Darn Tough socks sizing question

[Hondo]

I wear a size 11 in most footwear and found the Darn Tough size Large socks to be adequate in length but too snug in the calf area for higher hunting boot socks so I went to an XL which helped. I have 18" calves for reference. After a few washes the extra length diminished. In a 3/4 sock that I use for hiking boots & trail shoes the size Large does fine.