Socks are getting no love right now in the world of menswear because everyone is still head up their ass in love with the sockless trend. Before you get all /b/ about that comment, hear me out. Yes, I will – and frequently do – wear shoes without socks. If you’re anything like me, you’ve found a few too many pairs of shoes on Gilt/Jack Threads/Whatever’s Next that you couldn’t pass up. When you get that sweet pair of whatever it is and they’re just a BIT too small what do you do? Return them? Hell no. You man up and deal with it. This will inevitably lead to blood stains, callouses, and blisters. These are all things you have probably already accepted, but you don’t have to. If you want to go sockless, that’s fine, but doing so means you have no right to bitch about being uncomfortable.

First off, these Merona socks (Target brand for those of you who don’t shop with the common folk) aren’t going to last forever. This isn’t American deadstock/woodstock/heritage/adjective quality people. I really wish the tag hadn’t gotten thrown out because it’s almost too ridiculous to believe. Merona socks are basically the clothing equivalent of mystery meat. Something along the lines of 17% rayon / cotton / polyester / nylon / cardboard and some other random stuff thrown in for good measure. They’re super thin dress socks with just enough pop to really set off or cement an outfit. There’s even a pair with the almost Navajo/Aztec design commonly found on chunky vintage cable knit sweaters – if you’re into that.

Is it disposable fashion? Definitely. The seam quality isn’t amazing and like other thin – yet comfortable – dress socks, they probably tear easily. As a man of discerning taste, you’re probably wondering why I’m spending all this time rationalizing talking about Merona socks when they don’t seam that great. Up til now, I haven’t mentioned the fact that these Merona socks are $5 a three pack. The math boils down to one pair of Merona socks for $1.67. That’s cheaper than Red Bull, beer, a McRib, and pretty much anything I can think of.

I’m not saying that these Merona socks will ever be a replacement for Stance, Oberon, Happy, or Scott-Nichol socks – they won’t. Looking as good as they do – and at this price – it’s worth picking up a few pairs ($5!) of Merona socks to throw in your desk, bag, or her dresser (accidentally, of course) because they’re great to have in a pinch.

$5 / 3 pair at Target