With the temperature outside rising, layers of down and wool shedding, and the sun’s ground-hog tease of peekaboo (end this foreplay already, weather!) we can only assume one thing: Spring is almost here. Hurray! Let the warm-weather dancing end and the brunch-researching and vacation-planning begin, just don’t get too hasty on your fashion choices. No one needs to see cut-offs on the street—now or ever—or a naked ankle. It’s not time yet, people! Luckily there are a ton of different socks to cover up your private-foot-parts with, and still enjoy the sunny season *cue music*:
Kenzo Techno Cotton Printed Socks ($73.34): Ah Spring! With its warm rays of light shining, flowers blossoming, and clouds parting, there is nothing like it. But not all good things have to end with seasonal change. Luckily with these airy socks, you can have your head in the sun and your feet in the clouds—whoever said staying 'grounded' was a good thing? Available for purchase at select Kenzo retailers and online at LuisaViaRoma.com.
Stance Rancho Socks ($12): Hombre never looked so western—or athletic. This Spring, with all your hiking and physical activity (re: from the kitchen to the TV), you'll never lose that West Coast spirt of exploratory adventure with these premium cotton and deep heel pocketed socks. Available for purchase online at Stance.com.
Topman Fluro Patterned Socks ($6): There are a lot of things going on in these multi-colored cotton and nylon printed socks. And if you're that kind of person (hint: if you are listening to Skrillex at 1 PM right now then you totally are) and aren't prone to strokes, these are the correct socks for your feet. Available for purchase at Topman stores and online at Topman.com.
Paul Smith Classic Signature Stripe Socks ($30): Are those whirly lollipops on your feet, or are you just happy it's not snow-globe weather outside anymore? Neither? That's fine because these multi-colored knitted socks from PS Classics are just as sweet. Available for purchase at select Paul Smith retailers and online at PaulSmith.co.uk.
Happy Socks Orange Giraffe Print ($12): Say goodbye to any lingering seasonal affective disorders and hello to bright, happiness with these playful animal print, combined cotton socks. Perfect for any safari vacation, or to brighten up any Safari-browsing work session. Available for purchase at select Happy Socks retailers and online at HappySocks.com.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Shasta Stripe Sock ($24): Hit em with a strong color-block, even if they can't always see it, with these gold and brown striped socks. They're the bee's knee...highs. Not really, they aren't knee highs, but they are cool. Available for purchase at select Marc by Marc Jacobs retailers and online at MarcJacobs.com.
J. Crew Bird's-Eye Pring Socks ($14.50): A little bit round-of-golf after the office, and a touch of grandmotherly kitsch, these cotton and nylon contrast printed socks will add some much needed green to your footwear ensembles. Available for purchase at select J.Crew stores and online at JCrew.com.
Uniqlo Short Socks ($4.30): Subtly below the ankle, and smart—they're made of high-tech fabrics to absorbe moisture and keep your feet dry—these striped, knitted socks are as cheap as they are functional. Available for purchase at Uniqlo stores and online at Uniqlo.com.
Raf Simons ($65): Sure, it's a lot of cheddar to throw on something that you'll be literally sweating in all day, but think about how chic the inside of your shoes would be! Available for purchase at select Raf Simons retailers and online at SSENSE.com.
Men In Cities Dates in Music Socks ($15.34): B&W aren't the first two colors that come to mind in Spring (well, unless you're depressed/us), but this culturally-significant pair of socks (one of a set of three) pays homage to important dates in music history, specifically July 20, 1965 when Bob Dylan released "Like a Rolling Stone." What better way to say goodbye to Winter? Available for purchase at select Men In Cities retailers and online at MenInCities.com.
Images courtesy of DapperQ and their respective brands.
We’re still a little perplexed at how it came to this, but socks do indeed come in collections. That’s not a complaint—really—we’re in the midst of experiencing the current sock craze just as much as you are, but it’s taken a moment to adjust to the idea of that a cohesive collection of tubing for your feet can borrow the same terminology used to describe, say, what Ralph Lauren or Rick Owens sends down a runway.
Though, collection implies a timeline, and that, dear readers, is something of note. Socks do have a shelf life. And while you may have a favorite pair, they experience way more wear and tear than that Spring 2013 Givenchy blazer you’ve been over-wearing because you love it so much. Wear your socks to much and they become unsightly rags. Perfect for the trash can.
Which leaves us at the Fall 2013 collection of socks from Stance. It’s time to go though your sock drawer and ditch the faded, torn, worn, ragged and replace them with some new pieces of biped mastery. There’s plenty of sock brands making designs we love, but Stance is one of the few that makes interesting socks that are thick enough to keep your toes warm for winter. Combined cotton and reinforced heals mean they’re cushy and comfy. The designs that range from preppy to mod to hippy let you pair them with just about anything—even that strange socks n sandal trend that’s been creeping back from it’s mid 1990’s death.
Maybe you’ve noticed but summer seems to have rolled in, which means you’ve probably been neglecting your sock drawer. That’s cool, and necessary if you’re going the boat shoe thing this summer, but for any other kind of footwear it’s a little…shall we say, gross. We don’t have to explain how the bacterial build up can lead to unfavorable scents and worse, nasty infections. So that’s where no-show socks come in to the picture. And maybe you share our opinion that they’re kind of strange on men—like baby booties but on fully grown men. Not so hot. Which is why we’ve been on the hunt for no show socks that guys can proudly and stylishly wear. The brands we’ve found with the best and widest range of socks are below.
It’s no surprise that the sock label with one of the most expansive selection of designs also has more than a few no-show socks styles for summer. Sniper gives you camo, Tenderfoot are perfect for the cabin and take the Super Invisible to the beach where socks might suggest your lack of cultural sympathy for the locals. From $7 for one.
This is the first year 2(x)ist has done the no-show sock thing and they hit the nail on the head. Plain black or white for sporty occasions and color combos that don’t suggest anything baby. From $11.25 for a 3 pack.