I have new socks.
I’ve been looking for a source for the
all-cotton ankle socks that I like to wear with my New Balance sneakers, under
trousers. I always wear New Balance shoes because they have a support system
for people who tend to twist ankles, one that usually works for me. I like either
all-cotton or silk socks; my feet are always sweaty and synthetics make me feel
like I’m sloshing through puddles, inside my shoes. I used to buy socks from
almost any retail outlet – Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, and store-brands all had
multipacks of white, all-cotton socks until a few years ago. Then, gradually,
my sources dried up, one after another. My last resort was one of Walmart’s store
brands – I can’t remember which. About 18 months ago, they changed to polyester
and my sources were no more. I’ve been looking ever since as, although I stocked
up during the heyday period, my stash of socks was increasingly becoming
depleted, so much so that I no longer had a full week’s supply and most of the
remaining socks were becoming very threadbare.
I’m no longer hoarding my clean socks; I discovered that one
of Amazon’s suppliers offers Buster Brown brand socks for a reasonable price. I
ordered a dozen pairs and was pleasantly surprised to discover that they are
made from a much finer thread than I am used to; they feel like silk socks
(which were my favorites but much too expensive for daily wear). They have no
elastic, so they fall down, but that’s all right. They are absorbent. And they
feel good without breaking my budget!
I’m very fussy about the clothes that lie next to my skin. All-natural
fibers are best. Cotton and silk feel good. I once had a wool shirt that had
such smooth fibers, it was warm but didn’t scratch, but usually, I wear cotton
or silk under woolens, to protect my skin. Most synthetics feel bad. Real polar
fleece (made by Malden Mills) is an exception to my general rule of avoiding
synthetics, but even it makes terribly sweaty socks (unless you are in a cast,
with otherwise bare toes sticking out in the cold, the way I have been, lately!).
Some combinations of fibers are all right but most are just trying to disguise
the horrid sensation of the synthetic part while taking advantage of their cheap
cost. Mostly, the combinations are not as good as all-natural fibers.
So why am I writing about socks? Socks are very important
for foot health. I’m very pleased to have new socks; now, I have an adequate
supply of all of the necessities – panties, bras, and socks. I didn’t have to
compromise my personal comfort for either price or availability. I’ve got plenty
of nice, new socks! New socks, new socks, new socks!
Maybe now would be the time to go through my drawers and get
rid of all of the socks that I’ve bought at different times and rejected as
uncomfortable, once I opened the package and tried one on. I’ve probably got a
couple of dozen brand-new pairs that I hate and will never wear. Maybe my local
shelter would like them as a donation. While I’m at it, I should weed out the
worn-out, the wrong sizes, things with stretched-out elastic, and the other
rejects of my underwear collection. These might not be good for a donation but
it would do me good to have space in my closets and drawers. Anyone need to
make a bunch of sock puppets? Let me know and wish me luck!
