Cotton socks are absorbent and good for soaking sweat off the skin, but it doesn’t wick moisture towards its surface and it doesn’t allow wetness to evaporate quickly.
Wool breathes easily and lets wetness evaporate. It’s warmer, but lacks specific wicking properties for speeding moisture away from the body.
Synthetics such as polyester and nylon encourage wicking, but provide little cushioning for the foot.
Cotton and cotton blends are usually used for striped and patterned socks for casual sneakers and casual or dressier leather shoes.
Fine wool blends and cashmere dress socks are good for leather dress shoes and anything that needs to be smart.
Plain and dress socks
If you’re more old school, plain or dress socks are the way to go! Standard black, plain grey and navy make the best dress socks, but even white socks can work depending on your outfit and where you are going. Classic black dress socks paired with a smart tuxedo and formal shoes will make you look extremely dapper while pairing plain grey or navy socks with formal shoes will give you a sophisticated look.
The rules
- If you’re unsure about styling your socks, stick to something plain or a classic pattern such as argyle.
- Keep the colour of your dress socks matching to your trousers for suits.
- Choose a pair of socks that are either a shade darker or lighter than the trousers you’re wearing.
- Plain white socks and suits are a massive no-no.
Anonymous ISM
– Socks £50 Anonymous Ism
– Socks Form & Thread – Socks £14
Textured socks
If you like the idea of plain socks but want to give your outfit a bit of an edge then textured socks are the way to go! Just remember that textured socks can add weight to a look! Not only do textured socks look great with brogues, they can look just as good in
desert boots . Just make sure you co-ordinate the sock colour with the colour of your desert boots and your set to go!
The rules
- Choose a pair of socks that are either a shade darker or lighter than the trousers you’re wearing.
- Pair your textured socks with pieces made from similarly heavy/rugged materials for your trousers such as denim, wool or even leather.
Bright Statement Socks
Bright, statement coloured socks have made a comeback in recent years, with men becoming more conscious and a lot more confident when wearing fashionable, vibrant colours. If you are going to go for some bright coloured socks, it’s best not to draw all the attention to them. You want people to see them but you realistically don’t want to be looking like a clown. Where them with boots or some smart shoes, but make sure your trousers aren’t too short.
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