An Ode to the White Sock

The call from our community to introduce white socks to our line has been heard loud and clear. And here at Darn Tough Vermont, we listen. If the demand is there, we stock the supply. And white wool socks are here to stay, with more on the way.

This might be a controversial opinion to some; we get it, socks are personal. Some people only like black socks, or patterned socks. At Darn Tough, we love all socks. Period.

We’ll break down what it is about white socks that people love, their unmatched versatility, and how and when to slide a pair on your feet.

At the end of the day, you can make up your own mind. Are you a white sock partisan? A defender of white socks against the dark side? Let’s discuss.

What’s the Scoop on White Socks Anyway?

Let’s give credit where credit is due. The white sock is a time honored, trusted part of any casual, active, or rockabilly band’s wardrobe. The consummate professional in your dresser, suitcase, and gym bag. As comfortable on the pickleball court as on the construction site. A trail running legend, a thru hiker’s friend, a sidekick to any adventure, or a solid pick for a simple day at the office.

Long before we reach for our runners, boots, or loafers, we choose a sock. And let’s face it, we’ve been setting white socks out on the bed before a big day almost since socks were invented.

This is an ode to the fairest sock of them all. The old reliable. The clean, pristine, pearly whites.

How and When to Wear Your Whites?

No matter whether you prefer ankle, crew, or no-show, white socks belong in your daily rotation. There is no hard and fast rule about how and when to wear them, because they go with just about everything.

Some people prefer white socks with shorts, others like them matched with denim and duck canvas. Some choose them for hiking and outdoor work, so they can spot those nasty ticks quickly. Others like them for lounging around the house or to unload the dishwasher. The use cases are endless, really.

And white socks are no longer just casual wear; now it’s anything goes. Wearing whites is as common as driving a sensible sport utility vehicle, cream with your coffee, or lift lines on a snow day.

“Amazing socks as always. I wanted to have white ones recently for summer use in white shoes and these ones work really well. Feel is classic Darn Tough. Feels sturdy as well, does not need much service except for normal wash. As it has merino wool, it is handling moisture well.” — Ivane N.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and white socks definitely have their superfans. So you do you:

• Wear your white standard crew at the golf course
• Style those quarters with cushions at the meat raffle
• Slip on a pair of micro crews before knocking out that 14’r mountain scramble
• Wear them for the post climb micro-brew

At Darn Tough, we support all of it.

Are White Socks Better than Black Socks?

We’re Switzerland here, not choosing a side. Consider us neutral on the color debate. That said, white socks definitely have their place in your pile of laundry.

And speaking of laundry, our product team did a whole scientific experiment on the best way to wash white socks. Coming soon - you’re gonna want to read that.

"Loving these! So happy to have finally found a wool, low, tab sock in white! I bought two pairs from a different company years ago and have worn them into crunchiness. These new socks are already a staple of my wardrobe. Thank you, Darn Tough, for supplementing your fun-patterned wool socks with these plain white ones!” — Marya R.

There are some real benefits to white socks though. For instance, they’re easy to spot in your gear bag, luggage, or the bottom of your dryer. They offer the perfect canvas to show off your new trail runners, hiking boots, or steel toes.

The color actually reflects sunlight and helps keep your feet cool. They also offer better visibility when on a neighborhood night run, a dawn dog walk, or even when spelunking in a dark cave, if that’s your thing.

In summertime, white socks tend to go well with sandals and short pants, if you’re into that. White socks also don’t mask dirt, so you’ll be sure to know when it’s time to put on a fresh pair. Hey, everybody needs a reminder from time to time. No shame.

The Last Word On The Color Debate

“Love the all white look and wish some other styles came in white.” — Dominic G.

We repeat, we’re not taking sides. Your preference is your preference, and they are your two feet afterall. Choose whatever you want… as long as it’s Merino. It’s clear that white socks are a big winner for some, while others prefer something…less white. We get it. It’s subjective.

Rejoice, white sock lovers, we’ve got you covered (literally). Check out all the new Darn Tough white styles and fits, with more on the way.