You might not think about them all that often, but socks are some of the most important items in your closet. You should wear them whenever you wear an enclosed shoe, like a sneaker or dress shoe, because they are responsible for separating your stinky, sweaty feet from your shoes’ interiors.
If you spend a bit of money on your footwear (which you should, as high-quality shoes are imperative to protecting your feet), you should also be splashing out your cash, every now and then, on good quality socks, as they will not only protect your shoes but will give extra protection and comfort to your feet as well.
Using socks as an accessory
Aside from their functional role, socks are an accessory; meaning they can be a great (but subtle) way to show off your personality to those around you. If you’re that clean-cut American Psycho-esque banker, you’ll probably go for a classic black pair, but if you’re the resident larrikin in your office, you might want to go for something with a funny meme printed on them.
And hey, if you’re a simple man with simple interests, you can show that off as well! Do you love beer? Get socks with beer on them. Honestly, just have fun with it! If you see a pair with a colour scheme, pattern, or print that you love, go for it and rock them proudly.
Different sock types
In this day and age, it’s no surprise that there are many different types of socks for men available, but it can be tricky to decide which style is best for your lifestyle. Invisible, ankle, crew, and mid-calf are the most popular options.
Invisible and ankle pairs are best for casual outings, and look great when you’re wearing shorts or rolled up pants that expose your ankle. Crew socks are also quite a casual style and can be worn under chinos or jeans. Finally, mid-calf socks, better known as dress socks, are perfect for the office, but can also be worn to practically any event under your trousers (please don’t EVER tuck your pants into your socks).
Socks For Men FAQs
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Whether you live in Australia or the United States, we’ve rounded up the leading brands that produce the absolute best men’s socks. Whether you’re looking for plain white and black, or you’re after something a bit more fun, and no matter what length you need to add to your sock drawer, these brands have everything you need. But above all, all of the following brands produce high-quality socks that are durable and will keep your feet comfortable.
Hot Sox
1/23
Price: From $18
Sizes: One Size
For over three decades, Hot Sox has only ever produced socks. And that’s because they do it incredibly well. Dedicated to creating pairs that feel great, function well, and deliver on today’s style, Hot Sox achieves this by using the latest, most advanced machinery combined with the highest quality materials.
Plus, they constantly collaborate with creatives and designers to produce socks with modern and playful prints and colours. Most of Hot Sox’s range is made up of dress sock styles, but they do have a small selection of invisible and ankle styles available.
Allbirds
2/23
Price: From $12
Sizes: S-XL
New Zealand-American company, Allbirds, is dedicated to creating eco-friendly footwear and apparel made from sustainable resources. Founded in 2016, this eco-friendly company is renowned for their extremely comfortable and stylish shoes that are made with only renewable and recycled materials.
Allbirds has recently branched out into apparel and now stocks a small range of socks made out of cosy, soft Merino wool and tree fibres. Available in a few colours and in both no-show, performance, and crew styles, they’re an incredibly worthy (not to mention, sustainable) alternative to some of the bigger brands.
Happy Socks
3/23
Price: From $16
Sizes: 36-46
Happy Socks, founded in 2008, prides itself on creating high-quality socks that combine unique designs with impeccable craftsmanship. Happy Socks’ vision was to spread happiness by turning an everyday essential into a colourful design piece. In 2008, socks were only available in boring whites, greys, and black, and Happy Socks believed that socks could become fashionable and creative design pieces.
Flash forward to today, and they’ve achieved just that; their socks are very fashionable and available in every colour, print, and design you could ever think of. Plus, they come in almost every style: invisible, ankle, crew, dress, knee-high, and are all made with the finest cotton and elastane for breathability and stretchy comfort.
FITS
4/23
Price: From $19
Sizes: S-XL
Founder of FITS, Bob Yoe, noticed that most men’s socks on the market were ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Therefore, by using only the highest quality materials, such as merino wool, and an innovative engineering process, FITS produces socks that suit every activity and have a fit that’s so well crafted you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Because that’s how FITS believe socks should be: supportive, comfortable, and never problematic.
Available in every style: invisible, ankle, crew, mid calf, knee, etc., the colours and prints FITS have to offer are more subdued than others on this list, but are ever so demure and sophisticated, meaning they’re perfect for everyday wear, or for men who are not so keen on wearing lurid styles at all.
Comrad
5/23
Compression socks, for whatever reason, have got somewhat of a bad reputation. But Comrad believes that they are simply misunderstood, and compression socks deserve to be in everyone’s drawers.
Founder of Comrad, Andrew Ferenci, had constantly tired, aching, and swollen feet and after seeking medical treatment was recommended compression socks. They instantly cured his feet problems, but Ferenci realised that compression socks, while they had amazing benefits, were ugly, expensive, and slightly uncomfortable; which is when Comrad was born.
Comrad produces comfortable and stylish everyday socks with all the benefits of graduated compression. Plus, Comrad’s antimicrobial SmartSilver technology kills bacteria and prevents odour, which means they’ll require fewer washes and be longer-lasting.
Sock Fancy
6/23
Price: From $25
Sizes: One Size
Launched in 2013, Sock Fancy’s main goal is to produce socks that are comfortable, durable, and fashionable, but also affordable. All of Sock Fancy’s pairs are made with 70% combed cotton for durability and softness, have ‘no-slip cuffs’ meaning they are guaranteed to stay put all day, and have a reinforced heel and toe for extra longevity.
All of Sock Fancy pair are crew length, and come in either packs of three, or six. Available in block colours and fun patterns, you’ll be clamouring to feel their softness against your feet each and every day.
London Sock Company
7/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: S-L
Built on the belief that little things make a BIG difference, the London Sock Company creates socks that will add a dash of colour to your outfits but will also allow you to embrace your personality and be the best version of yourself. The London Sock Co. only uses the finest materials and most advanced knitting methods to ensure their pairs feel great, fit perfectly, and last for a long time.
The London Sock Co. have both ankle and dress styles available in classic colours, bold colours, and sophisticated prints. You’ll most definitely put your best foot forward with a luxurious pair from the London Sock Co.
Sock It To Me
8/23
Price: From $11
Sizes: S-L
Sock It To Me believes that everyone has a unique voice that deserves to be heard, so they produce funky designs that encourage everyone to be their authentic selves. Their socks are available in crew and knee lengths, and come in fun, playful prints. Made with a double welted cuff, and featuring a reinforced heel and toe, these patterned socks will make an excellent addition to any drawer.
Ozone Socks
9/23
Price: From $18
Sizes: One Size
‘The art of socks’ is Ozone Socks’ motto, and they certainly deliver. Dedicated to adding a bit of personality to wardrobes, Ozone Socks carry dress, ankle, and invisible styles that feature trendy, colourful patterns.
Made with the highest quality natural cotton for a luxurious feel, strength, and breathability, and blended with elastic for lasting stretch and machine-wash durability, Ozone Socks are not only stylish but constructed at the highest standard. There’s a reason the brand is called ‘Ozone’, and that’s because their socks are like a soft, protective layer surrounding your feet.
Rhone
10/23
Price: From $18
Sizes: S-L
Men’s premium activewear specialist Rhone only has a small range of socks on offer, but if you’re after something that’ll keep up with an active lifestyle, Rhone is the brand for you.
Rhone has slowly but surely been expanding its range, with ankle, mid-calf and invisible styles all being made available. All feature strategic paddings, superior heel grips, and anti-odour technology, and come in a variety of neutral everyday colours.
Outerknown
11/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: S-L
Professional surfer Kelly Slater’s own brand of clothing, Outerknown strives to create sustainable and ethical products that do wonders for the planet and its oceans. That mantra is even applied to their small but high-performing range of dress socks, with Outerknown’s offering – made in collaboration with sustainable sock maker Arvin Goods – being available in various colours and featuring padded footbeds.
Hugo Boss
12/23
Price: From $14
Sizes: S-L
The famous German label, Hugo Boss is famous for its minimalistic, clean-cut looks that embodies Germany’s culture as a whole. Their socks are no different and are made to the highest standards. Available in invisible, ankle, and dress styles, Hugo Boss’ selection come in traditional block colours and are crafted with the finest fabrics. If you work in corporate, Hugo Boss is likely going to be a brand for you.
Ministry of Supply
13/23
Price: From $15
Sizes: S-L
You don’t typically think of ‘science’ when you’re clothes shopping and yet, science drives everything Ministry of Supply does. They use science and engineering techniques to create garments that are comfortable, breathable, stretchy, sweatproof, are easy to care for, and will give you a full range of motion.
Their range of mens socks is rather large and versatile; they have everything from no show to ankle to regular, and all are odour-absorbing, ventilated and breathable. Better still, they’re all soft, cushioned, and are available in a wide range of both classic and playful colours and patterns.
Entireworld
14/23
Entireworld is a relatively fresh clothing brand serving up basics for prices that won’t break the bank. Their sock range consists of many fun block colours and stripe patterns, and all are made with either recycled or organic cotton. Available in ankle, crew, and dress lengths, Entireworld’s offering is simple, but impressive.
Taylor Stitch
15/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: One Size
San Francisco brand Taylor Stitch has one mission; to produce garments and accessories that are staple wardrobe pieces, and are only crafted from responsibly-sourced materials in ethical ways.
All of Taylor Stitch’s socks are dress length, made to last, be comfortable, and have a timeless style. They also all feature moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties, and are made with the finest merino wool.
American Giant
16/23
Price: From $15
Sizes: S-XL
American Giant is dedicated to creating clothes that are durable, not disposable and they achieve this by producing straightforward and timeless styles from high quality fabric for ultimate durability.
Their range of socks is on the smaller side, but the ones that American Giant do have are impressive. As with the rest of their clothing, all of their foot-huggers are made in the USA from a specially-made fabric, and feature a cushioned footbed. Available in ankle and crew styles, American Giant’s offering is more than comfortable enough for all day wear.
Ted Baker
17/23
Price: From $16
Sizes: One Size
The British born tailoring brand with a twist, is luxury brand Ted Baker. Founded in 1988, Ted Baker has had a very clear, unswerving, focus on quality and attention to detail since its inception.
Ted Baker’s range of socks is limited to just dress styles, but they are all crafted from the finest materials such as cotton, and merino wool. They are available in both prints and colours that are rather dapper and sophisticated, best suited to an office or dressier occasions.
Jos. A. Bank
18/23
Price: From $16
Sizes: One Size
Renowned for their range of both off-the-rack and custom-made suits, Jos. A. Bank is no stranger to sartorial style, whether it be for formal events or the corporate world. It’s no secret that most guys like to have some fun with their socks at these dressier affairs as well as the office and Jos. A. Bank’s collection of fun pictures and patterns is more than happy to oblige.
All of Jos. A. Bank’s socks come in a dress style, and are crafted with a cotton blend that is moisture wicking, has anti-odour properties, and is extremely soft.
Pantherella
19/23
Price: From $13
Sizes: S-L
Since 1937, Pantherella has been making some of the best men’s socks. They use superior yarns and the finest cotton to craft their range, that is available in both subdued and bold patterns.
Pantherella also incorporate almost-invisible, hand-linked toe seams for unparalleled comfort, and are available in both invisible and dress styles. For a classic, comfy and durable, Pantherella is the way to go.
J. Crew
20/23
Price: From $17
Sizes: One Size
J. Crew believes in ‘looking a million bucks, not spending it’ which is why they source the best high-quality fabrics at the most accessible prices. All of their products are classic with a modern twist, and their range of socks are no exception.
With invisible, ankle, and dress styles crafted from either cotton or wool, J. Crew socks are available in plain and bold colours, stripes, polka dots, and fun patterns. They have lightweight options for summer, and thicker styles to keep your feet warm in cooler temperatures.
Reiss
21/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: S-L
Founded in 1971, Reiss has an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative and original products, and they achieve this by fusing exceptional design, quality, and value. Reiss’ range is made up of some of the best men’s socks available; all of which are designed to offer a satisfyingly sleek finish to all looks. They have invisible and dress styles on offer in monochrome colours, and will give a simple, effortless style to any outfit.
Saturdays NYC
22/23
Price: From $20
Sizes: One Size
Started by a group of friends in New York City that all shared a passion for surfing, coffee, and art culture, Saturdays NYC is now a brand that embodies those passions. Saturdays NYC has a small range of socks for men that are minimalistic but ultra-comfortable. They only stock dress lengths, but all are crafted from a midweight, stretchy cotton blend for durability, comfort, and breathability.
Paul Smith
23/23
Price: From $25
Sizes: One Size
Renowned for his creative aesthetic, which combines tradition and modernity, Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. Each Paul Smith design is underpinned by a dry British sense of humour: quirky but not frivolous, eccentric but not silly.
Famous for his iconic stripes design, Paul Smith has a range of dress socks that feature sophisticated, yet playful and colourful prints. As with all Paul Smith products, they’re made to the highest standards with soft cotton, and are extremely durable and comfortable.