You shouldn’t think of your socks as disposable. But that’s a tough thing to get across to someone whose big toes or heels are popping through their socks as they read this. Yeah, socks are fabric that cover your feet. But quality socks for men should also provide comfort, mesh with your current style, and (when necessary) absorb moisture and potential foot stank.
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Plus, whether you’re at work or on a date, people you’re looking to make an impression on will notice the details. Show them you pay attention to them by making sure your belt, shoes, socks, and other accessories mesh with your outfit. For those who require a refresher about what to look for when searching for the best socks for men, here are a handful of useful pointers …
#1. Your Socks Should Match Your Pants
The common misconception is that a guy’s socks should match his shoes. Nope — they should match his pants. When in doubt, black socks are most likely your go-to. They’re the standard and can go with just about anything. However, there are exceptions. If you’re wearing a navy suit or khaki slacks, for example, try dark brown or tan socks; it’ll pull the outfit together.
#2. Make Sure Your Socks Cover Your Ankles
Sports socks can be ankle-high — you’re playing sports, not looking to win any cool footwear awards, right? And if you’re wearing Vans, you can get away with ankle or even no-show socks. But when you want to look professional, you want your socks to cover your ankles. Oddly enough, this rule originated from the Victorian era. And while a few things have changed since that time period — they didn’t even have iPhones! — this rule still holds true. If at all possible, refrain from wearing plain white knee-highs like you’re on a high school basketball team in the 1960s; instead, seek out pair of knee-high men’s dress socks for the best look and fit with your suit, slacks, and blazer or sport coat.
#3. Choose The Right Material
Above all, the best material for your socks comes down to preference. But that doesn’t mean certain materials aren’t better for certain situations. Synthetic material is good for sports and snug fit; they’re also decent at preventing foot stank (cotton socks will soak up moisture, which also means they’ll get wet easier and retain rank odor). That said, cotton’s ability to absorb moisture also make you more susceptible to irritation if you’re wearing them for sports or any sweat-inducing activities.
Merino wool is an itch-free fiber that’s thermostatic (they regulate temperature) and will keep your feet comfy in a range of weather conditions. The con: they dry slower than synthetics. Silk is more of a liner material and won’t provide the cushion as cotton, wool, or synthetic materials will. Also, expect these socks to wear out quicker than other materials.
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#4. Choose Socks With Longevity
You get what you pay for, right? So if you spend a few bucks on cheap socks you should expect to have to buy cheap socks again in the very near future. Mass-produced cotton athletic socks are tempting to pick up — and let’s be honest, we’ve all done it — but we’ve also had to get rid of them after a few wears, too. Opting to purchase quality socks for men that feature a tighter weave and reinforced seams, toes, and heels are built to last and will save you money in the long run. Think about VK Nagrani designer socks — the outline retailer has plenty of sock options, including a “dirty dozen” hand-selected bundle.
#5. Check Out The Sizing
One size fits all isn’t what you want in a pair of socks, and neither is a range of sizes — 6-12, etc. Designer socks should fit your foot size, which will hopefully slow wear in the heels and toes and expand the lifespan of the socks.
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