Fewer, Better: A Sock Drawer Refresh

The ultimate quick win

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I’ve been on a mission to sort out my sock game for, well, years. Socks are one of those items that seem totally inconsequential but can also ruin your day. Since I’ve spent a lot of time in a lot of people’s sock drawers, I’ve observed that most people are working with a totally random and haphazard collection. I’m talking old, pilly, holey, stained, mismatched, and threadbare. Today all of this changes, Friends!

A Perfect Daily-Use Sock

My stylish friend Paige, who is very well curated, told me about these comfy crew socks that kind of feel like a warm hug. I tried hers on over lunch (real friends let other friends try on their socks) and was instantly hooked. So, here’s what I did: I went home and bundled up all of my old, sad socks, and I ordered eight pairs in pretty neutral colors. I swear I am now 10% happier. Big bonus: Bombas donates a pair of socks to those in need for every pair you purchase.

A No Show Sock That Won’t Make You Crazy

Oh, how I hate a no-show sock that slips around and bunches up. I’ve tried several versions that promise they’re “the ones that don’t slip” and it turns out they’re lying. But here is the good news: a few years ago Jordan’s friend gifted him a pair of these Stance socks and I made fun of how excited he was about them (because marriage) but it turns out HE WAS RIGHT. Recently a stylist I follow recommended THE EXACT SAME SOCKS so I ordered two sets in my size and was instantly smitten. Bombas also has this cushioned version that APPEAL TO ME GREATLY but they’re pricey and I’m hard on my athletic socks (please report back if you try them). Also, pro tip: order no-show socks a size smaller than normal to further limit slippage.

Mindset Shift: Fewer, Better Socks

How many socks does one person need? It’s a question I’ve asked a lot in my career. My answer: NOT VERY MANY. If you do laundry once a week that’s 7 pairs. And if you need specific socks for dressing up or working out, just factor those in. I’ve started the new year with a joyful sock refresh and now own just (8) pairs of matching crew socks and (6) pairs of identical no-show athletic socks. Everything looks nice together. I have just what I need. My sock drawer is streamlined and tidy. It feels like a big win.

1. Crew Socks / 2. Sock Drawer Organizer / 3. No-Show Socks

Prompt: Give your sock drawer a little edit, removing anything tired and worn out, mismatched, or redundant. Next, identify how many of each kind of socks you need and fill in gaps as needed. Socks seem to be very personal and particular, so feel free to disregard what works for me and find the socks that make sense for you.

Tip: If you feel inspired to refresh your own sock collection, you can bundle up your old socks and drop them at your nearest textile recycling center. Just Google “textile recycling near me” to find your most convenient drop off.

🧦 Did you know: socks are the #1 clothing need of those experiencing homelessness. The Sock It To Em Sock Campaign aims to put new socks on the feet of people who need them most. A great mission. Donate or volunteer here.

🧦 Hot tip: My friend Naomi buys the exact same socks for her entire family of five which they store, unfolded, in a single basket by the front door. Mind officially blown.