Answer Angel: Cotton socks

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I can't seem to find 100% cotton socks. I'd prefer women's, but men's are fine since these socks seem to be nonexistent. The socks with polyester are too tight for my feet.

Do you know where I can find 100% cotton socks?

--Maureen O.

Dear Maureen: It’s hard to find clothing of any sort these days that’s 100% cotton, including socks.

Adding synthetics — for stretch or easy-care -- into the fabric mix is now the norm. This is especially true of socks, which, without stretchy fibers added, tend to bag and droop. That’s the trade-off. And socks marketed as “all-cotton” usually aren’t.

I spent an unseemly amount of time searching for genuine 100% cotton socks for you and discovered that you must read the fine print. If you do, you will soon discover that “all cotton” usually means “almost all cotton.”

However, I did find what you were looking for at QforQuinn (qforquinn.com), which sells genuine 100% cotton socks — but only one style. And even the photo of the male model wearing them shows that they’re saggy. Price is $16 a pair, all no-dye in black, natural (off-white) and gray. The website even has this warning: “Since no elastane is in the body of the sock, these socks may not fit the same way as our trouser sock.”

If readers know of other genuinely 100% cotton options, Maureen and many others with ultra-sensitive skin are eager to hear from you. Let me know.

Speaking of socks…

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Where can I find what used to be called “trouser socks"? They’re knee-highs that I wore beneath pants in cooler weather. They’re not as heavy (or warm) as regular knee-high socks. The socks I am referring to are made of the same material as truly opaque tights or pantyhose but they have none of the discomfort of those to-the-waist body squeezers?

--Brittany L.

Dear Brittany: I was surprised by your question because I’ve never had any trouble finding trouser socks — in a wide array of colors and patterns at any mall store I happened to be in.

So, on a recent shopping trip I stopped by two mall stores where I’ve reliably bought them in the past. At Marshalls there was a giant wall display of women’s socks from well-known brands (at discount prices). You are so right: not a single pair of the trouser variety. It appears that “crew” socks — which hit a few inches above the ankle bone -- have edged out not just opaque women’s trouser socks but knee-high socks in general. There wasn’t a single pair on the entire wall.

Next stop was DSW, which carries a large women’s sock inventory. Same thing: no trouser socks although there were a few options of heavy, winter-weight knee-highs decorated with snow flakes and such. However, when I got home and checked amazon.com, some of the same brands at the stores that I visited (like Hue) have trouser socks for sale. Amazon.com has a huge selection at a wide range of prices. I ordered a half-dozen in black for $12.99.

Angelic Readers

I asked for help for reader Phil B. who needed suggestions for ramps to help his aging collie, Oliver, get into the SUV for road trips. I was surprised that so many readers have had the same problem with their big dogs. There were many ideas…

Judy V. is happy with the Frisco Foldable Dog Stairs for her German shepherd/border collie, Bella (chewy.com, $69.99). “Loyal Reader” recommends Weathertech Dog Ramp (weathertech.com, $134 .95, $189.95) and suggests “a bit of training” with dog treats held in front of the dog, holding the collar gently and guiding the dog slowly up, then slowly down the ramp: “Doesn’t take long before the dog is comfortable doing this.”

Gary’s wife bought a two-step, 36-inch-wide unit for $10 at a yard sale -- probably used for a backyard swimming pool or hot tub — that works great for their dog, Charlie. Carol J. suggests a portable wheelchair ramp to donate later to a nursing home. Jennifer S. bought the Amazon Basics Foldable Non-Slip Steps for Dogs and Cats (24.5 inches wide) (amazon.com, $36.90). Kathy R. likes her Tnamasun Aluminum Foldable Dog Steps for Large Dogs (amazon.com, $69.99). Ellen G. uses a Petgear Easy Step she bought on chewy.com.