admin But what makes them the best? We’re done with the whimsical ones that look like airport carpeting. Nothing cutesy, nothing argyle (with a few exceptions), nothing “novelty.” No, you need dress socks in solid colors and subtle patterns that work under a cuffed tweed trouser, a stiff pair of jeans, and wild patterned pants. And they should make you feet feel fantastic, even after 12 hours spent cooped up in heavy leather brogues. All 23 of these dress socks—from fancy French heritage hosiery to cheap and cheerful basics—check every box.
The Best All-Around Dress Socks
So, you might not be visiting all that many airports at the moment. But the logic behind Falke’s signature Airport socks remains sound all the same. They’re built from a supremely versatile blend of wool, cotton, polymide, and elastane that’s engineered to keep your lower extremities temperate, cushioned, and comfortable—even through a harrowing day of air travel. When you don’t have a five-hour layover to suffer through, though, these densely knit numbers will treat your tired dogs right, and the buckets of available colors and very respectable sub-$30 price tag will ensure your fits and wallet are equally satisfied.
The Best Dress Socks Even Your Old Man Will Appreciate
Man, you’ve probably thought to yourself at one point or another, spying a gnarly toe peeking out from a hole in socks you bought a month ago: they really don’t make ’em like they used to. Actually, they do—at Pantherella, at least. The UK-based hosiery specialists have been churning out quality dress socks for close to a century, leaning on top-shelf fabrics—like the cashmere-nylon blend they use here—to render exquisite accessories of the highest order. This trio of can’t-miss options probably won’t turn any heads at the office, but they will make your dad so proud he’ll buy a stack, too. And that’s way more important, right?
The Best Stench-Battling Dress Socks
Haunted by your end-of-day foot stink? Soured relationships with friends and family over your sour-scented hooves? It’s time to bring in the big guns. Mack Weldon’s extra breathable dress socks are laced with odor-assaulting silver threads that help to keep those unwanted aromas at bay. (And they’ll look pretty killer peeking out beneath a pair of new-age dress pants, too.)
The Best Workhorse Dress Socks
On your feet all day? Grab Gold Toe’s Harrington crew socks. No, they’re not as refined as the luxury brands above, but they deliver the all-business vibes of dressy ribbed socks with built-in cushioning reminiscent of your favorite athletic socks’. Plus, at less than $4 a pair, you can afford to buy your Gold Toes by the dozen.
The Best Bulk-Buy Dress Socks
Want to experiment a little with your socks? Start with Uniqlo. Their ribbed dress socks are shockingly well made (tightly woven, comfortably padded, super-saturated in color) for a low, low price. Plus, they come in nearly every hue you can imagine. Get teal! And eggplant! Neon pink? They’ll look good against gray or navy pants! If a color isn’t working, you’re only out a few bucks.
The Best Dress Socks to Impress Your Achingly Hip Coworkers
Looking to dazzle your stylish coworkers below the ankle? These mid-calf, patterned socks by Paul Smith give just the right amount of pop without being too distracting with thick banded stripes across the foot. Plus, they’re crafted from silky soft cashmere to keep your toes looking (and feeling) good.
The Best Winterproof Dress Socks
When are socks worth splurging on? When they come via the Spanish hosiery specialists at Thunders Love, who knit their nubby dress socks—a newly-minted member of GQ’s inaugural All-Stars class—from the stuff your fanciest sweaters dream of (in this case, high-quality wool equipped with a touch of silk to keep your toes cozy but not scuzzy). Pair these boardroom-ready beauties with your crispest trousers to flex on your colleagues long into the new year—and scoop ’em at a rare discount while you can.
