It doesn’t matter if you’re severely fashion-challenged or a hipster with a pristine sense of style; you still wear socks.
And though we wear socks almost every single day, many men don’t have a single clue how to shop for a good pair of socks. Even though the average American spends around $1,800 on clothes every year, we tend to underspend when it comes to socks. Too often, when our socks seem to be few and far between in the laundry cycle, we head to the store and just grab the cheapest pack of whichever socks look the least weird.
While tried-and-true sock styles have their place, there is a whole world of sock styles out there waiting for discovery. Believe it or not, the right pair of socks can make your days more comfortable, and even protect the health of your feet.
Get out of your boring and impractical sock rut. Here are four styles of sock you never knew you needed:
1. Athletic and Sports Socks
If your feet will be getting sweaty, do yourself and your family a favor and invest in socks specifically designed for athletic performance. Today, less than 5% of American adults participate in 30 minutes of exercise every day. Don’t let a lack of athletic clothing become an excuse to stay on the couch. Moisture-wicking socks are a great addition to any wardrobe, and hiking socks often feature cushioned soles that help prevent blisters and achy feet. For outdoor fitness, some boot sock styles are made taller to help protect your ankles from rubbing against hiking boots and to limit lower-leg scratches and bug bites.
2. Fun Socks
While you may be hesitant to wear zany socks with your formal wear, fun prints are actually quite fashionable these days. Even mainstream retailers like Target now carry a variety of options for men. You can get socks with dinosaurs, bacon and eggs, and a variety of non-extinct animals. Every man should own at least one pair of socks that add a little character to your outfit.
3. Casual Socks
Casual, daily-wear socks give the wearer a chance to express personality and flair, since these socks come in an array of colors and styles. Casual socks tend to prioritize appearance over function, meaning that awesome yellow-striped pair might make a great statement, but not fare so well on a long hike.
4. Dress Socks
Finally, men’s dress socks are often made with luxury materials intended to pair with suit-and-tie apparel. Traditionally, dress socks come in black fabrics that match your trousers. These socks tend to be taller so that the edge will never be glimpsed under dress slacks. However, recent business-casual style changes have seen men getting more creative with their sock choices. Today, it’s common to see a man in khakis wearing fun argyle or spotted socks. If your workplace allows, feel free to have a little fun with your dress socks!
When you’re cultivating your ideal gentleman’s wardrobe, don’t forget to gather a collection of practical socks. With these four socks in your arsenal, you’ll be ready to take on any day in comfort and style!
