The Alternate Stitch

How to Match Men's Dress Socks to Accessories: Ties, Pocket Squares, Belts, & More

Traditionally, men’s dress socks were simply matched to one’s pants — a safe, reliable choice that created a seamless look. But style is about more than playing it safe. Thoughtfully coordinating your socks with accessories like belts, ties, and pocket squares can add personality, sophistication, and even a bit of flair to your outfit.

4 Men's Dress Sock Style Rules (and When to Break Them)

Men's dress socks have a set of traditional guidelines that are usually best to follow — emphasis on “usually.” We’re going to cover traditional style rules for how to wear dress socks. Then, we’ll show you when and how to break those rules with style.

How to Wear Men's Dress Socks: From No Show to Over the Calf

Men’s dress socks come in a variety of heights from no-show to over-the-calf, which can leave you wondering just how to wear men’s dress socks. In this guide, I’ll help you fit the sock height to the outfit to put your best foot forward for any type of occasion.

How to Choose Fly Fishing Socks

If there is one thing that you should take away from this blog, let it be the importance of WEARING SOCKS INSIDE YOUR WADERS! Here are a few tips and factors to consider that can help you stay focused on the fishing part of your day on the river!

Winning the Lottery: Tips for Snagging Park Permits

It’s a new year, and that means it is time to think about summer outdoor objectives! It is also time to put in for those tough to get lotteries. To help with your planning, below is a list of 8 of these lotteries with dates, some lottery tips and, of course, the perfect sock for when you win.

How to Prevent Blisters When Running

Blisters. Just hearing the word can make any runner wince. But fear not. With the right care, and the right gear — specifically, Merino Wool running socks — you can keep those pesky blisters at bay. We’re here to show you how Merino Wool socks can be a blister-busting game-changer––plus give you a few more tips, to boot.

How to Choose the Right Tactical Socks
If you previously thought tactical socks weren’t for you, read this post. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Darn Tough socks generally, the specifics of our tactical lineup, and sharing some intel on choosing the right tactical socks to meet your needs. Let’s proceed:
How to Choose the Right Socks
In this post, we will dive into the knitty gritty (pun intended) of how to find the best socks to fit your needs. We will consider your footwear, as well as the many heights, weights, cushioning levels, and tech features.
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks

If you’re standing by the laundry wondering how to wash Merino Wool socks, you’ve come to the right place. Here's detailed washing instructions for at home and in the backcountry.

How & Why to Keep Running in Winter
As the temperature drops and snowflakes start to fall, many runners retreat indoors and switch to treadmill workouts for the colder months. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, winter running can be an exciting experience with unique benefits that keeps your fitness routine thriving.
How to Choose the Right Socks for Skiing and Snowboarding
From boots to helmet, by the time you get on the mountain, it could seem like you’re swimming in gear. You might be wondering; do I need ski socks? Or maybe, what are the best ski socks? Let's dive into it. 
Backcountry Skiing Tips: From Ascent to Après with Michelle Parker

Look at those lift lines! Let’s go backcountry skiing! But wait…there are some things to know before you go. Before you decide to hike up a mountain, there are a few things that can help keep you and others safe and make your adventure more enjoyable.

How to Choose the Right Running Socks
In this post, we’re going to cover how you should go about choosing the right pair of running socks. We’ll discuss the importance of running socks, what key features to look for, and what about Darn Tough Running socks make them the gold standard for every runner, from beginner level to elite professional.
How to Wrap Socks
Are you wondering the how to gift wrap socks? Whether they’re going in a stocking or under the Christmas Tree, we have all your gift-wrapping needs covered!
Easy Holiday Homemade Gift Ideas
Not sure what to get that special someone for the holidays? In addition to giving our socks, we’ve gathered some other easy homemade gift ideas that you can make yourself and give to those you love. Gifts that come from the heart reflect the thought and effort you put into them.
How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
To understand how to prevent blisters while hiking, you first must understand what blisters are and what causes them to form. Blisters can develop almost anywhere, but if you’re hiking, backpacking, or long-distance walking, the most likely (and perhaps most adverse) location is on your feet.
How to Choose the Right Hiking Socks

What makes Darn Tough hiking socks so good? And, with dozens of styles and designs to choose from, how do you pick the right pair for you? In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose the best socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot, or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

Planning a Thru Hike with a Dog: Four-Legged Trail Partners
This is everything I’m doing to get me and my dog Lassen ready to thru hike the Oregon Coast Trail. If you’re planning on doing a thru hike with your dog, I hope you find this helpful.
How to Choose the Right Lifestyle Socks
The best sock is one you want to wear every day, and we can help you find it. The secret, they say, is letting the sock choose you. But for someone with a lifestyle as adventurous and spontaneous as yours, we feel you might need a little help.
Follow the White Blazes: How to Hike the Long Trail of Vermont
The Long Trail (LT) of Vermont is a 272-mile hiking route that follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Vermont-Massachusetts border all the way to Canada. Steeped in rich history, the Long Trail is America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail, conceived in 1910 by the Green Mountain Club.
7 Remarkably Helpful Tips on How to Start Running
Whatever your reasons to get started running, the most important thing is that you enjoy the journey. And we mean that literally — if you’re going to keep running, you should like the actual experience between points A and B as much as you like getting to the finish line.