The London Lounge

Gentlemen,

I have been lurking for a while and finally plucked up the courage to join and post my first topic. Forgive me if I'm covering old ground. My name is John and I am interested in quality clothing. I'm enjoying your site and have already learned a great deal of things (thank you).

I am visiting London shortly and will have an afternoon free. I would like to purchase some socks and ties. I must admit my usual sock purchases are from Marks & Spencer but I would like to purchase some better quality that will last. I usually end up with holes in the front of the sock (yes I keep my nails trimmed ).
Also ties. I wear a tie five days a week and would like something of good quality.
I will be around the Piccadilly Circus area and not having visited SR before I intend to take a walk around the area and see what I can find? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Hello,

I'm sorry that I have not recommendations for your London trip however I would like to share some experiences about socks.
During one of my frequent trip to Italy I discovered the Niga shop where if you buy 6 pairs you can ask for your monograms on the socks.
Gaddo della Gherardesca was their testimonial.
They also have very funny crazy colored striped socks that I like very much.
I know, someone will be shocked to discover these matched with a formal morning dress, but sometimes happens to feel a little more crazy than usual.
Speaking with the owners they told me they make the sock for the Vatican also.

Have a nice stay in London,
All Best.
Andreas

This hose sounds interesting, Andreas. Might you have an address, ebsite, or telephone number for Niga?

Just wander up Jermyn Street starting at the Piccadilly Circus end and check out many of the shops for ties. The main Lewin shop has a very wide selection of ties at a reasonable price and they are not bad quality. The smaller New and Lingwood shop on the right of the Piccadilly Arcade as you look north has a good selection at a higher price. Richard James on Savile Row has some more modern designs and also has socks.

madz wrote:I must admit my usual sock purchases are from Marks & Spencer but I would like to purchase some better quality that will last. I usually end up with holes in the front of the sock (yes I keep my nails trimmed )..

Don’t believe a more expensive pair of socks will give a longer life than a cheaper pair. The expensive socks will be made from a finer material, something like fine Merino wool, cotton lisle or maybe even cashmere (which will wear out in next to no time). You will be better off with a wool and synthetic blend (something like 70 : 30 or 80 : 20). They usually last longer and are much easier to maintain as they can be machine washed.

Better socks have a ‘hand linked toe’, there is no uncomfortable seam going over the top of your tootsies. Probably ‘Falke’ (a German brand) delivers best on the quality/price ratio. Mind you, they are relatively expensive here (Harrods or Selfridges stock them). In the Euro zone, they are a good third cheaper

http://www.falke.de/

Rolf

RWS wrote:This hose sounds interesting, Andreas. Might you have an address, ebsite, or telephone number for Niga?

Yes Sir,
http://www.nigacalze.it/site/index.html

All Best,
Andreas

Thank you, Andreas! It does look interesting.

Many thanks for the replies and advice.

I would recommend that you visit New & Lingwood and Hilditch & Key (for Pantherella) if you want socks.

For ties, you may get some 7-folds from Charles Tyrwhitt in the sale.

Try Emma Willis in Jermyn Street for top-end products in both lines.
NJS

Marks and Sparks new Wool Cashmere mix at £12 for three pairs take some beating