Socks for men: from the office to sneakers

At the office: the sock that extends the trousers

With a suit or smart trousers, the rule is simple: a sock high enough to avoid showing leg when sitting, in the same colour as the trousers rather than the shoes. Navy blue with navy trousers, charcoal grey with grey.

Unique men's socks

The unique men's socks from Jimmy Lion add a splash of colour to a sober outfit. The brand offers a series dedicated to the paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more playful patterns for the weekend.

With rolled-up jeans and loafers, a patterned pair becomes a noticeable detail.

Cotton from Nudie Jeans and Birkenstock

Nudie Jeans has cotton socks in stripes or marled styles, like the Amundsson or Rasmusson models. Birkenstock offers slub cotton socks designed to go with its clogs.

For plain basics in organic cotton, Colorful Standard has a very wide range of colours.

Sport and long walks

The adidas Originals Trefoil Cushion socks, which are padded, and the The North Face socks are great for days in trainers and for sports. A reinforced heel and toe reduce friction.

Socks and trainers: what height?

• Invisible: under low trainers, with shorts or short trousers.
• Low: barely shows above the shoe, for sports.
• Mid-calf: the most versatile, with jeans or chinos.

A white sports sock with retro running trainers embraces the style of years gone by.

With clogs or ankle boots

A Boston clog or Chelsea boot requires a thick sock, in wool or ribbed cotton, to fill the volume and keep the foot warm. Choose it in a solid colour, grey or off-white.

Choosing your size

Socks are sold in size ranges. If you're between two sizes, go for the higher range: a sock that's too small slips under the heel.

Cotton, wool or technical fibres?

For the city, cotton remains unbeatable: it breathes, washes easily and ages well. Cotton socks from Nudie Jeans or Birkenstock are good examples, with their slub yarn adding texture.

For winter, wool insulates better and stays warm even when slightly damp. For sports, a technical fibre wicks sweat away faster than cotton.

An easy gift idea

A gift set or a pair of unique men's socks can be chosen with just a rough size. The Basquiat patterns from Jimmy Lion or the laurel crown from Fred Perry make noticeable gifts.

For a more complete gift, pair them with a beanie or cap in the same colour.

Fred Perry, the sports sock

The Classic Laurel Wreath sock from Fred Perry, embroidered with the laurel crown, is worn with white trainers and a polo. It's the sporty touch to a weekend outfit.

Care

Wash your socks inside out, at 30 or 40 degrees, and avoid the tumble dryer, which wears out the elastic. Dry them flat or on a drying rack, and store them in pairs to avoid mismatching over the washes.

Other accessories

For matching items, check out the men's trainers, or all the men's accessories by type.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs should I have?

Count one pair for each working day, in dark tones for the office, plus a few sports pairs and two or three fancy pairs for the weekend. Change the ones with worn heels.

High or low socks with shorts?

Low or invisible for a clean look with trainers, high and white if you’re going for a sports style inspired by tennis courts.

What colour socks with a suit?

The same as the trousers, or a darker shade. Avoid white socks or very short ones with formal wear.

Are fancy socks acceptable at the office?

Yes, in a casual office, with a discreet pattern and a colour that matches the outfit.

Which socks to wear with Birkenstock Boston?

Thick cotton or wool socks, plain, that extend the clog season into winter.

What material for winter socks?

Wool or a wool-cotton blend: it keeps warmth and reduces moisture in boots and closed shoes.

Why do my socks slip in the shoe?

They’re often too small or too thin. Choose the higher size range, or a thicker model.