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The 30 Best Socks to Add to Your Regular Rotation
The humble accessory deserves pride of place in your wardrobe.
A young Elvis Presley was a fan of argyle socks, which he often wore with penny loafers. David Letterman preferred thin gray silky socks that covered his calf. Justin Trudeau wears socks in colorful patterns, especially ones that are Star Wars-themed, to nearly every global conference. And Justin Bieber is often snapped in bright, hefty socks, usually from his own label, Drew. These men have categorically different styles, but all are known to promote an accessory that is an afterthought for many.
When getting dressed in the morning, most fellas neglect the importance of the layer that covers the feet, keeps them warm, and prevents blisters and odors from forming. I’m one of them; they’re usually at the bottom of the list. You’d think they’d rank higher, in view of the base functions, but because socks are often covered by pants and shoes, I seldom consider them. And I’m sure I’m not alone in that, which is a shame.
If the the King of Rock and Roll, the Canadian Prime Minister, and The Biebs serve as an example, my fits—and maybe yours, too—could benefit from a really damn good pair of socks. They may not completely transform my look, but they could add a flourish. For the discerning dresser (*raises hand*), no stone should go unturned, which means nailing every detail, even the ones that go unnoticed at first glance.
So, let’s hop on the bandwagon by eyeing the selection below. The humble sock deserves better, and it's high time we restored it to its rightful pride of place in our wardrobes. Maybe not at the top, but certainly not the bottom. That spot is reserved for underwear.
In the game of socks, Bombas is a contender for MVP. From the quality to the price, there's nothing wrong with this player.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Calf |
| Materials | 63% Cotton, 30% Polyester, 6% Rubber, 1% Spandex |
J.Crew Athletic Crew Socks
J.Crew Athletic Crew Socks
It really come as no surprise that J.Crew, purveyor of all things classic, offers some of the best crew socks around.
| Quantity | 3 Pairs |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | Cotton/Nylon |
L.L.Bean Katahdin Hiker Socks
L.L.Bean Katahdin Hiker Socks
The ideal socks to wear with your favorite duck boots.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 54% Merino Wool, 44% Nylon, 2% Lycra® Spandex |
Darn Tough Fred Tuttle Micro Crew Midweight Work Sock
Darn Tough Fred Tuttle Micro Crew Midweight Work Sock
The brand's name pretty much says it all, folks.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 62% Merino Wool, 35% Nylon, 3% Lycra® Spandex |
Happy Socks Dressed Sunglasses Sock
Happy Socks Dressed Sunglasses Sock
Another one where the name says it all.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Calf |
| Materials | 72% Cotton, 27% Polyamide, 1% Elastane |
Anonymous Ism Sarape Striped Knitted Socks
Anonymous Ism Sarape Striped Knitted Socks
It's better not to ask why this beloved Japanese brand has such a cult following. Just buy the damn things and see for yourself.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 46% Cotton, 46% Acrylic, 7% Polyester, 1% Spandex |
Swiftwick Aspire Twelve Sock
Socks built for hiking perilous terrain, so you know they're heavy-duty enough for your daily(ish) commute.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Knee High |
| Materials | 46% Olefin, 43% Nylon, 11% Spandex |
Stance is an iconic sock brand. There's no question as to why this infallible pair is on our list.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | Cotton Blend |
Nike Everyday Cushion Crew Training Socks
Whether you're training or walking to and fro between kitchen and couch, these socks are snug, cozy, and optimal for performance.
| Quantity | 3 Pairs |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 69% Cotton, 28% Polyester, 2% Spandex, 1% Nylon |
Gucci GG Pattern Cotton Blend Socks
Gucci GG Pattern Cotton Blend Socks
If you want to get a little luxe with your socks, go with Gucci. These look great in the tiny gap between your pants hem and your shoes.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Calf |
| Materials | 80% Cotton, 18% Polyamide, 2% Elastane |
Carhartt Force Lightweight Low-Cut Sock
For a low-cut sock that won't slip down your foot every 10 minutes, go with Carhartt.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Ankle |
| Materials | 41% Nylon, 34% Coolmax Polyester, 20% Merino Wool, 5% Elastane |
Flint and Tinder Sunwashed Crew Socks
Flint and Tinder Sunwashed Crew Socks
I mean, just look at how soft these look.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 68% Cotton, 16% Nylon, 12% Acrylic, 4% Spandex |
The North Face Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
The North Face Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle Socks
Cushiony, warm, and durable—TNF does it again.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Ankle |
| Materials | 56% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane |
Uniqlo Color Block Socks
Uniqlo Color Block Socks
Uniqlo's basics have you covered from head to toe, literally. These socks are under $5.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 67% Cotton, 27% Polyester, 4% Nylon, 2% Spandex |
Adidas Athletic Crew Socks
Adidas Athletic Crew Socks
For every occasion, or no occasion at all.
| Quantity | 6 Pairs |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane |
Polo Ralph Lauren Crew Sock 3-Pack
Polo Ralph Lauren Crew Sock 3-Pack
Polo Ralph Lauren brings its signature preppy style to socks, too.
| Quantity | 3 Pairs |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | Cotton, Nylon, Spandex |
Nordstrom Over the Calf Wool Socks
Nordstrom Over the Calf Wool Socks
For a longer pair of dress socks that don't skimp on warmth, Nordstrom has the perfect pair.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Calf |
| Materials | Merino Wool, Nylon, Lycra® Spandex |
Calvin Klein Cushion 6 Pack Crew Socks
Calvin Klein Cushion 6 Pack Crew Socks
These average out to only $4 a pair, which is pretty damn worth it, in my books.
| Quantity | 6 Pairs |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex |
Nudie Jeans Amundsson Sport Socks
Nudie Jeans Amundsson Sport Socks
You might have to stop yourself from wearing these with sandals and tiny athletic shorts. Y'know, for the aesthetic.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | 75% Cotton, 2% Elastane, 23% Polyamide |
American Trench The Retro Stripe Quarter Crew Socks
American Trench The Retro Stripe Quarter Crew Socks
For that retro, '80s gym class look.
| Quantity | 1 Pair |
|---|---|
| Height | Crew |
| Materials | Cotton Blend |
Trishna Rikhy is the Associate Style Commerce Editor at Esquire. Previously, her writing has appeared in Vogue Runway, PAPER Magazine, V Magazine, V MAN, and more. She is based in NYC, but can probably be found wherever the strongest cup of coffee is.
Barry Samaha is the former style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covered all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod’s Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes.
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