Cover source: Flickr
Socks.
A garment that is an integral part of any men's wardrobe but which is rarely discussed.
Let's take a closer look at what can be done against it, as well as ways to strengthen the style of your ankles.
Socks, a neglected item of clothing 🤔
It may be that, like many men I think, you neglect the role and choice of socks in your outfits.
And I plead guilty to this. In fact, a good number of the socks I wear are still Uniqlo.
They are plain, reach mid-calf and sell for €10 per pack of 3.
They are accessible, offered in a wide range of colors and of honorable 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 little panache.
And I think that 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 add much more
And precisely, 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 socks, it's a bit like upgrading a 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.
Opting for socks that are visually a little richer seems to me to be the most obvious way to go further than plain or very slightly mottled sock.
I can totally see these Nudie Jeans socks in a bit of a workwear style (raw jeans, cargo, fatigue pants, chinos with a bit of a 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 noticed recently that some people are not aware of their existence, so it seems good to make this reminder.
Comment from the Panache video on Bermuda shorts , in which Jordan wears invisible socks.
Invisible socks are, as their name suggests, invisible, whether with sneakers, moccasins, boats, derbies, etc.
These are socks that we wear but which cannot be seen.
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 length. 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 bias in itself.
3. Knee-highs, or high socks
The knee-high is a sock that stops just below the knee.
Above all, it ensures that your ankles are not seen when you sit down, for example.
Chosen in merino wool, it allows you to provide warmth to a larger part of your leg when it's cold. Combine wool knee-highs with a nice long coat, and you hardly need to wear pants anymore.
(Put one on anyway.)
A very pretty Berg&Berg bottle green wool knee-high .
If you wear the costume, you should wear knee highs
And even if you are not wearing a suit but the bottom of your outfit is rather dressy (trousers and/or shoes), you should try knee-highs. 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 pleasant feeling.
4. Socks with linen or wool, for thermal advantage
I mentioned invisible socks with linen above
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 value since I purchased 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 have with just cotton.
From memory, the composition of these Suitsupply socks is around 60% linen, 30% cotton and 10% polyamide.
Socks with wool
Even if they are not as covering as knee-highs, wool mid-calf socks (at least 40 or 50%) remain warm.
Among other things, they can be 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 take advantage of this part which discusses materials to make a small incision on the presence of synthetic (often polyamide) in socks.
It is normal to find a little synthetic in socks.
Between approximately 10 and 30%, their presence provides resistance and therefore durability to this underwear, which is by nature very subject to friction.
Socks made from 100% natural material are very good but also potentially a little more fragile.
Of course, in this perspective of durability, it is not only the composition that counts: the quality of the fiber, the thickness of the material, the density of the knitting 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 accessible knee-highs.
Nudie Jeans
I was able to see some models of socks offered for €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 no great stylistic creativity: it remains classic, rather in solid tones.
Mister 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: the brand's socks are, to my knowledge, made in Italy.
I have a few pairs and it's okay for the price.
It's generally quite classic but you will find a few more funky pairs and a selection of knee-highs.
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 colorful knee-highs, in wool and even 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 worn 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 manufacturing 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 in 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 which explains the stress testing protocols undergone by the product is interesting.
Royalties
A myriad of colorful, striped, printed casual socks, etc.
French confection
3. High-end
My Red Socks
If you want high-end and luxury dress socks, Mes Chaussettes Rouges is the right address for you.
The eshop distributes a very nice selection of socks from renowned brands such as Mazarin, Doré-Doré, Bresciani or Gammarelli.
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 speckling, rope, camouflage, etc., there's something to be amazed by.
The final word
I don't advise you to throw away all your basic socks and spend several hundred euros on mid- or high-end socks.
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 item of clothing like a sock.
However, I invite you, when the opportunity presents itself, to include a few pairs of socks with a little more pep in your rotation: textured, wool, linen, knee-highs.
When you wear them, there is a good chance that you will say to yourself that indeed, a nice pair of socks can make a difference.
To learn even more about socks:
To see the other episodes of this series where I help you go further in some of your stylistic choices:
