Choosing Men's Socks

Matching an Oft-Overlooked Fashion Accessory

Sep 1, 2008 Alexander Clark

Many men pay little attention to their socks, though this minor detail can make or break a look. Take a peek in your sock drawer and see if you're properly equipped.

Know Your Socks! Socks come in a variety of lengths, weights, colors, and patterns. In this article, I will attempt to demystify the process of selecting the proper socks for the occasion. First, though, let’s see what our options are:

Length

Below-the-ankle
Ankle
Crew (stops ¼ - ½ way up the calf)
Over-the-calf

Weight

Thicker (and less shiny)
Thinner (and shinier)

Color

White
Navy
Black
Khaki
Brown
Green
Any color you can imagine...

Pattern

Plain
Argyle
Windowpane
And many others...

Athletic Situations

If you’re going to the gym, running, or playing a sport, athletic socks are appropriate. These socks are usually white or gray, sometimes with a colored stripe, and range from below-the-ankle to over-the-calf in length. These socks should not be worn with non-athletic attire.

Blue-Jeans Casual

Blue jeans should be worn with casual (thicker) blue socks. Many men (and some women) make the mistake of wearing white athletic socks with dark pants. This breaks the vertical line of the leg and draws attention to the ankles in a rather unflattering way. Similarly, below-the-ankle and ankle socks should not be worn with long pants (jeans included) as the flash of flesh at the ankle has the same result. Denim of other colors should be worn with matching casual socks. White denim may be worn with white athletic socks if you don’t have any other white casual socks.

Business Casual and Up

Chinos should be worn with matching thinner (dressier) socks. Khakis with khaki socks, brown pants with brown socks, black pants with black socks, etc. The same applies to suits and black- and white-tie formal attire.

Argyle and Other Patterns

Argyle (or Argyll) is a (usually multicolor) diamond-shaped pattern found on socks as well as sweaters. Argyle socks can be worn with jeans and chinos, or sometimes with suits, but should not be worn with a tux (except "creative" black-tie) or with a tailcoat. Choose an argyle pattern of mostly the same color as your pants. The same rule applies to other multicolor patterns. Single-color patterns such as window-pane can be worn with any matching pants.

Socks with Shorts

Wearing socks with shorts is a somewhat muddy area. Longer socks, especially over-the-calf socks can look rather silly. Since the hem of a pair of shorts doesn't usually reach the top of a pair of socks, matching is less critical. Avoid wearing socks that are exactly the same color as your shoes, lest you appear to be wearing boots. Argyle socks are often a good choice with shorts. Another option is to avoid the question altogether – either by wearing below-the-ankle socks that don't show, or by wearing sandals. (Socks should never be worn with sandals).

I hope this article has been informative and given the reader a greater appreciation of men's socks.

The copyright of the article Choosing Men's Socks in Men’s Fashion is owned by Alexander Clark. Permission to republish Choosing Men's Socks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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