My new favorite thing: Ladakh socks

They should cost one thousand dollars

Dress from Niramaaya Ayurvastra
Socks from mystery girl in Ladakh

I met Ryan and Michael at Dilli Haat yesterday afternoon for shopping. There, I bought my new favorite thing: a pair of undyed sheep’s wool socks, handspun and handwoven. 

The market had a temporary special feature on Ladakhi goods, with artisans traveling from the state to display their crafts. I considered a few pairs of Ladakh wool socks before my perfect pair beckoned me to them. I inquired on the price – 300r. They should cost at least one thousand dollars.

They are creamy milk white. Simple with no pattern and exactly the silhouette I would see in my head if someone said “sock” to me. I could tell before trying them on that they were softer than the others on offer. I inquired on the price – 300r. I bought two pairs. 

We went to dinner at a Japanese restaurant in Khan Market. I felt cold from the AC and night air and slipped on the socks under the table. Butterflies in my belly. They fit me perfectly, the heel at my heel. They are warm in a way that only natural fibers can be, without a wetness and claustrophobia.

Once I realized how perfect the socks were, I saw a grave mistake in not having bought more. I immediately plotted my return to the market, arriving 8 minutes before it closed. Most sellers had already packed up their stalls. I tried desperately to retrace my steps to the stall that housed the perfect socks. I conjured my memory of the seller’s face, sweet and round, hoping to be able to recognize her.  I held up a sock and asked the other Ladakhi sellers if they knew who sold it.

Someone recognized the sock! But told me the seller had left. They gave me her phone number. I need more of these socks. 

My textile shopping is reaching a finer point than ever. My ideal is anything that is grown naturally, processed by hand (without machinery), and naturally dyed (if at all). I feel spoiled after visiting Bhujodi where everything is made by hand and comes from natural materials cultivated nearby. Hundreds of years of artistry, knowledge, textile history tucked away inside of every home.

I want my whole wardrobe to be comprised of the equivalent of a handmade wool sock. I want the same for everyone in the world.