Socks don’t always get the attention they deserve when putting together an outfit. For most men, socks are not considered important as they are less visible than other clothing. While this is true, a poorly designed pair of socks can ruin a well thought out outfit. Also, socks can offer a great opportunity to subtly add pattern and color. Socks must be considered not only in visual terms, but also with regard to comfort and quality. In this article I will compare the top brands of men’s designer socks based on choice, quality, comfort, innovation, and fashion. The brands I will be looking at are; Falke, Pantherella, Burlington, Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, Paul Smith, Duchamp-London and Ted Baker.
An important distinction needs to be made between these brands, ie whether they are sock specialists (Falke, Pantherella, etc.) or fashion brands that make a range of socks (Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Armani, etc.). There are several differences apart from the fact that sock specialists offer a wider range. Most fashion brands make men’s socks in one size, known as ‘one size’. On the other hand, sock specialists usually offer 3 different sizes; 5.5-8, 8.5-11, 11.5-14. While it’s more comfortable to wear a sock designed to fit the size of your foot, fashion brands offer the opportunity to buy a great name brand. In fact, sock specialists never put their logo on the outside of the sock, while designer brands often do (such as the Armani eagle or Calvin Klein ‘CK’).
Pantherella and Falke have a wide range of men’s socks, covering all aspects of functionality, from business to casual to sporty. Within each category they offer plain fabrics in many colors as well as trendy patterns like stripes and diamonds. In solid color socks, they also offer variations in fabrics such as plain cotton, ribbed cotton, wool and cashmere. Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani also offer quite a diverse range, from solid cottons to stripes. The other brands have a more specialized range and offer couture socks that closely adhere to the brand’s design principles (for example, the renowned Paul Smith stripe).
In terms of quality, all designer brands use high-quality fabrics in their men’s socks, blended for durability. Falke goes the extra mile in making strong socks and has developed a reputation throughout Europe. All socks are made in Germany and have a reinforced heel and toe (and in some cases additional stress zones). They are also experts in the use of new technologies, such as the use of silver ions for freshness, antibacterial cotton and climate regulating fabrics. Falke has recently developed an ergonomic comfort system that has a patented ergonomically shaped sole area for optimal fit. A combination of natural and functional fibers provides a breathable climate, and innovative cushioning applied to the inside of the sole adds additional comfort.
When it comes to fashionable socks that have exciting colors and patterns, fashion brands stand out. While Falke makes trendy stripes and argyles, it’s only a small percentage of their overall range. Having said that, they offer some exciting and bold colors in their plain men’s socks such as; magenta, cranberry, lime green, wine and ‘Swedish Blue’. Pantherella focuses more on fashion, and they are responsible for the Richard James sock collection. Duchamp-London, a premium men’s accessories brand, produces the most striking men’s socks in both print and colour.
They are especially known for their harlequin design (also used on their cufflinks), which is made up of bold stripes that are divided into checkered squares. Ted Baker is famous for his quirky sense of humor, which is reflected in his men’s socks through playful patterns that experiment with conventional stripes and spots. Emporio Armani is a truly refined brand and focuses mainly on muted colors and subtle patterns, all decorated with the distinctive eagle logo in a contrasting colour. For an argyle sock, Burlington is the best known and most respected. Now owned and manufactured by Falke, they are high-quality socks that offer a myriad of vibrant color combinations.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a technical sock that fits well, specialist sock brands like Falke offer the best solution. On the other hand, many fashion houses like Paul Smith offer socks that will add bold and dynamic color to your casual and formal wear.