How to choose high-quality men's socks: what to look for?

At first glance, socks are considered the most insignificant item in a man's wardrobe, although the opinion of stylists is radically different. Today, fashionable and stylish men can even use socks to create an original look. In addition, stylists share a lot of tips on how to combine the length, color scheme and design of socks with your overall look and other wardrobe items. For this you need, first of all, high-quality men's socks.

Today, even branded brands such as Calvin Klein, Gucci, as well as sports brands Nike and Adidas are engaged in the creation of fashionable and high-quality socks. The latest fashion trends also dictate trends for colored and bright socks; it is only important to harmoniously combine them with the overall style of clothing. For men of different ages and preferences, you can choose the perfect pair of socks if you know the basic selection criteria.

What are quality socks?

Only in this case can you choose good men's socks if we are talking about a quality product from the manufacturer. But few men know for sure what criteria can be used to evaluate the quality of socks, if you rely only on your own observations. High-quality socks are distinguished by the following indicators:

• 100% natural composition of hypoallergenic fabric;
• the flexibility of the materials, thanks to which the socks easily take the shape of the foot and return to their previous state after removal;
• decent price, which is due to quality;
• reliability of the manufacturer and its good reputation;
• high-quality cut, absence of rough and interrupted seams.

When choosing quality socks, a man first needs to pay attention to the season of the year and weather conditions, since this item of clothing is designed to warm his feet in the cold season. In addition, experts recommend familiarizing yourself with the “anatomy” of good socks, which contains several important components - the side or elastic, as people say, the leg (the part from the side to the footprint), the footprint itself and the heel of the sock, the toe where the toes are hidden, as well as the bottom and top of the trace.

Expert opinion

Helen Goldman

Male stylist-image maker

If a man buys good quality socks through an online store, it is important that the supplier provides him with high-quality macro photographs, from which one can clearly evaluate the texture of the fabric, all the components of the sock, tailoring and cut.

We perform whitening

If washing is done in a machine, then baking soda in the amount of one glass is poured into the tray for washing powders. The second option is to dilute six grams of boric acid in two liters of water. Some people prefer to use lemon juice. Things should remain in each of these solutions for no more than three hours.

Cotton items are soaked to restore color as follows:

Alcohol or ammonia in the amount of two spoons, diluted with a liter of water, returns the whiteness of products quite well.

When washing white socks, select the “Cotton” mode and set the temperature to high. Drying is carried out outdoors or in a dryer; it is not recommended to use a battery to prevent yellowish spots from appearing on the materials.

How to choose quality men's socks?

To make it easier for men to choose when purchasing such a wardrobe item, stylists even compiled a rating of men's socks, which included the best manufacturers. Undoubtedly, the brand plays an important role, but the criterion from which the socks are made also determines the choice. Fabrics must be flexible, natural, durable, hypoallergenic, since socks are used almost daily.

Material

If a man cannot decide which socks he should prefer, stylists advise paying attention to the composition of the materials.

Today there are several options for fabrics from which decent socks are made, for example:

• cotton is a hygienic, hygroscopic, heat-insulating fabric that will last for many years, especially if it is mercerized cotton;
• wool is an excellent fabric in terms of thermal insulation properties, but is an option for informal models of socks, and also allows 10-30% polyamide or nylon;
• linen is a material with a high level of hygroscopicity, breathability and hygiene, and has high wear resistance;
• bamboo fiber is a synthetic material of the latest generation with good wear resistance and breathability;
• cashmere is a soft and flexible expensive fabric that guarantees the most comfortable stay in such socks;
• silk is an excellent option for summer socks, combined with formal and formal outfits for men.

Often the coolest branded socks for men are made from a mixture of silk and cashmere, but the standard fabric options are still cotton and wool.

Manufacturer

The most expensive luxury brand socks are produced in Italy and England, but Chinese and Russian options will cost much less.

Do you wear socks from famous brands?

Not really

Elite models will be distinguished by high wear resistance and original design, which is why wealthy and business men often prefer imported socks. The latest fashion trend is hand-linked socks, produced in Britain and Spain.

For reference! If a man is looking for reputable manufacturers of quality socks, stylists recommend several brands - Falke from Germany, John Smedley, Pantherella and Marwood from England, Bresciani, Sozzi and Dolce&Gabbana from England, Beams Plus from Japan.

Types of products

Before you look for where to buy socks and how much these products cost, you need to understand what types there are. There are a large number of classifications that divide this type of clothing according to different criteria. In this case, socks are most often sorted by size, season of use and material of manufacture.

Classification by material type:

1. Synthetics (polyester, nylon, acrylic). Products of this type have a beautiful appearance and are easy to wash. In addition, they do not lose their shape even after several months of use and do not become dull. Among the disadvantages of synthetic materials is the rapid fatigue of the legs, which makes it possible to use them only during short walks.
2. Cotton. Socks made from this natural material are considered one of the safest. They do not harm the skin of the feet and do not squeeze the fingers, which eliminates any discomfort. At the same time, such products quickly become dirty, are difficult to wash and do not retain heat. All these qualities make cotton models suitable only for the spring-summer period.
3. Wool. Socks for men and children made from this material are ideal for the cold season. They have a high density, retain heat well and are combined with most winter wardrobe items. At the same time, woolen models are not suitable for narrow shoes and use in well-heated rooms.
4. Silk. Such products are very expensive, but provide their owner with a high level of comfort. They are intended for use in spring-autumn transitional weather. They can also be worn on your feet in the summer.
5. Cashmere. Models made from this natural material attract attention with their low weight, low thermal conductivity and high strength. However, they are expensive and require proper care.
6. Linen. Naturalness and safety for health are the main advantages of men's socks (MS) made from this material. In addition, they are easy to wash, have a beautiful appearance and can be combined with most wardrobe items. The only drawback of linen is poor dyeability, which is why buyers are limited in their choice of color options.
7. Viscose. This material is obtained from natural raw materials by artificial means. It is perfect for making MNs, as it has softness, lightness and a texture pleasant to the touch. In addition, it does not electrify and does not fade when washed. The only disadvantage of viscose is the likelihood of deformation upon contact with moisture.
8. Modal. Products made from this new generation material are expensive and are not sold in all stores. Among their advantages are lightness, environmental friendliness, beautiful appearance and strength. However, modal models may shrink after washing.
9. Bamboo. MNs from this fabric have a hypoallergenic effect and natural bactericidal properties. They also have an attractive appearance and do not lose their shape during washing. The only disadvantage of bamboo products is their high cost.

Important steps to help you choose quality socks

If a man is pedantic in his choice and wants to choose the best men's socks for himself, he should familiarize himself with detailed instructions and secrets on how to choose socks. Thanks to such advice, a man will gain valuable skills that will allow him to quickly recognize worthy products of high quality and durability among low-quality offers.

Label

The first thing those who don’t know which men’s socks are best to buy need to pay attention to is the label of the socks. You need to trust the brand that the man has heard before, and also if it is marked “TU” or “GOST”. Also, if a man has determined for himself what the best composition of men’s socks is, the label must indicate the materials for sewing the socks. It is very important to compare the information on the label with the tactile sensation of the sock fabric.

Board

Many people know how to choose socks with sides; it is important that the elastic is not too tight, but also does not dangle on the leg. It is desirable that the board be two-layer, soft and elastic, flexible and stretchable, wide from 3 cm or more. Be sure to turn the side of the socks inside out to find the elastic seam, although a single side of the socks should not have a seam at all.

Pagolenok

It is important to choose socks with a dense structure in the ankle area, so as not to show off in society with translucent socks from the side to the heel and toe. An important criterion is the length of the leg; ideally, it should cover the leg so that the man’s bare leg does not peek out from under the trousers when sitting. For men with toned calves and the problem of slipping socks, manufacturers offer knee socks.

Toe

Ideally, the best sock option is one with the toe seam extending above the toes, thereby avoiding chafing and seam pressure in tight shoes. It is also important that this seam is round in shape, soft, solid and elastic, so that it does not injure the skin of the legs during wear. This is where the maximum tension on the toe occurs, so the seam should be tight and reinforced.

Heel

One of the weak points in socks is the heel, as it can often wear out, tear, or develop arrows. Reliable manufacturers of high-quality socks will definitely strengthen this area, as well as the toe. Stylists advise choosing socks with an anatomical heel shape, thanks to which the socks better conform to the shape of the foot. Typically the label will include information about heel and toe sealing.

Bottom of the trail

There are models of socks in which the entire lower part of the footprint is sealed, thereby protecting them from quick abrasion and arrows. In addition, this is an ideal pair of socks for cold winters, protecting your feet from frost and cold. Typically, manufacturers knit the entire trace in the same way as the leg. The size of the socks is determined by the bottom of the mark; its length should coincide with the distance of the arm from the hand to the elbow.

Material

As a rule, the highest quality, comfortable and durable products are made from 100% cotton.

Woolen socks come in different varieties: light ones are worn in the summer to keep the feet cool and the feet can breathe, and thick ones are worn in the winter to keep the feet warm. They are suitable for flannel and suiting fabrics.

Cotton products go with any clothing and fit well on the foot, making a person feel comfortable.

Silk models are worn with suits made of mohair, cheviot and light wool.

What sock composition is best to choose?

Today, technology has stepped forward, offering many different high-quality fabrics with impeccable properties. When creating socks, manufacturers usually use several fabrics at once to ultimately obtain a functional and wear-resistant option. The basis must be natural hypoallergenic fabric, but there can be many additives to it.

If a man needs socks that fit his feet perfectly, experts advise looking at a model with the addition of lycra, for example, socks from the DuPont brand. Also with the same properties there will be socks, the additives of which are spandex and elastane, but not more than 5%. To evaluate the quality of the socks' materials, you need to stretch them and then release them. High-quality socks will quickly return to their original shape.

Cotton is the head of everything

Consumers are always interested in the composition of socks, which is better, more practical and more durable. Many years of practice in the production of socks and hosiery have shown that cotton is the head of everything. Even “smart” socks are based on cotton. Why is it so important and popular? Because it has many benefits.

1. Naturalness, environmental friendliness.
2. Hygiene.
3. High strength and wear resistance.
4. Practicality.

All of the above means that it is better if the socks contain at least some percentage of cotton than these products are made exclusively from artificial fibers.