Cover source: Flickr
The socks.
A garment that is an integral part of any man's wardrobe but which is rarely discussed.
Let's take a closer look at what we can criticize about it, as well as some ideas for strengthening your ankle style.
Socks, a neglected garment 🤔
It may be that, like many men I think, you neglect a little the role and choice of socks in your outfits.
And I plead guilty on this point. Indeed, a good portion of the socks I wear are still Uniqlo.
They are plain, reach mid-calf and sell for €10 in packs of 3.
They are affordable, available in a wide range of colors and of decent quality.
But after three or four years of wearing them, I get tired of them.
Far from being ugly, I still find them too banal , lacking a bit of panache.
And I think we can make this observation for most entry-level socks: they fulfill their role, do not shock if chosen in sober colors, but do not bring much more .
And what we want here is to go a little further. Because a beautiful outfit can be enhanced by a well-chosen pair of socks.
The alternatives 💡
To stand out with socks, I see three possible approaches:
- Their style
- Their height
- Their material
1. Textured socks
When you upgrade your socks, it's a bit like upgrading your t-shirt:
- You will find more pronounced textures, as well as pretty, well-balanced patterns.
- And when you are on plain (or close to plain), it will be more beautiful because the fiber is of better quality, because the color is better chosen.
Going for socks that are a little richer visually seems to me to be the most obvious way to go further than the plain or very lightly mottled sock.
I can perfectly see these Nudie Jeans socks in a workwear style (raw denim, cargo, fatigue pants, chinos with a slightly vintage look).
A color and shine that you don't really find on entry-level socks. Mr.P
For inspiration, I really like what the Japanese brand Ro To To does:
2. Invisible socks
I have recently noticed that some people are not aware of their existence, so I think it is a good idea to remind them.
Comment from the video Panache on Bermuda Shorts , in which Jordan wears invisible socks.
Invisible socks are, as their name suggests, invisible, whether with sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, derbies, etc.
So these are socks that you wear but you can't see them.
I encourage you to wear invisible socks when the thermometer rises:
- If you don't wear socks in your shoes. Invisible socks will provide comfort and hygiene .
- If you wear standard cotton socks, mid-calf. In this case, the invisible sock allows you to be cooler thanks to the air circulating over your ankles.
- When you wear Bermuda shorts, of course.
The ultimate in lightness: Mazarin linen/cotton invisible socks distributed by Mes Chaussettes Rouges.
Finally, we can note that the absence of visible socks constitutes a style statement in itself.
3. Knee-high socks, or high socks
The knee-high is a sock that stops just below the knee.
Above all, it allows you to ensure that your ankles are not visible when you sit down, for example.
Chosen in merino wool, it allows when it is cold to bring warmth to a larger part of your leg. Combine wool knee-highs with a beautiful long coat, and you will almost no longer need to wear pants.
(Put one in anyway.)
A very pretty Berg&Berg bottle green wool knee-high .
If you wear the costume, you should wear knee-highs . It is indeed not very elegant to have your ankles visible (or even the upper ribbed edge of your sock) when you are sitting down, in a formal outfit.
And even if you're not wearing a suit but the bottom of your outfit is rather dressy (pants and/or shoes), you should try knee-high socks. I have 2 pairs, I don't wear them very often but when I do, I feel a little something extra and it's a pretty nice sensation.
4. Socks with linen or wool, for thermal advantage
I mentioned above invisible socks with linen and knee-high socks with wool .
Here I would rather like to talk about classic mid-calf socks with linen or wool, which are quite easily found on the market.
Socks with linen
I realized their interest since I acquired a pair of Suitsupply linen/cotton socks: they are very pleasant to wear when the weather is nice but not extremely hot, between 15 and 25°.
The presence of linen brings an interesting visual roughness that you don't necessarily get with just cotton.
From memory, the composition of these Suitsupply socks is around 60% linen, 30% cotton and 10% polyamide.
Socks with wool
Although they don't provide as much coverage as knee-highs, wool socks (at least 40 or 50%) are still warm.
They can be, among other things, thicker than knee-highs, which are by definition rather thin socks.
You won't find cables on wool knee-highs. On more casual socks like here with these Norse Projects , yes.
Is synthetic in socks bad?
I am taking advantage of this part which deals with materials to make a brief comment on the presence of synthetic materials (often polyamide) in socks.
It is normal to find some synthetic in socks.
Between 10 and 30% approximately, their presence provides resistance and therefore durability to this underwear which is by nature very subject to friction.
Socks made from 100% natural materials are great, but also potentially a little more fragile.
Of course, with this sustainability in mind, it is not just the composition that counts: the quality of the fiber, the thickness of the material, the density of the knit or even the level of reinforcement of the friction zones (heel) also play a role.
My selection of brands
1. Entry level
Archduchess
Rather classic style, many colors available, French manufacturing.
This is probably where you will find the most affordable knee-highs.
Nudie Jeans
I was able to see some models of socks offered at €10 at l'Exception and I found them very nice.
The Nines
The brand offers a wide range of socks (colors, height, materials) at fairly affordable prices.
On the other hand, there is not a great deal of stylistic creativity: it remains classic, rather in plain tones.
Mr. Shoe
Alternative to Archiduchesse: colorful cotton knee-highs and mid-calf socks, rather dressy style, at an affordable price (less than €10 per pair)
2. Mid-range
Suitsupply
Please note: to my knowledge, the brand's socks are made in Italy.
I have a few pairs and they are decent for the price.
It's generally quite classic but you'll find a few funkier pairs and a selection of knee-high socks.
Norse Projects
Colors, patterns, materials, textures: the brand offers pretty socks every season.
Berg&Berg
Very pretty socks made in Italy for a rather dressy style.
You will find in particular colored knee-highs, in wool and even in silk for your black tie evenings.
Nice Bonnard
Swiss brand offering beautiful accessories.
I know that Nicolò is very happy with their socks, which he has been wearing for several years.
Mr.P
The brand offers a selection of casual style socks made in Japan.
Falke
I've heard pretty good things about this brand's socks, especially the invisible models.
Missègle
French brand made in France offering a wide range of socks in beautiful natural materials.
I see models in wool/silk or even wool/mohair.
Red Wing
The brand's socks are thick, textured, perfect for a workwear style.
Made in USA.
Loom
Very classic in style, they have the advantage of being made in France and very resistant thanks to the presence of Cordura.
The article explaining the stress testing protocols the product underwent is interesting.
Royalties
A myriad of colorful, striped, printed, etc. casual socks.
French manufacturing
3. High-end
My Red Socks
If you want high-end and luxury dress socks, Mes Chaussettes Rouges is the right place for you.
The e-shop distributes a very nice selection of socks from renowned brands such as Mazarin, Doré-Doré, Bresciani or Gammarelli.
There you will find Sea Island cotton, vicuna, cashmere, silk, among others.
You will also find a range of so-called "super-strong" socks.
Ro To To
Casual socks full of character made in Japan.
You will find them in France at Bien Bien Habillés or Royal Cheese for example.
Anonymous Ism
Japanese creative socks.
Fair Isle patterns, high-contrast speckles, rope, camouflage, etc., there's plenty to feast your eyes on.
The final word
I don't recommend throwing away all your basic socks to spend several hundred euros on mid-range or high-end socks.
Rather, I have tried here to show you that if you dig a little deeper, there is a lot that can be done with a seemingly simple garment like a sock.
I nevertheless invite you, when the opportunity arises, to add a few pairs of socks with a little more pep to your rotation: textured, wool, linen, knee-high.
When you wear them, there's a good chance you'll think to yourself that, yes, a nice pair of socks can make a difference.
To learn more about socks:
To see the other episodes of this series where I accompany you to go further in some of your stylistic choices:
