Dress Socks

[rodes]

I am more frustrated by socks than any other article of dress. Practically everything else can be procured in various modes from inexpensive to very expensive, otr to bespoke, and if you are careful, patient and willing to pay you can get what you want. Not so with socks. This is unfortunate for socks can add a nice finishing touch for a fraction of the cost of a suit. All the stylish icons realized this. Where is the tasteful clock sock of the 1930's? The cheap mass produced varieties do not fit and the more expensive sized ones do not last. MTM socks could be an option. Is there any firms that provide these? I would be glad to pay any reasonable amount if I could only find the answer.

[Concordia]

Bresciani and Palatino have some options that are pretty good. The plain ones from Turnbull & Asser (not sure who makes those) are also not bad, although probably not as "dressy" as you'd like.

I do agree that it's easy to put a foot wrong (heh) on the high end, however. William Abraham, for example, has some very nice models, but also others that shrink in no time and don't hold up well next to toenails.

I'm starting to think that worrying too much about socks is a case of rapidly diminishing returns. If I had to start over, I might get the Ben Silver black and blue with color-coded toes, plus some plain charcoal grey. Add some Burgundy, tartan green, ocean blue, and Cambridge blue, all in plains, and I'd be set -- with no worry about matching or coordinating in the early morning hours.

[emde]

I also think that Bresciani produces very decent quality socks and they have finely graduated sizing: http://www.bresciani.it/en/la_taglia_giusta.htm
Especially the linen socks are to be recommended! I am about to switch (almost) all my socks to linen...

[hectorm]

Where is the tasteful clock sock of the 1930's?

I´m not very fond of the clock sock myself, but Alex Kabbaz -who has always been a reliable haberdashery- still sells them in several colors. Made by Bresciani.

[raykalendek]

Finding quality socks that are appealing has been a challenge. Over the years, I've worn Pantherella, Bresciani, and Marcoliani (and others). These brands have always been serviceable and each has offered some classic designs. As to durability, they have all been fairly good. I'm awaiting a shipment of socks from https://www.theshoesnob.com/collections/socks. Their selection is of mostly solids in various colors, and reasonably priced at about $20/pair. Buy five pairs and get complementary sixth pair.

[Melcombe]

Gammarelli ? (in Cardinal red obviously...) They do individual (whole) shoe size gradations. https://www.meschaussettesrouges.com/en/

Im quite hard on socks and prefer merino - usually in a durable mix. I can't get on with cotton or linen, but in summer my solution is mohair (ideally Cape mohair ones).

For consistent quality : Falke. Vorsprung durch Strumpfwaren their cashmere socks are (IMHO) superb at the price.

[Concordia]

Who sells cape mohair socks? Can you get them sized/over the calf?

[Melcombe]

Who sells cape mohair socks? Can you get them sized/over the calf?

This is the UK / European office http://www.capemohair.co.uk/contact/

I have bought mine from a small retailer in Dorset - and only ever the shorter versions. They have considerable stretch, so are very generally sized.

They are not 'exquisite' quality (nor are they expensive) but are certainly better than average : functionally however they are remarkable - amazingly comfortable in warm weather and, as you might suppose for mohair, very durable and shrink resistant.

Edit - I see they are on Amazon (I know, sorry..) search "Mohair Urban Executive Sock"

[Concordia]

And here is another brand that does go over the calf.

[HristoStefanov]

And here is another brand that does go over the calf.

Thank you! I just ordered a pair for a try

I have a very minimalistic wardrobe, but when it comes to socks I don't follow the minimalism and I like getting some exotic fabrics
I have mostly experience with Falke (because I live in Germany) and I have tried almost all their lines (from silks to cashmere and even camel hair ). I am particularly happy with their Airport line as an all rounder sock which can be worn almost around the year. And they have a lot of colours which is an additional plus (some great colours are not available anymore, but at least they add new colours from time to time).
For the summer the Falke No9 line is a good option. It is very thin and open weave but yet durable sock.
I have also the linen socks from Breschiani, but I am not that happy with them because they get visible damage only after a couple of wears. Same with diverse silk and silk mix socks. It is somehow sad that the most expensive socks get damaged the fastest.

[Mark Seitelman]

Another sock vendor worth checking is Dapper Classics (www.dapperclassics.com). I just took delivery of my first order. So far, so good as to hand, color, softness, etc.

This vendor specializes in socks although there are limited offerings in ties, shirts, and pants. Everything is made in the USA.

The socks are made to its specifications and designs by a North Carolina mill. The mixture is 70% merino wool, 29% nylon, and 1% spandex. The wool socks average $24 for mid-calf and $26 for over-the-calf. They have promotions, such as buy three at full price, and the "sock of the month" is free.

I am expecting an order from Mes Chaussettes Rouges. They sell well known brands, such as Bresciani and Mazarin.

Good luck.

[Concordia]

I wonder who made the Penance Hall socks. They were kind of eccentric in terms of color, but they are fabulous quality. Meaning comfortable, durable-- not like spiderwebs of silk and vicuna.

[Concordia]

Another sock vendor worth checking is Dapper Classics (http://www.dapperclassics.com).

Nice-looking stuff, but a lot of "size 9-12" items. To me, that means I'll fit in them until they go to a hotel's laundry.

[Mark Seitelman]

I received an order from Mes Chaussettes Rouge, and the socks had a peculiar, sickening odor I associate with insecticide.

Upon inquiry, I was told that the socks are sprayed with Rouge Habit Guerlain. I was also told that this is the shop's signature, and that hundreds of thousands of orders have had this perfume without complaint. I was told to wash the socks to remove the odor. This worked. I was also told that on future orders I should instruct them not to spray.

What a hassle! What a way to do business! When I purchase socks (or any other clothing) I don't want them sprayed with perfume.

[Concordia]

I've had some sweater deliveries that came with odd odors. Detergent, insecticide, perfume-- never able to figure it out. A dry-cleaning got most of it, and I suppose that cedar chips and moth sachets will take care of the rest.