Almond Rocks, slippers, anklets, bootees, stockings, punches, support hoses and hosiery – there’s many a name for the universal daily accessory, but only a select few manufacturers have truly mastered the art of crafting premium socks.
A pair of luxurious socks, whether made for men or women, should slip on with a silky smooth ease. They should be occasion-appropriate whether said occasion is up in the mountains or on downtown city streets. Socks should be long-lasting, stylish, effortless and sweat-proof. Like a pair of good underwear, they should go entirely unnoticed by the wearer.
What to consider before purchasing a pair of socks
- Function: Whether hiking, biking, attending a formal event, or simply looking fashionable while remaining comfortable on a quotidian basis, it’s important to consider just what you need your socks to do for you. Dedicated sports socks are often equipped with additional grips and thicker fabric on the heels and toes, while fashion socks tend to be one texture with no additional features.
- Style: Who says you can’t have an equal style-to-function ratio? Just because you’re looking for a specific type of sock for certain endeavours, doesn’t mean they don’t need to look fabulous. Likewise, we certainly won’t judge those who are on the hunt for lacey, sheer socks that have oodles of style and little-to-no functionality. Nothing a pair of blister plasters can’t solve.
- Length: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Millennials and Gen-Zers have distinctly different tastes in sock lengths; with the former opting for as much ankle as possible and the latter wishing to hide the ankle at all costs. Function-wise, ankle socks are better suited to sports trainers, whereas calf socks work for formal and fashion shoes. Mid-calf socks offer a happy medium between the two for all events and occasions.
- Material: A key factor when shopping for seasonal socks is the material. Merino is an ideal, highly insulating option for colder months, whereas breathable cotton blends are better suited to hot weather.
- Additional features: Look for other handy features in a pair of socks such as odour-neutralisation, sweat-wicking, blister-proofing and additional grip.
We’ve curated a selection of the top sock brands to stock up your sock drawer in the coming months. Keep scrolling for a luxurious yet utilitarian style.
Falke
Founded in Germany in 1895 in the form of a small seasonal knitting mill, Falke has been committed to producing high-quality, sustainable hosiery and underwear for all occasions ever since. Though particularly adored for their fashion-forward sock collection for women, Falke is also home to a variety of highly functional sports socks for men and women alike, including compression, running, hiking, cycling and ski socks. Anything from the Falke – We Care line is also made with environmental protection (minimal energy consumption), animal welfare (strict quality criteria) and social responsibility (attention to working conditions) in mind.
Buy now, Falke
RoToTo
Produced in Nara, Japan (a province famous for textile crafts since the 17th century), RoToTo socks are a fan-favourite among gorp core enthusiasts. You’ll often find them in fashion and hiking combination shops such as the Outsider Store.
The stylish stompers are made with a combination of vintage and modern manufacturing techniques, bringing together American knitting machines imported to Japan in the 20th century and contemporary materials and technology. The brand works with local artisans to produce ‘lifelong consumables’ which are durable, utilitarian and attractive.
Plus, that signature fabric band which keeps the socks together for packaging is actually made with fabric waste generated from the toe-knitting process. Each band is a different colour, representing a different size.
Buy now, Yards Store
Stance
Beloved by a vast community of athletes and artists including Willow and Jaden Smith, Dwayne Wade and Cole Houshmad, socks by the California-based brand Stance are a sure-fire investment in style and comfort. You can even ensure you’ve got fresh socks on the regular with Stance’s monthly and quarterly subscription packages.
Buy now, Amazon
Organic Basics
For highly sustainable stockings, look no further than Organic Basics. Designed in Copenhagen and manufactured ethically with recycled, recyclable, plant-based and organic materials, products by OB allow wearers to look chic and stay comfortable while being kind to the planet. We love the selection of neutral colourways on offer which are sure to complement any ensemble, formal or otherwise.
Buy now, Organic Basics
London Sock Company
Designed with highly dapper individuals in mind, socks from the London Sock Company are for those who fancy themselves regular Saville Row shoppers. Specialists in advanced knitting methods and purveyors of the finest materials, the London Sock Company promises to deliver underwear drawer staples which not only look and feel better but last for years to come. They even have a dedicated Three Lions collection made for the FA.
Buy now, London Sock Company
Paul Smith
If it's classically colourful, stripy and patterned socks you're after, it’s exactly what you’ll get over at Paul Smith. Available in cotton, wool and other natural fibres, the luxury brand offers a variety of sporty and stylish socks to suit your needs.
Buy now, Paul Smith
On Running
One of the most popular running brands on the market right now, On Running’s kicks were worn by countless athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. If its trainers are to be trusted by the best sportsmen and women in the world, it tracks that the socks are a brilliant investment in day-long comfort and durability no matter the occasion. We’re big fans of the classic white logo socks, which are part of Zendaya’s dedicated On Running collection.
Buy now, On Running
Thom Browne
Known for those signature 4-Bar and RWB stripes, socks from luxury designer Thom Browne are designed to be seen. We’d recommend investing in a pair if you regularly wear platform loafers, Mary Jane’s and classic brogues. In other words, preppy fashion enthusiasts click below.
Buy now, Thom Browne
Happy Socks
Looking for gloriously colourful and fabulously patterned socks which make a statement? Swedish-born Happy Socks is here to answer all of your dopamine-boosting hosiery needs. From cherry-adorned calf socks to Star Wars-themed wonders, you’re bound to find a mood-shifting style to suit your aesthetic.
Buy now, Happy Socks
Wolford
Wolford is an expert in seamless, sexy and effortlessly chic Austrian hosiery, and has been since 1950. Synonymous with lingerie luxury, the label is by far the market leader in classic women’s shapewear, underwear, sleepwear and all the relevant associated accessories.
Buy now, Wolford
Girlfriend Collective
Perfect for yoga-lovers, Pilates-goers and general athleisure enthusiasts, stylish colour-block socks from Girlfriend Collective look great tucked into your favourite pair of trainers or slipped under your classic Birkenstock slides.
Buy now, Girlfriend Collective
Uniqlo Colour Socks
Available in every stylish hue under the sun, Uniqlo’s calf-length ribbed socks are a staple in any Gen Z-ers wardrobe. Comfortable and practical, they feature anti-odour technology so you can trot around in your Birkenstock clogs all summer long without a care in the world.
Buy now £3.90, Uniqlo
American Trench Classic Retro Sock Pack
You can’t go wrong with some all-American, striped tube socks. This pack of ecru socks with varying retro-coloured stripes from American Trench are a must-have whether paired with rollerblades, trainers or loafers.
Buy now £24.00, Free People
