Connecting to Community (and my 3-year-old) with Awesome Socks

How Awesome Socks cure dull outfits and imposter syndrome while raising funds for maternal health. By Caitlin Hofmeister

I used to help my three-year-old get dressed in the morning, but lately, we’ve been helping each other. I make sure her outfits are weather-appropriate, and she makes sure my outfits are colorful and “not dull.” So, obviously, we’re both big fans of Awesome Socks. 

Even when I have a presentation or a big meeting I want to dress a little more neutral for, Awesome Socks add just enough color and fun patterns to earn her discerning approval. And honestly, they’ve sort of become my secret sauce. It’s hard to feel nervous or any inkling of imposter syndrome when I’m wearing awesome socks! 

They make me feel connected to my kiddo, but also everyone in the Awesome Socks Club. Like Brooke P., a high school special education teacher who instituted Fun Sock Friday for their classes.

Or Emma, who wears them under steel-toe boots! Heading into a group training I was leading recently, I felt a little more confident knowing Emma and I might be wearing the same socks designed by Gabe Schneider.

Having worked with Hank and John since 2012, I have the pleasure of working with a lot of people in the Awesome Socks Club, so we’re always delighted when we notice we’re rocking our socks. And we end up comparing notes on our favorite patterns and Awesome Socks artists, like Nick Nazzaro and Muhammad Fatchurofi. 

Even when I meet people who have never heard of Awesome Socks (poor souls), my socks can help strike up a conversation about art or maternal health. Complimenting someone’s socks is such a safe and gentle way to start some small talk, but with Awesome Socks, those conversations always turn into Big Talk, and I get to learn about other people and what they care about. 

I’ve yet to spot Awesome Socks in the wild on someone I don’t already know (it’s happened with Pizza John shirts, which is always fun), but I know I will, and I’m excited for when that happens. We’ll have so much to talk about! 

And in the meantime, I’m grateful for the awesome community behind Awesome Socks. Thanks for fighting to make the world a better place (and thanks for helping my ever-patient kiddo get me dressed in the morning).