You might not think about them all that often, but socks are some of the most important items in your closet. You should wear them whenever you wear an enclosed shoe, like a sneaker or dress shoe, because socks are responsible for separating your stinky, sweaty feet from your shoes’ interiors.
If you spend a bit of money on your footwear (which you should, as high-quality shoes are imperative to protecting your feet), you should also be splashing out your cash, every now and then, on good quality socks, as they will not only protect your shoes but will give extra protection and comfort to your feet as well.
Aside from their functional role, socks are an accessory; meaning they can be a great (but subtle) way to show off your personality to those around you. If you’re that clean-cut American Psycho-esque banker, you’ll probably go for classic black socks, but if you’re the resident larrikin in your office, you might want to go for a sock with a funny meme printed on them. And hey, if you’re a simple man with simple interests, you can show that off as well! Do you love beer? Get socks with beer on them. Honestly, just have fun with it! If you see a pair of socks with a colour scheme, pattern, or print that you love, go for it and rock them proudly.
In this day and age, it’s no surprise that there are many different types of men’s socks available, but it can be tricky to decide which style is best for your lifestyle. Invisible socks, ankle socks, crew socks, and mid calf socks are the most popular options.
Invisible and ankle socks are best for casual outings, and look best when you’re wearing shorts or rolled up pants that expose your ankle. Crew socks are also quite a casual sock and can be worn under chinos or jeans. Finally, mid calf socks, better known as dress socks, are perfect for the office, but can also be worn to practically any event under your trousers (please don’t EVER tuck your pants into your socks).
We’ve rounded up the leading brands that produce the absolute best socks for men. Whether you’re looking for plain white and black, or you’re after something a bit more fun, and no matter what length of sock you need to add to your sock drawer, these brands have everything you need when it comes to socks; but above all, all of the following brands produce the best quality socks that are durable and will keep your feet comfortable.
Hot Sox
For over three decades, Hot Sox has only ever produced socks. And that’s because they do it incredibly well. Dedicated to creating socks that feel great, function well, and deliver on today’s style, Hot Sox achieves this by using the latest, most advanced machinery combined with the highest quality materials.
Plus, they constantly collaborate with creatives and designers to produce socks with modern and playful prints and colours. Most of Hot Sox men’s socks are dress sock styles, but they do have a small amount of invisible and ankle socks available.
Happy Socks
Happy Socks, founded in 2008, prides itself on creating high-quality socks that combine unique designs with impeccable craftsmanship. Happy Socks’ vision was to spread happiness by turning an everyday essential into a colourful design piece. In 2008, socks were only available in boring whites, greys, and black, and Happy Socks believed that socks could become fashionable and creative design pieces.
Flash forward to today, and they’ve achieved just that; their socks are very fashionable and available in every colour, print, and design you could ever think of. Plus, they come in almost every style of sock - invisible, ankle, crew, dress, knee-high - and are all made with the finest cotton and elastane for breathability and stretchy comfort.
FITS
Founder of FITS, Bob Yoe, noticed that most socks on the market were ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Therefore, by using only the highest quality materials, such as merino wool, and an innovative engineering process, FITS produces socks that suit every activity and have a fit that’s so well crafted you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Because that’s how FITS believe socks should be: supportive, comfortable, and never problematic.
Available in every style of sock, invisible, ankle, crew, mid calf, knee, etc., the colours and prints FITS have to offer are more subdued than others on this list, but are ever so demure and sophisticated, meaning they’re perfect for everyday wear, or for men who are not so keen on wearing lurid socks at all.
Comrad
Compression socks, for whatever reason, have got somewhat of a bad reputation. But Comrad believes that they are simply misunderstood, and compression socks deserve to be in everyone’s sock drawers.
Founder of Comrad, Andrew Ferenci, had constantly tired, aching, and swollen feet and after seeking medical treatment was recommended compression socks. They instantly cured his feet problems, but Ferenci realised that compression socks, while they had amazing benefits, were ugly, expensive, and slightly uncomfortable; which is when Comrad was born.
Comrad produces comfortable and stylish everyday socks with all the benefits of graduated compression. Plus, Comrad’s antimicrobial SmartSilver technology kills bacteria and prevents odor, which means less washes and longer-lasting socks.
Sock Fancy
Launched in 2013, Sock Fancy’s main goal is to produce socks that are comfortable, durable, and fashionable, but also affordable. All of Sock Fancy’s socks are made with 70% combed cotton for durability and softness, have ‘no-slip cuffs’ meaning the socks are guaranteed to stay put all day, and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra longevity.
All of Sock Fancy socks are crew length socks, and come in either packs of three, or six. Available in block colours and fun patterns, these socks are super soft and durable.
London Sock Company
Built on the belief that little things - like socks - make a BIG difference, the London Sock Company creates socks that will add a dash of colour to your outfits, but will also allow you to embrace your personality and be the best version of yourself. The London Sock Co. only uses the finest materials and most advanced knitting methods to ensure their socks feel great, fit perfectly, and last for a long time.
The London Sock Co. have both ankle socks and dress socks available in classic colours, bold colours, and sophisticated prints. You’ll most definitely put your best foot forward with a luxurious pair of socks from the London Sock Co.
Sock It To Me
Sock It To Me believes that everyone has a unique voice that deserves to be heard, so they produce funky socks that encourage everyone to be their authentic selves. Their socks are available in crew and knee lengths, and come in fun, playful prints. Made with a double welted cuff, and featuring a reinforced heel and toe, these patterned socks will make an excellent addition to any sock drawer.
Ozone Socks
‘The art of socks’ is Ozone Socks’ motto, and they certainly deliver. Dedicated to adding a bit of personality to wardrobes, Ozone Socks carry dress, ankle, and invisible socks that feature trendy, colourful patterns.
Made with the highest quality natural cotton for a luxurious feel, strength, and breathability, and blended with elastic for lasting stretch and machine-wash durability, Ozone Socks are not only stylish but constructed at the highest standard. There's a reason the brand is called ‘Ozone’, and that’s because their socks are like a soft, protective layer surrounding your feet.
Rhone
Men's premium activewear specialist Rhone only has a small range of socks on offer, but if you’re after a sock that’ll keep up with an active lifestyle, Rhone is the brand for you. With just an ankle sock and a crew sock on their books, Rhone's socks feature strategic paddings, superior heel grips, and anti-odour technology, and come in a variety of neutral everyday colours.
Outerknown
Professional surfer Kelly Slater's own brand of clothing, Outerknown strives to create sustainable and ethical products that do wonders for the planet and its oceans. That mantra is even applied to their small but high-performing range of dress socks, with Outerknown's offering – made in collaboration with sustainable sock maker Arvin Goods – being available in various colours and featuring padded footbeds.
Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak believe that the current trends of the fashion industry as a whole are unsustainable and unethical. To combat this, they offer products that are ethically responsible and environmentally sustainable.
Frank and Oak’s range of socks feature invisible, ankle, dress, and crew socks in both block patterns and colours. Crafted from a cotton blend, that includes a Cool-Plus polyester for ultimate breathability, these socks will keep your feet comfortable and protected.
Hugo Boss
The famous German label, Hugo Boss is famous for its minimalistic, clean-cut looks that embodies Germany’s culture as a whole. Their socks are no different and are made to the highest standards. Available in invisible, ankle, and dress styles, Hugo Boss’ socks come in traditional block colours and are crafted with the finest fabrics. If you’re after a luxurious sock, you can’t go wrong with Hugo Boss.
Ministry of Supply
You don't typically think of 'science' when you're clothes shopping and yet, science drives everything Ministry of Supply does. They use science and engineering techniques to create garments that are comfortable, breathable, stretchy, sweatproof, are easy to care for, and will give you a full range of motion.
Their range of socks is rather large and versatile; they have everything from no show socks to ankle socks, to regular socks. All socks are odour-absorbing, ventilated and breathable, soft, cushioned, and are available in a wide range of both classic and playful colours and patterns.
Entireworld
Entireworld is a relatively fresh clothing brand serving up basics for prices that won't break the bank. Their sock range consists of many fun block colours and stripe patterns, and all are made with either recycled or organic cotton. Available in ankle, crew, and dress sock lengths, Entireworld’s socks are simple, but impressive.
Taylor Stitch
San Francisco brand, Taylor Stitch has one mission; to produce garments and accessories that are staple wardrobe pieces, and are only crafted from responsibly-sourced materials in ethical ways. All of Taylor Stitch’s socks are dress sock length, made to last, comfortable, and have a timeless style. They also all feature moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties, and are made with the finest merino wool.
American Giant
American Giant is dedicated to creating clothes that are durable, not disposable and they achieve this by producing straightforward and timeless styles from high quality fabric for ultimate durability.
Their range of socks is on the small side, but the socks that American Giant do have are impressive. All socks are made in the USA from a specially-made fabric, and feature a cushioned footbed. Available in ankle and crew styles, American Giant’s socks are comfortable enough for all day wear.
Ted Baker
The British born tailoring brand with a twist, is luxury brand Ted Baker. Founded in 1988, Ted Baker has had a very clear, unswerving, focus on quality and attention to detail since its inception.
Ted Baker’s range of socks is limited to just dress socks, but they are all crafted from the finest materials such as cotton, and merino wool. They are available in both prints and colours that are rather dapper and sophisticated, best suited to an office or dressier occasions.
Jos. A. Bank
Renowned for their range of both off-the-rack and custom-made suits, Jos. A. Bank is no stranger to sartorial style, whether it be for formal events or the corporate world. It's no secret that most guys like to have some fun with their socks at these dressier affairs as well as the office and Jos. A. Bank's collection of fun pictures and patterns is more than happy to oblige. All of Jos. A. Bank’s socks come in a dress style, and are crafted with a cotton blend that is moisture wicking, has anti-odour properties, and is extremely soft.
Pantherella
Since 1937, Pantherella has been making high-quality socks for men. They use superior yarns and the finest cotton to craft their range of socks that are available in both subdued and bold patterns. Pantherella socks also feature an almost-invisible, hand-linked toe seams for unparalleled comfort, and are available in both invisible and dress sock styles. For a classic, comfy and durable sock, Pantherella is the way to go.
J. Crew
J. Crew believes in 'looking a million bucks, not spending it' which is why they source the best high-quality fabrics at the most accessible prices. All of their products are classic with a modern twist, and their range of men’s socks are no exception.
With invisible, ankle, and dress socks crafted from either cotton or wool, J. Crew socks are available in plain and bold colours, stripes, polka dots, and fun patterns. They have lightweight sock options for summer, and thicker socks to keep your feet warm in cooler temperatures, but one thing is certain: a pair of J. Crew socks will keep you comfortable all year long.
Reiss
Founded in 1971, Reiss has an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative and original products, and they achieve this by fusing exceptional design, quality, and value. Reiss’ range of socks for men are designed to offer a satisfyingly sleek finish to all looks. They have invisible and dress socks on offer in monochrome colours, and will give a simple, effortless style to any outfit.
Saturdays NYC
Started by a group of friends in New York City that all shared a passion for surfing, coffee, and art culture, Saturdays NYC is now a brand that embodies those passions. Saturdays NYC has a small range of socks that are minimalistic but ultra-comfortable. They only stock dress length socks, but all socks are crafted from a midweight, stretchy cotton blend for durability, comfort, and breathability.
Paul Smith
Renowned for his creative aesthetic, which combines tradition and modernity, Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. Each Paul Smith design is underpinned by a dry British sense of humour: quirky but not frivolous, eccentric but not silly.
Famous for his iconic stripes design, Paul Smith has a range of dress socks that feature sophisticated, yet playful and colourful prints. As with all Paul Smith products, they’re made to the highest standards with soft cotton, and are extremely durable and comfortable.
