Men’s socks have sure come a long way. We’re not only talking about improvements in the production process, materials and fit, but the sock industry is now worth over $2.8 billion. With a stat like that, we know we’re obviously no longer working with just the black or white staples you may have sported as a kid, or even the thin dress socks with understated patterns you involuntarily had to adopt as an adult.
In honor of socks getting their moment in the sun (literally), show off your favorites by pairing them with shorts during these warm months. The wide array of colors, patterns and designs is absolutely massive, but we picked some standouts from menswear makers Stance, Vans, Huf and Richer Poorer. Pair these attention grabbers with a new pair of classic shorts, and likely some straight forward sneakers, to be ready for brunch or a BBQ.
Off the Grid
Photo: Socks by Stance; Shorts by Brixton.
It’s patterns galore on the Olympia 2, $15, by Stance Socks, that have not only a pretty (but tough) floral print, and a bandana pattern across the toe and ankle. Pair these with the super casual, deliberately cut off, Madrid Relaxed Fit Drawstring Short by Brixton, $55.
Peachy Keen
Photo: Socks by Vans; Shorts by J.Crew.
The Poncho Crew 1 Pack, $10, by Vans, is a cotton/nylon/elastane mix built for ultimate comfort. While it may be made for wear, we like it for the look. Pair this jacquard art sock (with embroidered Vans logo) with some straight forward shorts, but in an unexpected poppy color. We suggest the 9″ Stanton Short in Garment-Dyed Oxford Cloth, in rusty brick, $69.50, by J.Crew.
Reflective Royalty
Photo: Socks by Huf; Shorts by Death by Tennis.
Get that vintage barber shop feel…on your toes. The Barber Crew Socks in white, $14, can give your whole outfit an Americana feel even though it’s just patriotic colors on your feet. Pair these festive socks with understate navy shorts. We recommend you take a step outside your staple silhouette comfort zone – try the Bloke Shorts, $230, by Death by Tennis.
Gridlock
Photo: Socks by Richer Poorer; Shorts by Outerknown.
Traditional grey socks get a little feisty with a zig zag pattern placed delicately across the top of the foot & ankle. Partner the Mountaineer socks, $12, by Richer Poorer, with clean front grey shorts. We like the Traveled Chino Short, $135, by Outerknown.
