Kick up your sock game with everything you need to know about men’s sock fashion
The days when sock drawers were filled with nothing but white tube socks are over. Second that for mountains of plain black dress socks. Whether it’s bold colors, striking patterns, or novelty repeats, the standard for men’s socks has shifted in a big way and men everywhere have taken note.
The necktie is no longer the sultan of sartorial flair. Now men start from their toes and work their way up — so kick your feet up and discover how to wear men’s socks the right way.
TYPES OF MEN’S SOCKS
No-Show Socks
Getting that sockless look doesn’t mean literally going sockless. A smartly designed pair of no-show socks will keep your feet comfortable, stylish, and dry. Plus, they’ll stay put throughout an active day without slipping off the back of your heel.
The naked ankle is seemingly everywhere and publications like GQ magazine utilize no-show socks with nearly every type of outfit — from jeans with slip-ons to dress pants with Oxfords. The only shoes should avoid wearing them with is with boots, high-tops or sandals.
Ankle (Athletic) Socks
Ankle socks are often confused with no-show socks but they are quite different. No-shows sit below the ankle and are meant to be hidden. Ankle socks sit on or slightly above the ankle and protect your heels and ankles from chafing.
Ankle socks are not fashion accessories. This means that wearing them should be limited to the gym or other physical activities, like moving a friend out of a 4th-floor apartment — or running as fast as you can away from any friend moving out of a 4th-floor apartment.
This same rule applies to white athletic socks (at any length). In fact, we don’t recommend wearing white athletic socks in any situation. Go with black instead, they’re less conspicuous and will stay looking cleaner much longer.
Mid-Calf Socks
Mid-calf socks are the socks that should be filling up your sock drawer — they’re the workhorse of the modern man’s sock supply. The mid-calf style is perfect with sneakers, loafers, dress shoes, boots and everything in between. Plus they can be found in just about any color, pattern, thickness or material you can dream of.
Over the Calf (OTC) Socks
Short of wearing sock garters, over the calf socks were once the only reliable way to keep your socks from pooling around your ankles. But as sock manufacturing improved, this knee-high style fell out of favor and has never recovered.
If you really are concerned about keeping your socks up, OCT socks are an undoubtedly a fool-proof solution. Unfortunately for diehard fans, few retailers still have this style on offer. Those that do charge exorbitant prices and offer a paltry selection. Some may say that the knee-high is an outdated style, but unless you’re disrobing in public, who is really going know how tall your socks are?