Are Cashmere Socks Worth the Money? (2024)

You’re probably no stranger to paying a premium for the most basic of life’s necessities. Like, $4 for a cup of coffee? Of course! Papa needs his thinking juice. How about a $7 bottle of water? Sure thing—all that alkalinity just tastes better. But when it comes to socks, despite all their fine work protecting and pampering your tired dogs, spending anything more than a few bucks a pair can somehow feel like high robbery. As such, the very idea of cashmere socks—a good pair of which can run you hundreds of dollars—might seem laughably, inconceivably frivolous. And yet: magazines like this one keep pushing them on you, year after year, gift guide after gift guide, so there must be something to them. Right?

Today, we're going to answer all your cashmere sock questions once and for all—and share several of our tried-and-true favorite pairs ranging from affordable (well, for cashmere socks) to over-the-top splurge-y. How could any pair of socks be worth that kind of money? Where does one even wear socks that expensive? And how do you care for them once you have worn them? You asked, we answered. Here’s everything you need to know about the swankiest foot-coverings on the planet.

What’s so special about cashmere?

Let us count the ways. It’s the champagne of wool. What are we celebrating, exactly? You. Cashmere comes from the luscious undercoats of goats you can usually spot on a morning run in the foothills of the Himalayas. Cashmere is one of the softest fibers in the world and is actually hollow, making it extremely lightweight. As if it couldn’t get any better, it’s also naturally antimicrobial. So consider any dank bouquets cancelled. There’s nothing worn-out, chilly feet could use more.

Are cashmere socks warm?

Cashmere goats survive -40F winters wearing nothing but their body hair. So, yeah, cashmere socks are warm.

Are they warmer than wool?

Several times warmer than wool, in fact. Cashmere fibers are finer, lighter and warmer, which means you won’t have to resort to extra bulky socks to keep your feet insulated.

Can you wash cashmere socks?

Yes! How? By hand, with cold water, and flat drying. Do not wash your cashmere socks in a washing machine. Definitely don’t toss them in the dryer. This is the part about cashmere socks that’s not so luxurious. Unless, of course, you're the kind of person who can afford to pay someone to hand wash your socks for you. In which case, you probably already own cashmere socks and don't need to be reading this in the first place.

How long do cashmere socks last?

Let’s put it this way: Would you wrap your feet in a cashmere sweater and go for a walk? Cashmere is known for its fineness and softness, not for its durability. Some brands even specifically designate their cashmere socks as "bed socks." In other words, cashmere socks are more of…an indoor cat. They won’t disintegrate after a few wears, but pure cashmere socks aren’t built for daily walking. You going to want to save them for a personal day, paired with your favorite house shoes.

However! If you desperately need a hit of luxury on the go, there are plenty of cashmere blends out there—beefed up with more resilient materials like merino wool and nylon—to help you do just that.

How much are cashmere socks?

It varies, but, they’re expensive. The entry point for a worthwhile pair of unadulterated, 100% cashmere socks generally floats around $60. If you're feeling really reckless, you could take out a second mortgage and spring for a pair from Loro Piana or Thom Browne, which hover in the hundreds. (Yes, for a single pair of socks!)

Even with cashmere becoming more accessible than ever before of late—labels like Uniqlo and Everlane now hawk sweaters made from the stuff at very reasonable price points—finding a decent pair of cashmere socks at a price that makes sense for, you know, socks is still difficult. The closest thing you'll find are those blended joints we mentioned earlier (which, as we mentioned, certainly have their advantages), which should run you somewhere in the market of $25 for a decent pair.

Are cashmere socks worth it?

After living through 2020? Hell yeah, brother. Cashmere socks were put on this Earth with the sole purpose of showing you a good time at home, in bed, on your chaise lounge, and on your front porch. They’re meant for relaxing at home, lulling your aura into the astral plane. They won’t replace your freshly upgraded house shoes, but they will take them to unexplored heights of comfort.

Which cashmere socks should I get?

Glad you asked this totally legit, extremely non-planted question. Here are a few pairs worth splurging on, in a range of prices listed from least to most expensive.