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Everyone loves a good deal, as it’s getting harder and harder to save as the days go by. On the bright side of things, there is no shortage of wholesale bulk suppliers in the market these days. On the dimmer side of things, that also means that there are just as many who would want to trick or scam potential shoppers with what seems to be the “perfect deal.” Buying wholesale or bulk is definitely a cost-effective way to stock your business or wardrobe. Unfortunately, there is always a risk involved when it comes to buying wholesale. Whether you’re buying from Wish or a small business owner, there is an inherent risk to buying 12+ of something to resell for profit. There’s a risk even if you aren’t reselling! However, there are some ways to tell good from bad quality when buying in bulk. While many of these companies can be pretty crafty, once you learn the basics, you will surely be surprised by how easy it is to weed out the good from the bad.
Socks by Activity
Socks at REI are organized by intended activity. Each features subtle differences in construction:
Athletic/multisport socks: This broad category ranges from traditional white gym socks (updated with moisture-wicking fabrics) to technical socks intended for cross-training and running. Most provide some sole cushioning but have minimal bulk overall.
Running socks: These range from thin liner socks with very little padding to those with dense cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot. Some runners prefer less padding for a better fit in their shoes; others like more padding for added cushioning and reduced foot fatigue.
Walking socks: These offer cushioning and moisture-wicking properties for fitness walkers.
Casual socks: Though distinguished by their casual styling (colors, stripes, etc.), these lightweight socks, at least those found at REI, usually feature performance fabrics such as merino wool.
Lightweight hiking socks: These relatively thin socks provide a good fit for hikers with high-volume feet (i.e., feet that are wide or have a high instep). They wick away moisture and offer modest cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot. They are thinner, especially on the top, than midweight socks and can be worn with or without liner socks.
Midweight backpacking socks: Their additional thickness gives a good fit to hikers with low-volume feet (i.e., feet that are narrow or have a low instep). They offer more padding in the heel and ball of the foot than do lightweight hiking socks, plus cushioning on the top of the foot and leg for comfort on long trails. They can be worn with or without liner socks.
Mountaineering socks: These heavyweight socks are your thickest option, with extra bulk and padding for cold, rugged conditions.
Ski and snowboard socks: These are padded in the shin area and usually underfoot as well. Otherwise, they are thin and not intended to provide significant warmth; rather they are meant to protect your feet from pressure points and rubbing inside the boots. Their design also serves to not interfere with the energy needed to make quick turns.
Dyes
Look for good-quality dyes. This is one of the easier ones to identify at first glance. Dyes that bleed onto other things such as skin or other clothes or are splotchy are not good quality! Dyes that have even coloring and don’t bleed onto your skin or clothes are good quality. In my personal experience, this is especially prevalent with red dyes, immediately followed by black. There will inevitably be some bleeding with certain color dyes, but when the sock continues to bleed after several washes or every time you put it on, it’s bad quality.
Fabric
Breathability is a huge factor in determining good quality in socks. Socks that have absolutely no breathability can actually cause health problems such as foul odors, athletes’ foot, and toenail fungus! When shopping for wholesale socks, look for a material in the description of the item. If a sock is made from something like cotton or a polyester blend, it’s probably breathable!
Craftsmanship
While you might call it something else, craftsmanship is something every single wholesale or bulk shopper looks for. One of the best things a company can do is provide what kind of sock materials they use. When a sock has poor craftsmanship, it’s almost always obvious. They wear out quickly, they don’t hold their shape, and frankly, they’re uncomfortable. When shopping for good craftsmanship in wholesale sock deals, look for keywords such as “ring-spun yarn,” “reinforced toe,” “reinforced heel,” and “wick,” as in “wicking moisture away.”
Shape holding
It was Sophia Petrillo who cursed her former lover by saying, “may your socks always slip down inside your shoes.” What a good curse that was! Have you ever had a pair of socks that are good for the first or second time you wear them, then they start sliding down your ankles and into your shoe? It’s annoying! An important thing to look for when buying bulks of socks is whether or not they are shape-holding. You don’t want to be stuck with 100+ socks that you’re constantly having to stop what you’re doing and fidget with them! And your customers don’t want that, either.
Comfort
The bottom line is that bad socks are just uncomfortable! When you have a sock that doesn’t hold its shape, has suffocating fabrics, and is clearly made from inefficient materials, you’ll be spending more trying to replace your supply in a less than favorable amount of time. It can be so easy to get stuck with a bad deal, especially with the slew of bulk companies out there. Luckily for you, you won’t have to worry with the quality supply that’s offered through Wholesale Sock Deals. With an easy-to-navigate website, and reliable display of all available products, it’s never been easier to get a leg (or a foot) up in the world of bulk clothing shopping. So don’t waste your money with any of the would-be competitors, as your search for reliable wholesale socks has thankfully come to an end.
Padding: Look for padding on the heel and ball of the foot for cushioning and protection. Be sure the amount of padding does not make your shoe too tight. Padding is created either by increasing the density of the weave in those areas, or in some cases by weaving long-wearing materials like acrylic into those areas. This extra padding can be a real foot-saver on hard trips over rough terrain.
Arch reinforcements: Some socks offer a tighter, reinforced weave in the arch to improve support. This is primarily helpful if you have high arches, but can be useful for those with regular arches or flat feet as well. Without proper support, arches can develop arch pain or even plantar fasciitis, which can cause severe pain in your heels. Keep in mind, though, that your footwear is the key factor for arch support.
Height: In many cases, this is merely a personal or style preference. However, crew and quarter socks do offer abrasion protection from your boot tops, so we recommend socks at least this tall when you’re wearing mid- or high-cut boots.
Reviews
The last aspect that you need to consider when buying wholesale socks is the reviews. Look at online reviews and ratings of socks to choose the best type of socks that work well for various conditions, are high-quality, and fit a variety of foot shapes comfortably. If you’re not sure where to start, this can be a good place, as it gives you an idea of how many people have positively related – or negatively rated – a pack of wholesale socks.
Conclusion
When buying wholesale socks for the homeless in your community, make sure you find an ideal pack that has ample warmth, quality stitching, wicking or warm material, and is a good price for the amount and the style you are purchasing!
