Tips For Purchasing the Right Pair of Men's Socks

Socks are often overlooked. Most men buy them without a thought or pick the first pair they see from their drawer and then put them on. Because socks are often bypassed as just regular articles of clothing, their quality tends to be ignored, too. What you might not know is that socks are not just underwear or protective articles of clothing for your feet—they must also work to minimise odour, keep your feet comfortable, and absorb sweat. With these in mind, you need to choose and buy your socks with care. Here are tips you can use when shopping for the best pair of men's socks:

• Not all socks are the same. They differ in the comfort they provide and the materials that they are made of. The best materials for socks are cotton, acrylic, and wool. These are natural fibres that help prevent stinky feet.
• Use cotton for summer, wool for winter. Some socks are great for cold weather; some are best worn when the temperatures are high. Wool has natural insulating properties that keep your feet warm, but they tend to be thicker, making them more ideal when it's cold. Cotton socks breathe, keeping your feet cool and dry when it's warm.
• Cotton socks have more variety in colour and design. Most manufacturers can create a wide range of socks from cotton, too, including trouser socks (for work and formal occasions) and athletic socks (for sports).
• Check for allergies. Some people are allergic to wool, making cotton socks better for them. Be sure to buy socks made of 100% cotton to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation.
• No time to wash immediately after use? Go for wool socks. They're low maintenance and do not need to be washed instantly after wearing. However, keep in mind that they require special care, such as requiring handwashing and air-drying. Never use a washing machine to clean wool socks.
• Buy by the bulk. It's cost-effective and you get two or more pairs for a cheaper price than when you buy socks separately.

Buy Thermal Underwear to Keep You Warm This Winter

Thermal underwear is a protective type of clothing that insulates your body by helping you preserve body heat. Thermal underwear is not just worn by outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts; it can also be used by those who simply want to keep extra warm during the winter, making them wardrobe must-haves. There are certain factors to consider when buying thermal underwear for winter:

• Check the thickness and weight of the underwear. Buy the right thermal underwear according to the activity or conditions that you're going to use them for. Thicker underwear is recommended if you're not going to be moving a lot, such as when you're indoors or just going out for errands.
• Check the material and look for “wicking,” which means moisture spreads out and dries quickly, preventing you from getting cold. Look for materials that make the underwear easier to wash and dry, such as a combination of nylon, wool, and spandex.
• Check for odour-control properties. Avoid polypropylene, which tends to retain sweat and moisture, causing a bad smell.
• Thermal underwear must fit snugly and comfortably. Choose underwear with stretching seams so you won't feel like it's restricting your movement.
• Go for thermal underwear with ankle seams and neat cuffs so that they don’t ride up when worn, and a soft, neat, and comfortable neckline that can prevent moisture and stop drafts.
• Consider buying thermal underwear with long torsos to protect areas of your body where your bladder and kidney are located.

Some types of thermal underwear might be a bit pricey, but it's better to invest on high-quality thermal underwear that is resilient and can be worn several times. Good thermal wear saves you money in the long run and ensures that you stay warm all throughout winter.