It doesn’t get more essential than a pair of socks. One of the key building blocks of every wardrobe, we forget the importance of the humble accessory as we rifle through our drawer every day to find the right pair.
At a time, I deemed them a boring necessary outfit add-on, there as a practical solution to reduce sweat, prevent odours, and avoid blisters, but have come to realise the power of wearing the perfect pair with every look.
Perhaps it’s a sporty ankle sock to wear with jeans and a boxy tee for a laid back fit, or maybe it’s a chunky marl to pair with mules and a big jumper for a cosy Sunday ensemble - either way, our edit covers all of the sock-related bases so you’re ready for any eventuality.
The sign of a good pair? When you’re wearing them, you barely notice they’re there. Hugging in all of the right places, they should stay in exactly the right position (no unintentional sagging, bunching, or scrunching, thank you very much), and make your feet feel comfortable at all times.
When it comes to luxurious socks à la Falke and Pantherella, they’ll fit like a glove. Cashmere and woollen styles tend to have a cosy slouchiness about them, lending themselves to lounging around at home on a cold winter’s day. Look out for organic cotton and elastane blends for designs that will be super soft yet still retain their shape after a few runs through the washing machine.
Build your collection with the best styles available on the market now and you’ll have happy feet in no time.
Best men’s hoodies of 2023 for stylish everyday wear
Best jeans for men in 2023, from Levi’s to Arket
Best retro trainers for men, from Adidas to New Balance
Best white t-shirts for men you can wear all the time
Best winter coats for men: From wool coats to macs and more
Best weekend bags for men from Rains, Gucci, Paul Smith, and more
Pantherella 70% Merino Wool Ribbed Leisure Socks
This British brand has been designing socks since 1945, and all of the label’s creations are manufactured and hand finished at the family-owned factory in Leicester.
Luxury at its best, Pantherella’s ribbed socks will keep your tootsies snug and stylish all at once. With the brand’s signature hand linked toes for a smooth all-over feel, the seamless construction means there’s no uncomfortable bulkiness.
Buy now £18.99, Pantherella
Ami Three-Pack Ami De Coeur Socks
Embroidered with Ami’s iconic ‘Ami de Coeur’ (friend of the heart) motif, the most stylish gents will be impressed with this three-pack. An editor favourite, the Parisian brand designs timeless classics that embody Parisian chic, and these socks are no exception. Featuring ribbed cuffs using a stretch infused organic cotton blend, you’ll never want to take them off.
Buy now £85.00, Ami
Paul Smith Block Colour 'Happy' Socks
Part of the brand’s ‘happy’ collection, Paul Smith’s colour blocked design is a jolly pick-me-up for any dreary day. Made in Italy, they’re expertly designed with ribbed cuffs, and, in signature Paul Smith style, a winning colour combination. Smiles all round.
Buy now £22.00, Paul Smith
Falke Brooklyn Men Socks with organic cotton
Known for designing the perfect sock fit, German brand Falke is a go-to for any discerning sock-wearer. In the striking green pictured or classic brown marl, these chunky boot socks would work well with mules - a Birkenstock would do - for a casual aesthetic. With a ribbed structure crafted using organic cotton, they’re super soft and hug in all the right places. Available in 10 colours, all of the bases are covered - why not treat yourself to a couple of pairs?
Buy now £20.00, Falke
Gucci Logo-Jacquard Cotton-Blend Socks
Show off your passion for fashion with a flash of Gucci’s iconic monogram peeping out of the top of your shoes. Ideal for wearing with loafers, these will add a touch of luxury to any look. Crafted using an elastic and cotton blend, they’re a foot hugging design finished off with the Italian house’s two-tone red and green stripes.
Buy now £150.00, Mr. Porter
Uniqlo X JW Anderson Socks
Uniqlo’s latest collaboration with JW Anderson is not lacking in the sock department, with nine striped, colourblocked and sporty styles to choose from. This design, on the sportier side of the spectrum, features the British brand’s JWA logo, ultra soft touch and deodorising properties. The best of both brands.
Buy now £4.90, Uniqlo
Sunspel Cotton Socks
Every man needs a navy sock in their arsenal, and you can count on heritage brand Sunspel for the classics. Made in Derbyshire using an Italian-spun fabric, this midweight sock will see you through the day in comfort and style. Known for elevated basics, particularly the perfect white t-shirt, Sunspel’s designs won’t disappoint.
Buy now £25.00, Sunspel
Adidas Half-Cushioned Crew 3 Pack Socks
Coming from someone who wears a lot of white sports socks, Adidas’ are the most comfortable of them all. An easy go-to for casual occasions, they’re perfect for everyday wear, making a useful addition to any sock drawer.
Buy now £8.00, Sports Direct
Asket The Merino Sock 3-Pack
You’d be hard pressed to find a more sustainable brand than Asket who offer full transparency, including information on CO2 emissions, direct cost for each garment, and traceable fabrics.
Knitted from merino wool with reinforcement at the heel and toes, these will soon become your most favourite pair of socks that you own. They’re soft, naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and odour-neutralising, and by naturally adapting to your body temperature, the wool will keep your feet cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.
Buy now £40.00, Asket
