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 they 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.
Using socks as an accessory
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 a classic black pair, but if you’re the resident larrikin in your office, you might want to go for something 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 with a colour scheme, pattern, or print that you love, go for it and rock them proudly.
Different sock types
In this day and age, it’s no surprise that there are many different types of socks for men available, but it can be tricky to decide which style is best for your lifestyle. Invisible, ankle, crew, and mid-calf are the most popular options.
Invisible and ankle pairs are best for casual outings, and look great when you’re wearing shorts or rolled up pants that expose your ankle. Crew socks are also quite a casual style 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).
Socks For Men FAQs
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Whether you live in Australia or the United States, we’ve rounded up the leading brands that produce the absolute best men’s socks. Whether you’re looking for plain white and black, or you’re after something a bit more fun, and no matter what length you need to add to your sock drawer, these brands have everything you need. But above all, all of the following brands produce high-quality socks that are durable and will keep your feet comfortable.
Hot Sox
Plus, they constantly collaborate with creatives and designers to produce socks with modern and playful prints and colours. Most of Hot Sox's range is made up of dress sock styles, but they do have a small selection of invisible and ankle styles available.
Allbirds
Allbirds has recently branched out into apparel and now stocks a small range of socks made out of cosy, soft Merino wool and tree fibres. Available in a few colours and in both no-show, performance, and crew styles, they're an incredibly worthy (not to mention, sustainable) alternative to some of the bigger brands.
Happy Socks
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: invisible, ankle, crew, dress, knee-high, and are all made with the finest cotton and elastane for breathability and stretchy comfort.
FITS
Available in every style: 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 styles at all.
Comrad
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 odour, which means they'll require fewer washes and be longer-lasting.
Sock Fancy
All of Sock Fancy pair are crew length, and come in either packs of three, or six. Available in block colours and fun patterns, you'll be clamouring to feel their softness against your feet each and every day.
London Sock Company
The London Sock Co. have both ankle and dress styles available in classic colours, bold colours, and sophisticated prints. You’ll most definitely put your best foot forward with a luxurious pair from the London Sock Co.
Sock It To Me
Ozone Socks
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
Rhone has slowly but surely been expanding its range, with ankle, mid-calf and invisible styles all being made available. All feature strategic paddings, superior heel grips, and anti-odour technology, and come in a variety of neutral everyday colours.
Outerknown
Free standard shipping on all international orders over $200 USD.
Hugo Boss
Ministry of Supply
Their range of mens socks is rather large and versatile; they have everything from no show to ankle to regular, and all are odour-absorbing, ventilated and breathable. Better still, they're all soft, cushioned, and are available in a wide range of both classic and playful colours and patterns.
All domestic orders receive free shipping, free returns, and free exchanges.
Entireworld
Taylor Stitch
All of Taylor Stitch’s socks are dress length, made to last, be 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
Their range of socks is on the smaller side, but the ones that American Giant do have are impressive. As with the rest of their clothing, all of their foot-huggers are made in the USA from a specially-made fabric, and feature a cushioned footbed. Available in ankle and crew styles, American Giant’s offering is more than comfortable enough for all day wear.
Ted Baker
Ted Baker’s range of socks is limited to just dress styles, 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
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
Pantherella also incorporate almost-invisible, hand-linked toe seams for unparalleled comfort, and are available in both invisible and dress styles. For a classic, comfy and durable, Pantherella is the way to go.
J. Crew
With invisible, ankle, and dress styles 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 options for summer, and thicker styles to keep your feet warm in cooler temperatures.
Free standard shipping and handling to J.Crew Rewards members on qualifying orders.
Reiss
Saturdays NYC
Paul Smith
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.