Socks
Sock Rules for Men: How to Match Socks to Trousers, Shoes & Occasions
The definitive guide to men's socks: colour matching, patterns, length, materials, and the sock mistakes that ruin good outfits.
Style Guide
Which Socks to Wear With Every Style
The rules of men's socks: how to match them to trousers and shoes, when to wear no-show socks, and which socks to choose for suits, sneakers, boots and golf.
Socks: all guides
2 in-depth articles in this section.
Socks
Which Socks to Wear With Sneakers, Boots, Loafers, Shorts & Golf
No-show, ankle, crew or over-the-calf? A practical guide to choosing socks for sneakers, loafers, boots, shorts, golf shoes and every kind of outfit.
Small detail, big effect
Socks are one of the cheapest ways to show that you pay attention. White athletic socks with a suit can ruin an outfit, while a well-chosen pair of burgundy merino socks with grey flannel trousers shows quiet confidence. The rules aren't complicated, but most men have never been told them.
The three sock rules to remember
- Match your trousers, not your shoes. With tailoring, socks should continue the line of the trouser leg. Navy trousers get navy socks, grey trousers get grey or charcoal.
- Length matters. With formal clothes, no bare shin should show when you sit down. Over-the-calf or long mid-calf socks solve this.
- Match the sock to the shoe's formality. Thin, fine-gauge socks go with dress shoes. Thicker wool or cotton go with boots and casual shoes. No-show socks go with loafers and sneakers in summer.
Sock types at a glance
| Sock type | Wear with |
|---|---|
| Over-the-calf dress socks (fine merino, cotton lisle) | Suits, tuxedos, formal trousers, oxfords |
| Mid-calf dress socks | Business casual, chinos, loafers, derbies |
| Patterned socks (argyle, dots, stripes) | Smart casual, creative offices, weddings |
| Chunky wool / boot socks | Work boots, country boots, winter outfits |
| Crew athletic socks | Sports, gym, streetwear with sneakers |
| No-show / invisible socks | Loafers, boat shoes and low sneakers in warm weather |
| Golf socks (cushioned, low-cut or crew) | Golf shoes, on-course |
Read the sock guides
Our sock rules guide covers colour and pattern matching in detail. Socks for every outfit goes through sneakers, boots, suits, shorts and golf one by one.