Like many other garments existing in the world of a well-dressed gentleman, there are many options to choose from when it comes to the best pair of socks for different occasions.
In this post, I would like to discuss on some essential sock topics that will help you make the best choice.
Firstly, sizing. Unlike regular socks that are one size, you´ll know a good pair of socks when you can make the selection on your shoe size. You can find them in European (EUR) or English (UK) sizes. My advice is that if you are between two sizes, choose the smaller one; this way the sock will fit better to your foot. One size larger than your foot can cause unaesthetic folds and slide down which will be uncomfortable when you are wearing them with your shoes.
Another important aspect is: do I choose the ones that go over the calf (OTC) or the ones that stop at the middle of your calf?
Matter of taste, but the convenience of OTC socks is unmatched. This because they will hug your calf properly, staying up all day and there is no need to be pulling them. It is visually unpleasant when socks slide down and bunch up near the ankle. The OTC is always going to look polished, more sophisticated.
@armandomadrid
@armandomadrid
A question I am frequently asked is related to comfort, particularly "the feel" of the socks.
And I understand that they refer to the weave of the fabric. Plain or houndstooth ones are unquestionably going to feel less than herringbone or other patterned ones. But this is where the quality of how they are made comes in.
I prefer the upper seam above the toes to be unnoticeable.
With regular socks that are made by a machine, there is excess of fabric that can end up hurting. The seam of the Carmina socks is made by hand and so you basically cannot feel it. The same goes for the heel area.
That is why, I rarely choose a look without wearing socks. The combination of subtle seams and a lightweight fabric can offer the same feel as not wearing any.
Finally, which ones do I choose, plain or patterned?
I like to think that the socks are the bridge between the trousers and the shoes and therefore it is important to do it in a subtle way. If you wear a suit, the plain ones, known as "self-striped", or maybe even houndstooth or bird's eye, help to tie in the suit trousers with the shoes harmoniously.
Options such as blue / black or gray / black houndstooth socks can be formally enough to be worn with a suit and a black pair of Oxford shoes without risking it to fall into the "fun socks" category.
For more casual dress trousers and blazer combos, the range of options is even wider. Again, even in this category, "houndstooth" socks are still a great option. We can play with more patterns, striped socks and so on. Of course, always making sure the colour chosen complements our outfit and does not distract.
I hope all these points will benefit you into choosing a good pair of socks
@armandomadrid & @carminapup