The Alternate Stitch

Person in snow gear pulling on warm socks with polar bears on them
Community ·
Warm Socks, Hot Takes: Rapid Reactions to Random Topics
by Chris Zimmerman
Opinions are like armpits — everybody’s got one and it probably doesn’t need to be seen, smelled, or heard. But there is something to a knee-jerk reaction that is both visceral and taps into our subconscious that really gets to the truth of the matter.
A trail sign completely covered in ice on a popular winter hiking trail
Hiking · How-to ·
Q&A: What Do I Need for Winter Hiking?
by Jennifer Hastings
Winter hiking is a truly magical experience – when being on the trail feels akin to stumbling into Narnia. That increased beauty is not without increased risk, but it’s a risk that, with some preparation, you can account for. Here’s some common winter hiking questions I hear, and my tips on how to be prepared.
Ice climber partway up a dramatic frozen waterfall
Hiking · How-to ·
Don't Get Cold Feet: Ice Climbing Foot Care Tips
by Kevin Dean
Unsurprisingly, the biggest thing that can ruin your day while ice climbing is being ill prepared for the cold, especially when it comes to your extremities. Nothing ruins your day quite like frozen fingers and toes! For this post, I’ll be diving into how to protect your feet, considering socks, boots, and more.
Person seated on couch playing Guitar Hero while wearing the Animal Haus socks
Community ·
Long-Lasting Songs, Longer-Lasting Socks: Darn Tough’s Winter Playlist
by Darn Tough Vermont
Some songs have a way of transporting you back in time to a memory you hadn’t thought of in years. Some songs bring up deep emotions and others get you so jacked up you want to run through a wall. A good pair of socks is the same way.
A bowl full of coconut curry soup, a creamy soup with salmon chunks, garnished with cilantro
Our Partners ·
Cozy Soup & Cozy Socks: The Salmon Sister's Coconut Curry Fish Soup Recipe
by Salmon Sisters
If you’re settling into the colder season and looking forward to cooking some cozy meals inside while wearing cozy, warm socks, try this recipe for Coconut Curry Fish Soup from the Salmon Sisters' cookbook.
A plate of sock-shaped Christmas cookies and glass of milk left out at Darn Tough's Mill
Gifts & Holiday ·
Poems to Pair with Your Holiday Cookies
by Darn Tough Vermont
Sock Cookies Soft like butter, warm like Merino Wool.
Baked fresh for the Big Guy, his belly nearly full. But the socks he wears, they fit just right. So we made him some cookies, because he flies in tonight. You don’t...
A sheep waving a victory flag on a sock pile
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Comparing Sock Materials: Merino Wool vs. Wool vs. Synthetics vs. Cotton
by Darn Tough Vermont
At Darn Tough, we consider Merino Wool to be one of the master strains of all sock materials. When it’s spun together with Nylon and Lycra Spandex, it creates a longer lasting sock that strengthens wear zones and holds its fit for days. We're taking a look at how Merino Wool stacks up against other sock materials.
Man seated on steps putting on converse and merino wool socks for walking
Hiking · Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
How to Choose Walking Socks: Why Merino Wool Makes the Best Socks for Walking
by Darn Tough Vermont

Walking for exercise has many benefits for the body and the mind and is one of the most convenient activities we can do for our wellbeing. Some good, basic equipment will help ensure you get to focus on your walk and not your feet. Here’s a simple guide on how to choose the right walking socks.

Life's Guaranteed Guarantees
Lifetime Guarantee ·
Life's Guaranteed Guarantees
by Darn Tough Vermont
It was ol’ Benny Franks who once said, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” It’s too bad he didn’t get to live long enough to be introduced to Darn Tough, because this humble sock company has a certainty that would blast his socks off quicker than flying a kite in a thunderstorm—their Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee.
A skier in the lodge, boots off, holding a cup of hot cocoa and wearing merino wool socks for skiers
How-to · Snow Sports ·
A Smugglers’ Notch Ski Patroller Talks On-Hill Foot Care
by Chris Southworth

My name is Chris, I'm a Full Senior ski patroller, and this will be my 43rd winter wearing a red jacket with the white cross. Besides a love of skiing, I’ve got some opinions about safety, my socks, and how people can take care of their feet up on the mountain. I might just tell you about my favorite place to ski, also.

The Salmon Sisters, Emma and Claire, smiling and laughing while hugging each other
Gifts & Holiday · Our Partners ·
The Salmon Sisters’ Favorite Darn Tough Socks to Give (and Get) as Gifts
by Salmon Sisters
The holiday season is coming, and one of our family traditions is to gift good socks to everyone on our list. We've been wearing Darn Tough socks for years now and love them for their warmth and moisture-wicking Merino Wool.
Pro skier Michelle Parker demonstrating a technique at SAFE AS avalanche training course
Our Partners · Snow Sports ·
Teaching Avalanche Safety & Giving Back: Q&A with Pro Skier Michelle Parker
by Darn Tough Vermont
SAFE AS are one-day clinic teaching intro to avalanche safety. We started it to encourage more women to get the education needed and that quickly developed into a full-on program for everyone. 
Woman out in the woods wearing a raincoat, hat, gloves and other examples of what to wear hiking
Hiking ·
What to Wear Hiking
by Alex McClain
Before heading out for a hike, you may think about what you should wear, considering trail difficulty and weather forecast. We will cover what materials are best for hiking, the clothing, shoes, and accessories and what to wear by the season as you set out for your hike.
A darn tough employee holding the Bear Town sock, her go-to Christmas gift idea
Gifts & Holiday · Staff Picks ·
Gifting Under Pressure: Staff Picks to Gift This Holiday
by Darn Tough Vermont
“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another holiday has come and gone, and I didn’t get a single pair.” Your favorite Professor may be a fictional character from Harry Potter, but his words still resonate with us. Mainly because it’s true… one can never have enough socks.
Ultralight, lightweight, midweight, & heavyweight Merino Wool strands
Sock 101 ·
Our Sock Weights: A Complete-ish Guide
by Darn Tough Vermont
Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 17 weight classes in boxing. Professional governing bodies recognize a total of 4 weight classes in Darn Tough socks. When we talk weight, we are referring to the specific yarn in the sock and the relative thickness of that yarn.
Darn Tough employees packaging up a our socks guaranteed for life, no strings attached
Durability · How-to · Lifetime Guarantee ·
How to Guarantee a Sock for Life (Unconditionally)
by Darn Tough Vermont
We get a decent stream of mail and comments asking how can we possibly offer an Unconditionally Lifetime Guarantee on our socks. So, let’s get right into the how and why behind making socks with a lifetime warranty.
Alex holding up the Preserve sock with a bunch of students in the background doing stamp art
Here in VT · Our Giving ·
The Bright Side of Playing with Your Food
by Alex McClain
When asked, if I would be interested in taking part in an art project to celebrate our Knit to Give program with local students, I was initially hesitant, only because I have had very little exposure around kids in my adult life. But then, I realized the students are the same age I was when I was introduced to art.
Welder working on pipe, sparks flying, good thing he's wearing fire resistant socks from darn tough
Merino Wool · Sock 101 ·
Merino Wool's Less-Discussed Benefit: It Makes Fire Resistant Socks
by Darn Tough Vermont

When you consider the benefits of Merino Wool, the fact that it makes great fire resistant socks probably isn’t one that you’ve put much thought into. But if you’re a wildland firefighter or flying with the Air Force, this less-discussed benefit of Merino Wool might rank high on your list.

Two skiers on the slop using adaptive skis as part of a high five foundation event
Our Partners ·
High Fives Foundation & Darn Tough Vermont: Strength in Sharing Communities
by High Fives Foundation

We believe, together, we can create a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries. Since its inception in 2009, The High Five Foundations has helped over 480 athletes and veterans. 

Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
Hiking · Sock 101 ·
Do I Need Sock Liners for Hiking?
by Owen Rachampbell
In this post I’m going to get into the pros and cons of liner socks to help you determine your best footwear system. Spoiler: I truly don’t think you need liners if you have the right sock and shoe combo. So let’s get into it…
A knit sweater with several holes getting darned
How-to ·
How to Darn Socks, Sweaters, & More
by Darn Tough Vermont
Nobody wants holey socks, yet I’m willing to guess you’ve worn them at least once. You know the feeling of cold toes or chilled heels, maybe debated whether it was better to leave your shoes on. Darning your socks is surprisingly simple - here's how.