Text: Veronika Drdáková Photo: Ilja Hubálek
A black suit and black socks still represent a solid way to dress. Yet in an age overflowing with varied patterns and combinations of different shades, it would be rather a pity to stop there. Join us on an entertaining journey where we will show you how to choose the right (and anything but boring) socks for your suit.
Before we move on to the enjoyable matters of colours and patterns, we first need to set the record straight on what cut and material of sock is the right one. Knee-high socks belong with a suit. When you sit down and your trouser leg rides up, bare skin should never show. That is why most of our socks also feature a special rib at the top that stops them from slipping down.
In terms of materials, 100% cotton is naturally the obvious choice. Thanks to its breathability your feet will perspire less, and you will avoid any risk of overheating or unpleasant odour.
However, most of our formal socks are also available in other materials, namely cotton blended with polyamide, or polyester with added elastane. This composition improves colour fastness and shape retention, while the elastane ensures the sock returns to its original shape, hugs the foot and does not slide down.
If you prefer to keep things conservative when matching socks to suit, you can never go wrong by choosing socks in the same shade as your trousers. This is the perfect solution even for highly formal dress codes such as black tie. Always reach for black socks with a black suit; with a navy suit we recommend socks matching either the trousers or the shoes. If you enjoy experimenting, a black-tie ensemble can be accented with black (or solid-coloured) textured socks.
If you are looking forward to pulling on colourful socks that will contrast strikingly with your suit but worry that your choice might not land well, try matching your socks to your pocket square. Hook onto a shared motif present on both accessories, or pick pieces that use the same colours across different patterns. The smaller the pattern, the more understated the outfit will feel.
Menswear tolerates many variants, colour combinations and ideas, yet some are still better left aside. Take care that the patterns on your socks, tie and pocket square do not clash with one another.
Gentlemen, when you have a quieter moment, go through your sock drawer and remove from the formal section any pair that is not tall enough, does not fit the foot well or causes your feet to sweat. And if you are still unsure how to combine patterned socks with a pocket square and tie, remember that by sticking to the shades already in play, you have all but won. Or ask your partner for a second opinion.
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