Moving from NYC to Vermont: A Sock Designer's Story

From 2016 until the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I found myself immersed in the bustling world of New York City, designing soft accessories like socks. It wasn’t my dream job, at least not at first. 

I grew up in a tiny town in Indiana with big dreams: I wanted to be a high-end fashion designer, to live in New York City. Coming from a place where such dreams seemed impossible, I could have easily given up. But I didn’t. I was determined to make it happen. But designing socks? That wasn’t even on my radar.

Discovering the World of Socks in NYC

In early 2016, I was lucky enough to intern in New York for three months, and it was love at first sight, not just with the city, but with the vibrant world of fashion that awaited me. But when it came time to find a permanent role, the journey wasn’t as simple.

It was a dear friend, with his quirky obsession for bold, patterned socks, who convinced me to apply for a sock designer position. At the time, I couldn’t have cared less about socks, I was more concerned with my go-to black no-shows. As a fresh designer new to the apparel industry, I had no idea there was such a vast world dedicated to the humble sock. But with his encouragement, I sent in my application.

The day I moved into my first apartment in Brooklyn, I received an email requesting an interview. Two weeks later, I had an offer in hand. What followed was an eye-opening experience, one that taught me more than I ever expected.

Who knew there was so much thought, research, and creativity behind a simple pair of socks? From heights and ribbing to material choices and pattern limitations, designing socks became a world of discovery, one stitch at a time.

Summiting My First Mountains

Growing up in the Midwest, I was no stranger to the outdoors, but it wasn't until my college years that I truly fell head over heels for hiking. It became more than just a hobby - it was an obsession. So much so that I set myself a challenge: to hike a new state park or nature preserve every single week. Nature quickly became my muse, fueling my creativity and design work. And when I moved to New York City, that craving to be outdoors never went away.

Most people think of New York City when they imagine New York, but I soon discovered that just an hour north of the hustle and bustle, a whole different world awaited. Trails, mountains, and nature were there for the taking.

My first escape was to Bear Mountain State Park, where the Appalachian Trail crosses the Hudson River. It was a revelation; how easy it was to leave the city behind and find solace among the mountains.

From that point on, escaping the city to immerse myself in the beauty of the Hudson Valley became a weekly ritual. It was here that I summited my first mountains, nothing huge, just under 1,600 feet, but as a girl coming from flat Indiana, they felt monumental.

What If Hiking Met Design?

As my passion for hiking grew, I found myself spending less and less of my spending money on the latest fashion trends. Instead, I began investing in high-quality hiking gear, clothing designed for long days on the trail, not catwalks. Then one day, a thought hit me: I love design, but fashion? Maybe it’s not my thing. What if I could merge my love for the outdoors with my creative skills and dive into the world of outdoor apparel?

At the time, most outdoor companies were based out West, and getting a position in New York seemed like a long shot. Undeterred, I applied for countless positions. Strong leads, but no offers.

Instead, I ended up carving out a niche as a sock and other soft accessories designer for some well-known brands. The glamorous fashion parties, the late nights—it was all creatively draining. And time and again, I found myself seeking refuge in the mountains.

The Catskills 3500 & Long Path

Looking back, I like to think the universe had its own plan. Sure, the timing wasn’t right for those initial outdoor jobs I applied for, but I gained something else along the way: skills and experiences that shaped my journey.

I took on the challenge of the Catskills 3500, completed the 365-mile Long Path, and pushed myself further by backpacking solo for the first time. I summited more peaks, volunteered for trail maintenance, and built a tight-knit group of fellow adventurers. The mountains weren’t just a place to escape, they were where I found my true calling.

Just as I wrapped up my final peak for the Catskills 3500 and received my certificate for completing the Long Path, the world seemed to come to a screeching halt, and the COVID-19 pandemic hit, literally right across the street from the office building I was working in.

Enter the Pandemic

Like many of us, I didn’t think the lockdown would last long, so I didn’t pay it much attention at first. At the time, my partner and I were navigating a long-distance relationship, with a flight booked to visit Indiana. As flying was deemed a super spreader activity, so I suggested I drive out instead and, when things settled, I’d return to the office.

But then, a month passed, and everything changed. I was furloughed for three months. With all this unexpected free time on my hands, I decided to make the most of it. I bought a sewing machine and rediscovered my love for sewing. I became a plant mom, my interest in birding peaked and most importantly, I realized that I was done with city life but not done with the East Coast. This was my chance to rediscover myself as both an individual and a designer. I knew I wanted to break into the outdoor industry, but I wasn’t sure how to take that first step.

Summer was slow, but during those months, I embraced the slower pace of small-town living again. My partner and I took every opportunity to go backpacking in Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, the very place that brought us together. Between hiking, updating my portfolio, and getting a clearer sense of where I wanted to go next, the job search was in full swing. I was determined that my next job would be the one that aligned with my passion.

Fate Gives Me a Foot in the Door

As summer ended, my previous role was eliminated, and I was laid off. It felt like everything was up in the air, and the job search continued. A week later, something incredible happened.

As I was sitting in the passenger seat, scrolling through job postings, I saw it: Darn Tough Vermont was hiring a Product Designer. My heart skipped a beat. "Holy shit," I said out loud. "This is what I’m meant to do!"

It hit me; this was the very opportunity I’d been working toward all along. This was my literal foot in the door to the outdoor industry, something that had been part of my journey since the beginning of my career when I first stumbled into designing socks. It felt like fate.

Moving to Vermont

When I received the offer for the job at Darn Tough, I could hardly contain my excitement. Having been a longtime fan of Darn Tough’s incredibly durable 1903 Hiker Micro Crew socks, I couldn’t wait to dive into this new chapter of my journey.

The catch? I had never even visited Vermont. The farthest I’d ventured into New England before was Connecticut, just over the New York state line. But despite the unknowns, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I knew there would be snow, plenty of it and harsh winters, but I also knew that the mountains would be calling, with endless hiking opportunities and a community of like-minded adventurers waiting to be found.

Moving to a new place where you don’t know anyone, especially in your late twenties and in the middle of a pandemic, is no small feat. While I quickly formed friendships with coworkers who lent me cross-country skis and invited me on hikes, I still felt a longing for deeper connections outside of the office.

That changed about six months in, when a city friend introduced me to someone who would become my best friend. Who would have guessed that a mutual connection could shift the course of my life? We met for a hike, and it was clear we were both equally obsessed with hiking and always seeking the next adventure. For the first time, I found a kindred spirit, someone as wild and adventurous as I am, ready to tackle the outdoors together.

Through this friendship, I was introduced to a vibrant community of like-minded people across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. It opened my eyes to Vermont's incredible outdoor scene and the collective commitment to preserving the environment - clean food, water, and air became a cause I deeply embraced.

Over time, I also connected with my neighbor, who introduced me to an even larger group of friends. Though we came from different walks of life, Midwest, Philly, New York, and one true-born Vermonter, we shared a special bond, united by our love for adventure, community, great food and drinks, creative games, and, of course, a shared obsession with Darn Tough socks. And let's not forget the five dogs and four cats (that I know of) that make up our extended family.

The Perfect Balance of Work & Adventure

Since landing this incredible role and moving to Vermont, my life has truly felt like a dream come true, a perfect balance of work and adventure. I now have the opportunity to design products for the outdoor apparel industry, where durability and performance are at the forefront, with a lifetime warranty in mind.

As a hiker myself, I deeply understand the needs of our customers when it comes to performance, design, and color. With my background primarily in lifestyle wear, I’ve found that our Casual socks category remains my strongest, showcasing most of my designs. Sustainability has always been a core passion of mine, and I take pride in the research and thought that goes into each new and carryover style, ensuring we remain committed to protecting the environment.

Looking back, it’s clear to me now that my first job in the industry as a sock designer in NYC was the stepping stone that led me to the Green Mountain State. Moving to Vermont allowed me to merge my love for the outdoors with my passion for designing durable, performance-driven products in the outdoor apparel industry. Here, I can step out my front door and immediately find myself on the trails of Hubbard Park, where I can escape, find peace, and spark the inspiration I need.

Along the way, I’ve found an incredible community that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’m able to share my deep love for the outdoors with like-minded individuals, express my creativity and quirks through my designs and be supported by an amazing team of coworkers and friends who embrace my adventurous spirit.

About the Author

Alex McClain is the ‘Bird Detective’ at Cabot Hosiery Mills; this nature lover is a passionate hiker, peak bagger and birder. She’s conquered long-distance trails like the Long Path, Northville-Placid and Wonderland Trail and is working on completing the Long Trail Side-to-Side, 52WAV and NH48. She’s always on the hunt for her next adventure in the great outdoors.