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.
Alexander Clark - Alexander is an IT professional with ecclectic interests including computers, cooking, dance, fashion, religion, travel, and of course ...
