Step your sock game up

Along with underwear, socks are one of the few clothing items that you wear almost every day.

Not only do you wear socks on the daily, but they are also the rare clothing items that is completely pressed up against your skin. Unlike a jacket or a shirt, that can be buffered with another item or undergarment, socks are straight against your skin. No undershirt can save you from itchy socks. If your socks are old or threadbare – you feel it. If there is a wear-hole in your sock – you can feel it. If your socks are too thin and you’re partaking in some sports – you will probably get a blister. 

Seriously, who wants to suffer through a day in some uncomfortable socks? 

Yet and still, even with this logic, I see tons of people disregarding their sock selection. These people obviously don’t know how good it feels to slide on a fresh pair of Stance socks, or how a day can be improved by starting with a comfortable pair of socks. 

If you’re still buying bulk, generic white socks, you’re doing it wrong, and have been for years. You wear socks every day, and feel them in a closer proximity than most other clothing articles, so why skimp on them? 

 

Aesthetics aside, having a solid sock collection can work wonders for your daily comfort and mind set. With that being said, here are my five favorite socks:

5. Nike, black cushion crew - The black Nike sock with the white swoosh is a timeless classic. One of my original favorites, these socks are great for athletic competition, especially basketball as they soak up some sweat, yet are light enough not to be bothersome. They also look good casually with almost anything. To me, these are the original socks-and-sandals socks. They lose a lot of their comfort and padding after a few washes, so their longevity is average at best. But still, solid sock.

4. Huff, plantlife crew - There may not be too many opportunities to wear socks with marijuana leaf designs in public, but if you can find some, these socks are awesome. To me, these socks are the perfect length, falling well above the ankle, but not too high on the calf to make it annoying. These socks are super-cushioned, and almost feel like slippers during the first wear or two. Although they lose some of that cushioning, they maintain their thickness through their fair share of wear. Again, maybe not the most practical, but Huff socks are extremely comfortable, and look cool as hell. 

 

3. Polo, cushioned athletic crew - This is not a Polo dress sock, and that is an important distinction, as I have mistakenly purchased dress socks by mistake, as they look almost identical. The athletic crew socks are much thicker and more cushioned than their old partner, the dress sock.  This sock absorbs sweat, and is just thick enough to not have to double-sock while playing sports. These socks are ideal for virtually any activity from basketball to just chilling in some summer shoes or sandals. The design is subtle, yet stylish, as they can be pulled off almost anywhere. 

2. NBA socks -  Not much needs to be said about these bad boys. Super cushioned and comfortable, these are the socks that the world's best basketball players wear to do what they do best. These socks are made for sports performance, and they whisk away sweat while maintaining their form and tightness. Like the Polo socks, they look awesome with almost anything as well. The smooth combed cotton finish allows them to continue to look fresh even after they're not. These socks are also among the most durable around. 

1. Stance socks - The price tag may scare you away (they range anywhere from $8-$20 per pair), but these bad boys are worth it. Stance socks are everything that is great about socks; they are tight and fit your feet to a T, and they are comfortable and cushioned as well. With Stance however, it is all about appearance. Each pair of their socks boasts a different crazy design, from simple stripes, to camouflage, to NBA player and team images, Stance has it all, as each pair is something to behold. Stance socks are extremely durable, and hold up well after six months worth of washes. If flipped inside out before washing the colors will last for a long time as well. Stance socks are meant to be shown off, and can compliment almost any outfit. The ideal socks for summer when shorts and sandals are out, Stance look cool, last long, and are completely comfortable.