socks and ties

[madz]

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.

[andreasperelli]

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

[RWS]

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

[culverwood]

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.

[bengal-stripe]

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

[andreasperelli]

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

[RWS]

Thank you, Andreas! It does look interesting.

[madz]

Many thanks for the replies and advice.

[Bishop of Briggs]

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

[Bishop of Briggs]

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

[storeynicholas]

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

[Johnboy]

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