There Are Pandas, and Then There Are Pandas.
And this isn't either of them! The Pandas we're talking about here, are watches, not bears. And what got me thinking about them (again) was a link posted this morning by @cm.rook who pointed a few of us to the very attractive (and not terribly priced) Yema "Rallygraph" Panda which, in it's most traditional arrangement, looks like the one on the left, but can also be had in the version on the right: The model on the left is a true Panda, while the model on the right is called a reverse Panda. The reason for that distinction is clear--Panda bears, only come in the first arrangement. Now at this point, everyone should be thinking about the most well-know Panda, The Rolex Panda, which is actually a Daytona, and among Rolex Daytonas, the most famous of which is the Paul Newman Daytona, which was famous first, because it was Paul's, and second because it sold at auction for $17.8 million (US Dollars). The story of that auction is well-known so I'll only...
Nov 8, 2019
Damn, didn't wake up today thinking "I'll buy new socks," but I'm tempted. I may be no athlete, and perhaps a thicker "sole" would be better for me because I stand all day in a retail store, BUT I HATE "swamp feet" and shoes/insoles should be most responsible for cushioning (right?). I also loathe the Vans "no show" socks I most recently bought last spring. They constantly slide under and off my heel if I run at all or even don't walk carefully and mindfully, its easy to make them stink if I wear them twice, and I'm already seeing some pairs with loose strings around the opening. I assume the latter is elastic, and also surprising because the socks end up on the bottom of the sock drawer every laundry day.
Sock-ray-blue! Maybe I should buy!
RE: should you buy. I find that I wear mostly or parts of my hiking gear daily, all year round, even if I'm just at home. It's just that much more comfortable, you don't have to be active to appreciate the difference. As you've mentioned with your Vans socks, you've come to notice the short comings of what I refer to as civilian clothing. These merino hiker socks are a performance product, but with the elegant understated styling, they can also be considered a luxury daily product.
For your personal use the benefits are: - Say goodbye to 'swamp feet'. - Reduced (to completely removed) sliding. - Reduced sock and feet odor. (personally for me it's significant, but that's subjective, I can't speak on behalf of your stinky feet through the internet.) - A cuff that stays up with longer durability.
They will not improve cushioning for your soles while standing all day at work. I used to work full time retail so I recommend a gel innersole to help with that. And to get off your feet from time to time if you can, claim IBS or something.
So far this is the best fitting sock I've ever worn (I own about 6 different types of merino socks so far). Temperature wise I would personally consider them 3 season wear: autumn(fall), winter and spring. Bit too warm for the heights of summer. In winter you should be fine if you're walking all day. But if you're sedentary you may need extra warmth (unless your shoe has padding).
I think that's all!
The top item is a half length kimono undershirt called a Han Juban (sometimes Han Jyuban). 'Han' indicates half length. A full length kimono undershirt is called a Nagajuban. The body material is cotton for next to skin comfort, and the collar and sleeves are polyester for a crisp white finish. You can purchase a Han Juban here: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/753ya/item/10006128/
The bottom item is a cotton pleated skirt from my mothers wardrobe ^_^ So you can source a skirt to your taste. Wide or pleated has more movement.
You could wear a full length Nagajuban with sash. But It does feel like a bath robe, and restricts walking. It drags against your legs, and you often expose yourself mid stride when walking with purpose. That's why women in Japan walk slowly with short strides in their kimonos.
I prefer the skirt combination. If a skirt is not for you, you could pair with wide leg trousers called Hakama.
Hakama from the same seller above in black, grey, navy and brown: http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/kyoetsu-orosiya/item/umanorihakama04/
Hakama in white, the cheapest my quick search came up with: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3colors-UNISEX-hakama-Kendo-uniform-suits-hapkido-martial-arts-pants-black-dark-blue-white/32766300040.html
Let me know how you go!
Thumbs up on your style, I respect that! Will look for more of your videos :)
You're welcome. A lot of people would still wear these for summer hiking because of the fit and cushioning. Just not for me. A summer antimicrobial sock is definitely something I'm on the look out for. Bamboo is a popular fiber for that. But they tend to be mid-weight and poor sloppy fit.
Thanks overall! I've now set a precedent that I have to meet or top.