Designing & Developing the Steep Lines Sock

I am Marcos Biggs, and I have been a passionate snowboarder since 1993. In 2003, I moved to Vermont in search of snowy mountains and a community with a shared passion. 

I became a Product Developer at Darn Tough, where I act as a conduit between our Product Design and Production teams. I work heavily building and revising the graphics of our socks, but my day to day can include so much more.

I interface with just about every facet of our business, and you might find me stretching socks, working with external companies on special projects, or even designing socks.

For the new Steep Lines ski and snowboard sock, I was lucky enough to serve as both designer and developer, meaning I got to see the sock through every stage from initial concepts to the first knit.

A Background in Design

I was a Product and Graphic Designer in my last job and worked on many different products, including socks. For me, Design is all about having an opinion; a point of view you want to share with others and communicate through a medium.

In this case the medium is a Darn Tough Ski and Snowboard sock, and the message is one of a shared love of the mountains. The project was to design a ski sock that combined modern stripes with a mountain vista.

I wanted to incorporate a gradient, like an ombre, with a gradual transition. The stripes were a perfect opportunity to do that, so I designed the stripes to change size as well as color to add something a bit unique to our current Snow line.

When I was designing it, I also considered if it was a sock I would be happy wearing myself. When I was choosing a sock to design, this brief caught my eye because I immediately could visualize what I would want, and I think I accomplished that with my design.

Developing the Steep Lines

After a sock is designed at Darn Tough, it moves to the development stage. This is where we take the dream state of what the sock should look like and make it into a reality of something that can be knit. We’re going from sketch to a knit program, which sometimes comes with making a few design compromises.

Normally when I’m developing a sock, if I need to tweak something in the design to make the sock knit correctly, I have to check with the Designer. Developing this sock was slightly easier than my normal process, as I only needed to get design approval from myself!

In all seriousness, I do really like the way this sock turned out. It wasn’t the most complex knit pattern I have ever worked on, but I am a “less is more” type of designer. I do feel like the nostalgic fun was achieved!

Lightweight Cushion Perfection

For me personally, I really love our lightweight cushioned Snow socks. As a snowboarder, I appreciate a little more cushion as it provides a bit more comfort from impact. My feet tend to run a bit warm, so lightweight is perfect for me even on the coldest days on the mountain.

I feel like a common misconception with snowboarding is thinking that you need to wear super thick socks. Most modern snowboard boots are super insulated and perform much of the heat retention. Our Merino Wool socks do an excellent job of temperature regulation and moisture management. For me, Merino content is key!

I hope you enjoy the Steep Lines I have worked on. I’m excited for the season to start and wear it myself. Hopefully you can also spread the message of love for the mountains in your travels!

About the Author

Marcos Biggs is a Product Developer as well as an avid snowboarder, Phish enthusiast, and lives with his wife and two daughters in northern Vermont.