Fashion rules are made to be broken, but wearing dress socks with dress shoes is not one of them. The best dress socks for men prove why the moment you slip them on, because unlike your everyday athletic-leaning crew socks, these actually sync up with your suit, and don’t bunch up inside your slim leather Oxfords. For weddings, funerals, client meetings, and wherever else you need to look the business, the dress sock is a mainstay.
So what makes dress socks, well, dressy? For one, they’re noticeably thinner than regular crew socks, the kind you likely wear every day. (Kinda like how your suit pants are thinner than your jeans.) Secondly, dress socks are often made from wool or very fine, smoother cotton, which gives them a subtle sheen or luster. (Again, much like a suit fabric). Perhaps most crucially, a proper pair of dress socks should reach to your mid-calf at the bare minimum. There shouldn’t be any bare skin showing when you sit down or cross your legs.
Annoyingly, shopping for dress socks can be almost as complicated as shopping for a suit. That’s why we tested dozens to find the best dress socks on the market, from luxe merino-wool calf socks to moisture-wicking, sweat-conquering pairs. Send this message to your feet: you’re welcome.
The Best Men’s Dress Socks, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Dress Socks Overall: Boardroom Merino Wool Over the Calf Dress Socks
Boardroom
Merino Wool Over the Calf Dress Socks
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Breathable, moisture-wicking merino wool
- Reinforced heels and flat-seam toes
Cons
- Very few, though over-the-calf style won’t be for everyone
It’s no surprise that plenty of top-notch socks are made in places like England and Italy, with a rich sartorial history that goes back centuries. But some of our favorite dress socks are made right at home in the States, like Boardroom’s. The merino wool is breathable and naturally moisture-wicking, and (best of all) machine washable. Given the quality, I would’ve expected these socks to be twice the price: They’re crafted with reinforced heels and toes. And, as any good pair of socks should be, they’re knit with a flat seam toe—which, in tandem with a high-reaching over-the-calf length, ensures you’ll never catch these wool socks bunching. And the best part of it all is that they’ll only cost you about $18 per pair.
Best Cotton Dress Socks: Pantherella Pembrey Socks
Pros
- Silky smooth Sea Island cotton
- Totally seamless
- No wool means more breathability
Cons
Pantherella have made my go-to dress socks for years. They’re silky smooth, highly breathable, and totally seamless, which makes for a super comfortable wear. And while the high-quality English hosier makes some pretty spectacular wool socks too, it’s the cotton socks that stand out to me. Specifically, the Pembrey socks which use ultra rare Sea Island cotton, prized for its exceptional length, hand, and durability. And with a healthy dose of nylon, this cotton blend will outlast most other socks in your drawer.
