Should You Get a Sock of the Month Subscription?

Should You Get a sock of the month Subscription?



Which Material is Best for Socks? Whether you’re thinking about getting a sock of the month subscription or trying to decide which socks are best to purchase in bulk, it helps to know the benefits and drawbacks of each material before you make your final decision. Cotton socks are soft and breathable, but they tend to pill after frequent wear and can shrink over time if they aren’t treated well. Wool socks are warm but not as soft or breathable as cotton; this material does tend to last longer than cotton, though, so it might be more cost-effective in the long run.



All About Cotton

When you’re picking socks, cotton is one of your best bets. Cotton is breathable and softens up with each wash, making it ideal for year-round wear. But, not all cottons are created equal. Make sure to look for extra-long staple or Egyptian cotton when buying new socks—the longer fibers help create better elasticity and durability that lasts through more than 20 washes. And speaking of materials...



All About Nylon

Nylon is one of your best bets when it comes to socks. They're durable, usually offer anti-odor properties and they come in a variety of colors. If you don't like that much variety—or if you need more support than nylon can provide—go with wool or cotton. Both these materials also hold up well over time and come in an assortment of colors, although sometimes your only option will be earth tones (unless you want socks with stripes or polka dots). Cotton is softer than nylon and wool, but it's not quite as durable as other options.



The Benefits and Drawbacks of Merino Wool

Wool is generally considered to be one of, if not, the best material for socks. It’s natural and biodegradable, for starters, so you can feel comfortable about its impact on nature (though there are also synthetic merino wool options as well). Merino wool is also naturally anti-microbial, which means it doesn’t hold odors or breed bacteria like some synthetics can. And that means when you have to wear socks all day long—whether at work or hiking—you won’t need to worry about gross smelly feet. One drawback: Merino wool is more expensive than cotton and other types of synthetic fibers.



All About Spandex & Polyester

If you’re looking for strong, lightweight material that won’t let you down (think high abrasion), go with nylon and spandex. It can get pricey, but it will last longer than cotton or acrylic. If you’re after something more breathable, be sure to look for socks made from wool. Not only does it resist pilling, but it's naturally resistant to bacteria and odor as well. Polyester is great if you're looking for something durable, cheap, and machine-washable.



What are we left with?

In terms of cost, it's easy to calculate. A pair of decent socks in Target might cost about $4.00 and you'll get about two pairs for that price (possibly less if they're on sale). With sock-of-the-month clubs, you'll get three to five pairs every month (depending on what kind you subscribe to), which works out to between 30 and 50 cents per pair; in many cases, that's more expensive than shopping for them yourself. On top of that is shipping costs, which will typically be about $3.00 per month—and chances are good that you won't even wear all your socks before they have to be shipped again.