We all know that cavemen used to wrap hide on their feet and perhaps this was the first trace of footwear or the origination of socks, as we know it. Besides keeping the feet warm, these coverings protected the feet from the harsh environment and allowed the early man to traverse the landscape with ease.
Over the years, the role of socks has evolved from being just a buffer between the shoe and the feet to a larger purpose. Other than using a variety of materials for their manufacturing, present-day socks can be a fashion statement, when worn right.
If you ask the designer, there are not many rules in picking socks for your outfit, other than they match the color and tone of your trouser. But there is nothing sexier than bright, white socks teamed with Khaki pants, or black socks with colored polka dots teamed with white linen trousers.
When wearing a suit, the color of your socks should take cue from the company you will be keeping. Will you be at a funeral or a business meeting; a date or an interview. For sure, the first two instances dictate a somber approach, but when on a date, you can show-off your lighter side by breaking the monotony by adding a touch of humor and picking a cartoon character sock … perhaps a Mickey Mouse pair of socks! No-show socks don’t team up well with business suits, but if your meeting is casual, then maybe you could opt for a pair.
Coordinating socks with denim blue jeans is a breeze, simply wear any-color pair and they are likely to match your jean. If you want to be creative, then match your socks with the color of your shirt or sweater. Notch it up by teaming jeans with a pair of socks with a message, perhaps red hearts!
Shorts look best with no-show socks; so be mindful of what you pick. Over-the-calf socks are a complete disaster with shorts, especially if you don’t have the height to carry them off. Tuxedos, especially black-tie events call for silk hosiery in black. This is a cardinal rule that you should never break. For other events, you may want to match bold colors with your cummerbund.
Funny as this may sound, but you don’t have to match the color of your socks, with your shoes. The kind of socks you pick is always dictated by the color of your trousers. Before I showcase some socks that we have curated for you, here are the kinds of socks available:
- No-show Socks
- Athletic Socks
- Ankle Socks
- Mid-Calf Socks
- Over the Calf (OTC) Socks
The No-show Socks are new on the block and men started accepting this style a bit more than a decade ago. As the name suggests, no-show socks are not visible and it gives the appearance that the shoe is worn without socks. They cover the soles or our feet, our toes, and the bottom of our Achilles tendon.
Athletic Socks are typically made from cotton and have high sweat-absorbent fibers. Ideally worn while playing sports, the purpose of the socks is to support your foot during high-pressure playing moments and give them a good shoe-grip. Athletic socks and Ankle socks are similar, while the former do come in ankle sizes and calf-length, the latter is cuts off right above the ankle.
Mid-Calf Socks are the best, and you should stock-up on this type. The team up perfectly with loafers, dress shoes, sneakers and boots. Over the Calf (OTC) Socks are rarely worn by the millennials, and are considered outdated.
Best Material For Socks:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Silk
Happy feet are ones that wear the right kinds socks, so don’t let style override comfort for you.