Although I’m not a fan of the weather fluctuations as we go through a seasonal change but I do get excited about clothing changes. New jackets, different fabrics, and perhaps a little more colour. With all the changes on the outside layers, let’s not forget updating the under layers.Socks and underwear seem so boring and utilitarian compared to new shoes and shirts. Having these items hidden under other layers doesn’t help with playing down their excitement but we all could use a little underwear update. It is possible to own something comfortable that is also fun. These are just a few of my favourite picks.
I discovered The Candi Factory at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. I never thought I’d imagine myself flipping through piles of underwear at a public craft show but there I was and I’m glad I did. Not only are these briefs super comfy but these fabulously fun. I picked up a pair of Shazam and ruffled briefs and they are my favourite pairs. Of course knowing that they are made in Toronto has me loving them even more. Plus you can buy them from the privacy of your personal laptop.
I can sometimes feel as all the sexy underwear is designed for young model types (which I am not) but the Montreal shop I Heart Norwegian Wood appreciates the more curvier women. This high waist design not only provides a little more coverage but it looks spectacular. How can you not feel super sexy wearing these? The fact that each pair is custom made in Canada is a lovely perk.
The warmer weather has me daydreaming about flip flops and sandals (like this pair from TOMS) but socks are still a staple for the runners or just hanging around at home. I get cold feet but that’s a whole other post. On a recent trip to Huntington Beach, California we visited a number of surf and board shops and that’s where I found Stance. I was drawn to their fun designs like Mahalo, Ocean Drive and Old Bones. Of course you can get women’s socks too but I found the men’s had far more fun patterns.
Socks that are pretty cool looking are great but what about a pair that benefits others? Blue Q makes colourful and perhaps a little “in your face” socks. I love my Kick This Day in the Sunshiny Ass but their You’re Not Obsessive, You’re Compulsively Awesome socks are pretty, well, awesome. Not only will you feel great slipping these on but portion of the proceeds go toward The Nature Conservatory. Plus they design and manufacturer their own gear in the US and they employ disabled and non-disabled workforce to work together. You have to read their About Us page to just understand how this is one cool company.
Another great Canadian sock company is We Sell Socks. They too donate support others in need by donating a pair of socks to youth homeless shelters for each pair you receive. But unlike a sock manufacturer where you order a pair and it is sent to you, We Sell Socks is a monthly subscription service. That’s right, you will receive a new pair of socks sent right to your home each month. With each pair you receive each month (which will be a complete surprise), a second pair will be donated. Now that’s something to socked-up about.
So while purging your closet to make room for Spring don’t forget your underwear and sock drawer.