These 3 BIFL products are the unsung heroes of my golf game

This year I celebrated perhaps the universe’s biggest aging bell since childhood.

I ran out of Christmas presents to claim.

As I’ve written extensively on this website, I’m a bit of a ruthless pragmatist. I am passionate about quality and usefulness — seek to possess only a few things, but value those things deeply and use them often. I don’t shop lightly or in a hurry, and I see brand loyalty as something that must be earned every day, not something that can be bought. (Why I remain a New York Giants fan despite these qualities is, frankly, beyond my understanding.)

Maybe I shouldn’t have been so surprised when my Christmas list included just two items: boxer shorts and socks. There has never been a more useful Christmas present than underwear – never a gift more sure to come in handy in the daily pursuit of life. And, if you’re me, there’s never been more important Christmas present to get, because I am an underwear snob.

It brings me no joy to report that I regularly try to buy underwear at very high prices. It brings me no joy to tell you that I know all about the latest and greatest in hosiery and underwear technology. But it’s inevitable, and this Christmas, socks and underwear are what brought a smile to my face, because these four products are undeniably, undeniably wonderful—the exact kind of high-utility, high-quality, long-lasting products that make me glad to be alive. I’ve used these products to survive even the hottest and most grueling days on the golf course in (comparative) comfort, so I can vouch for their usefulness as a golf product, but I’ve also used them almost every day of my life. turned off course, so I can vouch for their durability and heartiness in all of life’s other endeavors, such as walking, skiing, hiking, running, dancing at weddings, and, on rare occasions, sleeping. If you’re smart, all four will be part of your wardrobe in no time.

4. Darn Tough Merino Wool Hiking Socks

I can hear you now.

“Walking socks to play golf? What a waste!”

I can also tell you what I do know, which is that merino wool is God’s gift for making socks. Basically it is higher quality material for removing sweat and regulating temperature known to mankind, and a good Merino wool socks can be worn in temperatures from the upper 90s to the low 20s without any reason for second thoughts.

Why Darn tough Merino wool hiking socks above the competition? Oh well, only because Darn Tough is the kind of US-based brand that puts its money where its mouth is, offering a lifetime guarantee on every sock purchased.

Do you find yourself cursing your socks at night like Eleanor Rigby? Email or call Darn Tough and they’ll send you a tag to get a new pair in exchange.

Yes, the price is higher than other sock brands. And yes, you’ll need to make sure you wear golf shoes that hide darker colors (if you’re into the monochromatic look – I’m not). But the product quality is second to none (and their regular white stocking variants, especially the higher cushioned variety, are just as reliable).

Tough no-show merino wool hiking socks

Your friends won’t be able to tell if you have socks on, but your feet will be able to tell. The No Show Light Hiker is the perfect match for a trail running sneaker, with 24-hour comfort with moisture-wicking Merino wool throughout and breathable mesh over the upper. Soft to the touch, soft as nails in all elements – just where you want it.

3. Lululemon Always On The Go Boxer Brief

Four years ago, Delta Airlines made a serious mistake losing my luggage on the way to Europe, which resulted in my first visit to Lululemon for a pair of Always In Motion boxers.

I had seen the boxers online before and, like most of Lulu’s products, I was generally impressed by the outrageous price. But I was in a pinch and decided to pull the trigger.

A month later, I bought two more pairs. And then three more after that. And then five couples. And then, finally, one day I looked at my wardrobe and realized that Always In Motion boxers were basically all I owned.

Four years later, I still own that first pair. They haven’t slowed down at all since that first day at Lulu, and none of their siblings have.

Lululemon Always In Motion Boxer Brief (5 Pack)

The good things. These boxer briefs feature an ergonomic design and super soft, quick-drying fabric for total comfort during exercise or on the go.

2. 5 inch cotton shorts

Kardashian-approved products aren’t exactly my first priority as a consumer, and in fact, it’s probably fair to suggest that I wouldn’t center my life around such products even if they became the dominant form of currency after a nuclear Armageddon.

But I love a good pair of boxer shorts, dammit, and the Skims 5-Inch Cotton Shorts are just that.

While Lulu shorts are fantastic for a long-lasting synthetic material, Skims are pretty much the gold standard for cotton shorts. The design is so comfortable that it often betrays the material, leaving you SENSE like you’re wearing something newer than old cotton.

Skims 5 Inch Cotton Shorts (Pack of 3)

Say goodbye to thongs and hello to your new favorite underwear with this 3-pack of boxer briefs. Made with our undeniably soft, mid-weight cotton, these shorts give you a body-hugging fit that lets you breathe.

1. Elite Max Cushion Running Socks

Another pair of epic, high quality, thick but not hot socks that are perfectly capable of a wide range of elements and can be beaten to hell without the risk of falling apart. So good that I’m wearing them as I write this story.