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Choosing Mens Socks
Though they are most often hidden below jeans or trousers, socks are as important to mens fashion know-how as they are to women. White athletic socks, for instance, will ruin even the most stylish Armani suit. It is very important that men know the basics of choosing the proper sock as part of their overall clothing scheme. Choices are endless in any department store, where socks are referred to as hosiery.
The following tips will help you pick the best men's socks (hosiery) and avoid the wrong pair for any look.
- Color:
Socks come in a varity of colors, yet the most common are black or dark blue for formal attire and the basic, athletic white for jeans and casual wear.
Proper fasion etiquette calls for the sock to match the color or the pants. When you see a man with white socks peaking out from his black Armani slacks, it.s evident that he does not often wear suits. Khakis fit well with brown or beige socks, while gray slacks should be worn with gray socks. This sock/slack color match is true even if the shoes are black. The idea is to make your socks a vertical color extension of the slacks. You can use a secondary color in the sock pattern or stitching to match a tie or other accessory.
- Fit:
Most importantly, choose a sock that stays up. It's not proper to be pulling up your socks during a business meeting. over-the-calf socks with formal dress will ensure that they do not slump and bunch. For the utmost in comfort, look for a flat seam across the toe. Cushioned tops stay up without binding, just as cushioned bottoms go a long way to keeping the foot comfortable all day long.
Sock lengths vary, from ankle-high to knee level. Many athletes wear just-below-the-knee socks, such as in soccer, football, and occasionally basketball. Other styles of socks include crew socks, mid-calf, and bare socks.
ankle socks have become more popular for wear with athletic shoes, especially by teenagers and young adults.
The statement "one size fits all" on the sock package gets many people into trouble with blisters. In fact, sock size is generally one size larger than your shoe size. If you wear a 10 shoe, your socks should be size 11.
- Texture & Pattern:
Slight ribbing or designed stitching adds class, but should not overshadow the suit, pants, or shoes. With a heavier wool winter suit, thicker wool socks are appropriate. In general, the thinner the sock, the more formal it is. For instance, thick cabled or ribbed socks should be worn with more relaxed outfits.
Argyle socks and other bold patterns will get attention at the slightest glimpse, so be prepared. Patterns can meld with or add contrast to similar elements in a shirt, vest, or tie. Always avoid mixing patterned socks with a patterned suit; it.s too complicated.
For smooth appearance, dressier socks usually contain finer threads, such as silk, but may also be of nylon or thin cotton. Dress socks usually extend over-the-calf so the leg is not visible when a man sits.
- Casual Socks:
The same rule of matching sock/slack color still applies for informal wear, such as jeans, chinos, slacks or jeans. A variation is that you can get a bit playful with patterns and texture. The more intense the sock pattern (plaids, checks, dots, stripes), the more casual is the appeal.
The most casual of all socks for men is the Athletic Sock, generally made of natural cotton so the foot can breathe and the sock will wick away moisture. Other materials may be added to the cotton for additional moisture protection, warmth and blister protection.
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