application method is safe and clean. It is way too easy to transfer bacteria onto your eyes with a dirty brush or an unclean hand, so follow these tips for easy and safe application:
If you are using a brush, make sure it is free from visible debris. If it is, then that doesn’t mean it can’t house harmful bacteria, so make sure you clean it regularly.
If you are using your finger, make sure you wash your hands first in warm water and lather well with soap for 15 to 20 seconds.
Never, and I mean never, share your eye products with other people. Harmful bacteria doesn’t care if your friend forgot her makeup bag.
Always know your sensitivities and allergies. You can have the most vibrant and beautiful shade on your lid, but if it is swelling from an allergic reaction, none of that will matter.
Once all is said and done, we urge you to use this list as a guide to finding the best cream eyeshadow. After all, powders have had their time. It’s a new era.
The last thing your makeup routine should be during the summer is complicated. While the weather beckons you outside to play by the pool with friends, it’s time to ditch the 12-step routine and get in the habit of minimizing the number of products you use. Enter: liquid blush.
Powdered blush is one of those products that requires more than one ‘tool’ for optimal use – a brush is necessary for application and depending on the quality of the product you’re using, precious formula can be wasted off loose bristles. Not to mention, dry formulas have a knack for settling into fine lines and wrinkles, which does not scream “hot girl summer”.
That’s just one of the reasons why liquid blush has become so popular: it leaves a natural, dewy finish behind. The best liquid blush will help you forgo the texture dilemma and lock moisture into the skin, resulting in bouncy looking cheeks. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to find your new favourite shade!
How to Choose the Best Liquid Blush for Your Skin
While bright oranges and corals can be fun to play around with once in a while, chances are you’re not sporting fluorescent cheekbones on your daily Zoom calls. That’s why there are more than a few factors to consider before you start finger painting your face with the trendiest shades of liquid blush. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of colour options, but you’ll also want to think about:
Pigment
Like every other makeup product on the market, liquid blush comes in a variety of pigments. Think of pigment as the concentration of colour that a product contains: the less pigmented a product is, the more sheer it will be. So, it’s important to picture what kind of look you’re going for. If you want your cheeks to look like they were gently kissed by colour, stay away from a highly pigmented product.
Brand
Some of today’s biggest brands, makeup artists and beauty influencers have come out with their very own liquid blush, including @mmmmitchell (creator of Made by Mitchell and Blursh) and Natasha Denona (founder of Natasha Denona Beauty). Then there’s the classics Iike NARS Liquid Blush, and new breakthroughs like Glossier’s Cloud Paint. When choosing a brand to shop liquid blush from, there’s no right or wrong choice on this list.
Price
Luckily, a good liquid blush won’t cost you an arm and a leg. On the low end, you can score a tube for less than $20. On the high end, you can spend $50 on a bottle that may last you a couple of months if you use it everyday.
Ingredients
If you have extremely sensitive skin or prefer a more natural formula, there are plenty of new options to choose from brands likeIlia and Bite Beauty. If you’d rather avoid products that test on animals and/or contain animal ingredients, it’s best to check for vegan-friendly and PETA certifications, which all of our top picks have (with exception of one or the other).
Finish
Liquid blushes also come in an array of finishes, from matte to shimmery to dewy. All of these features have a time and place in your beauty routine, but when it comes to choosing a liquid blush for everyday wear, a neutral finish is your best bet.
Application
These top-rated liquid blushes come in several different formats, from mini squeeze bottles like Bite Beauty’s new Daycation Whipped Blush to Trish McEvoy’s Liquid Face Colour which glides onto the skin with a brush tip. Whether you want a product applicator to do most of the work for you or not, you’ll want to think about how easily and seamlessly the blush can be applied.
Bite Beauty Daycation Whipped Blush, $32
Glossier Cloud Paint, $22
Saie Dew Blush Liquid Cheek Blush, $29
Blursh Liquid Blush, $19.45
Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Colour, $38
Ilia Colour Haze Multi-Use Pigment, $32
Perricone MD No Makeup Blush, $35
Armani Neo Nude A-Blush, $50
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush, $20
NARS Liquid Blush, $30
Natasha Denona Puff Paint Liquid Blush, $29
11 Best Liquid Blushes of 2022
This curated collection of the best liquid blushes is full of show stopping shades that come in serum-like formulas. Not only do they melt and absorb into the skin like hyaluronic acid and emollient squalene, they provide major color payoff too. Ready for your bounciest cheeks ever? Check out the selection below.
The whipped texture of Bite Beauty’s new Daycation blushes is a welcome surprise in the liquid category. In fun hues like ‘melon mojito’, ‘coconut rum’, ‘watermelon marg’ and ‘hibiscus slush’, this creamy formula is made for summer.
Coupled with the fact that it’s fade-resistant, the Daycation Blush fits right in with your regular roster of makeup products but adds a little extra spice. Infused with illuminating papaya extract, it provides a healthy, natural finish that you’re able to build on your eyelids too. Simply squeeze, dab, and glow for $32.
Designed for ease of use, Glossier’s sheer Cloud Paint is the perfect product for first-time liquid blush users. You can layer it on without having to worry about it being ‘too much’, thanks to the buildable gel-cream formula.
Allow the Cloud Paint to dust your skin with a light smattering of colour, from warm rose to sunny coral to ultra-nude for just $22. Available in eight unique shades, this product contains special blurring pigments that help diminish the look of pores and texture. Your days of chalky, streaky cheeks are over.
You might mistake this $29liquid blush from Saie for a lipstick, but it’ll make you fall in love with using a doe-foot applicator on your face. Available in four fleshy shades including cool berry, warm rose, peachy pink, and bright coral, this water-based gel tickles the skin with a seamless flush of colour.
In addition to being long-lasting, the formula is blended with nourishing ingredients like brightening mulberry, damage-reversing elderberry, and moisturizing evening primrose. Basically, it’s skin care and blush in one hero product that is sure to become a part of your daily routine.
Calling all blush lovers! This product was made entirely for you according to @mmmmitchell, a self-proclaimed blush addict. The Blursh Liquid Blush comes in six amazing shades that are suitable for all skin tones, star players being the blushing Cherry Cola and bright orange Mango Daiquiri.
The transformative liquid to powder finish allows it to be layered under or over your foundation and concealer. It dries to a satin-matte finish, and at a very reasonable $19.45, we’re tempted to try the entire blendable shade range.
For nearly 50 years, renowned makeup artist Trish McEvoy has been creating quality skincare, fragrance, and cosmetic products that help simplify your beauty routine. Just like this liquid gel blush that glides onto the apples of your cheeks with a brush tip.
What’s interesting about the Liquid Face Colour is that it only comes in one shade: a luminous pink coral that compliments every skin tone. Priced at $38, this universal glow stick leaves a flattering scarlett highlight on cool, warm, and neutral skin tones.
This award winning formula from clean beauty pioneer Ilia is a hyperpigmented liquid blush that’s easy to dot along the lips and cheeks. It provides an intense yet natural-looking colour, and you can blend it out for a more delicate finish.
Ringing in at $32, a little bit of the weightless cream goes a long way. With a blend of skin moisturizers like jojoba and linseed oil, the benefits outweigh the price tag. From dusty mauve to burnt orange to deep berry, there’s something to suit every colour preference and skin tone.
More than just a liquid blush, this $35 makeup and skincare product by Perricone MD visibly evens and brightens skin tone with continued use. The formula is comparable to a gel moisturizer, but it’s incredibly light like a gel serum.
All you need is three small dots along the apples of your cheeks to tint them with a soft wash of colour. The whole process of applying this liquid promotes a youthful glow that instantly trumps dull, tired-looking skin.
Another multi-use product for the skin, cheeks and lips, Armani’s Neo Nude formula comes in five cheery shades that range from light to dark pink to orange. The signature Armani glow is evident in this water-based product, which adds radiance to the complexion without unnecessary cakiness.
As one of the most expensive liquid blushes at $50, it includes a new pointed applicator that administers the right dose of formula to highlight your natural beauty. The goal is to give you that ‘no makeup’ makeup look, and this mighty little bottle delivers on all fronts.
Makeup artist Danessa Myricks created the ultimate liquid blush to accompany her line of multipurpose products, and it’s priced at an economical $20. It has a satin/semi-matte finish that’s picture perfect on the eyes, lips and cheeks, and it immediately brings more life to the face.
The 12 deeply pigmented shades range from ‘grape’ to ‘gold tiara’, and they contain plenty of shimmer from mica. For how sparkly they are, they’re exceptionally buildable and blendable over base makeup.
All you need is one pump of Nars’ famous Liquid Blush to finish off your makeup look with just the right amount of natural-looking colour. The long-lasting formula is made for mixing, and Nars recommends layering it over powder blush for high-impact colour. You can also apply it to the skin first for a diffused effect.
With the added benefits of moisturizing monoi and tamanu oils, this multi-tasking product is a favourite of makeup artists and beauty lovers alike, especially for its $30 price tag. Plus, it comes in three naturally blushing shades, including ‘orgasm’ (a sheer warm pink), ‘dolce vitta’ (a matte dusty rose), and ‘torrid’ (a warm matte with a golden shimmer).
Makeup artist Natasha Denona is known for her signature healthy skin glow, and her liquid blushes can be applied to achieve the same thing at home. Available in a universal ‘peachy tan’, ‘pink coral’ and ‘true cherry’, the simplified shade range truly complements all skin tones and textures.
It’s lightweight, easy-to-apply, and buildable so that you can customize your coverage. For a total of $29, you can also experience the formula’s thirst-relief complex that quickly anddeeply hydrates even after you take your makeup off.
Which brand of liquid blush is the most affordable?
As we mentioned before, liquid blush is priced pretty fairly considering how sparingly you use it and how long it lasts. The most affordable liquid blushes come in under $25, starting with Made by Mitchell’s Blursh Liquid Blush ($19.45), Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush ($20), and Glossier’s Cloud Paint ($22).
Which liquid blushes contain the most benefits for the skin?
A liquid blush that performs is a huge bonus, but a liquid blush that nourishes the skin is an even bigger winner in our eyes. Bite Beauty’s Daycation Whipped Blush, Saie’s Dew Blush, Ilia’s Colour Haze Multi-Use Pigment, and Perricone MD’s No Makeup Blush hydrate, brighten, and rejuvenate the skin.
How should I apply liquid blush?
In general, it’s best to start small with liquid blush. Do not apply product to the palm of your hand – apply it directly to the cheekbones so that you can blend it out from there and avoid wasting product. Here are some other basic rules to follow:
If you’re blending with your fingers, start by making small circles on the surface of the skin without pressing down and applying pressure.
Always move in an upward and outward direction.
Wait until you’ve fully blended a liquid blush into the skin before applying more.
Overall, we hope these insights stick with you on your quest to find the perfect liquid blush. Soon you’ll realize what a game-changer these formulas can be when it comes to creating a sun-kissed, barefaced look. Appearing as if you’re wearing no makeup is the ‘trend’ after all, and we’re happy that ‘natural’ is in, anyway.
2020 and 2021 were rough years for fashion. There were little opportunities for everybody to flex their style choices, unless they were flexing to themselves or to their families in the comfort of their own home. Many of us didn’t do that, but some celebrities, like Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and Zendaya still managed to look incredible and put-together, despite being home-bound themselves.
At-home upkeep requires a few things: leisurely, stylish clothing, hair maintenance in the form of gels, hairsprays, and color-depositing conditioners, a good skincare regimen, a workout regime, and light makeup. It is difficult to always be ‘on’, which is why these celebrity style icons are applauded for their ability to keep themselves sharp, despite gyms, personal care services, and shopping centers being closed for so long.
The Criteria
These celebs have all had their moments of looking good in different contexts, from couch surfing to stepping out for a jog. However, it would be arbitrary for us to comment on each celebrity’s style without an idea of what makes their style iconic. For this reason, we evaluated them on the following criteria:
You have a unique selling point: This can be anything from wearing exclusively cow print to hiding your face in all of your public photos. In essence, a unique selling point is just something that makes you iconic.
You kept up with trends: Regardless of where you are, you are always sporting something on-trend. You are current and relevant in the world of fashion.
You aren’t afraid to explore controversial or bold trends: Lil Nas X basically broke the internet with his videos and style over the past year because he was unashamedly himself. He wore eccentric, yet stylish clothes that were daring and seductive.
You did something amazing in the world of fashion: This can mean anything from starting a movement, building a charity, or beginning a trend.
You are consistent with your efforts: These celebs weren’t caught slacking! They consistently showed up for themselves and others, never failing to serve looks.
Top Celebrity Style Icons 2022
Rihanna
Rihanna
Rihanna is no stranger to the spotlight when it comes to jaw-dropping fashion moments. Remember, she wore the translucent Swarovski crystal dress on the red carpet of the 2014 CFDA Awards, showing all kinds of womanly curves. 2022 did not see Rihanna stumble on her iconic style, thanks to her fantastic taste and stylist Jahleel Weaver, who is actually Fenty’s style director.
Rihanna served us a summer look while promoting Fenty Body Oil in May 2021. She wore a crochet style, cream-coloured mini halter dress with matching Bottega Veneta mesh gladiator heels. She decorated her wrists and fingers with several bracelets of various metal finishes, and topped it off with dark, vampy nails.
Then, the script was flipped when she gave us an entirely different aesthetic while out grocery shopping in March 2021, when she wore an open button-down Hawaiian shirt with a denim mini skirt, Amina Muaddi heels, checkerboard sunglasses, and a vibrant green facemask. This was an awesome play on colors, proving that grocery shopping garb does not have to be drab.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles
Harry Styles has had so many fashion moments over the past few years. He is known for several iconic garments and accessories, notably his colorful sweater, which TikTokers worldwide tried recreating to the point that it became a massive trend, and his pearl necklace habit. He wore both pieces to a performance in February 2020.
His stylist, Harry Lambert, has never feared to help him tread into the territory of eccentricity and color. One of his most recent iconic looks was worn at the BRIT Awards in May 2021. He wore a double-breasted Gucci Aria wool and silk jacket and pants with brown, orange, and beige macro framed sequence print, low-top sneakers with oval enamel detail and a brown leather bag with a bamboo handle.
Then, in April 2021, for the Gucci Beloved campaign, the musician wore a Gucci spring look that included a massive faux fur coat, a floral print top, and wide leg jeans. He accessorized with the Gucci Jackie 1961 small shoulder bag, creating a look that was a modern twist on traditional vintage style.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi is an American actress, model, activist, and celebrity style icon. She started to gain popularity for her roles in the sitcoms Black-ish and Grown-ish, but maintained the spotlight with her style and personality, thanks to her stylist Jason Bolden, the creative director and co-founder of JSN Studio.
In an iconic formalwear moment during the Critics Choice Awards, Yara wore a haute couture ensemble designed by Dior that featured an embroidered top worn beneath a gauzy, bell-sleeved blouse. The coolest thing about this outfit was the tarot card embroidery on the bib of the blouse, which brought an element of spirituality to the look.
In February, she served spring hippie vibes with a puffed-sleeve Zimmerman top that featured a delicate floral print and light-wash, high-waisted jeans. She accessorized with minimalistic gold hoops and a delicate necklace, which was well shown off by her high pony.
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie
If you have heard of Ms. Richie, then it was probably from her role in The Simple Life, a TV-show that aired for 5 seasons in which she co-starred with her friend and fellow socialite, Paris Hilton. If not from there, then you might know her as the wife of Joel Madden, lead vocalist for the pop-punk band Good Charlotte.
If none of that rings a bell, then you might know her through her fashion brand, House of Harlow. Named after her daughter, Harlow Madden, HoH is a lifestyle brand that has expanded into apparel, footwear, accessories and limited-edition specialty items. It boasts a large selection of vintage pieces that represent Nicole’s sophisticated, boho sense of style. One of the best selling items in her repertoire is the REVOLVE Mika Kimono Mini Dress, which retails on Revolve for $324.
The iconic style move made by Richie in 2021 was to announce a collaboration with her sister Sophia Richie, which they would call HoHxSOFIA. One of the items that we love from the collaboration is the House of Harlow 1960 x Sofia Richie Nicola Romper, a lightweight buckled design in a sage green colour.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom is an American actor best known for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical Hamilton. Since then, he has been grinding it out both in his field and as a fashion icon with the help of his stylist, Avo Yermagyan. Both Odom and Yermagyan create looks that are meant to shatter the expectations for leading men in Hollywood, trading in monochromatic looks for colorful expressions of personality.
At the 2021 BAFTA Awards, Odom won the night with not one, but two Versace suits. The first was a red printed suit from the 2021 fall collection, which he wore with a yellow button-up shirt and yellow socks. Then, he changed into a bright blue tailored suit from the brand’s spring line which he wore with a red trench coat and a checkered turtleneck.
The 2021 SAG Awards saw Odom in a technicolor suit with a matching turtleneck underneath. He wore shoes that had an oil-slick aesthetic, proving that you can really wear every color in the wheel and still look dapper as ever.
Hailey Bieber
Hailey Bieber
Hailey Rhode Baldwin Bieber is an American model, media personality, and celebrity style icon that has been featured on ads for brands like Guess, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. The daughter of Stephen Baldwin, niece of Alec Baldwin, and wife of Justin Bieber has consistently shown up in the fashion world with credit due to her stylist, Maeve Reilly.
A recent look of Bieber’s that turned heads was an outfit she wore out and about with her hubby in Paris, in June 2021. The completely lilac-coloured ensemble featured a Raf Simmons knitted crop top, a Bottega Veneta pouch clutch, Attico skirt, and Chanel loafers. She accessorized with black sunglasses and a tight bun.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter
Billy Porter is an American actor, singer, and style icon. A notable role of Porter’s was playing ‘Lola’ in Kinky Boots, which they won an award for in 2013. They are known for sporting eccentric, gender-bending styles that express their colorful and vibrant personality. Their outfits are true masterpieces, thanks to their stylist Sam Ratelle.
At the 2021 BRIT Awards, Porter stepped out in a black high-necked lace and satin gown with lace long-sleeved arms, which was paired with a wide-brimmed hat. They accessorized with platform heels higher than heaven itself that were made of black leather with angular metal at the toe. They captured the steampunk-meets-Victorian look with class and ease.
At the premier for the final season of Pose, Porter wore a colorful and artistic dress by designer Robert Wun. The ensemble featured multi-colored layers of pleated fabric, and it was worn with a white pleated hanging hat. The actor also wore 6-inch platform boots from Rick Owens to complete the look.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa
Everybody – or nearly everybody – has heard Dua Lipa’s music, if not spent a few moments jamming out to it. She has a unique voice, a killer body, and some seriously wicked style, which is coordinated well by her stylist Lorenzo Posocco. The London-based stylist, editor and consultant also worked with other notable stars, including Troye Sivan.
In March of 2021, the singer posted a look to her instagram that had everyone convinced that more color equals more style. Her OOTD featured pink cutout biker shorts with a green checkerboard crop top, which she paired with a plush pink purse that had bead accents on it. She completed the look with a long braid and some Jimmy Choo heels. Her entire look came from Marshall Columbia.
Zendaya
Zendaya
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman is an American actress and singer who, before stepping into the spotlight, started out as a backup dancer and child model. After gaining major popularity with her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up, she has since starred in several shows and movies. Her longtime stylist, Law Roach, has been by her side since her days as a Disney actress.
One of the most awe-inducing moments for this style icon in 2021 was her outfit at the BET Awards. She stole the spotlight in the vintage Versace dress Beyonce wore when she performed her hit single Crazy in Love in 2003.
She wowed again at the 2021 Oscars by wearing a custom canary yellow cutout Valentino dress, which she paired with Jimmy Choo heels and the most lavish Bulgari jewels. Her jewellery for this look alone cost over $6 million.
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle has always been on the scene, first as an American actress who appeared on shows like Suits, then as a member of the British royal family in virtue of her marriage to Prince Harry. Although the couple exited the castle, Markle has furiously maintained her class and style.
One of the cutest photos we have seen in 2021 is a snap of Markle and her hubby holding their infant son Archie. She is wearing a 100% silk La Ligne maxi dress, which is offered in two colorways: red and green. She didn’t accessorize the look, leaving her hair down and opting to go barefoot for the photo, proving that there is magic in simplicity.
Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, or Kid Cudi, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and record executive. If you’ve ever jammed to the song Day n’ Nite or Pursuit of Happiness, then you’ve heard his pipes. His stylist, Julia Ragolia, is known for injecting a bit of feminine appeal into menswear, exploring a gray area wherein gender is fluid and moldable.
We cannot talk about Kid Cudi’s biggest fashion moments and leave out the night that he wore a dress to pay tribute to Kurt Cobain during a performance on Saturday Night Live. The white, floral print dress was custom designed by the CEO of Off White, Virgil Abloh, specifically for the tribute.
While the event generally garnered a positive response and was seen as an iconic, touching moment, some members of the LGBTQ+ community thought of it as a double standard, given that members of the community who would do the same would get ridiculed for it.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham
Mrs. Beckham is known for her sultry sophistication and seductive smize. That must be how she won over her hubby, soccer star David Beckham. Outfits she wears on a regular basis include upscale business wear, wide leg jeans and oversized sweaters. She’s a versatile woman with an eye for a good look, which is exactly what drove her to start her own line in 2008.
Beckham’s brand began with slim-fitting dresses, but has since expanded to sell ready-to-wear fashion, footwear, and accessories, as well as activewear thanks to a long-term partnership with Reebok. Her entire range is meant to be reflective of her evolving style, which has never failed to land her a place on a list of best dressed women.
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet
This was a big year for Mr. Chalamet and it will get even bigger, as he has been asked to co-chair this year’s Met Gala in September. This is unsurprising, given his ability to rock anything from bright colours to chunky stomping boots.
Though what is surprising and impressive is that he doesn’t use a stylist: he gets red carpet ready and serves us all kinds of fierce looks himself. That said, he does have a collaborator that he is quite close to, French fashion designer Haider Ackermann.
Regardless of where he is, he is always making waves. He was pictured in March 2020 going for a little isolation walk wearing a Prada Re-Nylon jacket, Prada brown slacks, white New Balance sneakers, and a Chelsea FC cap. He loves to be comfortable, yet chic, which was also seen in late 2019 when he sported a Swarovski embellished hoodie to the premier of The King.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Sarah Jessica Parker
It is no surprise that SJP is a celeb style icon either. The Sex and the City star’s eponymous footwear brand boasts a large selection of pieces that can be worn everyday and out to formal events. There is also no doubt that she has had some iconic fashion moments in the past couple of years, which is why she has landed on this list.
SJP was pictured outside her New York-based store in late 2020 wearing a stunning purple jumper-like dress with pink heels from her own brand. She was also pictured heading to the ballet in NYC in mid-2019 wearing the most voluminous Zac Posen gown in a bright fuschia. She pulled it off beautifully with a pair of golden heels and a sleek, high bun.
A$AP Rocky
A$AP Rocky
Born Rakim Athelaston Mayers, A$AP Rocky is a well-known rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor from Manhattan. He is a valuable member of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his stage name. He is always able to serve looks thanks to his talented stylist Matthew Hensen, who says that some of A$AP’s staple wardrobe items are a sleek jacket, well-fitting pants, and extremely rare footwear.
The biggest style move he made in 2021 (so far) was his outfit on the June/July cover of GQ Magazine. He was pictured wearing a vintage telnyashka shirt from Raggedy Threads that shows off his chiseled abs, a kilt by Vivienne Westwood, pants by Loewe, and the most buckled-up boots that we have ever seen by John Lobb.
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Kravitz
Zoë Isabella Kravitz is an American actress, singer, and model. She is also the daughter of actor-musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. She is always sporting unexpected styles in the best way possible, such as all-denim outfits, baggy tees, mini skirts, and oversized Hawaiian shirts worn as dresses. Andrew Mukamal, her stylist, describes her style as inherently bohemian with a hint of bourgeoisie.
Zoe Kravitz brought us an iconic look at the premier of Saint Laurent’s fall 2021 collection, from which she modelled pieces from. She wore a plunging black vest-style tank top with contrasting flowy white shorts and vaguely fishnet-textured tights. She accessorized with sleek silver-capped pumps that featured glitter buckles and straps around the heel and a massive earring and necklace set that seemed to be composed of black enamel clovers.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is one of the biggest names in the fashion industry. The British model, actress, and businesswoman was the first Black woman to grace the covers of French and British Vogue, and the first Black woman to appear on the cover of Time Magazine. She has modelled for some of the most notable names in the industry, including Ralph Lauren and Francois Nars.
She recently celebrated her fiftieth birthday in May 2021, which led lots of media outlets to look back on some of her most iconic moments, one of them being her ensemble on Valentino’s spring 2019 couture runway. She closed the show wearing a transparent black gown with a ruffled skirt and puff sleeves. Her fantastic, slim body was showcased as she gracefully walked the runway.
Lakeith Stanfield
Lakeith Stanfield
LaKeith Lee Stanfield is an American actor and musician. Along with being incredibly talented, he is also incredibly stylish, thanks to stylist Julia Ragolia, of course – Kid Cudi’s right hand girl.
Stanfield’s most iconic fashion moment of 2021 has to be the outfit he wore to the 2021 Oscars. He showed up sporting a Saint Laurent jumpsuit with a plunging v-neck and a pointy white collared shirt. The outfit also featured a belted waist and broad shoulders. He accessorized with a gold chain and black sunglasses.
The look was important for a few reasons, the most notable being what it did for the gender fluidity movement in men’s fashion. Ragolia said that she was inspired by Saint Laurent designer Anthony Vaccarello’s Spring 2021 women’s collection, so she decided to adapt a piece from the line to embody the seriousness of the times we are living in.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Joy Silberstein, known by her stage name Tracee Ellis Ross, is an American actress, singer, television host, producer, and director. She appears in notable shows such as Girlfriends and Black-ish, and she also owns her own hair care line for individuals that have curly hair. In the fashion and style world, she is known for rocking vibrant looks that showcase her fun and adventurous personality.
One of her iconic moments in 2021 occurred when posing for a photo for Pattern Beauty. In the picture she is wearing a two-tone yellow wrap blazer matched to a pair of split-tone trousers. In May of 2021, she was pictured in her backyard wearing a turquoise set from Maisie Wilen. This at-home look demonstrated that one can still break fashion barriers from the comfort of their own home.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s a lot easier to always appear stylish when you have the help of a professional, not to mention the means to access one. However, today’s celebrity style icons get the job done on their own for the most part, and they’ve never been afraid to show who they are. Here’s hoping that 2022 is better for all of us.
It’s strange how low cut vs no show socks kick around right and left in my room and I never gave a second thought on the fact that different types of socks exist, each fulfilling a different purpose. To keep in mind, there are five kinds of socks that should be on your radar, among other less common types:
No show socks are designed to be invisible under shoes, reaching partway up the foot
Low cut socks are minimally visible under the shoe, hitting below the ankle bone
Quarter length socks rise above the shoe and typically cover the ankle bone
Ankle socks are a few inches shorter than quarter length and also cover the ankle bone
Crew length is one of the most common and popular sock types, reaching mid-calf level
Here I was indulging in low cut vs no show socks, thinking they’re the only pairs I need in life. I was wrong to assume—I mean, are they even posh-looking? Or capable of withstanding the winter chill? What happens if I feel like jogging through one of those winding nature trails and fail to protect my upper legs?
This led me to hunt down socks that will guarantee satisfaction for my feet and shoes. Socks doesn’t have to be boring, so to liven up this chat, I’ve arranged these ‘fighting matches’ to take place in this article:
Quarter vs crew socks
Crew vs ankle socks
Low cut vs ankle socks
Ankle vs no show socks
Low cut vs no show socks
The ultimate challenge comes down to low cut vs no show socks since their names are mistakenly used interchangeably, so their distinction from one another must be made certain once and for all. Let the games begin.
First Match: Quarter Socks vs Crew Socks
Begin!
To recap, the quarter socks enter with a rise from the shoe line to cover the ankle bone entirely. They manage to prevent heel blisters and protect the back of your feet from shoe bites.
Hold on a second though. The crew socks counterattack by rising 6-8 inches above the shoe line. It’s an incredible feat compared to the smaller size that the quarter socks were offering. The crew socks don’t stop there… Their added lower leg protection allows the wearer to bear cooler temperatures and avoid scratches from rocks and bushes when running past them during hiking trips. They’re a popular length for hiking socks that are usually made out of wool, keeping you nice and toasty.
Even dust doesn’t stand a chance against the crew socks as they stretch up to the calf muscles and are ideal for informal purposes such as running and lounging at home during winters. The crew socks are comfortable enough to have you nestled in a weighted blanket with some hot cocoa by the fireplace while binge watching your favourite show on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Crave, and so on.
Outside of the home, the crew socks are practically made ankle and medium length boots. They make for an attractive pairing with running shoes at the gym and can protect your legs while deadlifting. Alas, the quarter socks throw in a surprise attack by being able to complement the same footwear apparel if you’re in favor of less visibility.
Winner: Quarter Socks
Second Match: Quarter Socks vs Ankle Socks
The quarter socks move on to their next competitor, ankle socks, to determine which provides the most for many people. The quarter socks serve men well by giving their suit or any other professional attire a nice touch. They go the extra mile by serving women with socks that have a dual functionality in work and play, pairing particularly well with skirts and loafers.
The quarter socks, however, seem to have lost their footing as the ankle socks dominate them by popular demand since they’re perfect for all casual occasions. The ankle socks are sophisticated yet playful and suitable for a first date, more so than the quarter socks by a landslide. Ankle length is also a popular choice for athletic socks, as keep your feet and legs cool. We’ve now come to a conclusion:
Winner: Ankle Socks
Third Match: Low Cut Socks Vs Ankle Socks
Before seeing the low cut vs no show socks go head to head, the ankle socks are going to the big leagues first and their opponent appears to be an easy target. As the ankle socks charge towards the low cut socks, knowing that they provide more coverage, they’re stunned by the low cut’s durability for running. The low cut socks’s rise above the shoe’s heel collar then stopping in the centre of the ankle bone is not to be overlooked, but admired.
The low cut socks are designed for athletes who want to avoid the hassle of socks slipping too low in their sport shoes. It is no wonder why the low cut socks are also titled, “ped socks” as they stomp the ankle socks into the dirt, mercilessly. It is time for the verdict:
Winner: Low Cut Socks
Fourth Match: Ankle Socks vs No Show Socks
The low cut vs no show socks is well underway, but the ankle socks are back at it again and they absolutely refuse to be dethroned. The low cut socks may have swamped them, but they’re persistent in believing that defeating the no show socks will be swift and victorious. The no show socks begin the battle by offering little or no sock appearance above the heel collar of the shoe. From the outsider’s perspective, it looks like the wearer is going barefoot in shoes.
The no show socks tiptoe with their thin, ballerina slipper-like form and make themselves invisible to the ankle socks and others. In fact, the origin of “sock” comes from the Latin term “soccus,” meaning “light shoe” or “slipper” and best describes the no show socks themselves.By acting as slip-on paddings, the no show socks have the ability to protect your feet from smelling as well as from blisters. No show socks are a solid choice to wear with boat shoes for this reason.
In turn, they protect shoes from blood and sweat stains, altogether preventing germs from ruining your day. As a final move, the no show socks knock out the ankle socks with some of their dot patterned soles that enables them to grip on the floor and pin their opponent down for the three-second count:
The ankle socks struggle to overcome the no show socks’ power, seeing that no show socks pair fabulously with loafers since those are low cut and any other sock length might come off as awkward.
The ankle socks realize that some people, like Albert Einstein, don’t like wearing socks at all. Someone is always bound to complain about itchiness or feeling uncomfortable.
The ankle socks stop resisting and let the no show socks breathe on.
Who’s trekking towards the final match?
Winner: No Show Socks
Fifth and Final Match: Low Cut vs No Show Socks
It’s the battle you’ve long awaited for: low cut vs no show socks. The low cut socks provide minimal visibility as they aim to double cross the no show socks. The no show socks hit below the ankle bone, it’s a brutal attack since the low cut socks fail to cover such a sensitive area. Yet the low cut socks are quick to retaliate in the same spot as the no show socks did, it’s super effective.
The low cut vs no show socks pair nicely with sneakers or loafers but are not ideal for overly dirty or grimy outdoor activities. For the low cut socks, the hemline is outside of the shoe and its position is given away as others are able to see them. The no show socks are a blessing in disguise as they attempt to comfort sensitive feet while in hiding.
Crisp, clean image of power and charm while wearing, say, Gucci loafers for outings such as a job interview.
Hold true value in maintaining a posh and cutesy appearance like the our ancestors who wore socks as a status symbol.
The low cut socks are indeed one level above no show socks and they use this knowledge to their advantage. To remain relevant, athletes are often the main consumers keeping low cut socks in the market. The low cut socks absorb sweat and simultaneously keep the wearer warm. The no show socks are no help during the winter season as the person’s bare skin is exposed to the cold and they forcibly regret their choice in socks. During the summer season though, the no show socks are a gift and meant to soak up any moisture as you soak up the sun’s rays.
The low cut vs no show socks have their strong similarities, and one’s weakness is made up with another’s strength. They’re equally doable and reliable to win the attention of many. Depending on the climate and the wearer’s personal preference, the low cut vs no show socks are here to stay and balance each other out. So, without further ado, let’s check out the scoreboard:
It’s a Tie!
It’s a tie game between low cut vs no show socks. What have we learned today?
The ankle socks are stubborn and ‘in your face’ every time you attempt to do laundry. They’re always readily available.
The quarter socks know how to put on a good fight. They’re practical and professional, all-around useful and most likely all over an individual’s bedroom.
The low cut vs no show socks both deserve a space in your home. One cannot go on surviving without the other taking its place. They support one another in their endeavors to endure the passing seasons with levelled success for the greater good and for the greater you.
Other Types of Socks
Read on for more sock options to get the full story on lengths and types:
Mid-Calf Socks
Compared to crew length socks, mid-calf or trouser socks sit perfectly in the curve of your calf so they won’t fall down your leg during the day. Many dress socks come in mid-calf length. Since they sit tightly around your upper calf, it makes for clean and smooth lines from the knee down to the foot.
Knee High Socks
Knee high socks, or over the calf, reach just where you’d expect, a few inches below the knee. They’re typically worn by women who pair knee high socks with skirts, shorts, dresses, heels and boots. For men, they’re great to wear under any bottoms for an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Knee length socks generally feature stay-up technology to prevent them from rolling down.
Thigh High Socks
Also known as over-the-knee socks or O.T.K., this length is paired with skirts, shorts, dresses or longer tops. This is one of the longer types of socks that are a suitable alternative to wear during the colder months, since they cover much of the leg. Expect the elastic around the cuff to be tight since it’s working to hold up more material.
Sock Length
Ideal For
Mid-Calf
Pairing with dress shoes Covering skin on the leg with dress pants that ride upWearing with certain casual shoes for a smart casual outfit
Knee High
Wearing with boots and pants in the winter for extra warmthPairing with skirts and dresses in the fall and winter to switch up your outfit and for added warmth
Thigh High
Can be worn instead of tights A perfect thick sock option with skirts and dresses in the fall and winter
Casual Socks
Casual socks are designed to be worn on a regular day. Socks are all the rage now and you can get pretty much anything you want on them, even your pet. Do a quick search online and a sea of colours, patterns, styles and lengths will be at your disposal with casual socks. Since there is a wide selection for casual socks, they come in just about any length. Standard cuts for casual socks are ankle, crew, calf length, knee high, and over the knee.
Dress Socks
Dress socks, as the name implies, are designed for wearing with dress shoes and formal attire. You can also wear them in more laid back settings, where dress socks can elevate your casual outfit. You can go for subtle sophistication with neutral dress socks, or you can choose colors and patterns to add flair to a basic business casual look.
The ideal length for dress socks has fluctuated throughout the years, dating all the way back to when exposed skin was seen to be scandalous. A good dress sock usually comes in mid-calf length, while knee high is offered if you want more coverage or comfortability. You should never wear a dress sock that is below the calf. The shorter you go, the more you put yourself at risk for bare skin to show.
Athletic Socks
Athletes require socks that will support them at their peak performance. Foot problems that commonly affect athletes, like joint irritation and athlete’s foot, could be caused by wearing the wrong types of socks. Athletic socks act as a cushion for the feet to prevent irritation and work to repel extra force the body creates when it’s jumping, running and bouncing around. These socks are designed with moisture-wicking capabilities, so that moisture can be trapped and transferred, leaving the feet dry. Athletic socks come in a variety of lengths based on activity requirements.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are in a special category, distinct from the types of socks we’ve looked at so far. Compression socks are built to addresses issues with circulation. They place targeted pressure to help push blood and fluid out of your legs, enhancing circulation by creating a pressure gradient. They fit tightly around your ankle, gradually decreasing in pressure toward the top.
Compression socks are recommended for people who spend prolonged periods of time sitting or standing, which causes blood to pool in the legs. They also assist in post-exercise recovery and in treating mild to severe venous issues. Compression socks are commonly available in knee high and thigh high lengths. Refer to our full guide on compression socks for details.
Now that you’re well-versed on sock types and how they compare to each other, you’ll know how to choose pairs to go with your outfits. Next time you go sock shopping, you’ll know exactly which kinds you’re looking for. Knowledge is power, after all, even when it comes to socks!
How to Keep No Show Socks From Slipping off the Heel
No show socks may be one of the best inventions of the 20th century (when it comes to socks, anyway). They’re about an inch shorter than ankle socks and reach part way up your foot, designed to be invisible under your shoe.
If they’re always slipping off your heel and you’re constantly pulling them up, that sort of defeats the genius of them in the first place. There isn’t a point of keeping no show socks out of sight if you can’t also keep them out of mind.
With our tried and true tips in this guide, you’ll have no problem keeping no show socks where they belong: snugly fitted to your feet and out of sight.
The first thing you need to do to keep your no show socks and ankle socks from slipping is to figure out why they’re slipping. Once you get to the bottom of this mystery, you’re more than halfway to solving it.
When no show socks slip, it’s typically due to one of these issues:
The sock is not the size you require. If it’s too big, it’ll slip off your heel and bunch under your sole. If the sock is too small, it won’t remain snug over your heel.
The sock is not appropriate for the shoe you are wearing. You wouldn’t wear fuzzy woolen socks with pumps or silky liner socks with runners. You need to give the same level of foresight to the no show sock you choose to wear.
The no show sock isn’t providing your foot enough coverage. When a sock is too low, this leads to increased friction and will cause your sock to slip and bunch.
The socks have reached their natural end. As no show socks age, their elasticity gradually breaks down and they are no longer as snug as required to stay in place. There’s no need to throw them out though, as there are plenty of ways you can repurpose old socks.
Why the Right Sock Type Matters
When approaching how to keep no show socks from slipping, there are two considerations to keep in mind: which type of shoe you’re wearing and the activity you’ll be undertaking. By choosing the best sock to wear in the situation at hand, you’ll be proactive at keeping your no show socks from slipping.
No Show Socks For Dress Shoes
Wearing a fancier shoe like heels or flats, requires a no show sock to be thin, smooth and tightly fitted to your foot. Same goes for men’s dress shoes like monks, brogues, wingtips, etc. This allows the sock to skim lightly against the shoe interior rather than rub and create friction. When it comes to no show socks, friction is not your friend. By preventing socks from chafing your shoe interior, you’ll also keep your no show socks from slipping down.
No Show Socks For Casual Shoes
If your footwear is more casual like a loafer, slip-on, or sneaker, be sure to choose a no show sock that is sturdy enough to fit the shoe type. You’ll want a sock that’s thick enough to grip the shoe interior while remaining tightly fitted to your foot. Proper grip between shoe and sock is key for how to keep no show socks from slipping.
No Show Socks For Running Shoes
When an individual puts on a pair of running shoes, chances are they’ll be taking part in an athletic activity. Whether you’re working out at the gym or going for a run, you’ll want to make sure your no show socks are snug and comfortable, yet strong enough to hold up to whatever you have planned.
Dress Shoes
Casual Shoes
Running Shoes
Type of No Show Sock
Thin and silky no show ankle or liner socks
Medium thickness with a tight fit
Thin to medium thickness with a snug fit
Sock Material
Nylon/polyester based
Cotton/polyester blend with silicone backing
Cotton based with arch support and/or rubber grips
Sock Size
Size matters when it comes to how to keep no show socks from slipping. Especially when it comes to no show socks and the issue of slippage. No shows, like most socks, often come in one-size-fits-all packaging. This can be misleading and result in individuals wearing the wrong size without even realizing it.
No show socks that are too small won’t have your heel in the right place and will most likely end up slipping down and bunching around your toes. Socks too large will sag and slip off inside your shoe.
If your no show sock isn’t staying put, consider ditching the one-size-fits-all style. Find a brand of no shows that offer more fitted and/or personalized sizes. If sizing is your issue, then this quick and easy fix will keep your no show socks from slipping.
Sock Quality
Quality is another important aspect of how to keep no show socks from slipping. A high quality no show sock contains highly elasticized material that stretches snugly over your foot. They’re also less likely to lose shape after washing and wear.
No Show Sock Extras
Arch support: quality ankle socks and no show socks feature targeted compression zones to keep no show socks from slipping
Deep heel pocket with 5-point stitch: both of these aid in ensuring socks fit your feet to avoid slippage
Anti-slip grips: some no show socks include silicone or rubber on the sock soles or inner edges to keep them properly anchored
A popular life for how to keep no show socks from slipping is styling them into sling backs. Here’s how: using scissors, snip a hole at the sock’s heel. When wearing the sock, ensure the hole is over your heel and the top of the strap sits slightly above.
While a great temporary fix, this DIY non-slip no show sock can result in blisters and may fray after washing.
Sock Grips
No show socks often come with attached silicone or rubber on the bottoms. These not only keep you from slipping on a polished floor in your stocking feet, but they can also safeguard from sock bunching and slipping. The grips anchor the socks to the sole of your shoe, and that’s another way of solving how to keep no show socks from slipping.
If you’ve already bought a whole whack of gripless no show socks, never fear. You can easily add DYI grips to all your favorite pairs.
How to Keep No Show Socks From Slipping With DYI Methods
DIY No Show Sock Grips
Materials Needed
Where to Find Materials
Process
Hot Glue Grips
Hot glue Hot glue gun
Craft store
Add a dab of hot glue to the outer heel of the no show sock. Allow to dry before taking them for a test-walk.
Plastic Dip Dots
1 can of plastic dip Cotton swab
Hardware store
Dip a cotton swab into the mixture and dab dots onto the outer sock bottom. Let dry before washing or wearing.
Non Skid Bottoms
Non skid backing for rugs Small paint brush
Hardware or carpeting store
Using a small paint brush, lightly coat the bottom of your no show sock with non skid backing. Once dry, add a second coat and allow it to fully dry.
Puffy Paint Grips
Puffy fabric paint
Craft store
Apply as little or as much as you prefer to your sock bottoms for additional grip.
Rug Padding
1 sheet of non slip indoor rug padding ScissorsFabric glue
Hardware or carpeting store
Trace the amount you want for your sock bottoms, then cut out and attach to socks with fabric glue. Or simply line shoe bottoms with padding to make them non slip.
Silicone Dabs
1 tube of silicone sealant
Hardware store
Squeeze out a few drops and dab strategically onto the bottoms of socks. Allow to dry.
Caring for No Show Socks
Like all clothing, how you treat no show socks can make a difference in how long they last. As they age, no show socks gradually lose the elasticity they were born with. As a result, they will eventually lose their ability to stay in place on your feet as they are meant to.
There are a few things you, as the no show sock owner, can do to keep them looking, feeling and most importantly, behaving like new.
Wash no show and ankle socks inside out
Hand wash socks instead of using a washing machine
Allow no show socks to air dry
How to Wash No Show Socks in a Washing Machine
Tossing your socks into a washing machine may seem like a no-brainer. But there are proper washing methods for how to keep no show socks from slipping, because you want to keep them snug and tight fitting for as long as possible. Consider these tips when machine washing your no show socks:
Always flip no show socks inside out before washing. This keeps them lint-free and rids them of bacteria. It’s also gentler on any attached grips.
Use mild laundry detergent.
Wash on a cold and gentle laundry cycle. This will safeguard the no shows from snags, runs and becoming misshapen.
You may want to consider washing no show socks inside a mesh laundry bag. This will not only keep them from getting lost during laundry day, but it will also mean a gentler wash. If you don’t own a laundry bag, make your own using an old pair of pantyhose or a loosely knit clothing item.
How to Hand Wash No Show Socks
Hand washing no show socks takes a bit more time, but it will make them last longer than if you simply toss them into a washing machine. Here’s how:
Fill a sink with cold water
Use a mild laundry detergent or dish soap in a pinch
Turn no show socks inside out – this will ensure a thorough cleaning as well as reducing the amount of wear and tear during the wash
Soak socks for at least 5 minutes – longer if required
Swish the no show socks around in the soapy water to be sure they are thoroughly cleaned
Rinse socks under cold running water
Be aware that scrubbing, wringing and/or twisting socks can result in damage and lead to sock slippage.
How to Air Dry No Show Socks
Air drying as opposed to machine drying clothing is always the more beneficial way to go, not to mention environmentally friendly. This natural drying method is the least harsh on clothes, including no show socks. Air drying will definitely extend the lives of your no show socks. Here’s the best method to follow:
Lay wet no show socks down on a clean towel and roll up tightly
Press down on the towel to remove excess water
Hang no show socks on a clothesline or over a shower rod to fully dry
If you don’t have the time or inclination to air dry your no shows, then consider using a mesh laundry bag and drying them on a gentle and low-heat setting in your dryer.
When all is said and done, no one has to stand for no show socks that keep slipping. The tips we provided will guide you in how to keep no show socks from slipping. Follow our advice and your no show socks are sure to remain in place!
What’s The Deal with Old Socks?
In busy households, it is not uncommon to find lone socks in the laundry hamper, their mates having been sucked into the back of your washing machine. Try as you might to source that precious twin, stranded socks are an annoying reality of everyday household chores.
You may devise systems to carefully count the pairs that you put into the wash, to pull out one item at a time, or to lay all of the socks strategically on the top of the machine or the floor below. There are steps you can take to keep your socks together, like using close pins or keeping them in a laundry bag; but you may not be invested enough to use those techniques, and you’ll still experience the occasional stray sock.
Newton’s clever three laws of motion apply to a lot of simple scenarios in everyday life. His third law of motion is that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, the first step in figuring out what to do with old socks, is don’t fight the loss! If you settle into the reality that socks disappear once in a while, you’ll feel less stressed about the inevitable chaos of your existence.
If you’re wondering what to do with old socks, you can put those isolated socks to use and turn your dilemma into a glass half full opportunity.
Why Keep Old Socks?
Humans love control; it makes us feel safe, secure and calm. When things don’t go as planned, we tend to become agitated. There are lots of practical opportunities that come with lost socks: they give us the chance to create something new with the sock that is left over, something that may have never occurred to us before. If you feel like getting your craft on, keep reading.
There is a way to tackle the question of what to do with old socks. You can transform old socks into useful items into useful material—It feelssatisfying to give back to the environment, and it’s inspiring to turn recycling into a fun activity.
Losing Socks
Costs
Benefits
Loss of a pair of socks
New, useful objects
What you paid for the socks
Free
Sentimental value
Safe and quality material
May not be replaceable
Eco-friendly
Creative task
A way to connect with children and friends
Mindful
Relaxing downtime brought on by crafting
How to Enhance Your Down Time with Old Socks
One concept that neuroscientists use to illustrate the way that we can develop and sustain a healthy and balanced brain is the mind platter. The mind platter serves up a healthy helping of inner reflection, sleep, physical activity, focus, human connection, playtime and downtime. In a fast-paced culture, the last two, playtime and downtime, don’t tend to get much attention. Enter old socks.
Participating in crafting, designing and exploring are all great ways of taking time for yourself to unwind. You can even connect with others in the process—if you have kids, this is a perfect and no-cost opportunity to encourage creativity. As it turns out, the process of repurposing old socks includes reflecting on what would be most beneficial to create out of lone socks.
Engaging in activities makes us more present and peaceful in our life. At the end of a busy workday, when you feel like reaching for the bag of potato chips and sinking into the couch to satisfy your latest Netflix addiction, consider rewiring your choices. Instead of feeling increasingly groggy and burned out, let your creative juices flow after you check out these options on what to do with old socks.
The Five Best Ways to Repurpose Old Socks
1. Rags
It may sound dull and even redundant, but one of the best ways to put an old sock to use is to turn it into a cloth. You can userags for anything around the house from dusting to washing to drying, and in most homes, there are never enough on hand. The material of many socks is absorbent, soft and fast-drying—ideal for taking on any mess.
2. Ice Pack Cover
When the doctor suggests that you ice for fifteen minutes on, fifteen minutes off after an injury, it doesn’t feel like such a big deal. The ice can be so cold that your skin starts to tingle and burn, and it feels unbearable to keep the ice in place. There is an easy solution: put your ice pack in an old sock, tie a knot and you’ll be able to relax without noticing the ice.
3. Mug Cover
Your coffee may be the best part of your morning, but scalded hands are an unwelcome part of taking your first hot sips. This ingenious hack will keep you in comfort while you enjoy your favourite treat: add a sock cover to your mug or tumbler. Once you’ve cut the sock, you can sew in the edges for a more polished look or just let it be. You will be able to travel comfortably or to carry on with a task, hand firmly grasping around the mug.
4. Protection of Valuables
Wondering what to do with old socks? Protect. Your. Valuables. When you’re on vacation, you can put jewellery in a sock, a pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses and even your phone. Your valuable items won’t be scratched and will be easy to locate, especially if you choose a brightly coloured or patterned sock.
5. Homemade Heating Pad
After a long day of sitting at the computer or an intense workout, there is nothing more relaxing than curling up with a heating pad. You don’t have to purchase this item at a great expense. Choose a natural fiber sock, and fill it with rice. Tie a knot and place it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Voila! You’ll reach the ultimate states of relaxation and comfort.
Sprucing Up Your Clothing Items With Old Socks
1. Knee Pads
Maybe you’re rollerblading around the block and want a bit of extra cushioning to protect you from a wipe out (no shame). Sock knee pads can be used for heavy gardening work in the spring, playing on the floor with your kids, and floor yoga. To make your knee pads, cut the tubes off the socks and slide two tubes together, one inside the other.
2. Sock Bun
All my life, I’ve been in admiration of the sock bun—you know, that elegant ballerina updo? Enter old sock. To get the look, cut the toes off of a sock and roll it into a donut shape. Pull your hair into a ponytail, push the donut down and secure.
3. Moisturizing Hands and Feet
To prevent your hands and feet from looking like dragon scales in the winter, simply cover them in heavy-duty creme and protect them with socks while you sleep. The moisture will be absorbed, and your hands and feet will be soft and supple by morning. A bonus is that your sheets won’t get messy.
4. Leg Warmers
Leg warmers are a go-to way to repurpose socks. Cut off the toe, and you’re set! For an adult size, use tube socks, and for an infant, regular size socks will work. This cozy style works for when you’re out and about in cold weather or spending Saturday chilling at home.
5. Better Mittens
On those bitterly cold days, you don’t need to face the elements with numb and tingling fingers. Line your mittens with socks, and you’ll have an added layer of warmth—just be sure to wash them first.
6. Elbow Patches
For children who are playing hard, elbow patches are a fact of life, but for adults, they can be an element of style. Cut your shapes evenly, and you’ll keep your little one’s sweater in action or give your own a new edge.
7. Arm Warmers
Add some warmth to those sweaters or jackets that aren’t quite toasty enough in the winter. To make arm warmers, cut a thumb in the heel part of the sock. Once you slip your hand in, you’ll have a sense of where you want to cut around your fingers. A useful marker is your knuckles. Keep the extra fabric to make a cuff.
8. Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves are ideal for chilly days that don’t demand full coverage. They allow you to pick up after the dog, check your text messages and adjust your outfit without having to take your mitts off.
9. DIY Scarf
Sew together the tubes of old socks, and you will have a creative, original style of scarf. Preferably socks with colors or patterns, otherwise the scarf may look a bit drab.
10. Head Band
Head bands are great for wearing outdoors, but you can also rock them while exercising or to complete an outfit when you just don’t feel like washing your hair. Slide the toe portion of one sock into the end of the tube of the other sock. Sew it together and repeat on the other side with a different patterned sock.
11. Polish Shoes
Socks are soft and ideal for the job. In two simple steps, add polish and then buff. Be sure to switch socks when you move onto the second shoe.
12. Arm Band
If your shorts or leggings don’t have a pocket in them, it’s a hassle to run and lift weights while finding a place for your phone. Keep your phone safe and sweat-free with an armband. Cut off the foot of the sock and turn it inside out. Pull the sock up, fold a pocket and slide in your phone.
The Environmental Impact of Upcycling Socks
The next time you wonder what to do with old socks, take a moment to consider the environment. While it is common to talk about the effect of plastics or car emissions on the environment, the waste of textiles does not often cross our minds. Such waste can have a significant impact on the environment, which contributes to global warming.
You’ll be surprised to know that even though some garments are donated or recycled, the majority end up in landfills, where they release harmful greenhouse gases. The toxins and dyes in the clothing are released back into the environment, contaminating soil and water systems.
The farms that harvest the materials for textiles, like cotton, frequently use herbicides and pesticides to expedite growing patterns. Recycling your socks is a positive step towards lessening the impact of climate change. Youth environmental activist Greta Thunberg would be proud.
How to Involve Friends and Family in Re-Modelling Socks
Thinking of what to do with old socks can simply be about planning a fun crafting activity with them. Spending quality time together with a united purpose or aim enhances the experience and connection. You can remodel socks with your close friends over a glass of wine, with your siblings for a gift exchange or with your children for a novel and creative activity.
Whatever your purpose for up-cycling socks, you will create lasting memories, learn to collaborate, share stories, laughs and develop new and useful items while reinventing the use for lonesome socks. You could recycle socks on these occasions:
Family night
Playtime and play dates
Girls night
Holiday party
Children’s birthday parties
Gift exchange
A relaxing Sunday afternoon
An activity to set up for a babysitter
Making Toys from Old Socks
Still need ideas on what to do with old socks? Nothing is more important between a parent and child than quality time and it’s challenging to find meaningful activities that will encourage the growth, development and interest of your child. Making toys for your children is a stimulating and enjoyable activity that will make for bonding and fun.
Many parents need to know the materials of their children’s toys. When you purchase a toy from the store, you don’t know what went into the manufacturing process, and when young children bite and chew on the toy, it can be a cause for concern. A great solution is to make your toys from old socks and other simple materials—you’ll have peace of mind of knowing that the toys are safe and easily washable.
Classic Sock Puppet
What you need:
A sock
Googly eyes
Black pompom
Pink pompom
Safety scissors
Glue
Cut the end of a sock and guide your child to cut two ears. Shape them like leaves; they don’t have to be perfect.
Make two small holes for the ears,
Encourage your child to glue on the pink pompom tongue and the black pompom nose
Complete your sock puppet by attaching googly eyes.
Socktopus
Materials you’ll need:
A sock
Cotton balls
Elastic band
Safety scissors
Colouring pens
Your child will begin by inserting cotton balls into the tip of the sock. Make sure to fill it well!
Next, the child ties the elastic band around the sock where the cotton balls have created a ball shape.
Assist your child with the cutting using safety scissors as you cut eight strips. You can teach your child that an octopus has eight tentacles and talk about their role in the sea.
The final step is to attach googly eyes. It can be fun for your child to draw on the octopus tentacles and to give the creature a smile.
Just Keep Swimming—Fishy
Materials needed:
Socks
Googly eyes
Cotton balls
Elastic Bands
Glue
Safety scissors
Your child fills the toe of the sock with cotton balls and ties it off with an elastic band
Have fun molding the head of the sock to look like a fish.
Help your child cut the end of the sock to create a fishtail.
The last part of your fish sock process requires pasting on the googly eyes and drawing on a mouth.
Make a few more to create a school of fish!
Funky Llama
What you’ll need to make a llama puppet:
Spare sock (ideally a fuzzy one)
Coloured felt
Fabric glue
Safety scissors
Pencil
Draw some of the more complex shapes on coloured felt and then help your child cut them out.
Glue the felt onto the sock using fabric glue.
Hacky Sack
What you’ll need to make a hacky sack:
Old sock
Rice
Scissors
Needle and thread
Cut the tip of an old sock, roughly 3-4 inches from the toes.
Sew the sock mostly shut except for a gap to fill it.
Pour in rice (or lentils).
Sew the sock shut.
For added durability, sew the second sock over the first.
Sock Chia Pet
Old sock
Pot
Dirt and grass seed
Scissors
Push Pins
Buttons
Water
Prepare a pot.
Take a sock and fill it with grass seed and soil.
Tie it off
Use push pins and buttons to give your little pet a face.
Water a little bit each day and grass will grow out of the top like crazy hair.
Sock Ball
Socks in different colours and patterns
Rice or beans
Scissors
Thread
Cut and measure geometric shapes for a cool effect (pentagons work well)
Sew together leaving space to insert the filling
Sew off
Ready for play!
Sock Bunny
Sock
Rice
Ribbon
Twine
Bow
Permanent marker
Tape
Scissors
Fill the sock with rice.
Bunch together the body and the head into two balls (Tip: size the body more substantial than the head).
Tie off between the top and the bottom sections with twine.
Tie a bow around the middle.
Cut the leftover material down the middle and shaped like ears.
Draw on eyes and nose.
No-Sew Sock Worm
Long Sock
Pipe cleaner
Twine
Rice
Googly Eyes
Permanent Marker
Scissors
Glue
Fill a long sock (knee socks work well) with rice.
Mold the sock into balls (3 or 4 depending on the length of the sock).
Tie each section of twine once molded to your liking.
Tie off the end of the sock with twine.
Put decorative pipe cleaners in your colour of choice around the head.
Past on Googly eyes.
No-Sew Snowman Toy
White sports sock
Coloured sock
Twine
Buttons
Needle and thread
Rice
Black permanent marker
Scissors
Fill a white sports sock with rice.
Mold into two balls.
Tie off with twine around the middle and top.
Cut the toe portion off of a coloured sock to make a hat for the snowman’s head.
Cut two extra strands (about ½ an inch in thickness) to make a scarf for the snowman.
Sew three buttons down the middle.
Draw on a face.
Dog Toy
Dog and cat toys can be unreasonably expensive, and it feels tragic to watch your pet rip through a newly acquired toy in just one play session. What to do with old socks? If you’ve got a pet, reusable socks provide endless fun at a margin of the cost.
Sock
Shoelace or sewing kit
Ball
Treats
Scissors
Roll up other single socks into balls and insert them into the main sock.
If you are using a big sock, you may add a tennis ball.
Place treats on the inside for added enjoyment.
Tie with a shoelace.
Cat Toy
The necessary materials:
Sock
String or shoelace
Catnip
Scissors
Fill the sock with catnip.
Tie with string or a shoelace.
Sock Toy
Benefit
Sock puppet
Encourages creativity and acting
Sock animals
Entertaining, durable, safe and machine washable
Hacky sack
Encourages physical activity and play
Dog and cat toy
Cheaper than retail prices, customizable, hours of entertainment
Sprucing Up Your Home With Old Socks
When piling up a stack of old, unwanted socks, you may not have considered that the separated items can create beautiful home decor.
1. Potpourri Packages
Want to keep your living room smelling fresh? If you have dogs, cats, or small children, potpourri is essential, and this repurposing craft involves no sewing. Cut the ends of your socks, pick your beautiful scent and then tie them off. You can put them in drawers, tuck them on shelves, place one in the bathroom, and your house will smell great.
2. Draft Stopper
A draft stopper is perfect for that chilly fall morning or that extra cold winter day when the heat simply won’t hold in the room. Sew together socks that match the length of the doorway and add quilt batting. Place your draft stopper in front of the door, and you can lower the temperature or put away that extra blanket.
3. Pot Holders
For the more ambitious crafter, this repurposed item takes a bit more work but pays off. Making this potholder could even be a meditative activity, with calming music in the background. Just cut the socks into strips and put your weaving loom to use to make your potholder. You can add special touches, choosing your colours and even give this creation as a gift. The potholder will add a personal and sentimental touch to your kitchen.
4. Vase Cozie
Sometimes a vase starts to look drab, or maybe you just want to switch up the look of your living room. If that’s the case, a vase cozie will do the trick. You can use your artistic eye to decide on your preference for pattern or colour. An argyle or striped sock can make the room pop. Even better, you can choose the right sock to set off your flowers or the season.
5. Super Effective Moth Balls
If you’re never quite sure which part of the closet to stick your mothballs or you find that they fall out when you tug on your clothing items, this is the fix for you. Take an old sock and fill it with mothballs. Then, hang it from the top of the closet or just tuck it into the corner of your sweater shelf.
6. Dryer Balls
The cost of Fabric softeners and dryer sheets adds up. Make a dryer ball out of old socks, and you can leave it in the machine to accompany every load. Place tennis balls inside of old socks, and you’re set to keep your clothes fluffy. Your bed sheets will feel better than ever!
7. Wrist Rest
A yoga instructor or exercise specialist will be the first to tell you that working at a computer is hard on your wrists. To prevent injuries such as tendonitis, use this simple fix. Fill a sock with rice and sew it up. With your wrist rest, typing will be a breeze, and your focus will improve. For extra support on a sore day, heat your wrist rest in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
8. Protect Furniture
You know those little stoppers—the ones you peel the paper off to expose the sticky part? They fall off pretty regularly, and that furniture scraping sound is awful. To solve this problem once and for all, place socks on the bottom of your furniture.
9. Quilt Fabric
If you are crafty and like to quilt, tune in. Socks can be beautiful in their own right. With the vast array of colours, patterns and designs, you’re sure to fill that patch in a cool way. Cut them into a square or rectangle and see how far you can stretch your repurposing.
10. Swiffer Pad
From my personal experience, every time I go to mop the floor, I am out of Swiffer pads. Instead, use an old sock to cover your Swiffer mop. The sock is brilliant at picking up dust, dirt, pet hair and grime. Secure a part of the cleaning closet for old or lone socks so that you always have them on hand.
11. Game Piece Storage
If you have young kids or even slightly older kids, you’re probably regularly frustrated when you pull out a board game or a puzzle and discover there are missing pieces. Fill your old socks with game pieces. Pick a distinctive pattern or colour that you associate with each game and tie off the end. We recommend crazy socks for Monopoly storage, because we all know how wild that game gets.
12. Phone Holder
Even with a heavy-duty phone case, I still manage to crack the screen protector on my phone. If you fall into this category of floppy hands, then you might benefit from a phone sleeve.
Socks for Outdoor Uses
1. Anti-Fog in the Car
Fill old socks with cat litter—yes, you heard me correctly, cat litter, and you will never experience the terror of driving blindly behind fogged car windows again. Fill one sock, tie it off and cover it with another. Put it on your windshield or elsewhere in the car, and it will absorb moisture. It works, we swear.
2. Windshield Wiper Covers
Frozen windshield wipers can be really irritating and start your day off badly. Get rid of this issue by protecting your wipers with socks.
3. Shine Your Car
The best part of old socks is that they’re guilt-free. However many times you use them, you’re giving them more use than they would have had in the dumpster. Wash and polish your car with an old pair of socks and if they absorb enough dirt, and they’ve seen their day, then let them go for the next pair in line.
4. Golf Club Covers
It sounds simple, and it is: covering your golf clubs with worn socks keeps them pristine. This trick will make travel and life on the green much smoother.
By now you know what to do with old socks, and that the loss of the old gives an opportunity for the new. Whether you’re creative and looking for an inspirational outlet, need a reason to gather together with your closest friends or a busy parent in need of an educational and engaging activity, repurposing socks is a rewarding pursuit.
Do You Wear Socks With Loafers?
Picture this: you’re in New York City and you catch a glimpse of a seriously trendy and chic person waltzing out of the revolving doors of a skyscraper. They’re sporting a semi-loose black turtleneck sweater and slim-fit grey pants. They appear as though every part of the outfit has been put together flawlessly from top to bottom… especially when you notice those dark brown loafers… paired with burgundy socks… You develop goosebumps, your eyes sparkle with glee and your heart races in excitement of getting yourself a pair of loafers with socks.
That was a tad dramatic, but a bit of exaggeration won’t hurt if it serves a purpose. Wearing socks with loafers can be deemed as prideful as branding yourself with a trophy or topping yourself with a monarch’s crown. It is eye-catching and for all the right reasons.
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
So, do you wear socks with loafers? If you’re thinking of giving it a go, read on.
Is This a Fashion Faux-Pas?
Can you wear socks with loafers if you want to look stylish? Wearing socks with loafers is like having pineapple on pizza. Socks can mesh nicely with loafers, but the pairing must be done in a tasteful manner. The desired sock length depends on what outfit you plan on wearing, which we’ll get into later for girls and guys.
If you want to look as though you are not wearing socks, ankle socks and no show socks work well with loafers considering that they’re hidden within the interior of the shoes themselves. Pretending to go sock commando is a thing.
Regardless of the pairs you’re wearing, there are two golden rules regarding socks:
1. They must be fully pulled up
2. Or fully trimmed down
If the bands of the socks are visible, start over. You’re not leaving the house looking like that.
Please note that there are no real rules surrounding whether or not you should wear socks with loafers. So many fashion gurus and magazines promise that they have discovered the correct answer, but none have prevailed in delivering the Gospel truth. With that being said, let’s proceed in exploring loafers, with and without socks. No filter. No discrimination. All love in the name of fashion.
Socks to Wear with Loafers That Will Draw Attention
The socks you’ll choose to go with your loafers depends on:
The wearer’s taste
The climate
The occasion
It’s tricky to determine which socks to wear with loafers to an exact science. You must take the material, length/cut, print/pattern, and color into consideration in order to maximize your clothing style. First, you can examine the appropriate sock pairs that may be to your liking:
Material
Length/Cut
Print/Pattern
Color
Cotton, wool, synthetic
Knee high, thigh high, quarter length, over the calf, crew, no show, ankle
Calf-length argyle socks provide a particularly classy look for dress loafers. Argyle socks are typically multi-colored, from muted tones to bright and clashing. They made their debut way back in the 16th century in West Scotland when Scottish clansmen used their tartan to create foot coverings, resulting in a timeless and unique diamond pattern. Argyle socks are often associated with golf, but they work effortlessly with dress loafers. They’re not too showy, but can still make your outfit more interesting.
Of course, not all loafers are fancy. You may be wondering, do you wear socks with loafers, even if said loafers are casual? Certain types of loafers, like most driving loafers, have a relaxed vibe to them:
These loafers can be worn with casual socks, like crew socks. On the other hand, dressy loafers, like penny, pump, and the hazel loafers you see below, should only be worn with dress socks.
You may be the kind of person who loves to wear fun prints and patterns on their socks. These should be reserved for casual settings and loafers unless proven otherwise and depending on the suit, dress or cardigan you decide to put on.Sock patterns that are hard to miss as there are a variety of them to choose from:
If you’re trying to make your friends jealous, go for bright and striking socks. Or dress socks to look as if you’re en route to a cricket tournament or attending a private school in England. Do you wear socks with loafers for any outfit you’re going for? You can, and you should! Overall, the purpose is to express confidence and individuality while wearing your socks.
How to Wear Loafers With Socks: Men
For men, if you desire to look spiffy, conservative, or old-fashioned, the color of the socks must match the loafers. Do you wear socks with loafers at fancy events? Certainly, as going sockless with loafers is considered inappropriate for formal occasions. Go with dress socks are to be worn to save face from public humiliation. If you think your boss or the president of such-and-such won’t notice your sockless feet, think again. Once you don’t stand out like a sore thumb, you’re good to go.
For attending a casual event such as a neighborhood barbeque, children’s birthday party or anything of the same caliber, you may express your individuality without overdoing it by throwing in some colors and prints to suit your personality and boost your confidence. Wear these socks with neutral loafer colors like burgundy, tan, dark brown, navy, or grey since they are the most versatile. Or, if you want your socks to stand out, but you don’t want to be too out there, try contrasting neutrals:
With black loafers, it’s pretty obvious that any non-neutral colors will stand out. Do you wear socks with loafers that are black? You could do a neutral outfit, black loafers, and red socks for a splash of liveliness. However, if you’re going with a red sweater and black loafers, adding red socks would be going overboard. It would be a different story if you were thinking of an emerald green sweater, black or grey pants, and emerald green socks. This shade of green is more understated, so matching socks in that color with a top is all good. Basically, if you are matching colored socks to your outfit, the shade should be muted or on the dark side.
Do yourself a favor and wear black loafers, especially leather ones, with caution. It gives off a preppy appearance like wearing a bow tie, so treat these specific loafers with utmost respect.
How to Wear Loafers With Socks: Women
To appear delicate and classy, especially when arriving at a formal function calls for thin, white socks. It’s basic and it works. For extra cuteness, try folding over the top of each sock. Fishnet or sheer socks can do the trick of spicing up your outfit, as well as ribbed-velvet, sparkly/metallic and floral-printed socks.
Girls can go all out with more creative colors and patterns as well, following the same logic as men’s socks and loafers: make those socks the statement piece, or match them with a hue in your outfit. Think darker or muted colors like maroon, emerald or moss green, plum, and navy.
With attention to floral patterns, they demonstrate fragility, vibrance and sophistication. You can easily mix and match them without losing their classic charm which they have held throughout history. Their longevity helps them fall into many niches and styles, including being paired with loafers of any sort.
How to Wear Loafers Without Socks
Do you wear socks with loafers, even in the summer? Should you wear socks with loafers, even if it’s really hot outside? Both answers are yes. You don’t want stinky feet, do you? We recommend you at least wear no show socks to avoid:
Smelly foot odor
Blisters
Damaging your shoes from all that gunk your feet produced
If you, however, demand or absolutely insist on wearing no socks at all, pop in some antiperspirant powder to absorb any moisture. Now, I get it that sometimes you want to forego comfort in the name of being up to score with a fashion trend. Either way, remember that a compromise is always within reach as long as you are open and willing to tend to your outfit appropriately.
Be Courteous When Wearing Loafers
It is absolutely vital to note that loafers should not be worn more than one day in a row to allow them to dry out properly. So have mercy on your loafers and do not let them drown in your sweat, please and thank you.
Choosing to wear loafers without socks requires care and attention not only towards your shoes but your feet as well. You wouldn’t want to cause blisters around your feet after a long day of strutting in your loafers, do you?
Do You Wear Socks With Loafers? Let’s Put a Sock in it Once and For All in This Debate
Bass Weejun, the Norweigan fisherman who brought us loafers in the first place, doesn’t even know we’re having this do you wear socks with loafers debate. Good old Bass Weejun probably wouldn’t mind whether or not you wear socks with his invention. The correct answer to do you wear socks with loafers is that it depends on personal preference, and whether or not you put stock in taking care of your shoes and feet.
To categorize loafers, they’re slip-ons of the highest class. Loafers are indeed a prestigious pair of shoes, but this is dependent on certain elements such as material, style and color. Loafers are flexible and work for professional and laid-back settings, they are high-class yet down-to-earth. They are a staple pair of shoes that hold a special place in your closet – and heart. Regarding socks and deciding what to wear, grab yourself some new socks to refine your fashion sense and take pride in the steps you take with them.
The prospect of how to measure for compression socks can seem difficult. There are different techniques for measuring for compression socks, and getting accurate measurements are crucial to making sure your compression socks work properly. In this guide, we’ll go through what compression socks are, why measurements are important, and how to measure for compression socks.
Compression socks apply gentle pressure to encourage healthy circulation. They’re designed to promote increasedblood flow from an individual’s legs to their heart. Compression socks have numerous benefits including helping athletes recover from injury, protecting bedridden patients from blood clots, and to make standing all day comfortable for people like nurses and hospitality workers. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits to wearing compression socks.
When You Should Wear Compression Socks
We’ll go through the most common reasons for wearing compression socks, which may in fact relate to you:
Sitting for extended periods of time due to work or travel
Continuous standing
Suffering from or having a family history of certain health conditions such as DVT and/or varicose veins
Exercising: it is believed that compression socks can decrease muscle soreness while exercising or during post-exercise recovery
For relief after suffering a muscle injury
How to Fit Compression Socks
Knowing the correct way for how to measure for compression socks and getting a good fit are essential for compression socks to work correctly and improve your health. If your compression socks are too tight, they can be painful and end up cutting off circulation, which would be the opposite of what they are intended for. On the flip side, if your compression socks are too loose, you won’t get any of the benefits, and you might as well just wear regular socks.
How Should Compression Socks Feel?
You’re aiming for finding compression socks that are not too tight, but not too loose, so what does that mean exactly? Compression socks are designed to fit snuggly throughout the leg. If this doesn’t clear things up, consult our guide on how tight compression socks should be.
Methods For Measuring Compression Garments
1. Consult a Professional Fitter
The most accurate way to measure compression socks is to consult a professional fitter. Retail stores that carry compression socks have fitters that would take all your measurements and advise you on size. Generally, if you’re getting prescription compression socks, the doctor will measure you for the socks and specify the measurements on the prescription to be ordered by the pharmacy.
2. At-Home Measurements
Measuring for compression socks at home only requires a tape measure, so many people opt for this method. With how to measure for compressions socks at home, you have to know the type of compression garment you’ll be purchasing and at which length.
How to Measure Compression Socks & Stockings
Working out how to measure for compression socks for the first time can be tricky. Methods are different for each type of sock. We’ll start with the most common lengths for compression socks: knee high and thigh high.
Before attempting this with any type of compression garment: measurements should be taken first thing in the morning, as our legs naturally swell during the day. Ankle measurements are always completed first.
Knee High Compression Socks
Knee high compression socks generally fall a few inches below the knee, like regular knee socks. Compression stockings that reach the knee can help prevent swelling in your feet and ankles. For knee-high compression socks, you’ll need to find the circumference of your ankle, the circumference of your calf, and the length of your calf. Follow these steps on how to measure for compression socks that are knee high:
Circumference of your ankle: loop the measuring tape above your ankle bone, on the most narrow part of your ankle
Circumference of your calf: loop the measuring tape around the widest part of your calf
Length of your calf: sit in a chair with your legs in an “L” shape, then measure between where your knee bends and the floor
Repeat on the other leg
Thigh High Compression Socks
Thigh high compression socks generally fit a few inches below the top of the thigh. If you are below average height and the socks go above the knee, simply fold the socks down to thigh level (do not bunch them). You’ll need to find the circumference of your ankle, calf, and thigh, then the length of your leg.
Circumference of your ankle: loop the measuring tape above your ankle bone, on the most narrow part of your ankle
Circumference of your calf: loop the measuring tape around the widest part of your calf
Length of your calf: sit in a chair with your legs in an “L” shape, then measure between where your knee bends and the floor
Circumference of your thigh: loop the measuring tape around the widest part of your thigh
Length of your thigh: measure from the top of your thigh to the floor
Repeat the process for the other leg
Compression Stockings & Panty Hose
Compression stockings and pantyhose cover the entirety of your legs, much like women’s nylons do. They provide further benefits to leg circulation and can be prescribed by a physician. If you plan to do the measurements yourself, note that the instructions for measuring thigh high compression socks are the same for stockings & pantyhose.
Choosing the Right Pressure Gradient
It’s important to choose the right pressure gradient when learning how to measure for compression socks, stockings, and pantyhose. A doctor can definitely advise you on which level is best for you, but you can easily determine this yourself. We’ve created a useful guide for compression gradients:
Compression Therapy Guide
Compression Level
Compression Gradient
Recommended For
Mild
8-15 mmHg
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing; pregnant women
Medium
15-20 mmHg
First time compression socks users; varicose and spider veins
Firm
20-30 mmHg
Moderate to severe varicose veins; post-surgical and post-sclerotherapy
Extra Firm
30-40 mmHg
Severe varicose veins
RX
40-50 mmHg
Serious venous diseases
Prescription vs Non-Prescription Compression Garments
There are differences between prescription and non-prescription compression socks that are important to consider:
Compression socks of 20 mmHg or above need to be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Non-prescription compression socks are usually used for travel or comfort, or for tired legs, rather than to help with more serious health conditions
There are many different tests a doctor may do to determine if you need prescription compression socks, including ultrasounds and a family history.
It’s recommended that first time users of compression socks should stick to a medium compression level, unless a physician recommends a different level.
There are a variety of sizes offered for compression socks. Compression socks come in both men’s and women’s sizes, but they also come in specific calf sizes for a better fit. Generally, compression socks come in size extra small, small/medium, and large/extra-large. These sizes correspond to shoe sizes:
Compression Socks Size Chart
Sock Size
XS
S/M
L/XL
Women
5-8
8-10
11-14
Men
5-7
8-10
11-13
Calf Size
10’’-13’’
13’’-16’’
16’’-20’’
Advisory: Who Should Not Wear Compression Socks
There are some people who have health concerns that make them unsuitable candidates for compression socks. These are health conditions that may prevent you from wearing compression socks:
Elderly people with senile purpura
People with arterial disease
Oozing dermatitis
Peripheral neuropathy
Heart failure
Phlebitis
If you have any of the above health conditions, you should get the go-ahead from a healthcare professional before wearing compression socks. Otherwise, you’re good to go!
How to Wear Compression Socks and Stockings
Putting on compression socks can be a little tricky. We have an in-depth guide for putting them on, but here’s a quick run through in case you’re in a hurry:
Unlike a regular sock, you’ll have to put your arm all the way into a compression sock
Then, you’ll have to pinch the heel of the sock and turn it inside out
Next, put your foot in the bottom of the sock, and start rolling it over your feet; make sure the fabric is smooth across your leg
If you have trouble getting compression socks on yourself, or can’t put them on yourself, you can use a stocking donner. This is a type of metal frame you can roll your compression sock over, so you can place your foot directly in the sock. It takes the guesswork out of putting on compression socks!
Soxy compression socks are known to be the best for several reasons. They are very reasonably priced compared to other brands on the market. Each pair is priced at $24, with regular MSRP at $49. Soxy offers 15-20 mmHg compression socks in Small (5-8) and Large (9-13), which are made of high quality cotton.
In addition to possessing all the circulation-benefiting elements of regular compression socks, Soxy compression socks are designed with incredibly soft and breathable material. They feature rip protection, used to double re-enforce areas that experience the most friction and tear. Our compression socks are for anyone in any stage of life! You can go with classic plain or striped, or fun and cute designs.
We Can All Benefit From Compression Garments
There are tons of different ways you can benefit from wearing compression socks and other compression garments. Whether you’re a marathon runner, nurse, teacher, athlete, expectant mother, world traveler, or are recovering from injury,
Compression socks can help prevent swelling, particularly from travel, stop varicose veins, and help during pregnancy. Compression socks are especially beneficial for athletes, sedentary workers, people who just had surgery, and frequent travellers.
Figuring out how to measure for compression socks properly can be a struggle, but if you do work carefully and follow our guide, you can easily know how to measure for compression socks and the size you need, so you can improve your health and live your best life!
Why Does Sock Material Matter?
Picture this — you’ve just embarked on a carefully-planned, long and majestic hike with a friend. You haven’t even reached the first mile marker yet and you can already feel sweat pooling around your toes and the beginnings of a blister emerging. While your friend is enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery, you can’t focus on anything other than your feet and general discomfort. At this point in time, you realize you should have put more stock into the age old debate of polyester vs cotton socks.
This is why sock material matters. Wearing the right sock in specific circumstances means the difference between having the time of your life or spending the next few days nursing tender feet. Often an underrated piece of clothing, the sock is one of the most important things we put on in the morning. Choosing the wrong sock on any given day can prove uncomfortable at best—disastrous at worst.
Based on the activities planned and the climate involved, a sock’s function is critical. We rely on them to keep us comfortable throughout the day. By keeping our feet dry and warm or cool, if need be. By basing our sock choices on our outfit, weather conditions, and what we’ll be doing, we’re setting ourselves up to tackle the day.
Polyester Socks
You’ll often find polyester as part of the blended materials in socks. It provides natural fabrics with additional benefits like warmth, dryness and resilience. We’re going to address the longstanding battle between polyester vs cotton socks. So let’s talk about why polyester, a synthetic material, is ideal for socks:
Polyester is a warm and soft fabric while remaining lightweight
It tends to be more fade resistant than natural fibers
It’s a durable and long-lasting material
Can be washed and dried quicker than other materials
Socks made from polyester are generally inexpensive
Most casual socks and dress socks incorporate polyester in some combination. And because it’s a versatile material leaning toward the cheaper side, polyester socks are less likely to break the bank. They typically cost between $1 to $5 a pair.
Cotton Socks
Loyal supporters of cotton will argue that this natural, organic material is the one most often associated with socks. And they wouldn’t be wrong. It’s a logical choice for fabric in socks for these reasons:
Cotton is compostable and environmentally friendly
It’s lightweight and absorbent making it ideal for athletics
While cotton is a strong material, it’s usually soft
Cotton is breathable and well suited to individuals with sensitive skin and/or allergies
We may have to call a truce between polyester vs cotton in the case of athletic socks. Their combination works well together in this type of sock. While the cotton absorbs excess sweat, the polyester is moisture-wicking and fast-drying, so they make a good team.
Most casual socks, like crew socks, are comprised of cotton and/or a cotton-blended material. Cotton socks generally cost between $10-$15 a pair.
Wool Socks
Take a quick glance at the polyester vs cotton socks debate and it seems there’s no place for wool—but there should be. When it comes to sock material, you can’t get more authentic than wool. This all-natural fabric possesses many qualities essential in a sock:
Wool is a natural, compostable fiber
It’s a breathable material that holds both its color and shape
It’s said to have antibacterial properties
Wool is excellent in providing warmth and insulation
It can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture before feeling damp (meaning it keeps feet dry)
Due to its level of warmth and absorbency, wool is an exceptional fabric used to make socks for hiking, camping and working outdoors. Depending on the type of wool used, sock prices can fluctuate but usually run between $10-$20 a pair.
Nylon Socks
It makes sense that the majority of socks often include nylon and this is because the man-made materialoffers both functionality and versatility. Yet time and again, nylon is the neglected cousin left in the dust behind the polyester vs cotton socks dispute. Consider these undeniable pros associated with nylon:
It is an extremely strong and durable fiber
Nylon is a universally inexpensive fabric to manufacture
It provides many socks with necessary elasticity and give
Nylon is a highly adaptable material that can be thin, bulky, stretchy, silky and/or sheer as required
Many dress socks are made of nylon or a nylon-blend. Silky and/or sheer nylon socks are optimal when wearing a dress shoe. Depending on their length and quality, nylon socks normally range in price from $1-$10 a pair.
Polyester vs Cotton Socks
In terms of polyester vs cotton socks—each fabric has its unique set of pros and cons. What it comes down to is what you are looking for specifically in a sock and when you plan on wearing it. If you’re not a fan of research, that’s fine, because we do it for you:
Polyester Socks
Cotton Socks
Comprised of synthetic, plastic-based fabric
Made of natural, organic material
Unable to break down naturally
Fully compostable and environmentally-friendly
Light-weight material
Light-weight material
May increase amount of foot perspiration and odor
Breathable, absorbent material
Non-absorbent material more likely to stain
Absorbency can result in dampness
Quick and easy to wash and dry
Cotton is prone to shrinkage if washed on a hot cycle and put in the dryer
Known to maintain vivid color despite repeated washings
Prone to color fading over time
Generally used in casual and/or dress socks
Tends to be found in most types of socks and an excellent choice for athletic wear
On the lower end of the price range at approximately $1-$5 per pair
More costly at around $10-$15 a pair
Wool vs Cotton Socks
Wool and cotton socks are often considered to be the cornerstones of sock material. At the other end of the polyester vs cotton socks spectrum, both wool and cotton are natural and agriculturally-sound. This is basically all they have in common, as you’ll see:
Wool Socks
Cotton Socks
Natural, organic and fully-compostable fiber
Also an environmentally-friendly fiber
Lauded for its warmth and insulating properties
This breathable material is associated with keeping feet cool, dry and comfortable
Can feel itchy and abrasive to some individuals
Well-suited for people with sensitive skin and/or allergies
Must ensure a proper fit to avoid bunching
Known for their soft and snug fit, cotton socks are generally stretchier
Prone to shrinkage if not washed often and with care
Likely to shrink if washed in hot water and machine-dried
An excellent choice of sock for hiking, camping and working outdoors
Cotton is the better choice for casual and athletic socks worn for running and/or exercising
On the pricey side at around $10-$20 per pair
Cost about $10-$15 a pair
Nylon vs Cotton Socks
People seem to get wrapped up in the polyester vs cotton socks controversy when there appears to be just as much reason for pitting nylon vs cotton. While the versatility of nylon makes it an ideal sock material for all sorts of situations, cotton is pretty much a what-you-see-is what-you-get type of fabric.
Nylon Socks
Cotton Socks
Synthetic fabric
Natural fiber
Versatile in quality and style—for example: nylon socks can be thin, silky, stretchy, sheer or bulky
Cotton socks are relatively limited in quality and style
Nylon is often used in material blends to provide additional give and to improve durability
Cotton is generally snug-fitting and durable on its own
Nylon socks are ideal to wear with dress shoes
Cotton socks are better-suited for wear with casual shoes and sneakers
Depending on style and length, price ranges from $1-$10 per pair
Approximately $10-$15 a pair
Which Material Is Best?
Without taking any specifics into account, it appears that cotton is the proven overall winner in best sock material. Here’s why:
Cotton socks are by far the most popular sock type on the market
A large assortment of sock styles such as casual, dress and athletic incorporate cotton or a cotton-blend in their materials
They are breathable, soft and snug giving them top marks in comfort
Cotton is a proven winner in terms of being all natural and environmentally friendly
Cotton socks are the footwear of choice for anyone suffering from sensitivities and/or allergies
They are generally durable and long-lasting
That said, choosing the best sock fabric isn’t as straightforward as declaring an overall winner. It’s also a tad more complicated than simply comparing polyester vs cotton socks.
For starters, there are more materials to consider than just these two types, and there are many key factors to take into consideration, like:
What type of shoe will you be wearing?
How will you be dressed?
Is there a specific activity you will be taking part in?
What is the climate and/or weather like?
Do you suffer from sensitivities and/or allergies?
Are you likely to sweat?
Is there a specific material you prefer over the qualities of another?
Upon answering these questions, the choice becomes clearer. But in the end, the decision ultimately falls to you—the sock wearer.
The knee high style first became popular in the 60’s and 70’s when it was trendy to pair them with a mini skirt, particularly with schoolgirl uniforms. A few decades later, knee high socks exploded into the fashion scene with the release of the movie Clueless (1995). Cher Harowitz incorporated knee high socks into most of her daily outfits and girls wanted to exemplify that. But what really made the trend skyrocket was when Britney Spears released her music video for “…Baby One More Time,” when she gave knee high socks a new name in 1999.
Whether you want to emulate the boarding school look or have a serious case of 90’s nostalgia, we’ll give you all the best tips on how to wear knee high socks in 2020.
How to Wear Long Socks
First, let’s all get on the same page about what long socks are. These socks come in three lengths, which vary a little depending on your height:
Knee high/over the calf socks fall a few inches below the knee.
Over the knee socks reach a few inches above the knee.
Thigh high socks reach about halfway up the thigh.
Long socks are a must in the winter, since they keep your feet and legs perfectly toasty. The first step in learning how to wear long socks is to pick your sock. There are certain elements to consider when approaching how to wear tall socks, so let’s dive in.
Neutrals
If you want your outfit to be more balanced and less attention-grabbing, sticking to neutral colors is the way to go. Colours like black, navy, brown, grey, white, and beige. These colors are called neutral because they don’t clash with anything. They’re really chill, they never get into fights, and they just want to have a good time. If you go with socks in neutral colors, unless your shoes themselves are non-neutral, they’ll match your outfit. Alternatively, wearing bright socks with a neutral outfit can add a tasteful pop of color.
Colors & Patterns
If you’re the type of person that’s go bold or go home, colorful socks are right up your alley. If you really want to spice up your outfit, go with patterns like:
You want to make sure you’re not clashing. If you’re thinking of wearing a plaid shirt, leave the striped socks at home. In terms of colors, either match your sock to a color that’s part of your outfit, or let the socks stand out on their own with a neutral ensemble.
Textures
Textured socks add a special flourish to your outfit. A distinctive long sock option would be to choose pairs with textures like:
Fish nets
Lace
Mesh
Ornamentation like: sparkles, crystals or pearls
These little sock details add interest to your outfit in a way that typical black or neutral socks can’t. You can use them to change a daytime look into a nighttime look to make your outfit edgier.
What Shoes to Wear With Knee High Socks
Now that you know some longer sock styles, we’ll talk about footwear. Granted, most knee socks will look good no matter what shoes you match them with, but there are some better options for shoes to wear with knee high socks.
How to Wear Knee High Socks With Sneakers
If comfort rules all for you, then wear knee high socks with sneakers. You can never go wrong with this laid back mash-up. A good way of approaching this with sneakers, if you’re thinking of colorful socks: choose a one-tone or colored sneaker to keep your outfit from looking too busy. Fully white or black sneakers are nice neutral options, any colour, style, texture or pattern of knee high socks would go with them, provided your outfit is neutral.
If you’re thinking the opposite, and are wondering what socks to wear with a pair of bright colored sneakers, wear more neutral long socks. If you’re wondering how to wear shorts with knee high socks and sneakers, try athletic top stripes for a sporty look:
How to Wear Knee High Socks With Boots
Short (Ankle, Chelsea, Chukka boot, etc.): In the cooler months, it’s a good idea to wear long socks under pants. You won’t see most of the socks, but they’ll keep you warm, since shorter boots don’t protect your legs from the elements. Check out this understated dandy look with the bold red socks. See what we mean by adding a splash of color to neutrals?
Mid to tall (mid-calf, knee high, riding boot, etc.): You can make your tall boots stand out by by pairing them with knee high socks. The trick is to have about an inch or two of the top of your sock to peek out from the top of the boots. This statement can be subtle, with neutral socks, or a pop of brightness with colored socks.
How to Wear Knee High Socks With Heels
Ladies, grab a pair of heels with your long socks if you want a feminine and elegant option. If you want to make a statement, choose long colored socks to go with a neutral outfit and heels. A middle ground look would be black heels and darker colored long socks, like maroon or moss green. A classic duo is matching black heels and black knee high socks, and grey works just as well:
How to Wear Knee High Socks With Flat Shoes
Long socks look great with ballet flats, pointed toe, mules, and women’s loafers when paired with a skirt or dress. They can either add warmth, variety, or a mix of both to an outfit. Men can pair knee high socks with oxfords, wingtips, monkstraps, brogues and moccasins. Contrary to what certain close-minded fashion gurus say, you can wear socks with footwear like loafers and boat shoes. For socks to work with any type of men’s shoes, it’s all about:
1) The kind of sock you choose
2) Complementing colors
We’ll jump into types of socks after this, but first check out this long teal socks, neutral brown pants and penny loafers look:
We’ve still got some ground to cover on how to wear knee high socks, so read on for more style insights.
How To Wear Knee High Socks For Men
Types of Socks With Casual vs Business Attire
Some guys completely own knee high socks and are confident in how they style them, like Justin Bieber and Tyler the Creator. If you’re a dude wondering how to wear knee high socks, we’ll get into the types of socks you should be looking for, depending on occasion.
Casual shoes, shorts, and pants are compatible with casual socks (obviously). Many types of casual shoes can also be worn with dress socks, which can help turn a laid back look to business casual appropriate for the office. Wearing knee high socks with shorts is quite common in the warmer months. A simple t-shirt, long sleeve or dress shirt paired with bermuda, cargo, gym, board or denim shorts are solid choices with long socks.
Dress shoes and dress pants should always be worn with dress socks (hence their similar names). Knee high socks are the right length to wear under dress pants, as they create a clean, smooth line from foot to knee. Also, if your pants ride up when sitting down, your skin won’t show. Wearing a dress sock below the calf puts yourself at risk for exposed skin, which is not appropriate in formal and business settings.
How to Wear Knee High Socks For Women
Pairing long socks with shorts, dresses, and skirts can be a great way to show some leg. A flattering technique is to match the color of sock to your shoes or boots, as color consistency creates a smooth look down the leg. Here’s a neutral short boots and long socks look, courtesy of Megan Fox:
If you want to go with colorful long socks, make sure that your shoes are neutral, and/or the color matches with another shade in your outfit.
To the gals who never want to give up skirts and dresses in the fall and winter: you don’t actually have to. In the fall, pair these with thick long socks. We recommend Merino wool, which is some of the warmest and coziest wool around. In the winter, double up with long socks over tights, and you’ll still be able to pull off these feminine ensembles.
When Not to Wear Knee High Socks
Guys are pretty much safe when it comes to wearing knee high socks. They’re appropriate to wear during any occasion, barring very hot weather, when shorter socks would be a more comfortable choice. For women, part of knowing how to wear knee high socks is to recognize their limits. There are certain cases when wearing knee high socks with visible thigh (ie. with a dress or skirt) is inappropriate.
Setting
Advice
In the workplace
Make sure you know the dress code of your place of work before choosing this type ofoutfit.You should play it particularly safe if you are heading into a job interview.
Formal events
It’s best to play it safe with your outfit when attending these gatherings, so you don’t call attention to yourself.
Somber occasions
Out of respect, do not wear this type of outfit at a funeral. Do not show up to court this way either, if you wanted to be taken seriously.
Knee high socks first rose to prominence in the 60’s and 70’s, and their appeal is as strong as ever. They’ve stood the test of time and made it through countless trends. Whether you’re channeling a boarding school prepster, keeping warm in the winter, or they’re your preferred sock length with a suit, knee high socks are here to stay.
Boat shoes are a comfortable and casual alternative to the average sneaker. They’ve always been in style, yet this classic look is really popular in 2020. You may already own some, and if you’re wondering, do you wear socks with boat shoes? you’re not alone.
Whether you’re at a rooftop lounge or on the bow of a yacht, boat shoes offer a functional meets laidback style for you to mix up your look.
We’ll go back to the very beginning with how boat shoes came to be, guidelines for wearing socks with boat shoes, and which occasions are appropriate for wearing this style of shoe. Let’s sail right into this.
History of the Boat Shoe
A boat shoe is similar in form to a loafer, with a very interesting backstory. Sources say that boat shoes were initially invented by Paul Sperry. Sperry often had trouble slipping and sliding onboard ships. Sperry realized that his dog didn’t have the same problem, and cut slits in his shoes to mimic the bottom of his pup’s paws (don’t we have so much to learn from man’s best friend?). In 1935, mass-manufacturing began for Sperrys.
Boat shoes are built for practicality, often worn by sailors to prevent them from slipping on deck. They’ve become so popular these days, that most people wearing them would have no idea where starboard is or what chock a block means. Their effortlessly casual and functional appeal has risen them to the height of fashion, and you don’t have to know how to raise a sail to rock a boat shoe.
Do You Wear Socks With Boat Shoes? Why You Should
You definitely can, and it’s recommended that you do. If you decide against socks, you better batten down the hatches, landlubber. There are hazards of going sockless with boat shoes. Why do you wear socks with boat shoes? Because if you don’t, any of the following can happen:
Pooling of foot sweat, which isn’t being absorbed by socks
A powerful odor will radiate from your boat shoes
Blisters and chafing around the heel and sides of the foot
Rapid deterioration of the shoe
So, do you wear socks with boat shoes? If you insist on your feet going commando, it’s possible to ward against nasty odors with different types of deodorizing spray or with baking soda. We still think that’s gross, though.
How Do You Wear Socks With Boat Shoes?
The great thing about boat shoes is that they’re versatile. They basically go with every type of sock, provided that you match your outfit correctly. Let’s dive into our top sock picks for boat shoes.
The Pretend Commando: Invisible or Barely There Socks
If you’re heading to the beach, strolling around in the summer, or in any other warm conditions, you might want to appear sockless, or wear socks that are minimally visible. No show socks, sometimes referred to as loafer liners, only go part of the way up your foot. You’ll barely be able to see them inside your boat shoes. These socks will keep your feet dry and legs nice and airy, plus they’ll pair well with shorts or capris.
Classic and Sleek: Black Dress Socks
If the weather is a bit colder, or you’re planning on wearing long pants with your boat shoes, black dress socks will work with anything from jeans, to chinos, too khakis. Dress socks are typically designed using a thinner and finer woven material, so your feet and legs will stay warm. The neutral shade of black will work with most outfits, and dress socks will elevate your look (as opposed to crew socks or an everyday sock).
Bright and Bold: Socks to Match Your Personality
You may have come across style blogs and fashion gurus advising against wearing socks that are colorful or patterned with boat shoes. Let us tell you why the rule deserves to be broken. First of all, rules are stuffy. Second of all, why pretend to be anyone but yourself?
Pair a neutral outfit and boat shoes with a fun pair of socks for a splash of color. That way, you’re not wearing clashing colors, but adding life to your look. If you’re even more courageous, complement your bright outfit with matching socks in the same shade. Just prepare for all eyes to be on you, and you’re golden.
Subtle Yet Fun: If Bright and Bold Isn’t Your Jam
You’ve got options if you feel like showing some sock, but don’t want to venture too far out of the ordinary. Stripes can help you show off your boat shoes, by drawing the eye straight to them. Try vertical stripes, ideally in a skinnier variety. As a simpler pattern, Polka dots won’t clash with boat shoes. You’ll want to stick to smaller dots, so that you’re not overwhelming the rest of your outfit.
Choosing Your Sock Colors
We made up a chart that pairs all the most common boat shoe shades with the colors that work best for them. You’re welcome! You can learn more about complementary colors in our wearing socks with Sperrys guide.
Boat Shoe & Sock Color GuideBoat ShoeComplimentary Sock ColorsBrown Blue, White, Grey, Red Tan Navy, Blue, Purple, BlackGreyPurple, Teal, Turquoise, YellowBlack White, Light Blue, Light Purple, Grey, Red
Consider the saturation and shade of the colors while choosing your socks. If your boat shoes are a muted color, you’ll want to choose the same for your socks. And if the colors of your boat shoes are brighter, the same logic applies.
Our Top Socks & Boat Shoes Looks
Lean into the preppy vibe: Think sailing in the Hamptons during a summer that never ends. Try pairing your boat shoes with a polo shirt, khakis, and a leather belt. Slip on your no show socks and you’re ready to roll.
Wear them with your jeans: Boat shoes and jeans are a natural fit together—the same type of casual classic. With neutral blues like this, you could go with black dress socks, bright or patterned socks, or stick to no show.
Wear them with cut-off or rolled-up pants to really emphasize the shoes. This clean look is made for no shows. Otherwise you might have an awkward patch of skin between where the socks end and the pants begin.
Wear them for a business casual vibe: to relax your look a bit at the office (if this kind of dress code is allowed, anyway). If you dare, make a statement with some red socks. Otherwise neutral dress socks or no shows would work.
Leaving your boat shoes untied is a hazard. We’re all for effortlessly stylish vibes, but not tying your boat shoes looks careless and you may end up tripping over them and falling on your face. Definitely not the cool you’re going for. You can add flair to your boat shoes, just in how you tie them. Try these out:
Stay on theme with a fishtail knot. Start by pulling the laces through the eyelets vertically. Cross the laces, and bring each side over the opposite side, then repeat three times. Tighten any extra, and then stick the ends behind.
Go traditional sleek with a surgeon’s knot. Lay each side over each other so that they overlap, then form a loop. Pass each side through the loop three times. Just pull tight, and you’re finished!
Get creative with a barrel knot. To tie a barrel knot, you fold the lace into a loop. Then, wrap the lace around the loop five times. Thread the lace through the loop, and pull it while pushing the knot to finish.
Add some artistry with a chain knot. Make a loop, with the lace pointing to the front. With the other hand, make another loop. Push the second loop into the first loop from the back, pull to tighten, and repeat. After three repetitions, tuck the lace through the knot, then stick the ends of the chains into each other.
Graduate to a tassel knot. Cross your laces into a square knot, and hold one lace to form a loop. Wrap the lace back around the loop, then tuck in the end.
When Do You Wear Socks With Boat Shoes?
Boat Shoes Q & A
Do you wear socks with boat shoes in the wintertime? The all round answer is no. You don’t want to be the person who wears summer shoes when it’s snowing outside. If you live in a seasonal climate, they’ll have to go on hiatus when off season.
Can you wear boat shoes when it’s raining? You can, but this will damage them.
Do you wear socks with boat shoes to exercise? Boat shoes and any kind of exercise don’t mix. Even with socks on to absorb the sweat, they’d be falling off during a high intensity workout.
Can you wear boat shoes to go hiking? Even if it’s a relatively easy hike, you may get blisters. Best stick to runners.
Do you wear socks with boat shoes when you’re wearing a suit? Even dress socks with boat shoes would not be enough to make them formal. No boat shoes with formalwear.
When It’s Always a Good Call Wearing Boat Shoes
Ok, so you can’t wear boat shoes in every situation. Same goes for any of your favorite shoes. You can rock boat shoes on the beach, especially at a beach wedding. They’re really great for travelling, especially on airplanes. Think any casual location and outdoor activities that aren’t strenuous (like talking a stroll down the boardwalk).
Treat your boat shoes right by wearing them with a great pair of socks. Just switching up your socks can give any outfit featuring boat shoes a new edge.
Sock Liners: The Rundown
You’re not the first person to search the internet for this type of sock. Sock liners function under the radar and not everyone wears them. What is a sock liner in a shoe supposed to do? What are liner socks used for? We’ll clear things up for you: sock liners go under the sock to prevent moisture overload and to stop friction, which can cause discomfort, blisters, and cuts.
Sock liners are typically used for physical activities, when mild abrasions and overheating of your feet are an issue. Typically, but not always. You can also find sock liners for high heels and other formal footwear, and thicker liners that add extra warmth to regular socks. Liner socks come in five types:
Compression sock liners
Mid calf sock liners
Low cut sock liners
Toeless sock liners
Ankle sock liners
We’ll get into how to choose the right sock liners depending on shoe type and activity so you can make the perfect pairing for any occasion.
Sock Liners for Hiking
You could be an avid hiker or just enjoy a scenic adventure from time to time, but you’ve probably struggled with sore or sweaty feet at some point. The idea of wearing socks underneath our socks may sound like a bit much. But imagine being stuck on a mountainside with the mother of all blisters on your foot, having to trek all the way back and feeling it with each painful step. Having your feet feel comfortable and protected is a must for hiking, and regular socks can’t always do the job.
Liners can be paired with all socks, but you want to make sure you choose the right sock type for your journey. Athletic crew socks are recommended for hiking due to their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Crew socks rise to the middle of your calf, making them a suitable length for hiking boots. If you plan on hiking in the dead of winter, socks and thicker sock liners made of wool will keep your feet warm while also wicking away sweat. The sock and liner combination really makes a difference—your hiking partner will wonder why you’re always two steps ahead of them, not even realizing you have an extra pair on underneath.
Sock Liners for High Heels
High heels will never be your most comfortable pairs, but you can make them feel better on your feet. Sock liners can be used under socks with heeled boots, and no-show sock liners can be worn for heels that reveal more of your foot. Sock liners are designed to be invisible under your shoe. The next time you’re dancing at a wedding or out on the town in heels, you’ll be grateful for sock liners protecting you against blisters and smelly feet, when regular socks just aren’t enough.
Nothing is worse than getting to the point where you’re forced to take off your heels because they’re so painful. Any kind of sock liner will give you extra protection and padding in your heels, where regular socks may not cut it. Tight compression sock liners are great to prevent injury while wearing heels or to provide comfort from plantar fasciitis. We’ll take a closer look at compression sock liners later on in this guide.
The next time you’re shopping for sock liners, keep these sock and liner pairings in mind:
Season
Type of Heel
Suggested Sock Liner
Winter
Wedged boots, loafer heel, ankle boots
Ankle, toe sock, thick, mid calf
Spring
Pumps, peep-toe stiletto
Low cut, thin
Summer
Stilettos, peep-toe wedge
sheer, toeless, thin
Fall
High heel boots, pumps
Toe sock, ankle, thick, mid-calf
Sock Liners for Exercise
Even if you’ve been an athlete all your life or you live in the gym, sock liners may have never come up for you. Athletic shoes are not the only contributor to performance when it comes to your feet. The socks you choose also affect your workout abilities. Our feet absorb a lot of impact while exercising, and socks alleviate some of this pressure. Your feet have to be ready for pretty much anything, so that you can continue to maintain your exercise routine.
What are sock liners used for with exercise, specifically? These are the top benefits of wearing sock liners with your athletic socks:
Absorbs foot sweat, so moisture doesn’t build up inside your shoe and potentially cause athlete’s foot
Prevents foot odor
Stops hotspots, which lead to blisters from friction
Extra comfort to ensure peace of mind when working out
Support and cushioning for potential or recurring injuries
Some people have excessively sweaty feet when they exercise, and even the best athletic socks can’t absorb all the sweat. Wearing two pairs of socks isn’t the answer, since this will just cause your feet to overheat. That’s where sock liners come in. If this is a common problem for you, sock liners and ankle socks are an excellent pair, since the lack of fabric keeps things airy in the legs and feet. This combination is basically a foot double team that will make you function better as an athlete.
Sock Liners for Cold Weather
What is a sock liner used for in the winter, anyway? If you live in a seasonal climate, you’re familiar with the process of your feet starting to ache from the cold, gradually turn numb, then ache again when they’re starting to warm up. It’s sort of a winter right of passage. Once you know, you know.
Other than achiness and numbness, cold weather can affect you and your feet in these ways:
Prevent you from walking
Distract you endlessly and make you fixate on the cold
Redness and discomfort from frostnip
Frostbite
Sock liners insulate your feet and help prevent those side effects of cold weather conditions. These socks can help protect your feet from the elements more than three layers of regular socks would. Depending on just how cold it is outside, you can choose the thickness of your liner. You can go with shorter sock liners or ones that go up to your mid calf. You won’t be surprised to learn that wool socks and sock liners are made for winter and will keep your feet extra cozy.
Compression Sock Liners
We mentioned compression sock liners in passing and now we’ll give you a better understanding. Compression sock liners are often worn under compression socks. The liner protects the outer sock from dirt, oils, and bodily fluids to extend the life span of the compression sock. Compression socks are engineered to promote blood circulation in the legs and feet through applied pressure. They must be replaced every 4-6 months in order to experience all the intended health benefits.
Certain compression sock liners come with their own built-in compression. These liners can be useful if you’re standing or sitting for long periods of time and you don’t want your socks to be visible. Prolonged sitting and standing causes blood to pool in the legs, which results in pain, numbness, and the uncomfortable pins and needles feeling you’re likely familiar with. If you have poor circulation, consider wearing compression sock liners under your regular socks.
What Is a Liner Sock Compared to a No Show Sock?
Just because both liner socks and no show socks are designed to be unseen, doesn’t mean they’re the same. No show socks can be used as sock liners because of their no-slip heel grip and protection. This is why the two sometimes get confused. We’ll go through the main differences between these sock types:
No show socks are mostly used to protect against blisters and as a moisture barrier, so that sweat doesn’t damage your shoe. These socks cover the parts of your feet and can be worn alone with loafers, moccasins, boat shoes, slip-ons, flats, and certain boots, heels, and running shoes. No show socks come in a variety of patterns that you can use to accentuate plain low cut shoes or to show off while your shoes are off. You can use no show socks in place of sock liners, or you can wear them on their own.
Sock Liners
The main purposes of sock liners are extra comfort, insulation, and protection. Compared to no show socks, sock liners are not as flexible. They don’t come in many colors or patterns—you’ll mostly find them in white, grey, and black. The advantage of sock liners over no show socks is that they can be worn with certain sandals, like toeless or sheerless liners. In general, sock liners cannot function as no shows, and are best worn with another pair of socks.
Now that you know the importance of sock liners and all the types they come in, you’ll have no problem adding some pairs to your wardrobe. You can wear sock liners to hike, strut around in heels, exercise, survive winter storms and dance all night. Think of liners as the unseen and loyal best friend of socks. They’ll have you feeling confident in your ability to tackle the day, no matter what it brings.
About Crew Socks
Soxy
You may be the sort of person who walks into a store, purchases any socks that are up to your standards, before calling it a day. If this sounds familiar, you’re probably not well versed in the nuance of sock types and lengths. If you’ve ever pondered the question, what are crew socks, this article is for you.
‘Crew’ is one of many lengths of socks, and crew socks typically reachjust below the calf muscle. They’re offered three types:
Dress
Casual
Athletic
There’s a high likelihood of crew socks sitting in your drawers at this very moment. Let’s jump right in, with everything you could possibly want to know about crew socks.
History of Crew Socks
The term ‘crew sock’ surfaced in public in 1948, the year it was added to the dictionary. The name is based on military regulations, specifically naval. The yeoman, a member of the United States Navy that performs administrative work, would order standard-sized garments for the ship’s crew. In other words, everyone on the crew would wear the same length of socks. These regulation standards were then made available to nonmilitary distributors after WWII. Hopefully this is starting to clear up the murky parts that led to your question, what are crew socks in the first place.
How Long Are Crew Socks?
Crew sock lengths can vary significantly across brands, though most are around 6-8 inches from the heel to the top of the cuff. They come in varying lengths, including the standard length crew cut, ¼ crew, and ¾ crew. You may be wondering, what is the difference between crew socks and ankle socks? Both are common cuts for casual socks, so they tend to get confused. Ankle socks are shorter than crew socks, as they only come up to the ankle. So let’s review the lengths of crews:
¼ crew (micro crew)
¾ crew
Standard crew
Did you know that there are two standard lengths of crew socks? Crew socks also come in a smaller version called micro crew socks. You can think of them as mini crew socks, and some refer to them as quarter crew socks. Think of micro crew socks as an in-between, they’re shorter than classic crew socks, but they have length on the ankle sock, standing at 6” tall and reaching to mid-calf. This micro version is an excellent fit for high top shoes as it prevents chafing at the ankles. These socks are also an excellent selection for hotter days, and many hiking socks come in micro crew length.
The Most Popular Sock
Crew socks are everyday socks. They’re comfy, adaptable, versatile and utilitarian, the kind of item you grab for without thought, like your standard pair of underwear. Believe it or not, of all the socks you can name and pick from; crew socks are the most popular garment in the sock industry. Can you picture a crew sock? Sometimes we’re absent-minded about the items that give us the most regular use. Crew socks are generally ribbed at the ankles, and they are thick socks. Now, they ring a bell!
Materials in Crew Socks
What are crew socks made of? Typically crew socks are made from 100% cotton, but that standard has begun to shift slightly in the world of socks. Now, there are more cotton-polyester blends. Other synthetic materials, like spandex, are used as well. Nowadays, you can even choose fancy crew socks that are manufactured from wool and silk.
How We Get These Materials
Materials are more complicated than you think. It was a chemist named Joseph Shrivers who invented the synthetic spandex. He used his comprehensive chemical knowledge to bring the fiber to the shelf, which should make you feel like the wellbeing of your feet is in expert, academic hands! Spandex is produced by a process called dry spinning. Did you know that there is a crucial difference between spandex and polyester? Polyester can be synthetic or natural, but the synthetic version has more natural fibers.
Wool, as you well know, comes from the hair of animals, most often sheep. Sheep are sheared, and the yarn is spun. Cotton is another fiber, harvested from the fascinating cotton plant. Silk is where things get strange… Raw silk is taken from silkworms, which are dissolved in boiling water for the long silk fibers to be fed into a spinning reel. Who knew so much knowledge and hard work went into the manufacturing of our materials.
How Crew Socks Fit
If your foot falls into the bandwidth of the average market (size 8-12 men’s shoes), then the good old one size fits all crew sock will do the job. If your feet are larger or smaller, you should play it safe and look for a tailored crew sock. The last thing you want is a sock that chafes because it doesn’t fit the bed of the foot, or one that comes down while you’re on the go. You also don’t want to go too small with your sizing, or it will result in that uncomfortable red mark that you notice on your leg when you slip your socks into the laundry bin.
What Are Crew Socks Used For?
Do you know that in-between solution, the one that settles the dispute at the half-way line? That’s the crew sock. It stops its journey up the leg partway between the ankle and the knee, which makes it individual in its assets. It’s the every-man stape sock of compromise. Crew socks have been worn for decades by men, women, and children. They are unifying in their purpose and application. They are used for casual wear, dress wear and active wear. Talk about a one-trick pony!
Crew socks are known for their ability to wick away sweat. Their technical material is what assists them in their performance. Often, crew socks are made with a blend that includes cotton, polyester, and spandex. Given that the foot produces more sweat than any other part of the body, the crew sock is a tremendous help to any active person.
Fascinating Foot Facts
To really appreciate the crew sock, take in these interesting tidbits about feet:
Sweat glands produce approximately half a pint of perspiration each day
75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some point in their lives
Human have nearly 8000 nerves in their feet
About 5% of the US population has ingrown toenail problems each year
About 5% of the US population has fungal foot infections each year
The average adult takes 4,000 to 6,000 steps per day
There are 250, 000 sweat glands in the feet
The average person covers 100,000 miles in a lifetime
The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles and tendons
It helps to keep the foot dry through long days, and it also helps to maintain a moderate temperature, whether warm or cold. As I mentioned, the crew sock is the middle man; it’s the best of both worlds. The polyester gives the sock strength, and the spandex gives it stretch.
Crew Socks For Your Deadlifts
What are crew socks used for, beyond controlling sweat? I bet there’s one excellent use that hasn’t crossed your mind before—weightlifting! First, their sweat-wicking effect makes them perfect for intense sessions of activity. Second, they will keep your shoes secure and snugly fitted. Most importantly, they will protect your legs.
What are crew socks supposed to protect your legs from? The scrapes and nicks you can get while deadlifting. If you are an amateur or a high-performance weight lifter, then crew socks are for you. Make sure that the crew socks come up a sufficient length and are an excellent thickness to protect your shins. Crew socks will also look stylish with your gym ensemble, as they work with any exercise shoe. Learn how to wash your dirty crew socks after the gym, so they’ll last longer.
Crew Socks and Shoes
We all know by now how versatile crew socks are, but as with every type of sock, there are certain shoes with which they’re an excellent companion.
Crew Sock Use
Best Pairings
Casual wear
Chelsea boots, Chukka boots, sneakers
Dress wear
Oxfords, brogues
Active-wear
Running shoes
Weight lifting
Running shoes
Hiking
Hiking boots
How Crew Socks Are Made
The process of producing socks is fascinating, and there are many steps involved in the process. If we want to answer the question ‘what are crew socks?’ it’s important to know how the socks are made:
Socks are for the most part produced by a circular knitting machine (this means fewer seams are required).
The machine works by creating a series of loops, creating a tube-like shape.
The machine is patterned to a bitmap design, ensuring the colors and shape of the sock are consistent.
When the tube is complete, the sock is closed off with a seam.
The manufacturer may shape the sock on a metal frame, as the heat helps the socks retain their shape.
Right and left socks are paired together using the machine’s coding system.
If socks are not machine-produced, they can be knitted by hand. We are not about to give you a knitting lesson, though. So there you have it!
Good Old Crew
Now that you know the answer to what are crew socks, you’ll never again peruse a department store sock section until you find that length you’re seeking. Crew socks have a long history, and that is because they are good at their job. They are effective at moisture-wicking, can be worn for almost any occasion or purpose and have a uniform application across all genders and ages. This makes them the universal sock, the go-to in your sock drawer, and your dependable old-faithful.
What Socks to Wear Socks with Vans: Personal Style from Pipe to Street
Vans has been producing their iconic skate shoes for over 50 years. Made with exceptionally wear-resistant treads, ankle padding, and tough canvas, Vans shoes are a longtime favorite of skateboarders around the world. Choosing what socks to wear with Vans can go a long way to creating an outfit that really stands out.
Vans are also a staple of street style, with people of all ages donning the shoe whether they skate or not. You’re as likely to see celebrities flexing in brand new Vans while getting snapped by paparazzi as you are to see them on your local college prof. Vans’ most notable shoe, the Authentic, is versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and worn with a range of styles.
Vans has a skate shoe for almost every season, so you’ll get plenty of opportunities to make your mark when choosing what socks to wear with Vans. Some of the brand’s shoes fare better in specific weather though, and you’ll have to take into account how extreme the weather gets where you live.
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Slip-On
Slip-On
Authentic
Authentic
Authentic
Era
Era
Era
Old Skool
Old Skool
Old Skool
Old Skool
Sk8-Hi
Sk8-Hi
Sk8-Hi
Sk8-Hi
The people who wear Vans are about as varied as the socks you can pair with them. If plain white crew socks trigger your yawn reflex, we’ve got some ideas for how you can take your sock game to the next level.
Why You Should Wear Socks with Vans
Are you supposed to wear socks with Vans? There are a number of practical reasons why you should. Keep in mind that when you decide to skip the socks, you open yourself up to a few undesirable outcomes including:
Athletes foot
Blisters and sores
Poor/loose fit
Smelly feet
When you look at your brand new Vans fresh out of the box, you don’t even want to think about them ending up drab, crusty, and smelly months down the road. Or maybe you’re a diabolical shoe owner who simply doesn’t care about those things. Hey, no judgement here. Consider though, that it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s why you should be wearing socks with your Vans:
That smell. You know the one.
Blisters. Particularly at the heel.
Discoloration. Moisture will eventually stain the material.
Shorter shelf life. You’ll have to throw them out sooner than you’d like.
Worried about not being able to find the right pair? Skip the Hanes multi-packs and try something with a little more personality. Socks come in a range of styles and profiles the same way Vans do. With so many options from colorful and crazy socks to dapper dress socks, there’s no reason to go barefoot.
Can You Wear Vans Without Socks?
The internet is a place for debate on what socks to wear with Vans, or if you should wear socks at all. A lot of people have opinions about hard and fast rules when it comes to fashion. Footwear is no exception, even for the perfectly casual skate shoe. Read on if you have a mind to pass on wearing socks with Vans.
When you’re wearing a low-profile shoe, particularly in the warmer months, it can be pretty tempting to slip your bare naked feet into your favorite shoe and go about your business. Some will say that’s how it should be, in order for you to achieve “the look”.
Going sockless is not all it’s cracked up to be. From dealing with poor fit to blisters and sores from too much friction, it’s a decision you might soon regret. Once you’re already in your Uber and feeling around for that pebble that keeps poking your bare heel, it’s already too late.
Lucky for you, no show socks bring you the best of both worlds. You can enjoy freedom from potential faux pas while still getting the comfort you crave.
How to Wear Vans With Socks
Figuring out what socks to wear with Vans is pretty easy. Don’t just think about whether your socks will go well with your shoes. Instead, consider your entire outfit. Are you planning on wearing Vans slip-ons with no show socks? That’s totally fine. You can still build an outfit around your bare ankles. Here are three main things to consider when creating a look with your choice of shoe:
Profile of the shoe
Activity or occasion
Length of the pant hem
Profile of the Shoe
This refers to the cut and style of the shoe. Use this to determine whether you might want to wear no show style socks, or crew socks, for example.
Activity or Occasion
Kicking back for the weekend or going stealth-casual at a semi-formal event? Think about the activities you’ll be doing when you consider what socks to wear with Vans. Depending on the occasion, this could be an opportunity to show off your personality with a bold pair of socks.
Length of the Pant Hem
Do your chosen pants only allow for a little peek? In that case, you can feel free to choose a pair of socks with a really busy pattern. Rather than being distracting, they’ll add a quick pop of color—especially if you’re wearing neutrals.
What Kind of Socks to Wear With Vans
You really can wear just about any type of socks with Vans. Generally, you’ll want to take a look at the profile of your shoes and what you plan to do in them. Feel free to experiment with what gives you the best balance between comfort and style.
You have a lot of sock options when wearing casual shoes. Depending on your mood, choose anything from neutral solids to bright, busy patterns. Here are some sock types that you can choose from:
Dress
Casual
Athletic
No Show
So, which type of sock goes best with which Vans shoe? While we’re by no means the fashion police, we do have some advice on the subject. Just take what works for you your sense of style. Vans makes five iconic skate shoes that the streets know and love:
The Authentic
The Era
The Old Skool
The Sk8-Hi
The Slip-On
Each shoe type has a distinct profile while still appealing to a wide variety of fashion sensibilities. The options might seem a bit overwhelming, but not to worry. Your unique sense of style and this guide should help you choose the right socks. It might help to think about these things when choosing what socks to wear with Vans:
What look you’re aiming for (casual, semi-formal, sporty, etc.)
Colors and patterns already in your clothing
Colors and patterns on your shoes
Wearing Socks with the Vans Authentic
The Vans Authentic made its debut in Southern California in 1966. By the early 70s, skateboarders were big fans of the rugged shoe that could take a serious beating and still last a long time. Casual, athletic, no show, and dress socks work well with these shoes.
Wearing Socks with the Vans Era
Similar in profile to the Authentic, the Era soon became the choice shoe for skateboarders in 70’s California and beyond due to its extra padding and more durable construction. The Era is also available in more colorways and materials than the Authentic, including denim and leather. Try no show, casual, athletic, or even dress socks with this shoe in any pattern you like.
Wearing Socks with the Vans Old Skool
The Vans Old Skool features what is commonly referred to as the “jazz stripe”. This iconic mark makes the shoes instantly recognizable. The Old Skool is available in a range of colorways, but you can never go wrong with classic black if you’re looking to show off a rad pair of socks. Consider casual or athletic socks with these shoes.
Wearing Socks with the Vans Sk8-Hi
The Sk8-Hi is Vans’ innovative hi-top shoe bearing the brand’s iconic Sidestripe. Designed to better protect the ankles from bruises and scrapes, these shoes are beloved at the skate park and just about anyplace else where you can get away with a casual shoe. If you’re looking to show off your shoes and socks, opt for athletic or casual socks in bright colors and patterns.
Wearing Socks with the Vans Slip-On
The often-imitated Vans Slip-On has become a true streetwear staple. Loved as much for their simple silhouette as for the ease of getting them on and off, nearly everyone has a Vans Slip-On or something similar in their closet. You’re probably wondering, “Do you wear socks with Vans Slip-ons”? Absolutely. For the contemporary barefoot look, go with no show socks. However Vans are all about personal style, so don’t be afraid to rock some bold patterned socks with these as well.
Best Socks to Wear with Vans
When you’ve got somewhere to be and you’re not the type to choose your whole outfit the night before, it can be hard to make snap decisions on what socks to wear with Vans. Sometimes, you just need a handy dandy cheat sheet. Here’s a quick reference guide for the best socks to wear with Vans.
Authentic
Era
Slip-On
Old Skool
Sk8-Hi
Casual
Casual
Casual
Casual
Casual
Athletic
Athletic
Athletic
Athletic
Athletic
No show
Dress
No show
Dress
Dress
Livable Looks: Choosing the Right Socks to Wear with Vans
A great way to elevate your look when wearing Vans is to mix elements from different styles. Casual can still be stylish and comfortable when you do it right. On your way to the gym? You could wear your favorite tracksuit and Vans Authentics with a chic wool coat that hits just above the knees, and striped socks to add a little interest. Or, try a denim jacket with a favorite solid color button-up shirt, fitted chinos, a pair of Vans Eras, and crazy patterned socks in a complementary color.
Nice and Neutral
Don’t be afraid of white canvas shoes. Whether you’re a skateboarder on an off day or just about town, white is a neutral you can match with just about anything. If you love a theme, or “color story” as we say in the biz, mix warm and cool neutrals for a laid back look.
Deconstructed Dapper
Ripped jeans can easily look too casual if the rest of your ensemble is just an old sweatshirt and a faded beanie you don’t even remember buying. Elevate the look with a plain white t-shirt and lived-in leather jacket. Low-profile shoes would be a great choice here. Then, choose a bold patterned sock for a pop of color.
Aiming High
The Sk8-Hi will give you that classic high-top sneaker look. Show them off by pairing them with slim-fit pants you can cuff above the ankle. You’ll get full marks for putting on your favorite pair of solid color socks.
What Socks to Wear with Vans? It’s Totally Up to You
When you’re thinking about what socks to wear with Vans, try not to get hung up on rules. Skateboarders come from a proud tradition of rule benders and breakers and the fashion that comes from that culture follows the same philosophy. Depending on the profile of the shoe and however you want to balance function and comfort, your options are nearly limitless. Just have fun with it.
How to Wear Socks with Cowboy Boots and Join the Yeehaw Club
Cowboy boots are the fashion shoe you didn’t know you needed, and they’re very “now”. With Old Town Road dominating the summer charts and no end to the remixes in sight, artists like Lil Nas X are reintroducing country to the mainstream. It’s safe to say country is having a pop culture moment.
Cowboy boots tend to conjure up images of rough and rugged ranchers or farmhands spending their days herding cattle and squinting up at the unrelenting sun. The whole cowboy look is part of the aesthetic of old westerns with not a lot of full-blown crossover into mainstream fashion. For born and bred city slickers, it’s hard to wear a head-to-toe cowboy outfit without it looking like a costume.
From which type of cowboy boots to choose to what socks to wear with cowboy boots, the journey to making the country look work for you can be a real humdinger of a pickle. Enter the urban cowboy. This look blends city sensibilities with country classics, the most notable being the cowboy boot (western hat optional). These boots can be dressed up or down, and with the right swagger and confidence, you can create a look that really stands out.
If you’re looking to add a little western vibe to your style repertoire, read on. This article will help you choose the right cowboy boots to fit your personal style. We’ll also talk about what socks to wear with cowboy boots so you’re not caught out here slippin’.
Choosing the Right Cowboy Boots
So you’ve been thinking about getting yourself a pair of cowboy boots, but aren’t sure where to start. Before you decide what kind of socks to wear with cowboy boots, you’ll want to decide which boots suit you best. Each has a unique profile designed with both functionality and fashion in mind. These are some of the most current styles:
The Traditional Western Boot
This is the classic cowboy boot. The shaft of the boot is typically about 12 inches, making it fairly tall.
The Work Boot
This boot is designed for durability and comfort with a lower, wider heel and rubber sole. If you’re on your feet for most of the day, this boot is for you.
The Shortie Boot
Think of this as the classic western boot’s kid brother. The boot shaft runs between 6 and 10 inches, making it the shortest of cowboy boots.
The Riding Boot
Riding boots are instantly recognizable with their height and heels. They don’t look like typical cowboy boots, but they are certainly built for riding. They are as ubiquitous in the English countryside as they are on an American cattle ranch.
The Buckaroo Boot
This is the boot for when you’re feeling fancy. With a boot shaft height of around 14 to 16 inches and ornate stitching, buckaroo boots are made for getting attention, especially as a rodeo rider.
When to Wear Cowboy Boots
Knowing when to wear cowboy boots can feel tricky. Their distinct look instantly says something about your personality and sense of style. While it’s always good to make your mark, you also want to make sure your footwear choice is appropriate, depending on the occasion. It’s also good to keep the weather in mind if you’re planning on keeping it country for all four seasons.
Weather
Did you know that cowboy boots can be worn all year round? It will really come down to choosing what socks to wear with cowboy boots. Choosing socks made of moisture-wicking fabric is a must. In weather extremes like summer or winter, wool socks are best. You’ll also want to make sure your boots have good treads to keep you upright on any icy patches.
Season
Type & Length of Sock
Spring
Knee high or crew socks
Summer
Knee high or crew socks
Fall
Knee high wool socks
Winter
Knee high wool socks
Occasion
If you’re truly committed to country style, you’ll be happy to learn that cowboy boots can be dressed up or down. Wear them as part of a streetwear look or even to a more casual wedding. What will make the difference as far as whether your look is casual or formal will be the style and condition of the boots you choose.
Scuffed cowboy boots that look loved and lived-in are fine for day trips, when running errands, or at a country club or festival. Choose a nice, newer-looking pair for dressy casual events or dates. For semi-formal events, try the shortie, which can be worn with boot cut trousers or slim-fitting trousers for a more modern look.
Breaking Them In: Wearing Cowboy Boots
Snug-fitting leather shoes and boots are far from forgiving when you first start to wear them. Cowboy boots are no exception. There are a number of issues you may encounter on your way to getting your boots to actually feel comfortable. Also, choose boots that are made with top-quality leather with no rough patches on the inside. You may want to invest in toe and heel pads as well. These tips should help you to survive the break-in period:
Blisters
Blisters when wearing new boots are fairly common. They’re also fairly awful. Make sure to wear socks with cowboy boots to ensure a comfortable fit. We’ll get into what socks to wear with cowboy boots right after this.
Sore Feet
Proper arch support will help to lessen or eliminate foot pain. Grab yourself a good pair of insoles if your boots are lacking.
Tripping
If you’re unused to boots with a significant heel, your first pair of cowboy boots may be a fall hazard. Practice wearing your boots at home, or try a pair or western workboots with a lower, wider heel. It’s also good to choose boots with a rubber sole that has traction if you’ll be wearing them in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
Pinched Toes
Boots giving your toes the squeeze? Most cowboy boots have a narrow toebox. Try going up half a size for more wiggle room.
Best Socks to Wear with Cowboy Boots
So you’ve looked at your options and chosen the perfect pair of cowpie crushers. Now, what are you going to put in them (besides your feet)? Choosing what socks to wear with cowboy boots can make all the difference in terms of all-day comfort. No, your favourite pair of well-worn crew socks with holes in the heels won’t do here. In general, the best socks to wear with cowboy boots are breathable and moisture-wicking. Depending on the height of the boots and your personal preference, choose between:
Casual Socks
When figuring out what socks to wear with cowboy boots, casual ones are a good bet. Hitting at mid-calf, they’re the perfect height for all-around comfort, especially if you’re wearing your pant legs over your boots.
Knee High Socks
What socks to wear with cowboy boots that are of the riding or buckaroo varieties are knee highs. These socks will hit just below the knee, helping to protect your skin from chafing on your boots.
Wool Socks
Believe it or not, Merino wool socks will keep your feet warm in the winter and cool during the summer. If cowboy boots are a wardrobe essential, wool socks should be as well.
By all means, when you’re choosing what socks to wear with boots, any type of sock can work. Consider the chart below a guide for the best socks for each boot type.
Type of Boot
Casual Socks
Knee High Socks
Wool Socks
Traditional Western
✓
✓
Western Work boot
✓
✓
Shortie
✓
✓
Riding
✓
Buckaroo
✓
Riding
✓
The Best Socks for Sweaty Feet
Warm feet in a pair of warm leather boots is the perfect combo for too much moisture. Sweaty feet are more than just uncomfortable. Over time, sweaty feet can go from being a small inconvenience to a legitimate health issue with conditions like:
Odor
Athlete’s foot
Toenail fungus
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do, including making sure you have the best socks for sweaty feet on hand. Wool socks, in particular, can help draw moisture away from your feet. Here are three steps you can take to mitigate the moisture problem:
Wash your feet thoroughly with antibacterial soap
Once your feet are fully dry, apply foot powder or cornstarch
Wear breathable, moisture-wicking socks
Best Western: Build Your Outfit Around Your Cowboy Boots
Still worried about your cowboy boots and accessories looking like a costume? That’s actually something to be embraced! The modern cowboy look is all about cool confidence.
There’s no blending in with this distinct style. That doesn’t mean you can’t choose a few pieces here and there to make the look a little less Rancho Relaxo and a lot more Rodeo Drive. After you’ve chosen what socks to wear with cowboy boots, take a few key pieces to throw together an outfit—just don’t wear them all at once:
The answer is a resounding yes. There may be a few “no”s, but chances are they’re too busy nursing their blisters to speak up. Choosing what socks to wear with cowboy boots is fairly easy, with casual socks as everyday staples and wool socks saving the day during hot summers and cold winters. If you’re going for knee high buckaroos, grab a pair or two of knee high socks. Then, put together a winning western ensemble, get out there, and turn heads.
About Merino Wool
No one is immune to the challenges of dressing for the fluctuations in weather and activity that come with each day. Shifts in climate are increasingly erratic, and it becomes more challenging to dress in the right material to support all the facets of a single day. The simple task of choosing a pair of socks becomes a loaded decision because of the implications. Some individuals may start the morning with:
An invigorating hike with the dog
Prepare the kids for school
Get in an early workout
Continue to meet work demands (all in one layer of mighty clothing)
It is often worrying to try to address these needs with one material. Individuals are left to wonder if they will sweat profusely, produce odor and catch a chill in between active pursuits. One pure fabric can address all of these concerns—Merino wool.
Merino wool is a fabric with unique properties. One feature of Merino wool, which makes it a desirable and sought after material, is its breathability. Lovers of Merino wool admire its softness and lustre. It is a supple and fine fabric, while at the same time provides warmth.
The material itself is insulating and can meet the coldest winter days and the dampest spring mornings. You can wear your Merino wool garments in all seasons. There are lightweight Merino wool items for warm weather, but your Merino wool clothing will also keep you warm in the colder months.
Categories of Merino Wool Fabric
The Merino Sheep produces a high calibre and extra-fine wool that is between 11.5 and 24 microns. A micron is the measurement tool used to determine the diameter of a wool fiber. The diameter in microns is what distinguishes the type of Merino wool. Merino wools are found in ultrafine wool, superfine wool, fine wool, fine medium wool, medium wool and strong wool, which has the largest diameter in microns.
Where Merino Wool Comes From
While you may have heard the term Merino wool or read of the fabric on a clothing label, you still might wonder, what is Merino wool? Have you ever asked yourself, where does Merino wool come from, and what makes it stand out from other kinds of wool?
What are Merino Sheep?
The origin of Merino wool is the Merino Sheep. There are more than 200 varieties of sheep, but the Merino Sheep is exceptional. The source of the Merino Sheep is Spain, and the first flock is cited in the 12th century. Now, Merino Sheep are raised in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and South Africa. Australia is the biggest producer of Merino wool today, accounting for 80% of the world’s manufacturer of the material. New Zealand falls closely behind.
What are the Roots of Merino Wool?
Initially manufactured in Spain, Merino wool was used in the uniforms of soldiers. The fabric was a measure of wealth, and citizens viewed the exceptional wool as an item of luxury. The spread of the particular material dates back to 1765 when King Carlos III of Spain possessed a flock of Merino Sheep, whom he offered to the German Elector of Saxony. With this gift, Merino wool began to spread globally.
What is Special About Merino Wool?
One of the fantastic qualities of wool is that it is natural and renewable. A sheep can grow four to five pounds of wool each year! The Merino sheep is a domesticated animal, smaller in stature compared to sheep who are bred for meat (poor guys). Not only is the fabric useful for human purposes, but the sheep rely on being shorn regularly by farmers.
The wool of Merino sheep does not stop growing without intervention—in other words, if left unchecked, we would have flocks of sheep Rapunzels on our hands. Merino sheep must be shorn at least once annually; otherwise, the sheep can suffer from overheating, challenges with mobility and even blindness. The traits of wool that are beneficial in human wear are equally clever for the sheep, who can happily withstand temperatures from 5 degrees up to 95 degrees. Merino wool is a wonder of nature that gives back to fashion and outdoor wear.
What is Lanolin?
Lanolin may also be referred to as wool wax, wool yolk, or wool grease (yum). The sebaceous gland is an exocrine gland in the skin, which releases an oily substance known as sebum. Sebum has an important job in mammals, as it lubricates their hair and skin. Humans also have a sebaceous gland, and an excess of sebum contributes to acne (gross part over).
Humans benefit from the lanolin of sheep, especially those that are bred for their wool. The magic of lanolin is that it keeps sheep dry. Its waterproofing capabilities help sheep to drain water from their coats. When applied to clothing, lanolin has wax-like properties. Some sheep produce vast amounts of lanolin: one Merino sheep offers 250-300 ml of the stuff! Ok, now the gross part is over.
Benefits of Merino Wool
1. Merino Wool is Temperature Regulating
If you have observed a flock of sheep in the summer or winter months alike, you will notice something remarkable. Regardless of the temperature, the sheep look comfortable as they eat away. This phenomenon comes down to a miracle of nature—the long strand of the merino wool fiber. The excellent material has properties that enable it to keep you warm on the coldest day, but conversely, the wool keeps you cool in the heat.
2. Merino Wool is Water Repellent
Think about how unfazed sheep look when it’s pouring rain. Merino wool works similarly in garment form. Whether you are up against humidity, rain or wet snow, the material retains heat despite getting wet. If you want to get technical, this is due to Merino wool’s hydrophilic properties. Synthetic fabrics can’t withstand wet conditions, but with Merino wool, it’s business as usual.
3. Merino Wool is Moisture-Wicking and Insulating
The moisture-wicking properties of Merino wool are beneficial to the active person as it prevents irritation of the skin. With a pair of Merino wool men’s socks, you can take on your biggest adventures without concerns about rubbing and blistering. The material prevents chafing by absorbing and releasing moisture, working in parallel with the physiological function of the human body.
Due to its wrinkled Merino fibers, the wool also has strong insulating capacities: it’s filled with tiny air pockets that keep in body heat. You can withstand any conditions in your Merino wool garments (except probably a hail storm or a hurricane).
4. Merino Wool is Outdoor-Savvy
The elements are no match for Merino wool. Merino wool blocks out UV rays, absorbing radiation,as well as wicking away perspiration. Merino wool is fire-resistant, so you can sit near the campfire serenely toasting your marshmallows without fear. Superheroes clearly have to look into Merino wool outfits. Someone alert the Justice League.
5. Merino Wool is Durable
There are some natural benefits to the wool of the Merino Sheep. Not only is it super soft and fine, making for the ultimate comfort against the skin, but the wool itself is naturally long. The length of the wool makes it a durable natural fiber. Garments made of many shorter fibers are more likely to develop holes. Merino wool has a natural crimp to it: the crimp strengthens the material, makes it stretch easily.
6. Merino Wool is Antibacterial
Amazingly, Merino wool can improve the health of your skin. Merino wool regulates humidity, as well as body temperature. The antimicrobial properties of lanolin contribute to a healthy microclimate for the skin. A study performed in Australia showed how superfine merino wool (less than 17.5 microns) improved cases of eczema in children. Add healing powers to the list.
Merino wool also combats odor, as the material prevents the growth of microorganisms that are responsible for odor. If you’re wondering what to wear to the gym, and you’re the type of person who stinks up the whole place, we recommend a Merino wool workout t-shirt. For everyone’s sake.
7. Merino Wool is Easy to Care for
Adventurers and people with busy schedules love materials that don’t require complex care. It is very simple to carefor Merino wool. You can wash most Merino wool fabrics on a gentle and cold cycle. Since the wool is odor-resistant, you can wash it less—so if you dread laundry day like getting a tetanus shot, Merino wool has you covered.
Cost of Merino Wool
In keeping with the quality of Merino wool, the fabric comes at a higher price point.
Cost of Merino Wool Fabric Clothing Item Price Socks $15-30 Shirt $100 Base Layers $50-$150 Jackets $150-$600
Although Merino wool costs more, it is definitely worth the buy. It lasts longer than other fabrics, and you won’t have to replace it as often as you do other clothing. More importantly, you are investing in the ability to combat the elements, always smell fresh, and be semi-fireproof. Semi-fireproof. Don’t test fate, though.
Merino Wool Outfits
Merino wool is second to none if you are on-the-go, living multi-purpose days, travelling or are an avid outdoorsman. If, before finding this useful material, you struggled to regulate your temperature, retained sweat odor, or experienced chafing, you will find your needs skillfully addressed with the strength and subtlety of Merino wool.
If you find yourself cold at the beginning of a hike, bike ride, or a cross-country ski, but experience overheating near the end, Merino wool is the perfect fix. Wearing a Merino wool t-shirt as a base layer will wick away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable throughout active days.
Once you have tried a pair of Merino wool socks, you will never look back. Their warmth and next-to-skin comfort will help you excel in your exercise of choice. The material draws sweat away as vapour so that you can participate in outdoor activities from morning until night, without any discomfort.
Style and Convenience of Merino Wool
Merino wool blends style and performance: the fabric is classy looking but offers comfort to an active and engaged lifestyle. Dress up for a date in Merino wool, and things will certainly get cozy.
The versatility of Merino wool is leagues ahead of all types. Not only is it without an itch factor, but it has temperature control qualities that regulate the body through high-performance activity.
Merino wool will support you through temperatures ranging from -20° C to +35° C. When you’re on the go, Merino wool will match your needs with easy wash instructions and resistance to wrinkles due to the natural properties of the wool.
Sum Up of Why Merino Wool is Incredible
Thermoregulating
Quick-drying
Odor-resistant
Wrinkle-resistant
Easy washing instructions
Durable
Hypoallergenic
Renewable
UV resistant
Biodegradable
Soft and fine
Classic look
High performance
Is Merino Wool Itchy?
Many people have a negative association with wool that dates back to an itchy childhood sweater from an aunt who vaguely smells like old cheese. Even the mention of traditional wool sends a shudder down the spine. Merino wool stands out as one of the softest natural fabrics.
When pressed against the skin, Merino wool bends due to the minute diameter. The lightness of Merino wool is noticeable in the feel of the sock or when worn as a sweater. This trait puts it in a different category than the itchy sweaters that haunt your memory. Remember those kids who no longer have eczema, because of Merino wool?
Can You Be Allergic to Merino Wool?
Merino wool is hypoallergenic. Here’s the long and the short of it:
1. Synthetic fabrics cause many people to suffer allergies; in other words, the materials are made by humans
2. Merino wool, as a natural material, does not cause allergies.
3. Nylon, rayon and silk may be blended with Merino wool; check the garment label to determine the quality of the Merino wool
How to Wash Merino Wool
Incorrect washing of Merino wool will lead to wear and tear, just like any other delicate material such as cashmere and silk. Here are the do’s and don’ts of how to wash Merino wool:
Do
Don’t
Washing: If your machine has a wool wash or delicates option, wash your Merino wool garment under this setting. If you don’t have a delicates setting, wash on low to medium heat on a cold cycle. Use a mild detergent, and wash separately when possible. If you’re wondering how to wash merino wool socks or how to wash your Merino wool sweater, wash them inside out.
Fabric softeners will coat the Merino wool fibers, disabling its ability to control body temperature adequately.
Drying: Lay flat or tumble dry on low if the instructions indicate that it will not harm the fabric. Dry on a flat surface, preferably a towel.
Do not dry clean.
For accuracy and security, read the garment label for temperature indications.
Do not use bleach.
Use a soft cloth to dab at stains.
Do not wring out the garment as it will stretch the fabric.
Different types of wool have their own washing recommendations. Check out how to wash wool socks.
Travelling and Packing Merino Wool
The Versatile Travel Garment
Choosing multi-purpose fabrics for travel is one of the most challenging parts of packing. Even if you check the weather forecast, meteorologists are wrong half the time, and sometimes it just feels like they’re guessing. Merino wool is a versatile and forgiving fabric to pack for travel.
How to Pack
Merino t-shirts for warmer climates, air travel or underlayers for colder climates
V-neck or Crew neck for evenings out
Athletic wear for the day time
Undergarments
Travel With an Adaptable Material
Whether you’re wearing a Merino wool t-shirt on the plane, hiking in your Merino wool sweater or viewing tourist attractions in a pair of Merino wool socks, the material is adaptable and comfortable. During the long days of exploring, you will be grateful for the breathable, odor-resistant, and sweat-wicking qualities of Merino wool. With its moisture-absorbent traits, you won’t have to change your clothing as frequently and therefore have the benefit of packing smart and packing light.
Travel Without Bulk
Merino wool is non-bulky, and you can pack different Merino wool garments of varying weights to support your travel needs. Merino wool simplifies your outfit choices and keeps pace with your sightseeing. This will leave room for other things in your suitcase, or for once, you’ll be the kind of person who packs light.
Travel in any Climate
The same features that make Merino wool the ideal option for high-intensity and outdoor activities make it the best material for travel. Merino wool is heat-absorbing in cold weather and moisture-wicking in warm weather, making it adaptable to any climate. Merino wool can go several days without washing, even if you’re riding a camel in the Gobe desert. You’ll need water, but your Merino wool and Mr. Camel will not.
What is the Best Way to Keep Your Merino Fresh While Travelling?
Pack layers of Merino garments
Air your fabric out in a well-ventilated room or next to an open window each day
If your clothing needs washing, use warm water in a sink basin with gentle detergent and hang to dry
Each morning, your wrinkle-free apparel will be ready for another day of exploration
Where to Buy Merino Wool
Soxy’s new collection of Merino wool socks will keep your feet cozy, moisture-free, and sweat-free. Soxy’s soft and fine Merino wool socks are unlike your typically itchy woollen socks. They’re luxuriously smooth and comfortable, with an array of styles and patterns to choose from.
A Brief History of Tube Socks – What Are Tube Socks?
You hear the word tube sock in a conversation. It sounds familiar as if you could wrap your mind around the shape, the color scheme and the occasion where it’s likely to fit in best. You’re afraid to admit that you just can’t quite picture them or know how you’d attempt to wear one. So, what are tube socks? C’mon, wrack your brain, you know the tube sock!
Let’s get down to business—what is a tube sock? The invention of the tube sock collided with the emergence of soccer as a professional sport in the United States. The first sock came out of a company called the Nelson Knitting Company in 1967. Boy, did those folks have it made!
The founder of the company is also remembered for inventing the seamless knitting machine, which would change the history of sock-making forever. The tube sock was seamed; it revolutionized sock history and left a mark on the fashion and athletic comaradery of the United States. The question ‘what are tube socks?’ didn’t hang in the air long in America.
The tube sock found its original niche in sport—namely on the soccer field and the basketball court. While soccer had been around for centuries, initially brought to America and cultivated by European immigrants, basketball was newly evolving in 1960’s America. Basketball was a sport that grew with humble roots: it developed in popularity in schoolyards and gymnasiums. Both games came to pack a punch in American culture, and the tube sock was deeply connected to the imprint of sport in the American imagination. Athletics were the ‘in’ for tube socks.
First Uses
Basketball
Soccer
If you need a chuckle, the reason why tube socks developed in popularity may just do the trick. They were a solution to hiding hairy legs! These socks that stretched up to the knee were referred to as “high-risers.” Pictures of old basketball icons feature them in this traditional sock. The popularity of tube socks with stripes encompassed all of America and the tube sock industry boomed.
Year
Tube Sock Highlight
1967
First sock came out from the Nelson Knitting company
60’s and 70’s
Popularity at peak
1973
Worn in the Superbowl
1976
Praised in Good Housekeeping
1985
Nelson Knitting went bankrupt
1996
Featured in Vogue
What are Tube Socks? How Are They Different from Other Socks?
Ok, here’s the deal, a tube sock vs a crew sock is a bit of an outsider in the sock community. Unlike other types of socks tailored and shaped to the human foot, a tube sock is shaped just like its name suggests—like a tube.
If you haven’t worn one yourself, then picture this: a tube sock has no heel. I know you’re wondering now, how does it stay attached? Unlike what we think of as ‘normal’ socks, tube socks have a reinforced toe as opposed to a reciprocated toe. It’s a simple concept: the end is closed off with a straightforward seam. Believe it or not, that original tube sock company, Nelson Knitting, made a machine specifically for the manufacturing of this sock. The machine could close off the seam in under six seconds. Talk about tube socks flying onto the shelves!
Tube socks can brag about these key features:
Protects leg from being scraped
Stops grass burns
Stands out on the field
Different sock architecture
You may be surprised at the efficiency that resulted in eliminating that bit of material on the production lines. Getting rid of that heel and toe sped up the production process by 30%. There was another brilliant asset of the sock: combined with the tubular shape, Nelson Knitting used new stretch yarns, and because of this, the sock could be produced in one size.
The simpler the demands of manufacturing, the bigger the batches, and America wanted them. The socks were easier to dye, dry, inspect and package. You’re getting the picture—these are low maintenance socks. The best part is that their cost is reflected in the ease of manufacturing them. Fewer steps meant a lesser price.
What Does the Tube Sock Represent in Culture?
The tube sock became a symbol in America, something that represented a feeling, a pursuit, confidence and drive. It represented ambition and unity—something more than a simple fitted garment around the foot, ankle and calf. If you are an American, you have probably had the feeling of a tube sock stretched over your leg or at least you’ve heard about it from the older generation. It’s a feeling that encompasses past and present icons. In a sense, a tube sock is full of potential and possibility.
Everywhere you look in America, you can find tube socks. They’re a common and celebrated item. You can slip your foot in and hit your stride. Tube socks are an item without rules and restrictions. To begin with, they’re one size fits all. They met at the intersection of American advancement, embodying technological novelty and bold fashion. Tube socks united Americans in a love of sport. Their use spiralled into different forms which placed emphasis on self expression. Tube socks united people across boundaries through their free, emboldening feel.
How Tube Socks Became Popular
Despite all of their ingenious moves with the tube sock, Nelson Knitting made one critical mistake. They forgot to put a patent on the marvelous design of the tube sock. Nelson Knitting’s loss was America’s gain. The tube sock was manufactured far and wide and became a staple to American culture in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It may be clear to you what tube socks are in athletics, but how do they fit into fashion? You may recall a great reference to the tube sock from the famous film Charlie’s Angels, where a roller derby player wears the socks. From sport, tube socks gained the admiration of American youngsters.
Benefits of the Tube Sock
Initially designed for athletics, tube socks offered several competitive advantages. Firstly, the socks have a simple shape. In other words, they fit anybody and everybody, no matter the shape and size of the foot. Tube socks vs crew socks are more comfortable to pull on, and they stretch up to the knee. The socks are sweat-savvy. They absorb moisture well and protect the foot from blisters.
Pros
Can be used for sport, fashion, casual and athletic wear
Available in a variety of colors and patterns
Great for children because they stretch alongside growth spurts
Easy for young kids to put on
Popularity caused growth in the American hosiery industry
Famous on television and in the movies
Cons
Prone to bunching
Can causing blisters and calluses from bunching
What Are Tube Socks and How to Wear Them
Let’s start on the same page, now that we know what tube socks are—they are meant to be worn casually. These aren’t the type of garment that you pair with suit pants. They’re too bulky to wear with dress shoes and to be honest, tube socks would just ruin a business casual or formal look. With more dressy attire, we recommend investing in some quality dress socks.
After you’ve chosen your casual outfit, here’s how to put on your tube socks:
Put the socks on so that your toes go all the way to the bottom
Don’t pull them up right off the bat, instead,
Ease them up to make sure you have your socks on smoothly, and you’re in comfort all day long.
How to Wear Tube Socks
Outfit Style
Pull them up over a boot
Trendy
Wear them with leggings
Ballerina style
Wear them with shorts
Old school or athletic (if socks feature top stripes)
There is a bit of a generic quality to the tube sock. Perhaps, that’s what makes it so significant in the fabric of American history. It defeats borders and boundaries. In its natural white form, the tube sock is somewhat of a uniform. For this reason, tube socks have been worn for uniform identification by teams or groups. Tube socks have even made it to the Super Bowl!
The tube sock has evolved into the modern-day athletic sock. Mostly the change happened because it’s not very comfortable to exercise without a heel. Now the term ‘tube sock’ refers to socks either with or without a heel. Crew socks are similar in style to striped tube socks, with the added benefit of moisture-wicking and anti-odor capabilities, as well as targeted cushioning for joint support.
Tube socks have also made a comeback, and if you will, found a new branding in the fashion world. Icons like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner have sported the socks bringing attention and fame to the garment. You can also see tube socks in state-of-the-art collections like Prada, Valentino and Stella McCartney. The tube sock lives on, shapeshifting decade after decade alongside a riveting American history and its longstanding patriotism.
Why It’s Important For Runners to Cross Train
Maybe you know a runner, or you’re a runner yourself. Even if you have only observed runners from a distance, you know that they are focused. Sometimes they are focused to a fault, seeing into running like a well-lit tunnel but forgetting that there are other training options.
It’s not just that these options exist, but they are crucial for you to see progress in stamina and endurance. It’s not unusual to attend a running group and to chat with fellow members only to find that the only form of exercise and activity they are engaged in is running.
I ran my first half-marathon without any form of cross training. My original thought was that only running could produce the best ability to run. If you are a longstanding runner or you’re aspiring to experience the incredible rush of chemicals that comes from this healthy form of exercise, then dive in, but remember one thing: incorporating leg workouts for running enhances your performance! The time you put into outside training doesn’t take away from you as a runner, it builds you up. Give leg workouts for running a try, and you will become a speedier and more efficient runner.
How Should Runners Cross Train?
It’s not snobby. Cross training for running is different from training for other athletic pursuits or doing general gym workouts. Runners need a strength-training program that focuses on balance. It’s essential to focus on developing the primary muscles involved in the running motion.
Dr. Kevin Vincent, MD, Ph.D., is the Director of the University of Florida Running Clinic. Dr. Vincent makes an essential point about cross-training: “what you have to decide is what purpose it is going to serve.” Dr. Vincent says that cross training serves essential purposes, mainly by:
Improving your cardio
Strengthening your muscles
Speeding your recovery
The Strengthening and Balancing Effect
Cross training with an emphasis on leg workouts balances the muscles in your body. In cross-training activities, you strengthen non-running muscles and give your running muscles a break. Here’s a myth-buster: a run, even an extremely long one, is not a leg day. When you cross-train, you can put your attention to targeted muscle groups.
This multidisciplinary approach plays a role in injury prevention and makes you a stronger, faster and more balanced runner. For instance, your inner thighs may not get as much attention as needed during your regular running pattern, and so, by focusing your cross-training workouts on strengthening this area of the body, you will create equilibrium in the muscle groups. Ultimately, your body will be happier!
A Role in Injury Prevention
The importance of balancing your weaker muscles with your stronger ones to prevent injury cannot be emphasized enough. Integrating leg workouts for running is instrumental in injury prevention. The joints take a lot of assault in the running. As such, choosing low-impact cross-training activities such as swimming will holistically strengthen your legs, while giving the joints a rest.
Maintaining Or Enhancing Cardiovascular Fitness
If you love to run, you crave the endorphin hit that comes from a cardiovascular workout. You also likely enjoy the benefits to your endurance, strength, and the energy and vitality that comes from keeping your body and mind in peak condition. Running isn’t the only place where you can gain these benefits. There are many excellent cardiovascular workouts, and it can be fun and adventurous to try out different options that give you the same release and maintenance to your bodily strength. You might surprise yourself and find that after trying some of these alternate forms of cardiovascular exercise, you’re in better running shape than ever before!
Piquing Interest
It’s easy to get into a running rut. Sometimes you just can’t keep yourself from taking frequent walking breaks, and you lose the motivation to show up for your Sunday run. Other times, runners become hyper-fixated and can’t stop thinking about their time or their miles in between runs. In any case, it’s good to branch out and doing so with new leg workouts for running can open up your interests.
It’s not just the physical break that we need from our routines but the mental break that affords us the motivation and inspiration to return with a fresh angle and newfound energy.
Continuing to Train While Healing Injuries
If you are a runner with an injury so severe you can’t put your training runs in, there is nothing more agonizing—unless it’s living with an injured runner. Many runners are addicted to the fuel their brain’s chemicals provide them with for the day. Running is a chance to unwind, to work through challenging thoughts, analyze complex situations, and sometimes just tune out the world. When that outlet is taken away from a runner, they often don’t have a backup plan, and the repercussions can be catastrophic.
Luckily, there are many leg workouts for runners and you can supplement your run during your time of healing. Engaging in alternative activities gives runners a chance to strengthen their muscles and meet their daily dose of sanity and relaxation. You might even come back to your running workouts with a new set of assets, compared to your running friends, from building your weaknesses in cross-training activities.
Building a Training Schedule
Coaches will tell you that one of the most critical parts of building a training schedule and program is to make it balanced.
When you start to approach your training schedule, map it out on paper. Crucially, to make the training schedule attainable, you want to take into account all of your outside commitments, including work, family and friends. This preparation will help you to create buffers in your training schedule, and, most of all, assist you in taking a realistic approach that you can actually follow through with.
Once you have determined how much you can commit to your training, write down what days you will commit and characterize the workouts that you will do on those days. For instance, specify whether it is speed training, distance training, hill training or cross-training. You can also take note of any goals you might have. Goals could relate to a PB (Personal Best), your breathing pattern, nutrition and sleep, or technique. Make sure to be as diligent about your rest days as you are about your training days.
Cross training is a balancing act. You can cross train too much and equally, you can cross train too little. Both will will harm your running performance. For this reason, it’s important to think systematically about the physiology of the running body and the muscles that perform in the activity of running. If you have a running goal in mind, going to a bunch of unrelated studio classes may not benefit you—no matter the appeal of ClassPass.
When Should You Cross Train?
Type of Runner
X-T schedule
Recreational
Run 3-4, X-T 2-3
Competitive
Run 4-6, X-T 1-2
Best Leg Workout Exercises for Runners
Back Extension (10-12 reps)
Use a stability ball and lie face down over it
Spread your feet apart wide to keep your balance
Bend your elbows behind your ears
Lift your torso in a straight line, squeezing your glutes as you rise
Hold for two seconds
You can also do the exercise on a mat, without the ball
To make it more challenging, hold light dumbbells
Squat to Overhead Press (10-12 reps)
Stand with your feet hip-width apart
Hold your arms, facing each other at 90 degrees
Bend into a squat
As you rise, lift your arms overhead
Overhead Forward Lunge (8 reps per leg)
Hold your arms in parallel with one dumbbell over your head
Keep your elbows locked, arms straight
Take a step into your left leg
Bend until your left knee is bent at 90 degrees
Press into the left heel and return to your starting position
Repeat with the opposite leg
Stability Ball Leg Curl (6-8 reps)
Lie stomach up on the floor
Place your hands face down on the mat beside you
Place your feet on a stability ball with your legs fully extended
Roll the ball toward your glutes, bending your knees
Try the exercise with just one leg to increase the challenge
Popular Cross Training Activities For Runners
So, what counts as cross training? You heard me right, yoga, strength training, barre classes, swimming and yoga—they’re all exercises that can be built into your exercise regime. The big question is how to work in leg workouts for running effectively.
Do’s and Don’t of Cross Training
DO’s
DON’T’s
Build 1-3 cross-training workouts into your weekly schedule
Focus on cross-training ahead of running
Focus on strength-based training workouts
Do running-focused sports, like soccer or rugby
Do something you like
Avoid plyometrics
Choose low-impact activities
Do workouts that make you so sore you can’t perform during your runs, or worse, have to skip them
Pick an activity that lets your body move differently than when you are running
Take on a new activity without allowing your body to adapt
Include more cross-training into your regime in the off-season
Increase your strength training during the taper
Incorporate movements to offset your running weaknesses (for instance strengthen your glutes to make your running stronger and avoid injury)
Swimming
Take a break from sweating so much and get in some pool time! Swimming is significantly easier on the joints and muscles than running because the buoyancy of the water keeps the pressure off. This can give you endurance in the pool. Swimming is a full-body, low-impact workout. You will be able to swim for longer because your joints aren’t hitting the pavement, but amazingly, you will strengthen quickly from the resistance of the water.
Here’s an interesting fact: the resistance of the water is roughly 12 times the level of air resistance. You can increase the intensity of your workout by using a kickboard to elevate resistance. Additionally, if you swim in warm water or sit in the hot tube after, your muscles and achy joints will gain a soothing effect.
Water Running
Alright, here’s a bet; you’ve run on land but not in water. Ok, maybe you’ve run into the water, but have you sustained your workout? Deepwater running, also referred to as aqua jogging, is a multi-purpose activity. If you’re injured on land and looking for leg workouts for running, it’s an excellent alternative. It provides less stress on the hips, knees, feet, and back and for the same reasons, it is an excellent form of cross training. You get the benefits of strengthening without the strain. With water running, you’ll protect your body and keep up your fitness!
Rowing
Rowing has become a popular exercise amongst runners in order to get that full body workout. Recently, with the rise of at home workouts, brands like NordicTrac have gained praise amongst runners. The full movement of arms and legs provides a full body workout that also helps build strength and endurance. If you’re considering to add one to your lineup, the NordicTrac RW900 rowing machine review gives a full analysis if you’re looking to add one to your line up. One of the brands most popular products, there are several kinds of features, functions, and exercises you can do to help train your legs for running.
Cycling or Spinning
If you’re looking for another low-impact exercise for enhancing your cardiovascular fitness and strength, cycling or spinning are optimal leg workouts for running. One of the most essential aims of cross training is to work muscles that are not utilized in running. Not only are the muscles used in cycling or spinning underused in running, but they run in opposition to your running muscles, particularly the quads and glutes. As a result, cycling and spinning are high yield workouts with protective benefits.
Elliptical
Looking for another full body workout? Try the elliptical. The elliptical is a combination that has the muscular benefits of walking, stair climbing, and cross-country skiing. The elliptical can be used with a forward or backward motion, which gives you the ability to work all of the cross-firing muscles in your leg. The elliptical is a reliable alternative to running when you have an injury because the motion and muscles used on the elliptical are similar to running.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing uses similar muscle groups that become activated during your run, but working out on snow is easier on the joints than pounding pavement. This feature makes cross country skiing a fantastic activity for runners who are recovering from injuries. Cross country skiing consists of a gliding motion, and while strengthening the quads and hamstrings, you will also increase your range of motion and flexibility in your hips. The stretching motion can be a relieving sensation for your calves, hamstrings, and lower back muscles.
Downhill Skiing
If you have skied for a few days in the mountains, you know that nothing replicates the quad burn of cross country skiing. Not even a hot tub and a beer at the end of the day can fully reduce the pain. When you downhill ski, you position your body to create balance and rhythm on the hill. This posture and stability work benefits your running greatly.
Yoga
One characteristic unifies runners—they’re tight. Yoga is a fantastic counter workout to improve your flexibility and release muscle tension. Yoga can also allow you to focus on meditation techniques that might help you persist through gruelling, long training runs or focus and still your mind before a race. Yoga is structured to include many leg workouts for running. Some poses to strengthen and stretch your legs include:
Downward dog
Big Toe Pose
Bridge Pose
Chair Pose
Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose
Extended Side Angle Pose
High Lunge
Firefly Pose
Extended Triangle Pose
Handstand
Ice Skating
If you’re looking for new leg workouts for running, ice skating is another no-impact option. Ice skating can provide a substitute form of exercise if you are recovering from knee injuries, Achilles tendonitis, or shin splints. You’ll strengthen your glutes, quads and lower back muscles in no time!
How to Strengthen Legs for Running
Rowing
Strength Training
Speed Walking
Tennis
Pilates
Barre
Many the Miles
For many runners, their sport is a point of great pride and satisfaction. That feeling in the last stretch or in the hours after a beautiful morning run is irreplicable. To sustain the activity of running, which can be hard on the body, incorporating leg exercise for runners can be an invaluable part of your care.
When you strengthen your legs for running, you give yourself the opportunity for a well-rounded run. Exploring the best leg workout for runners and how you can incorporate it into your exercise schedule and routine will help you develop into the best and most balanced athlete you can be. With this intentional and healthy approach, running can be the foundation of your personal growth and self care for years to come.
Socks With Sperrys: Dressing With the Original Boat Shoe
Modern menswear loves a good throwback, and boat shoes are no exception. Designed in 1935, the original boat shoe, coined the Top-Sider, remained a staple product in the boating community before becoming a favourite of landlubbers as well. Combining classic cool with contemporary style, these versatile shoes are actually pretty easy to dress. If you’ve got a pair of Sperrys you’re just itching to break out, this guide will be your primer for how to wear socks with Sperrys.
Originally designed to keep sailors steady on their feet while above deck, a great pair of Sperrys will make sure you and your sense of style are never caught slipping. In fact, Sperrys are an easy way to keep it casual without setting foot on a single boat. Sailors and style gurus alike appreciate the Sperry’s non-slip rubber sole as well as the carefully hand-stitched upper, which gives the shoe its unique profile.
Being a low-cut style of shoe, the Sperry demands that your sock game is on point. You’re probably thinking “Wait, do you wear socks with Sperrys”? Let’s see, shall we?
Can You Wear Socks With Sperrys?
Socks and Sperrys: it’s a thing! We won’t leave you to guess the why, what, and how of choosing the right socks to wear with Sperrys. Advice on what kind of socks to wear with Sperrys is similar to style advice on socks with loafers. A number of fashion blogs and style guides will tell you that you must wear Sperrys without socks. They’ll tell you that the low profile of the shoe simply doesn’t allow for any kind of sock. This, they say, is the rule. Well, you know what they say about rules—especially the fashion ones.
Do You Wear Socks With Sperrys? Here’s Why You Should
Being barefoot is great when you’re say, indoors or at the beach. However, if you’re planning on walking further than your mailbox, your feet will thank you for slipping on a pair of socks first. In general, it’s a good idea to wear socks with your shoes most of the time for a number of reasons including:
Protection from blisters
Protection from sweat stains in shoes
Optimizing fit for footwear
Moisture absorption
Odour control
Have you ever had that annoying sensation of your feet slipping and sliding around in shoes that should otherwise fit? Leather shoes soften and stretch a bit over time. Socks can help to keep your shoes fitting properly, so you can walk without feeling your heel slip all day long.
Additionally, socks create a moisture-absorbing barrier that protects your feet and your shoes. The right socks can help solve the problem of sweaty feet. As you wear your shoes, moisture will build up on the skin, and if you’re not wearing socks, you’re more vulnerable to odor-causing bacteria and possible fungal infections. Your leather shoes won’t fare much better, as over time sweat can stain the leather and can cause the shoes to become odorous as well.
So, do you wear socks with Sperrys? If not, maybe it’s time to start. From extending the life of your shoes to added comfort, there’s truly no reason not to.
How Do You Wear Socks With Sperrys?
Since we’ve established why it’s actually a good idea to wear socks with most shoes, let’s get into how you can rock your socks with Sperrys. Here are three good options for the type of socks that work best:
No Shows
Classic black
Bright and bold
No Show Socks: Hidden Gems
The no show sock has been a revelation for people who want to cheat the no-sock look. No show socks vs low-cut socks: no shows are virtually invisible once your shoes are on, whereas low-cut socks are usually visible just to the ankle. Many no show socks come in basic black or white, but the fact that other people can’t see them is no reason for your socks to be dull. A fun pair of no shows could be a treat just for you. Soxy’s no show socks for men and women come in a range of colors and patterns, like these fun pairs.
Classic Black: Dress Socks to the Rescue
Black dress socks are a wardrobe staple for good reason. They are typically made of a thin, fine-woven material, and being neutral in color, they go with just about any outfit. Don’t go and grab your thick black crew socks because those won’t do. You’ll want to make sure to choose dress socks, or at least a thinner, nicer pair of everyday socks to elevate the look.
While you may not want to wear black dress socks with Sperrys and shorts, you can easily pull off this combo with long pants. Do you wear socks with Sperrys and denim, khakis, or chinos? Triple yes.
Bright and Bold: Premium Socks With Personality
Now this is where you not only break the rule, you crumple it up and toss it out the window as you speed away. If you’re truly one for wearing your sense of style on your sleeve (or in this case, ankles?), consider some bolder striped socks with Sperrys. The opposite of going no show, this look requires you to commit.
Choose a pair of socks that compliment your whole outfit while still standing out. If you’re wearing neutrals, try socks with a pop of color or a fun pattern. If your outfit features a patterned top, try socks in a complementary solid color. Whatever you choose, it should be the chef’s kiss to the rest of your ensemble.
Choosing the Right Socks With Sperrys
Knowing what socks to wear with Sperrys in relation to your outfit can make or break your look. Occasion and location at two determining factors in creating a winning combination. Sperrys look great with pants that have shorter hems, which is a bonus if you choose to wear socks with Sperrys. For semi-formal looks, the cut and quality of a suit can make or break the whole outfit. Once you’ve got that down, you can start looking at your sock options.
Business casual looks might require a more toned-down approach, depending on your industry, position, or office policies. Preppy casual looks are where your sock choices can really shine, so feel free to experiment. Here’s a guide you might find helpful when you’re thinking about what kind of socks to wear with Sperrys:
Semi-Formal
Business Casual
Preppy Casual
No show socks
No show socks
No show socks
Black dress socks
Black dress socks
Black dress socks
Solid color socks
Solid color socks
Bold patterned socks
What Socks to Wear With Sperrys: Your Color Guide
Now the question becomes, do you wear socks with Sperrys, and what color should those socks be? When you’re thinking about finding the perfect pair to go with your Sperrys, it’s good to have a little knowledge of color theory. Color theory combines art and science to determine the colors that best complement each other. Often, this means finding complementary colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
Once you’ve had some time to process those art class flashbacks, you’ll want to put color theory into practice in pairing the right socks with Sperrys.
Socks With Sperrys: Navigating Color Theory
Since neutrals don’t clash, Sperrys in the above colors are easy to wear with a range of outfits. There are a lot of color combination options for you to choose from. Typically, Sperrys are made in nice neutral colors:
Brown
Beige
Blue
Grey
Black
White
Unless your Sperrys are particularly bold or loud, it’s better to focus on the main color story of your clothing. Even though neutral colors are, well, neutral, they still have complementary opposites. Brown and beige would be considered warm tones, so looking at cool tones on the color wheel is a good place to start. Let’s use color theory to put together some examples.
Neutral Color
Complimentary Sock Colors
Main Patterned Sock Color
Brown
NavyDeep violetGrey
Blue
Blue
BrownRed Orange
OrangeRed
Grey
YellowRedBlue
YellowRedBlue
This is by no means an exhaustive example of the only colors you can pair with neutrals, but it should help to get you started in creating looks that match your personal style.
Mixing Neutrals and Bold Colored Socks with Sperrys
Understanding a little color theory makes the process of finding complementary colors easier. Using a navy suit as our example, let’s put together an outfit full of personality in just a few steps:
Choose your shirt: neutral is best, let’s go with white.
Choose your Sperrys: we need a complementary neutral here, so let’s go with brown.
Choose your sock shade: black is an option, but red will add a great pop of color.
How Do You Wear Socks with Sperrys? Denim Edition
Sperrys with denim is not the classic look that comes to mind when you think about outfits that work with boat shoes. Many people prefer to wear their Sperrys with classic Khakis or chino shorts. Here’s something we can all agree on though: jeans go with just about everything—boat shoes included!
Finding the Right Jeans to Wear with Sperrys
Sperrys in a similar shade and tone to your jeans will create a nice neutral base for colorful and cool socks. After you find a shade you’re happy with, it’s time to focus on fit. We know shorter hems are best when you’re wearing boat shoes, but don’t go cutting inches off your Levi’s. Cuffs are classic and practical and will add an effortless style to your look.
You’ll also want to be sure your jeans are more fitted throughout the leg, but especially around the calf and ankle. Here’s a little checklist to be sure your jeans make the cut:
Same shade and tone as your Sperrys
Fitted through the hips and legs
Long enough to just meet the ankle, or
Long enough to cuff a couple of inches above the ankle
“Do You Wear Socks With Sperrys?”: The Verdict
The short answer? Yes! With a range of options from subtle no show socks to bright, bold hues, your only limitations are your imagination and sense of style. If you’re looking for inspiration, Soxy has pairs in patterns and styles to suit any taste.
The slightly longer answer is that Sperrys are not compatible with every situation. Do you wear socks with Sperrys to a wedding? Only if it’s a beach wedding, since this footwear is not considered formal enough to celebrate two people tying the knot. Do you wear socks with Sperrys to go hiking? No, because wearing your Sperrys while hiking is a recipe for blisters.
If you’re currently reading this from a winter climate, never fear: it’ll be Sperry season in no time, and once it is, you’ll do those shoes justice with a stellar pair of socks.
Finding The Best Indie Makeup Brands of 2022
Indie beauty makes you say, “why isn’t there more of this out there? And why haven’t I heard of this brand before?” A relatively new term, “indie” simply means independent, and these niche beauty companies are mostly small scale—until we make them part of the larger picture.
Thankfully, indie makeup is growing in popularity due to the increasing need for better, broader, and cleaner beauty. Don’t get us wrong, big beauty brands are making strides in the realm of green, inclusive cosmetics, but there’s an alluring charm that unique makeup companies bring to the table—mainly that they’re doing something different.
To shine some light on a few of the forward-thinking brands out there, we’ve put together this best indie makeup brands list. Before we show you our faves though, we’ll run you through a few basics you may want to consider as you browse, like what indie beauty actually is, to begin with.
What’s ‘Indie’ Beauty?
Like we said before, the word “indie” is short for “independent.” That means that these brands are all independently owned (not by bigger companies such as Estée Lauder and L’Oreal). It turns out that seven parent companies own 182 different beauty brands—and these are some of your favorites too, like Glamglow and Clinique.
Just like independent films, independent beauty brings something different to the market. Most often, that “something” is edgy, artsy, or eye-opening. They’re not all small businesses. In fact, some of them are quite large-scale. However, the money to fund the business and help it run usually comes from the owners themselves.
But even though being independently owned is a criterion for indie beauty, it’s not its only requirement. That whole artsy thing we mentioned? That’s part of their makeup as well. Indie brands often have an approach or overarching theme that can be felt by those who shop them.
Higher in quality and accompanied by a mission (or five), these important businesses pull together passion, vision, and care, to create products that are a cut above what you’d find at your local drugstore.
The names we mention in this best indie makeup brands list all have a special mission. Some are similar, some are not, but regardless, authenticity and passion run strongly through them all.
How to Shop for Indie Makeup Brands:
We’re about to jump into some of the best indie makeup brands on this side of the moon. Since there are a ton of amazing companies out there, there’s a ton to unpack here. To help streamline the process, we’ve put together a little list of details that you may want to keep in mind as you browse.
Mission
Looking to do good with your beauty routine? This best indie makeup brands list has you covered. With these types of companies, you can expect missions that are easy to get behind.
Whether inclusivity is near and dear to your heart or you want your makeup to fight as hard for women’s rights as you do, you’ll find all the crucial details about each company’s mission we list here.
Impact
Just like they all have a noble mission, our picks for the best indie makeup brands pack a punch when it comes to impact too. As you browse, you’ll notice that some are social justice warriors advocating for change within humanity, whereas others focus on animal rights or the health of our planet.
Price
To put it plainly, indie beauty may be a little more costly than your average Maybelline pick. Why? Well, because a lot more goes into making a zero-waste tube of hypoallergenic, clean, cruelty-free mascara than one made of the complete opposite.
With that said, the companies we’ve included in this list of popular indie makeup brands aren’t out-of-this-world expensive because they were created with the customer in mind. You’ll find a range of names here that vary in price, and though the cost isn’t something we’ll go into in explicit detail, we will note the more affordable options.
Practicality
Now, this is a big one and one of the things that we love about indie beauty brands. They’re made with you in mind in terms of formula, but also in terms of how and where you apply your makeup.
Some picks on this best indie makeup brands list are all about convenience, and we’ll be sure to point those out for you loud and clear. If fun is your ‘raison d’être,’ we’ve got a ton of that here for you too.
Performance
Just like regular beauty products, the best indie makeup brands deliver different things. Since these are some of the top choices out there, you already know you’ll get high-performing products, but the way that they do that may be different.
For example, if you’re looking for highly pigmented colors, opt for a brand that makes that their focus. Want a foundation that does more than even-out skin tone? Choose one that includes added vitamins, minerals, and sun protection.
16 Best Indie Makeup Brands to Shop in 2022
We’ve made it to the part you came to this best indie makeup brands list looking for: the brands themselves. Since you know what you look out for as you browse, you’re probably chomping at the bit to get started.
The sections below will highlight our top 16 picks for the best indie makeup out there. We’ll walk you through their missions, products, and overall aesthetic to help you get to know them. Don’t worry, just like these brands don’t skimp on good vibes, we won’t skimp on details.
#1 – Jones Road
Jones Road
You may have heard of legendary makeup artist Bobbi Brownbefore, or perhaps are a fan of her previous cosmetics line. Jones Road is her newest collection launched to do beauty the right way: clean, high-performing, and inclusive.
She set out to develop formulas that worked just as well on aging skin as they did on multiple skin tones and types, the line steering clear of over 2,700 unfriendly ingredients. Its makeup includes all of the must-haves like foundation and mascara but was designed to be versatile—just like you.
If we had to nail its vibe, we’d say it’s a simple collection with intention and the goal to give you the “no-makeup makeup” look—something that’s usually easier said than done.
#2 – Kulfi Beauty
Kulfi Beauty
You can’t say Kulfi Beauty without thinking of fun. Its colorful, entertaining graphics adorn its website, its name a type of South Asian ice cream.
Sweet and sassy, the brand offers smooth, smudgeableUnderlined eyeliner—that’s its signature product. You’ll find funky extras for sale too such as velvet headbands, stickers, and other items that bring out this brand’s playful heart.
Alongside its adorable makeup collection, the company holds a mission of empoweringSouth Asian communities. As one of the best online indie makeup brands, Kulfi is all about self-expression. Its line is designed for those with similar skin tones, undertones, and concerns, created by someone who saw the need for cultural inclusion in the beauty industry.
#3 – Noto Botanics
Noto Botanics
Noto Botanics is the product of popular makeup artist Gloria Noto. She’s worked with a heap of magazines and celebrities throughout her career, and along with her coveted skills, what clients most loved about her work was the way she highlighted self-expression in her looks.
Noto Botanics is a name that pretty much says it all. Its rich lip and cheek colors are packed with nourishing plant extracts and ingredients and served up in user-friendly pots and sticks.
You’ll also find a healthy selection of skincare in its collection, one that celebratesinclusion and joins diversity with clean beauty—something that wasn’t traditionally done.
#4 – Kosas
Kosas
Kosas is all about comfort. Have you ever put on a face full of makeup and just felt so…not yourself? This line is about making the most of what you apply, combining skin-loving ingredients into its luxurious-looking makeup that helps it out in the long run.
One of our top picks for indie makeup brands At Sephora, Kosas’s website is decorated with seductive smears of lipstick that the company says is intentional. Concerned with the sensorial element of cosmetics, its aim was to develop products that just felt plain good.
Highly pigmented, its lip and cheek color was born to be versatile, while its skincare packs a powerful, but natural punch. And since Kosas has banned over 2,700 ingredients, you can feel good about what you put on your face while it makes your face feel good.
Kosas is a really impressive line, featuring smart products like the Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant that stops odor but also brightens and soothes skin. It’s full of these ingenious ideas that just make sense, yet, so many of us never thought were possible.
#5 – Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier
Westman Atelier has a classy feel. From the name to the photos with Reese Witherspoon, we get the idea that this one is loved by those who can afford to be choosy with their makeup.
Its clean beauty products include a variety of shades and lovely textures, but go a step further and actually do your skin some good while they’re there. The collection is all packed within attractive matte tubes and bottles that include convenientapplicators.
You’ll find all the essentials at Westman Atelier, including foundation, blush, mascara, and an extensive selection of brushes. So who’s behind this brand with such versatile, must-have beauty products?
None other than Gucci Westman, a well-known editorial makeup artist whose look you’ve seen gracing the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. With the aim to do better across the board, Westman Atelier is always on the lookout for ways to become more sustainable and reduce its eco-footprint.
#6 – Subtl Beauty
Subtl Beauty
With a name like Subtle Beauty, it’s safe to say less is more here. But though its M.O is concise, its formulas are everything you need in a simple beauty routine.
The brand deals with “real” beauty. Not the complicated, suitcase-worth of products it takes to get a Kim K-worthy face. Subtl is all about convenience and practicality, it’s concealer, lip & cheek, eyeshadow, and highlighter fitted in a travel-friendly pot and stacked to keep it all together. Like come on, how handy is that?!
You can shop curated collections or build your own custom stack, and you’ll have plenty to choose from.
#7 – Kjaer Weis
Kjaer Weis
Living boldly doesn’t mean having to compromise on values. At least, not for makeup anyway. Kjaer Weis proves this in its effective skincare and bright beauty line that merges streamlined Scandinavian living with the vibrancy of NYC life.
An entirely organic collection, Kjaer Weis delivers on all of the fronts you look for when you shop: sustainable, high-performance, and clean. Its line is built by inspiration and made successful by quality—the products are luxurious, long-lasting, and made to work.
With its reusable, sleek packaging, you can keep the outer sleeve, ordering refills to cut down on waste. Certified natural and organic, Kjaer Weis launches beauty into the 21st century.
#8 – Range Beauty
Range Beauty
With Range Beauty, it’s all about inclusion. Making its products in a true variety of shades, people flock to the brand to find their perfect match, those hard-to-find shades that they’ve always needed but have had to compromise on, mix, or skip out on altogether.
Range Beauty embodies inclusivity to a T, but it’s also a brand created to give people more out of their cosmetics. It offers a simple line of products—just foundation, primer, powder, and highlighter, but it’s these bases that lay the foundation for makeup—some would argue they’re the most important part.
Welcoming folks of all genders, skin types, tones, and textures, Range wants to make everyone feel heard and seen.
