Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette. In today's video, we're gonna sock it to you
with seven types of socks that every gentleman should have in their wardrobe.
♪ Gentleman's Gazette Theme Song ♪
Nowadays, socks are one of the most underutilized garments and classic menswear; often purchased in
cheap bulk packs with boring colors. But, we're here to help you employ socks to their full potential
so you, too, can add versatility to your shoes and trousers and create unique visual interest -
all within the realm of timeless, classic style. As it happens, socks are one of ten things we think
vintage gentlemen just did better. But, before we share the sock types that we consider essential
purchases, let's first take a look at what you ought to be looking for in your socks. If you think
about the worst experiences you've had with socks, they probably relate to feeling hot, sweaty, or even
itchy. These symptoms of subpar socks are usually a result of "saterials." Oops, sorry. I mean, "materials."
Socks made from natural materials like silk cotton and cashmere are light and breathable -
like the silk and Egyptian two-ply cotton used by Fort Belvedere. Synthetics like nylon, rayon,
and polyester should never be used for the sock body, which is unfortunately often the case with
blended socks. Natural materials keep your feet feeling light and breezy; not to mention how much
better it is for your foot health to avoid that damp clingy sweat that causes odor and fungus.
Over-the-calf excellence. How to keep socks from sliding down is a perennial question in menswear?
[scene from Seinfeld] Mr. Pitt: "Ultimately, I don't think they'll stay up."
Elaine: "No, no! They'll stay up."
Mr. Pitt: "For a while, yes, but not in the long run."
And no, the solution is most definitely not using sock garters, Instead, the secret is
socks that reach over the calf and perfectly fit your foot. By sitting over the calf, the sock will
sit as naturally and securely as possible. A proper sizing throughout ensures the sock moves with your
foot and leg properly, so there's no pulling and result in slippage. Quality construction. Usually,
quality-made socks will have the aforementioned traits and make it a joy to wear and handle wear
and tear. Another benefit of quality workmanship: hand finishing. The toe sections on most socks
are sewn by machine. This leaves a rough noticeable seam that can irritate your toes.
High-end socks like those offered by Fort Belvedere are finished by hand, meaning the
dedicated craftsman can link the toe section without including that irritating itchy seam.
Strength in numbers. Although usually protected by your shoes, socks are hard-wearing articles of
clothing that really take a beating especially if you're prone to sliding around on wooden floors.
[scene from "Risky Business"]
Like shoes, socks last longer when they can be rotated to avoid repetitive damage.
Therefore, buying multiple pairs will help all of your socks last longer as each individual sock
will have more time to rest between wearing and washing. We know it can be tempting to buy cheaper
socks, but it seems like they're such a good deal. But, for an in-depth analysis of why you're better
off in the long term with a quality sock, here's Raphael explaining the differences between a pair
of $4 and $40 socks. With the basics out of the way, let's consider some socks -
starting with socks that pair with common trouser colors. Socks that pair with blue. A few colors are
more common in menswear than blue. But, rather than wearing completely solid blue socks, which
can look either too bland or too bold, we suggest wearing two-tone solids, which feature alternating
threads of two different colors, producing a subtle color effect that isn't overwhelming, but is still
visually interesting. To ensure you match whatever shade of blue you're wearing, consider light
and midnight blue two-tone socks. They'll subtly pick up the blue of your trousers without blending
in because of the two tones. Alternatively, if you prefer more contrast, consider orange and navy blue.
The navy tones down the vibrancy of the orange without dulling it and the orange sets off brown
shoes beautifully. Clocks are a classic menswear design that help break up the uniformity of a sock
without being distracting. To leverage this adaptability, we suggest that you purchase
a pair of blue socks with contrasting clocks. Navy with white and blue clocks is an excellent choice
because it can be easily dressed up or down. But, a more vibrant blue with red and white clocks is a
great choice if you prefer more pop, and that still works with multiple outfits. It will build a bridge
between blue trousers and red-tone shoes. Stripes - especially subtle shadow stripes - allow for the
introduction of both color and a unique pattern. For more formal occasions, you want to keep things
in check with a muted color palette, like gray and Prussian blue, a refined combination that can
ground more colorful shoes and trousers. And if you want your socks to be bold, let's try burgundy. What
pairs with burgundy? Well, if we're talking about a pinot noir or a pecorino... No, wait! We mean the color
burgundy, not wines from Burgundy. So, let's pair grey with burgundy for an unforgettable look that
commands attention. I'm sure I've made everybody hungry for wine and cheese. Socks that pair with
gray. Next to blue, grey is one of the most common trouser colors. For two-tone socks, we recommend a
foundational pairing of gray blue and Prussian blue. With a livelier ensemble, they help all of
your other colors shine. With a more muted look, they prevent the dividing line between your sock
and trouser from appearing muddy or boring. Now, if you require something more sedate, a charcoal gray
mélange will guarantee gravitas no matter what you're wearing. For our next pair of socks, we're
going to continue with a monochromatic theme. Let's pair a medium gray with a light gray. But, to keep
things interesting, we're going to add in clocks. To dignify two tones of gray, ensure that these socks
are serious enough for business wear or any other formal occasion. They can also dress up
more casual trousers like slacks. So, these socks are great for formal occasions or adding an
elegant air of formality to any occasion. Unlike gray skies, who can't get enough of grey socks?
Pink may seem a little wild for most ensembles, but it's actually a perfect complement to a pair
of gray trousers, especially when paired with stripes and gray. The pink brightens up darker gray
trousers, and the gray helps blend pink seamlessly with lighter gray trousers. The result: you're able
to integrate a unique color like pink into your wardrobe without it looking overbearing. As an
equally unique alternative to pink, consider gray and turquoise. Socks that pair with brown.
Brown is one of the most underrated colors in menswear and trousers are an easy way to start
introducing this color into your wardrobe. Finding the right socks will ensure that you unlock the
full potential of this incredible earth tone. To maintain a grounded atmosphere, let's start with
the two-tone sock that will work with any brown trouser, khaki, and dark red. At a distance, this
sock looks like a rich, uniform brown, but the reds provide just enough contrast to warm up the browns.
They also emphasize any warm color details within the outfit. To really turn up the heat, let's make
red the primary color with two-tone burgundy and bordeaux. Okay, no wine jokes this time. It's
not happy hour, yet. Deep reds like burgundy are traditionally very versatile in menswear,
and these socks are no different. Not only will these socks add new life to any shade of brown
trousers, it will even work with a variety of textures - from chinos to corduroys. Of course,
we can't ignore one of the most classic pairings: dark green and brown. First, we'll look at a fair,
neutral offering. Mid brown with green and cream clocks. On its face, this is a very conservative,
no-nonsense look. This could be exactly what you're looking for if you want a very tranquil,
earth-toned ensemble. But, these socks can be the perfect transition from brown trousers to
cognac or oxblood shoes, and can really give your lower half a zing. For something with more pop,
consider an underutilized pairing of brown and blue. This is definitely a very bold look, but it
can be just a thing to add a little pep in your step when you're stepping out in brown. But, if it's
just a little too much pep, then navy blue might be more your speed. Stripes provide the perfect middle
ground between brown's neutrality and its vibrancy. First, we'll return to our aforementioned pairing
of mid brown and green. Red or blue can brighten brown, but green makes any shade of brown come
alive. This particular shade of green is also quite rare in menswear, so it adds an element of visual
interest; proving that brown isn't drab, it's fab. Fun socks. When we say fun socks, we don't want to
kill the mood by getting too technical or precise with you. So, we're inclined to say that fun socks
are any socks that make you feel like having fun. Think about the kind of socks you'd like to wear
on a casual outing or even a beach wedding or good times with friends outdoors - like a springtime
garden party with croquet and lawn tennis or even a barbecue by the pool with a cool beverage. You see,
fun socks can assume many forms from - traditionally patterned socks in unique and interesting colors
to tasteful patterns and repeating designs. Of course, bear in mind, it is possible to have too
much fun and your fun socks might veer outside the realm of classic menswear. Need help walking
that particular tight rope in your socks? Raphael will help you determine if you can pull off or if
you should "pull off" socks like these in this video here. Athletic socks. Don't worry. We haven't changed
your mind about wearing gym socks with dress shoes. You still shouldn't do that. Seriously, don't do
that. But, there is a time and a place for athletic socks - being the gym or wherever you exercise,
which is also not the place for dress socks. Dress socks were not designed for the high-impact wear
of exercising. So, if you wear dress socks while working out, you'll soon be wearing a hole in
your socks. And when purchasing athletic socks, make your selection based on your activity. Basketball
calls for very different socks than hiking. But, as with dress socks, we suggest favoring brands
that are sized, use natural fibers in the body, and are well constructed. This will give you a much
better cost-per-wear ratio than those cheap, white socks that you can usually buy by the pound. How
do they ever fit 20 socks in here? No-show socks. When the temperature starts rising and you start
to want to break out the summer shoes, the question soon becomes: to sock or not to sock? Casual summer
shoes like loafers or boat shoes can be worn barefoot. What if you want to rock the sockless
look with other types of shoes or you don't like the idea of your bare feet touching and rubbing
against the insides of your shoes? Thankfully, there is a solution in the form of no-show socks,
which have been specially designed with a low profile that should be completely covered by the
shoe. No-show socks offer clean lines and complete aeration of the rest of your leg while protecting
the interior of your shoe from sweat. When buying these socks, look for products with good elasticity
so that they will not slide down into your shoe. A deep heel pocket also allows for a better fit
without so much reliance on elastics. To simulate the feel and breeziness of going barefoot,
we suggest the body be made of durable and thin natural fibers with a seamless toe. No-show socks
work best with casual looks, rolled cuff trousers, and even shorts, and our preferred way to enjoy all
the benefits of going barefoot in our shoes without the drawbacks. "Barefoot in our shoes."
It's a weird thing to say. Black silk socks. Let's jump over for a moment to the opposite end of
the formality spectrum and take a look at formal evening socks. The key to successfully pulling off
a formal ensemble is paying attention to every detail and that includes from tip to toe, and we
mean toe. Don't spoil the look of your evening shoes by pairing them with inappropriate, thick,
black day socks. Instead, pair them with evening socks made from the appropriate materials like
silk and a refined weave. Like every other aspect of formal wear, socks have evolved to achieve a
particular look. They should have a marvelous sheen, typical of fine silk; a subtle pattern to the weave;
and an ideal fit that never sags or crumples. Perfecting these elements is very hard to do, and
to achieve it Fort Belvedere had to seek out the best Italian sock makers - working with rare 280
needle machines, sourcing quality silk augmented with high quality cotton. The result: a product that
we are proud to call, without exaggeration, the best socks in the world. Give them a try and we suspect
that you'll soon love your socks just as much as these guys do. Hopefully, this video has inspired
you to check out your sock drawer and to ensure that you have everything that you need to start
your outfits out on the right foot. What socks do you consider essential? Let us know in the comments
below. And if you still haven't gotten your sock fix, you can check out more and our dedicated
sock guide. What socks am I wearing today, let's find out. So, today, I'm wearing a oatmeal colored
polo from Ralph Lauren, navy blue trousers, brown dress shoes; finished off with a blue and brown
shadow-stripe sock from Fort Belvedere. Check out the Fort Belvedere shop here for socks like these.
♪ Gentleman's Gazette Theme Song ♪