Buttons, piping, shoe eyelets, you know all that. But do you really know the bottom of the sock? Don't worry: we're going to deal with this subject without taking ourselves too seriously.
Yes, there is an alternative to dark socks. (Credits: Trend Bridged)
Brief history of men's socks
The history of socks commands respect, their birth is estimated around 2000 BC. They quickly became the elegant complement to breeches, distant ancestors of our current shorts...
Virility in the 16th century: breastplate, sword at the side... and white breeches.
As fashion evolved, men began to abandon breeches with the appearance of modern pants. The knee-highs arrive in parallel, stopping sharply below the knee, then it's the turn of the socks and, finally, the mid-socks .
The future will tell us if these underwear will survive, history shows that their length is constantly decreasing... until it disappears?
Socks and socks, constantly confused
Would you put denim and selvedge in the same basket? No, of course. Likewise, “socks” , “knee-highs” and “socks” must never again be pronounced indiscriminately or, worse yet, referred to under the generic term “socks”. Here are some elements to avoid any unfortunate inaccuracies.
Knee-highs for men
The highest, the most snobbish, the most “Mister”. Sometimes the older ones too: it’s all a question of perception. They cover the calves of many fans of bespoke suits and are regularly found in the shoes of refined men.
Knee-highs love beautiful materials and hide the calves from the outside world, even when sitting with the pants pulled up. It is more relevant to wear it in winter than in summer, and even then, that is debatable.
Modern socks
Undisputed star, from shoes to sneakers, the modern sock rises above the ankle. Practical to put on and often inexpensive, they are a happy medium between knee-highs and socks.
But be careful, if sports socks manage to fit correctly on the shin, the dressier version - in lisle thread, for example - risks tumbling down on your ankles, which is extremely unpleasant and not very elegant!
Socks/solerettes for men
Increasingly present, the most low-cut version of the sock has the advantage of being discreet. If the sock timidly dares to go beyond the ankle, the solerette knows how to stay well hidden in the shoe .
Rolled-up chinos with low sneakers, three-piece suit cut in a floor-to-ceiling style ( deliberately high cuffs of the pants, editor's note ) with double buckles... Many common situations contribute to its growth.
You can find cotton socks with a thick weave, perfect for capturing moisture in the shoe on a hot July day.
An intruder is hiding in this photo, can you find him?
Recognizing quality socks
The devil is in the details: don't neglect your stockings. As usual, pay close attention to the material .
Scottish thread is ideal. It is a mercerized cotton fabric, that is to say chemically treated to modify its properties. The fiber is swollen, taking a perfect cylindrical shape: it becomes shinier, much more receptive to dyeing and more resistant.
Cotton knee-highs - made from lisle thread - are fine, soft, strong and relatively inexpensive. See how well life is done.
The famous Scottish thread, perfectly round.
Mes Chaussettes Rouges offers many variations thanks to a wide range of more precious materials. Alpaca or merino are excellent alternatives to Scottish yarn in winter, retaining its finesse while keeping the foot warm.
In case your feet have luxury tastes, silk or cashmere socks (blend or not) should be part of your wardrobe. More than a pleasure, it is - almost - ecstasy as the softness and tenderness are pleasant in a shoe stiffened by the cold.
This choice of material obviously remains personal, made according to your desires.
Cashmere and silk knee-highs: a joy, believe me...
In terms of manufacturing, the regularity of the weaving / knitting always indicates a job well done. The fineness of the Scottish thread also requires a particularly tight mesh. The final marker of a good achievement is at the end of the stocking, at the joint at the end of the toes.
On the best socks and stockings, this operation is carried out by an expert hand. Instead of a simple blind re-mesh leaving an unpleasant surplus of material inside, hand-re-mesh consists of darning each stitch to close it. That changes everything, yes.
See here how nothing sticks out, not even a thread. This homogeneity, made possible thanks to hand remeshing, ensures unparalleled comfort.
How to match your men's socks?
The experts that you are are faced with an existential question: how to match your socks with your pants and shoes? Indeed, knowing how to wear and enhance pretty knee-highs allows you to stand out in a discreet and elegant way.
The classic man who likes sobriety
What do you see ? The pants, the shoes. The bottom is elegantly forgotten.
Black, anthracite or navy blue. If he does not wear any black clothing, the classic man will nevertheless allow himself this color for his socks and knee-highs, in order to match them to his beautiful patent shoes, for example.
Completely blended into the outfit, they will fade to highlight the superb glossy leather of his derbies, or the magnificent flannel of his pleated pants.
The elegant man who loves details
The second profile likes what is refined, but without overdoing it. Out of the question for him to neglect his stockings: they are accessories in their own right. Opting for beautiful solid colors, warm or cold, he hopes that his pants will reveal a fabric that will be appreciated.
Blue flannel pants matched with patinated shoes of the same color? And presto, a pretty emerald green pair will enhance this natural palette.
What is the rule for agreements? They must be discreet:
- By subtly recalling a color present in your outfit (the brown of a belt, the green of a pocket square/tie, etc.),
- By using a neutral shade ( burgundy, purple socks, etc. ) but original, which will enhance without stifling the palette of your look.
The fiery and daring man
Cardinal red, mustard yellow, raspberry purple: the fiery man stops at nothing and makes his stockings a detail to be noticed, like the signature of a strong temperament.
So, as soon as he sits down, his Prince of Wales pants reveal a very intense, fascinating red. If there is silence at this moment, it is because the audience is speechless with admiration.
A quick summary of how to choose the right socks
Often neglected, socks are not a trivial element of our wardrobe. It would be a shame not to give it enough attention, if only for reasons of comfort! Length is an adjustment variable.
Take care of the material, and according to your desires, indulge yourself with the colors.
