Monday, June 26, 2023

These Colorful Socks Are My New Go-Tos For Summer

Socks — we love cozying up in them, gifting a pair to others, and miraculously finding a complete set after washing them. We all have our favorites that we put through the wringer, so it may be time to restock our sock drawers with fresh styles. I know it’s true for me. It’s why I was excited to be able to try Bombas socks, especially its best-sellers as well as its new spring arrivals. I’ve heard rave reviews about the brand’s socks (mostly from my mom because of their incredible support and comfort). The comfortable, ultra-supportive socks come in a broad range of casual everyday styles along with athletic styles. And now, there are even more bright and colorful Bombas socks available, perfect for the spring and summer.

If you’ve never heard of Bombas, the main thing you need to know is that its socks praised for being comfortable, supportive, and durable. So while you’re paying a tad more than normal for a pair of socks, the quality makes up for it. From their signature Honeycomb Arch Support System, which adds compression around the arch of the foot, to the unique small-medium-large size range, Bombas’ socks offer the perfect fit. The brand also pays close attention to details surrounding toe seams, sliding, sweat-wicking, contouring, and pilling. Say goodbye to shifting, sweaty socks, and say hello to non-budging, dry ones.

And because we know you care about where you spend your hard-earned money, you’d probably be thrilled to learn that for every pair of Bombas socks purchased, another is donated. Bombas’ mission is to give back to as many communities as possible, donating their socks to homeless shelters, rehabilitation centers, medical facilities, and more organizations. So when you purchase socks from Bombas for yourself, you’ll be spreading that joy to others too.

With all that said, here’s my honest review of five different everyday and active Bombas sock styles in size small, as a 7.5 size foot. Spoiler: My mom’s fave is also mine!

Stylish Spring Bombas Sock Styles

I often face the dilemma of needing support around the arch of my foot (thanks to annoyingly common plantar fasciitis inflammation) but also not wanting too-thick socks that make me sweat. When I tried Bombas’ aqua Flower Power Ankle Socks, I found that I got the best of both worlds. The Supima cotton is super-cushiony and slightly thick, and it has a light compression. After wearing the socks out for a day of errands, I was super-comfortable and not sweaty at all. The “anti-blister tab” at the back of the ankle was also a big bonus for me. And for those with sensory issues, the seamless toe area is a brilliant solution.

I also enjoyed Bombas’ cheery Days of the Week Lightweight Ankle Socks but for different reasons. This style was much thinner, airier, and more lightweight. I probably wouldn’t wear these on days I walk a lot, but I found them perfect for wearing around the house. And it’s truly the cutest and most playful design. While many colorways have sold out in this style, the tulip design is still available. And if you’re shopping for a toddler, there’s a seven-pair set for every day of the week.

The weather is a bit wild at the moment, with days bouncing between 60 and 80 degrees, o there’s still a need for socks that can be comfortably worn under booties. The Hybrid Ribbed Quarter Socks are the perfect height and weight for just that. The ribbed cotton is soft, and Bombas’ Stay-Up Technology did, in fact, keep them from falling down. While these were perfect under booties, I’ll definitely be wearing the purple socks with a pair of white sneakers for a trendy ’80s-esque look this spring.

Comfy Athletic Bombas Sock Styles

Now, my mom’s favorite Bombas socks are the All-Purpose Performance Ankle Socks. She wears them when she needs to be on her feet for long hours, and they keep her feeling supported while working retail shifts. As soon as I slipped these on, I was stunned by just how cushiony they really are. I also loved that, unlike most socks, these have a right and left side to them for the best possible foot contouring and fit. 

I wore these for a Zumba dance class, and they were oh so comfortable throughout the nonstop bouncing around. These socks are intended to wear for any type of physical activity and incorporate the brand’s Hex Tec technology for breathability and moisture-wicking. I feel like this helped keep my feet dry despite over an hour of my high-impact cardio session. I was really amazed by these socks, and I know I’ll be going back to them over and over again.

I also tried Bombas’ best-selling Running Ankle Socks. To be perfectly honest, I don’t run. But I do weight-train, and the All-Purpose Performance Socks are a bit too cushiony for lifting weights when I need to be extra grounded and stable. I wore the running socks for my workout and thought they were great. Like the all-purpose socks, these also have arch support, moisture-wicking properties, and right-left contouring. They’re just slightly thinner, which is supposed to help with flexibility and speed for the actual runners out there.

New & Best-Selling Bombas Sock Styles

In the end, I was really happy with each of these Bombas socks, with the All-Purpose Performance Socks and Flower Power Ankle Socks clinching first place as my new go-to spring socks. And knowing that five pairs of Bombas socks have been donated to people who truly need them, thanks to my purchase, is the cherry on top.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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13 Queer-Owned Fashion Brands (Accessories Included) To Shop Pridefully

Welcome to Prideful, a month-long stretch where we celebrate our identities with pride and honor queer-owned brands, whether it’s fashion items that give us gender euphoria or our favorite queer-friendly sex toys.

Pride Month is a great time to buy from queer-owned businesses, especially queer fashion brands. No matter where you fall on the gender or sexuality spectrum, we've compiled the best queer-owned fashion brands that sell everything from clothing, intimates, and swimwear to accessories like bags and jewelry in a range of styles and vibes that'll fit your taste. From compressive binder-alternative pieces to gender-neutral clothing lines and healing crystal necklaces, there's something for everyone. We've even included lifestyle brands and retailers that offer a broader range of products in addition to fashion, including inclusive lingerie, queer-made beauty products, and homeware finds.

By shopping small and queer-owned brands, know that you're supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and spreading awareness for more queer creators. Read on to learn more about the queer-owned fashion brands to shop this month and beyond for a stylish, well-rounded wardrobe.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Leota


Queer founder of Leota, Sarah Carson, created her brand with inclusivity at the forefront — it's a female-run business celebrating every body shape and offering pieces in sizes XS through 3XL. Find fun, flirty dresses in bold prints and bright colors along with a sprinkle of jumpsuits, rompers, and separates that are perfect for the summer.

Shop Leota

Leota Curve Poplin Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at Leota

TomboyX


TomboyX is well-known for its gender-neutral intimates from boxer briefs and compression tops and tucking panties and period underwear. Queer couple Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez filled a gap in the market here, supplying a range of pieces that anyone on the gender spectrum can shop from by making those pieces available in sizes 3XS through 6XL.

Shop Tomboy X

TomboyX Essentials Soft Bra - Fruit Salad, $, available at TomboyX

ARSN


Shay Ericksen and Kaila Rhubright started their jewelry brand with love, lust, and heartbreak as core themes of each product (and each cheeky product name). Shop statement gold and silver jewelry, including vintage-inspired pieces as well as bold sunglasses.

Shop ARSN

ARSN Stripped Down Earrings, $, available at ARSN

ARSN Choke On All That Sh*t You Talked Necklace, $, available at ARSN

Andie Swim


We all know and love Andie Swim, but you may not know that it was created by queer founder Melanie Travis. She managed to create swimwear that's not over-sexualized, is body-inclusive, and is also sustainable. You'll find timeless swimwear, resortwear, and loungewear with a twist that you'll want to soak up the sun in all day long.

Shop Andie Swim

Andie Swim The Tulum One Piece, $, available at Andie Swim

Ality


Named after founder Ality Richardson, this "gender free low-key luxury brand" offers streetwear staples that embrace and celebrate individuality. You can build a versatile wardrobe with this small but mighty collection of shirts, hoodies, joggers, and outerwear.

Shop Ality

Ality That T-Shirt, $, available at Ality

Ality Good Vibe Joggers, $, available at Ality

Urbody


This trans-woman-owned brand started by friends Mere Abrams and Anna Graham sells gender-inclusive intimates and loungewear from underwear and compression tops to sports bras and bike shorts. These pieces are designed for trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks to feel confident in what they wear under their clothes.

Shop Urbody

Urbody Half Tank Cotton Compression Top, $, available at Urbody

Urbody Cotton Hip Brief, $, available at Urbody

Minna


Queer-led retailer Minna was created by Sara Berks with a focus on working with master artisans in Central and South America as well as showcasing other queer, POC, and women-owned brands. There's a large range of homeware with a smaller collection of bags, hair accessories, jewelry, and robes to peruse.

Shop Minna

Minna Valley Bag Ripple, $, available at MINNA

Honey Birdette


If you're looking for sensual and playful lingerie from a queer-owned brand, look no further than Australian company Honey Birdette. In addition to sex toys, the brand expanded into a broad range of intimates and lingerie and recently dipped into eco-friendly swimwear.

Shop Honey Birdette

Honey Birdette Emily Toffee Bustier, $, available at Honey Birdette

Honey Birdette Emily Toffee Thong, $, available at Honey Birdette

CLED


AAPI and queer-owned jewelry brand CLED was started by Seulye Jo with a mission to recycle glass and upcycle it to create stunning statement pieces. Fall in love with its colorful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and charms featuring "gems" created from discarded glass bottles.

Shop CLED

CLED Duo Sculpture Ring, $, available at CLED

CLED Heart Dangling Ring, $, available at CLED

CLED Oval Sculpture Ring, $, available at CLED

Woxer


Alexandra Fuente created her Latine-, woman-, and queer-owned brand because of her own struggle with finding comfortable boxer briefs that fit all bodies and genders. The inclusive product line includes full-coverage underwear and bralettes in sizes small through 3XL.

Shop Woxer

Woxer Icon Bralette, $, available at Woxer

Woxer Baller Boxer Brief, $, available at Woxer

Jeff Wan


Queer designer Jeff Wan creates sleek and classic leather goods and accessories, including wallets and keychains. The brand also recently stepped into the metaverse with its signature leather lunch box purse coming with an NFT.

Shop Jeff Wan

Jeff Wan Lunch Box 11 + NFT, $, available at Jeff Wan

House of Intuition


Couple Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas started their brand with spirituality at the forefront and the hope to bring power and intention to the lives of their customers. You can shop across homeware, beauty, jewelry, and much more, and you can even shop by theme, such as "self-love," "astrology," and "healing."

Shop House of Intuition

House of Intuition Rose Quartz Teardrop Necklace, $, available at House of Intuition

Lorals


Queer founder Melanie Cristol created Lorals so that more people can enjoy great sex on their own terms. The brand sells sheer underwear that can be worn during mess-free oral sex — just choose between pleasure and protection styles with the latter offering FDA-cleared STI protection.

Shop Lorals

Lorals Sheer Pleasure Bikinis - 4 Pack, $, available at Lorals

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