Socks that last!

[arch]

Hello All,

Does anyone else get frustrated at high quickly socks wear out? I have bought socks from Pantherella, Harvie & Hudson and others. In the last few years I have worn the lovely long socks that Budd stock, but they only seem to last a few weeks. Conversely, cheap cotton socks seem to last for ever. Does anyone know of a good source of hard wearing long sock? Perhaps I should buy a darning kit?

It is a shame. Some of the Budd birdseye examples are wonderful , but they are not much good with holes in them.

[culverwood]

So true. All my nice socks wear out quickly whereas my Uniqlo one last forever.

[Man at C&A]

I purchased 10 pairs of summer weight cotton socks from Viccel 2 years ago and given the peanuts I paid for them they've done well. 4 pairs have developed holes but the remainder are going strong. No fading in the wash, no sagging.

[arch]

Thanks Man at C & A. I have sent Viccel a trial order for a few pairs to see how they fair.

[belimad]

Uniqlo. Last forever. So help me god if I’m offending the lords of high end brands

[arch]

They do. My wife wears them and I sometimes steal the odd pair from her. They are short though.

[alden]

I have had great success with the French brand Dore Dore ("DD")

If you are wearing through your socks, make sure your toenails are clipped, trimmed, filed and the nasty cutting edges dulled.

Cheers

[arch]

without going into detail, it is usually the heels, lots of walking in London

[Richard3]

Falke.

[davidhuh]

Dear Arch,

I confirm that Pantherella socks are terrible. Figure out where the Harvie & Hudson are being made.

With Bresciani, I made very good experiences. Also with Palatino, Gammarelli, Mazarin, Gallo and Falke. I have some pairs for years...

Cheers, David

[whyescalar]

Tabio.

[arch]

Dear Arch,

I confirm that Pantherella socks are terrible. Figure out where the Harvie & Hudson are being made.

With Bresciani, I made very good experiences. Also with Palatino, Gammarelli, Mazarin, Gallo and Falke. I have some pairs for years...

Cheers, David

I think all the socks from the Jermyn Street shops are by Pantherella. I had a pair of Falke once, a present. They lasted for one wearing! Admittedly, they were a silk and cotton mix, or some such. I shall have to try their cotton and wool mixes.

[Luca]

Having a good experience, cost-benefit wise, wither Pedemeia, from Portugal.

[couch]

I've had excellent durability from Byford Byflex OTC socks, 64% merino, 35% nylon, 1% lycra; 12 colors in "one size fits most," 5 in "big and tall" and "small." www.dann-online.com carries the full line (no affiliation). The U.S. company Boardroom Socks also makes durable OTC basics, though the toe seam is a bit hard and a U.S. shoe-size of 12 narrow (mine) challenges their one size, feeling a bit short after washing. If you wear U.S. shoe size 8-11, these are excellent value and stay up better than many others.

Michaels advice on nail trimming is apt. Care of wool socks also affects longevity: turn inside-out to wash, use cool water on the "hand wash" setting and a wool-specific detergent (Dreft, Woolite, etc. in the U.S.), turn right-side out after spin and drape over rack to air-dry. Avoid regular detergents and automatic dryers, which embrittle the wool over time.

It's worth remarking the obvious: heel wear on socks is mostly due to the foot moving in the shoe. The better the heel fit, the less motion. So if your heel is narrower than that of the last, some slippage will occur, even if it's not enough to be uncomfortable. And slip-ons / loafers will almost always move on the heel, so socks with thicker heels are good with them. For casual wear with loafers, I swear by Wigwam's "Everyday Fusion" socks, which are practically indestructible. They have a merino wool blend outer layer and an integral pique-type olefin inner layer for excellent moisture-wicking performance. They come in black, charcoal heather, and khaki heather only, alas. A good blue would be welcome for wear with jeans.

[davidhuh]

Michaels advice on nail trimming is apt. Care of wool socks also affects longevity: turn inside-out to wash, use cool water on the "hand wash" setting and a wool-specific detergent (Dreft, Woolite, etc. in the U.S.), turn right-side out after spin and drape over rack to air-dry. Avoid regular detergents and automatic dryers, which embrittle the wool over time.

Couch is right, I forgot to mention washing etiquette for dress socks. Because I'm a bit lazy, I skip the "turn-inside-out" thing. What I find a lot more practical is using a wash bag for socks. I use a gentle detergent suitable for wool & silk, gentle circle and replace conditioner with cider vinegar. Avoid conditioner by all means. Cider vinegar keeps the fibres happy and the colours alive.

And oh yes, keep your nails trimmed. Fingers same as feet. My generation got this kind of education either at home or in the army latest. I remember a crazy sergeant who would simply send guys running around the barracks in their underwear if caught.

Cheers, David