Tired of your dress socks scrunching up as you walk through the office? Boardroom Socks claims that their over-the-calf socks will stay up all day long.
Nothing ruins my morning quite like finding another hole in my dress socks. You know the moment: You’re already running late, coffee in hand, and as you’re pulling on that crisp navy sock, your big toe pokes through like it’s saying, “Surprise!”
It’s crazy how, at this point, we’ve accepted that dress socks are disposable. I know personally, I do; the last time I bought dress socks was in college. I got a bulk pack off eBay for a few bucks a pair, and you know how many I still use today? Zero. They all ripped, tore, and were worn down.
I used to think that I was just rough on my socks, but after a few searches and Reddit discoveries (yes, I actually research this kind of stuff), I discovered that we’re all pretty much fighting the same battle. Those department store dress socks, with their cheap polyester blends, are basically designed to fail.
They start off looking sharp but give them a few weeks of daily wear and washing, and suddenly, they’re as thin as tissue paper. The most frustrating part? We keep buying them because they’re convenient and seemingly affordable. But when you’re replacing your entire sock drawer every few months, are they really that budget-friendly?
After watching another pair of socks deteriorate in record time, I wondered if there had to be a better way. Turns out, there is, thanks to Boardroom Socks.
About Boardroom Socks
For Mike James, the perfect dress sock wasn’t just about comfort – it was about preserving a legacy. In 2010, watching quality American-made over-the-calf dress socks disappear from shelves hit close to home. With seven generations of textile experience running through his family’s veins since 1837, he wasn’t about to let another piece of North Carolina’s proud manufacturing history slip away.
What started in Mike and Carol James’ attic (and eventually grew to a whopping 15,000 pairs of socks stored in their house!) has evolved into a family mission. Working alongside their son Nathan, they’ve built more than just a sock company – they’ve created a testament to American craftsmanship. From their signature over-the-calf dress socks to their partnerships with local businesses for everything down to their shipping materials, Boardroom Socks proves that “Made in USA” isn’t just a label – it’s a commitment to quality that spans generations.
Today, they might have moved out of that sock-filled attic, but their dedication to North Carolina manufacturing remains unchanged, one perfectly crafted sock at a time.
It All Comes Down to the Details
Boardroom was kind enough to send me three pairs of their Merino wool over-the-calf socks, so I’ve been trying them out recently. They sent the charcoal and light grey herringbone, olive and navy houndstooth, and the burgundy and navy houndstooth. You know that moment when you try something on and think, “Oh, this is different”? That’s exactly what happened here. These feel substantial—not in a bulky way, but in that “these actually feel like quality” way. The Merino wool blend makes such a difference compared to those flimsy cotton socks that seem to wear out after a few washes.
Let’s talk about that seamless toe for a second. If you’ve ever spent a whole day fidgeting with your shoes because that annoying sock seam is driving you crazy, you’ll appreciate this feature. Add in the reinforced heels and toes (because who hasn’t had a big toe bust through after a few wears?), and you can tell these socks were designed by people who actually wear dress socks daily.
What really sets these apart is that they’re made right here in the USA, where Boardroom can control every aspect of production. They’ve nailed the colorfast dye process, too—these socks won’t fade or shrink, maintaining their rich color and perfect fit wash after wash. It’s those little details that justify investing in quality over quantity.
How Do They Perform?
Working from home means I basically live in comfortable clothes, but I still like to keep things somewhat professional above the ankles (you never know when a surprise video call might pop up). These socks have become my daily go-to over the past couple of days, and a few things really stand out.
Let’s start with what everyone wants to know about over-the-calf socks—yes, they actually stay up. All day. No adjustments are needed between Zoom calls or during my quick walks around the neighborhood. Fair warning, though: they run pretty snug. If you’ve got larger calves from all those leg days at the gym, you might find them a bit tight at first, though several reviewers mention they do relax a bit with wear.
When it comes to comfort, the merino wool blend really shines. Even after multiple washes (cold water, gentle cycle as recommended), they’ve maintained their softness and shape. There is no shrinkage, no color fading, and, most importantly, no sagging by the end of the day. The thickness is just right—substantial enough to feel quality but not so thick that your dress shoes feel tight.
What really impressed me is how they regulate temperature throughout the day. Whether I’m sitting at my desk or taking a quick walk between meetings, my feet stay comfortable without getting sweaty—something my old cotton dress socks never managed to achieve.
Should You Order Boardroom Socks?
Here’s the deal: if you’re anything like me and tired of playing that endless game of “which socks will get holes this month,” just go ahead and grab some Boardrooms. Yes, you’ll pay more than those six-packs at Target, but think about how many of those you’ve tossed out over the years.
These feel like they’ll actually last, and honestly, there’s something pretty cool about wearing socks made by a family business in North Carolina that’s keeping American textile manufacturing alive.
After wearing these for a few weeks, I understand why people are leaving glowing reviews. And we’ve reviewed Boardroom before, so trust us when we say they’re just… better. Sometimes, paying more upfront saves you money (and frustration) in the long run, and these socks are a perfect example of that. Quality really does make a difference.
What do you think about Boardroom Socks? Let us know in the comments below!
