Best Sock Brands for Men 2025: From Cos to Burberry

Key Takeaways

• Shop all the various types of men's socks from sporty trainer socks to everyday ankle socks, boot-length and winter thermal socks. Choose the right type to perfect your collection, activities, and local weather!
• Choose socks according to the activity and warmth, wicking and cushioning level required.
• Second, look for high-quality, non-irritating ingredients. Consider cotton, wool, bamboo, or cashmere for all-day, breathable comfort that’ll make feet feel pampered.
• Eco-friendly materials like organic materials are ideal for sustainable sock production.
• Look for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics. This moisture-wicking feature is key to keeping your feet dry and comfortable, whether you are staying active or wearing them all day.
• Match sock colours and patterns with the rest of your outfit to ensure you look sharp and polished.
• Spark a little creativity with some stylish styles and fun patterns. Statement socks let you express your individuality and add a little pizzazz to your outfit!
• Decide just how far you’re willing to stretch the formality vs. creative content spectrum.
• Keep your socks in great shape by washing correctly, storing them organized, and replacing old pairs right away.
• This will ensure that you are keeping your collection looking its best and most presentable at all times.
• Keep a healthy mixture of sock styles in your wardrobe to introduce some fun versatility.
• Keep plenty of extras around so you’re prepared for sudden demands or emergencies.
• That way you’ll never be caught off guard by whatever life throws at you!

Whether you go with breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton, wool, or bamboo, quality socks keep feet dry and comfortable all day long. A good pair will have a reinforced heel and toe. This smart construction ensures they really can take the long haul and keep their structure after wash and wash.

Whether you’re looking for athletic socks, dress socks or something in between, we have the best men’s sock style for any occasion. Choose no-show socks for sneakers or knee-highs for workwear!

Fit matters too, because socks that sag or bunch up will increase the risk of chafing. Increasingly, brands are now providing sizes specifically designed to accommodate UK shoe sizes.

This new alteration has made a radical difference in fit for all of our customers. By investing in quality socks, you’ll set yourself up for comfort every day and help make sure you’re taking care of your feet.

Additionally, it helps protect the investment you’ve made in your shoes.

Types of Men's Socks

Selecting the best socks for men is about more than comfort.

The type of sock you wear has a direct effect on shoe fit. It cuddles your feet in the comfort they deserve after a long day. On top of that, it keeps your whole aesthetic refined!

Take a look at the different types of men’s socks and what they’re best suited for.

1. Trainer Socks and Their Uses

Trainer socks come up just above your heel and are meant to be hidden under athletic shoes while still providing comfort and coverage. They’re ideal for athletic pursuits or when you’re rocking sneakers on the weekend.

Synthetic materials often work best here, offering durability and moisture-wicking benefits. For example, Dickies Dri-Tech socks provide a snug fit and extra cushioning, making them a good choice for workouts or sports.

2. Calf-Length Socks for Everyday Wear

Mid-calf socks are the perfect choice for recreational use, offering excellent protection while remaining less cumbersome. Plus, they work beautifully with dress trousers or jeans alike for a smart-casual look.

Affordable options such as Hanes Double Tough Crew socks are cost-effective and long-wearing, perfect for daily wear.

3. Ankle Socks for Casual Outfits

Ankle socks are great for hot summer days or with low-cut footwear. Bombas Solids Ankle socks are so soft and cushy, it’s like wearing clouds on your feet.

Yet their cotton alternative-heavy fabrics can retain moisture a tad more. For a super slim and airy option, try the Stance Icon 3-Pack.

4. Over-the-Calf Socks for Formal Wear

Dressy OTC socks pair well with all your formalwear. They don’t slip down when you’re on the move during your hectic work day or fancy functions.

Specifically, Merino wool versions are known for their odour-fighting powers and all-day comfort, which is a big plus too.

5. No-Show Socks for a Minimal Look

No-show socks are a must in anyone’s sock drawer. Their low coverage is most suitable for wearing with loafers and/or boat shoes.

The Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab provides feet-hugging comfort without sliding down, ensuring a dependable choice.

6. Compression Socks for Comfort and Support

Compression socks improve circulation and help with swelling. They are perfect for long-haul flights or just being on your feet for hours.

Synthetic blends further ensure longwearing performance and a comfortable, secure fit.

7. Thermal Socks for Cold Weather

For extreme cold and rugged outdoor use, thermal socks are the best choice. Wool choices like Merino insulate even when wet, unlike cotton.

Choose thicker designs for more cushioning.

Materials Used in Men's Socks

When it comes to men’s socks, the right material really does make all the difference when it comes to comfort, durability, and performance. From our colorful cotton designs to our luxe cashmere blend socks, we have the perfect socks to fit your one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

Each material has unique characteristics that meet your individual sock needs. Understanding these materials will assist you in making an informed choice that best suits your lifestyle and the conditions your socks will face.

Cotton and Its Benefits

Naturally, cotton is the most popular and widely available fabric in men’s socks. It’s the natural softness and breathability of the sock that make it perfect for everyday use. It is particularly ideal for warm-weather locales.

Pure cotton does have its downsides. It’s super moisture absorbent which means it can lead to odour and a slower drying process. To fight this problem, cotton is typically mixed with synthetics.

This blend makes them incredibly durable while keeping your feet drier with superior moisture-wicking technology. For instance, socks created with a Coolmax® polyester blend offer superior breathability and moisture-wicking qualities while ensuring soothing comfort.

Wool for Warmth and Durability

If you’re looking for warmth and all-day comfort, wool—Merino wool in particular—is a miracle fabric. Merino wool socks are cozy, plush, natural, odor defeating, moisture wicking, temperature regulating insulators, so they’re perfect in winter.

They work like moisture-wicking miracles as well, so even after a big day with the fellas, feet stay feeling great. To further enhance durability, Merino wool is often treated with various synthetics, which results in thick, heavy duty socks.

These kinds of blends are ideal for days with high activity outdoors, or in cooler temperatures.

Bamboo for Softness and Breathability

Bamboo socks have become a popular choice for anyone looking for a super soft and breathable sock. This eco-friendly material makes it perfect for moisture wicking and odour control.

Plus, it features a supple, silky surface that’s gentle on skin. If you suffer from sensitive skin issues like eczema or diabetes, bamboo socks are a great option for keeping your feet comfortable and free from irritation.

Organic Options for Eco-Friendly Choices

If you’re a sustainable shopper, then organic cotton and organic wool make great green choices. These natural materials are sustainably grown with organic processes that are free from harmful pesticides and fertilizers, reducing their environmental impact.

Organic socks are typically hypoallergenic, they’re a better choice for your skin, too. These tac socks add an additional layer of comfort. You can feel good about the fact that your purchases are helping to support more ethical production practices.

Cashmere for Luxury and Comfort

For the ultimate in luxury, cashmere socks are a great option. Celebrated for their incredible softness, they make an opulent indulgence for the piggies. Cashmere’s natural insulating properties keep feet warm without added weight, making these socks a quick cold weather favourite.

It’s a little more expensive, but cashmere’s unparalleled softness and luxurious feel makes it well worth the investment. Men who settle for nothing less understand that there’s no other option.

Selecting the Right Socks

Selecting the best socks for men is more complicated than grabbing the first pair you see. To pick the right socks for you, think about comfort, style, and function. These considerations will make sure your selection satisfies all your functional and style requirements.

Here’s a guide to the key features to watch out for.

Matching Socks with Different Styles

Depending on the cut and colour of the socks you choose, you can coordinate, complement or clash with your outfit. If you want something for formalwear, choose dress socks crafted with superior materials such as Egyptian cotton or Filoscozia.

From creating a finished appearance to exuding an opulent atmosphere, they do it all. Everyday styles match best with mid-calf, crew-length socks, but ankle socks look great with trainers and warmer-weather looks.

Experience greater comfort with seamless toe construction. These smooth solutions will get you through your long workday or out on the town for that special event.

Choosing Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

On an extra active day, moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from feet keeping them dry and odour-free. Wool blends, especially Merino, are really great at keeping your feet temp balanced.

In summer, merino wool will keep your feet cool, and in winter, they’ll keep your feet warm. Athletes understand what it means to be comfortable while they compete.

Here’s why more than 1,000,000 of them have switched to moisture-wicking socks for a much more productive day on the go.

Coordinating Colours with Outfits

Neutral colors such as black, grey, and navy are timeless and match with nearly every man’s wardrobe. Bring fun into your wardrobe with eye-catching patterns or bold colors!

Ensure that they match your style though and don’t distract from your look.

Picking Socks for Various Activities

Function is the main purpose of activity-specific socks. Most hiking socks have cushioned soles for extra support, thicker materials to prevent blisters, and moisture-wicking fabrics.

Office footwear can take advantage of thinner, more breathable socks to alleviate foot fatigue over a long day.

Meanwhile, athletic socks focus on durability and moisture-wicking properties.

Style Considerations for Men's Socks

Socks have evolved beyond just a practical day-to-day necessity, and now play a pivotal role in the world of fashion. When you shop sock brands that have style and versatility, you’re more likely to find the perfect finishing detail to take your look up a notch.

Consider materials, aesthetics, and functionality of your dream sock. Just be sure they appeal to your personal style as well!

Popular Sock Designs and Patterns

The color and pattern of sock you opt for will dictate how they contribute to your overall appearance. The Smartwool Everyday Anchor Line Crew has a classic and stylish design.

Its classy jet black color blends well with both dressy and casual wear. Stance Icon socks have a unique look and style that helps them stand out from the pack. This makes them perfect for any occasion!

For the laid back men that prefer to keep things low key, no-show socks are a great basic option. The Wernies No Show Casual Cotton-Blend socks were created to be incognito.

They may be low-key, but they’ll elevate your feet to a new realm of comfort. For a super cushion, close to the foot feel with a little more support, reach for the Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab.

Do keep in mind that its high price point won’t work for everyone.

Using Statement Socks as Accessories

Statement socks offer a more subtle approach to expressing your style while still being unique. Daring prints, exciting hues or playful images can add an element of surprise to a more classic and neutral outfit.

If your number one priority is comfort, stop looking - you need the CelerSport socks. They offer a plusher, warmer feel that’s perfect for all-day wear.

Reflecting Personal Taste Through Socks

Socks are one of the best places to showcase style and creativity. From understated stripes to rock-n-roll skulls, your selection of men’s socks are the best way to express your personality.

For casual wear, go with more performance styles like the Smartwool black crew, or even better all-arounders like the Stance Icon. With these styles you’ll be both well-styled and ready to tackle the day!

Maintaining Sock Quality

The longevity and performance of everyday socks depend heavily on how they are cared for. Good-quality socks, like the Dickies Dri-Tech range, offer both durability and comfort, but maintaining these benefits requires proper attention. From washing to storage, each step plays a role in preserving their quality and ensuring they remain a reliable part of your sock collection.

Wash and Dry Socks Properly

The best way to ensure all socks are fresh, clean, and smelling good is to wash them often. This is paramount if you’re going to wear them on a daily basis. What is important is the approach.

Extreme heat and frequent washing cycles can wear down the materials and cause socks to lose elasticity. For best results, wash on delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners as well; they often deposit a waxy film that can interfere with moisture-wicking.

As far as drying goes, air dry is best. Overuse of a tumble dryer on high heat will have the fibres of your clothing shrinking. It can lead to wearing them out much too early. This is due to the fact that synthetics are generally more durable than cotton.

They tend to do okay being washed and dried more frequently, which is perfect for a sock you wear daily.

Store Socks to Retain Shape

If you want your socks to last, proper storage is essential. Tightly folding socks into a ball over time can stretch the elastic and ruin their shape. Rather, keep them laying flat or folded back into pairs.

Keeping them in a drawer or a sock organizer ensures storage away from potential harm. This technique is what makes them hold their shape so well.

Replace Worn-Out Pairs Regularly

Even the best socks can’t last forever. Signs like thinning fabric, holes, or loss of elasticity are good indicators that one should toss and replace. Choose more durable options with reinforced toes and heels, which are less likely to develop holes.

High-quality examples, such as Dickies Dri-Tech socks, feature double-layered toes for added strength, ensuring longer-lasting wear.

Ideal Number of Sock Pairs

How many socks should I have? What’s the perfect sock count to have? Conventional wisdom says you should own as many pairs as you need to survive at least one laundry cycle. Plus, have a few on hand for formal occasions and surprise outages.

Read below for our comprehensive guide to sock-stashing strategy.

Keep a Mix of Styles Ready

A functional sock drawer should be built around your active lifestyle and variety of outfits. For everyday use, the ideal number of sock pairs is seven to ten pairs of quality, well-fitting socks. That ensures you’ll have a clean pair for every weekday, if you’re doing laundry weekly.

If you’d like a little more flexibility, we recommend going with 14 pairs. This choice gives you a two-week supply and is perfect for you if you do laundry less often.

Each style serves a different purpose. Athletic socks are ideal for even the most intense gym session or outdoor sports. They have additional cushioning and help increase airflow to keep your feet dry and cool.

Dress socks are typically made of lightweight fabric with muted colors and patterns, perfect for under a suit or formal wear. Dressy socks are the ideal finishing touch to formalwear. Together, these styles will leave you prepared for whatever comes your way, from work meetings to weekend hikes.

Have Extra Pairs for Emergencies

When emergencies or other unforeseen laundry-day schedule changes occur, having a few extra pairs on hand makes all the difference. Better safe than sorry, so make sure you’ve got at least ten pairs to begin with.

It really depends on the guy. Younger adults wash their socks at least once a week, if not twice. Older adults appear to take longer to wash their feet.

Two pairs per work day is ideal. For hygiene, it is normal to wash socks after wearing them once or twice, but spares avoid premature wear and tear.

Explore a curated selection of top sock brands and expert style guides—from Cos' minimalist designs to Burberry's luxurious accessories and beyond—to find the perfect pair for every occasion:

• Cos Official Website:
  Discover Cos’ minimalist style and explore their sock collections here: Their designs merge modern simplicity with high-quality craftsmanship, offering versatile pieces that elevate any casual or professional look.

• Burberry Official Website:
  Check out Burberry’s luxury approach to accessories, including premium sock offerings:  With a timeless blend of classic British elegance and contemporary flair, Burberry socks add a touch of sophistication to every outfit.

• Dickies Dri-Tech Socks:
  Learn more about Dickies’ durable, performance-driven sock range: . Engineered for active lifestyles, these socks offer superior moisture management and rugged durability, making them ideal for both work and play.

• Hanes Official Website:
  For affordable everyday socks and the Hanes Double Tough Crew, visit: Hanes delivers reliable comfort and performance with a focus on durability, ensuring your feet stay cozy all day long.

• Bombas Socks:
  Explore Bombas’ comfortable and innovative sock designs: Known for their exceptional softness and thoughtful design, Bombas socks are crafted to provide a perfect fit and an unmatched level of everyday comfort.

• Stance Socks:
  Dive into a variety of creative and stylish sock designs with Stance: With bold patterns and vibrant colours, Stance offers statement socks that infuse personality and style into any wardrobe.

• Feetures Socks:
  For high-performance, athletic sock options like the Elite Max Cushion, see: . Feetures combines advanced technology with superior craftsmanship to deliver socks that support athletic performance while ensuring optimum comfort.

• Smartwool Official Website:
  Discover Smartwool’s merino wool socks for both comfort and durability:  Utilizing the natural benefits of merino wool, Smartwool socks are designed to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable in any condition.

• Men’s Sock Trends & Reviews:
  Get expert insights and style guides for men’s socks from Men’s Health:  This resource provides up-to-date reviews and tips, helping you stay informed on the latest trends and choose the perfect socks for every occasion.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best socks, it’s all about understanding what works best for your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. The right ones give you comfort, long-lasting durability and the perfect fit for virtually every activity.

Materials such as cotton, wool, nylon or a combination of those materials can affect how your socks feel and hold up overall. Picking the appropriate style type to match your activity, from formal dress socks to athletic performance socks, helps you stay functional and multifaceted.

It’s an unfortunate truth, but proper sock care will save you socks and keep them performing their best for longer. This up-front investment will save you time and money for decades.

Keeping your wardrobe stocked with a critical mass of quality pairs goes a long way toward ensuring you’re always ready.

Finally, make it a priority to find socks that are appropriate for you. Say goodbye to lame black dress socks. A savvy sock choice goes a long way in keeping you comfortable, stylish and prepared for whatever your work week throws your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best materials for men's socks?

The best sock materials like quality merino wool, cotton and bamboo provide a variety of advantages.

Cotton is breathable, while merino wool provides insulation when wet. Bamboo is sustainable and odour-resistant, enhancing your sock collection.

How do I choose the right size for men's socks?

Look at the sock size chart included on the package when picking out your socks.

Best sock brands in the UK typically size men’s socks by shoe size. Make sure they’re snug, giving them good socks, but not too snug.

How many pairs of socks should I own?

As a general rule, every man should strive to have a sock wardrobe of 10 to 20 pairs.

This set of socks should have you covered for everything from leisure socks, work socks, and athletic performance socks.

How do I maintain the quality of my socks?

To prevent fading and wear, always wash your socks inside out in cold water.

If you can, let them air dry to keep them lasting longer. Don’t use bleach or heavy-duty detergents to extend the life of your soft socks.

What styles of socks are best for formal wear?

Choose crew or OTC socks from trusted brands.

Pick out some bright or bold colors with your socks, and make sure to wear them with some solid pant shades, such as black, grey or navy to ensure a sharp appearance.

Are bamboo socks good for everyday use?

Well, bamboo socks are super soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making them ideal for everyday socks.

This is especially true if you’re looking for a more sustainable, odour-resistant sock.

How do I prevent my socks from wearing out quickly?

Continue to rotate your socks, especially your favourite socks.

Don’t wear the same pair two days in a row. Ensure you’re keeping your toenails short and wearing shoes that don’t rub to avoid any friction.