This year, we are thrilled to celebrate 25 years of Solmate Socks! It continues to be a vibrant, joyful journey filled with color, creativity, and connection. From our humble beginnings to becoming a beloved brand that spreads happiness with every step, we are so grateful for the incredible community that’s made it all possible. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and revisit the story of how it all began. The Spark of an Idea In 2000, Marianne Wakerlin, a passionate textile artist, had a vision to bring something unique and meaningful to the world of fashion. Inspired by her love of color and design, Marianne started crafting socks that were deliberately mismatched yet perfectly coordinated. She handknit over 100 pairs that she shared with friends and family as she explored and perfected her idea. Marianne received so much positive feedback and appreciation for the socks she made. This early feedback cemented her belief that life was too short for matching socks and so she set out to create a brand that celebrated individuality and joy. With a small collection of mismatched socks, Solmate Socks was born. Growing the Legacy What began as a small venture quickly gained traction. People were drawn to the playful, vibrant designs and the idea that mismatched socks could spark happiness. As the business grew, so did its mission. Sustainability became a core value, and every pair of socks was crafted with recycled cotton and produced in the USA, ensuring quality and environmental responsibility. In 2014, Marianne’s son Randy and his wife, Lisa, took over the business. Lisa, a longtime marketer and budding textile artist, infused new energy into the brand, taking sock design to the next level while staying true to Marianne’s vision. Together, they expanded Solmate Socks’ reach, introduced new products, and deepened the company’s commitment to sustainability and community. A Commitment to Being Made in America When Randy and Lisa took the helm at Solmate Socks, they brought their expertise in marketing, design, and operations, but they also doubled down on a value central to Solmate’s identity: a commitment to American manufacturing. In 2014, they took a bold step to secure this mission by purchasing the sock mill in North Carolina, ensuring that every pair of Solmate Socks could proudly bear the "Made in America" label. This acquisition wasn't just about geography; it was about investing in people and processes. By expanding the team and upgrading equipment, they elevated the craftsmanship and quality that Solmate Socks are known for today. Key Milestones Over the past 25 years, Solmate Socks has celebrated numerous milestones that have shaped our journey: 2000: Solmate Socks is founded by Marianne Wakerlin, introducing the world to mismatched magic. 2003: Transition to using recycled cotton, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. 2004: Launch children & baby socks. All youth socks are sold as a "pair with a spare" because kids are always loosing their socks! 2007: Whoopi Goldberg features Solmate Socks on The View as her favorite pair of socks! (She was wearing the now retired Pansy Socks in the video.) 2008: Launched the first ever Sock of the Month Club. 2009: Launch Quarter Socks 2012: Launch Fingerless Mittens 2014: Marianne retires. Lisa and Randy take the reins, continuing the family tradition and enhancing the brand’s creative vision. Randy and Lisa also buy the sock mill. 2015: Launch knee high socks. 2019: Launch ankle (aka no show) socks. 2020: Celebration of 20 years in business, navigating a global pandemic with resilience and innovation. Also, received official B-Corp Certified status. And successfully relaunched wool socks, now using a recycled merino wool. 2022: Launch of slouch socks, which we also call Fusion socks since it's the fusion of a slouch sock on the top and a Solmate patterned sock on the bottom. 2025: 25th anniversary—a milestone marked by gratitude, reflection, and a renewed commitment to spreading joy. The Community That Made It Possible Through every twist and turn, it’s been our customers, retailers, and partners who have made this journey so meaningful. From the loyal fans who have mismatched their way through decades with us to the new customers who just discovered the magic, we’re endlessly grateful for your support. Your stories, photos, and enthusiasm inspire us every day. Looking Ahead As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re also looking toward the future. Solmate Socks will continue to create socks that bring joy, while exploring new designs, products, and ways to make an even greater positive impact. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you. Thank you for walking with us through 25 years of mismatched magic. Here’s to the next chapter in our colorful journey—together!
