Men's Dress Socks Guide - Sock Quality Hallmarks & Etiquette

Want socks that don't slide down? Get them here

During the 17th century, socks became affordable for regular families but of course, they could only afford the rough, homespun yarn, woolen socks whereas the aristocracy would have fine silk or cotton socks.

Socks started to be knitted on machines. First, socks were actually knitted on a machine that was flat, once the knitting process was finished, it was put onto a wooden foam such as here then it was sewn together and that's why you sometimes see these seams in the back of socks in old movies because it was purely functional. In fact, the Cri de la Soie knit ties we offer from Fort Belvedere are knitted on old sock machines that were repurposed to be used with silk and so you create these knit ties. Over time, somebody had the idea to create a round knitting machine so socks wouldn't have the seam that could be uncomfortable. Initially, it only had 72 needles but over time, machines got more and more refined and today, the finest machines have 280 needles, this results into an extremely fine sock and when you use yarns like silk and cotton, you get this sheer look that is one of a kind and simply the finest sock in the world. If you're into this kind of stuff or if you want a nice black tie sock, you can check it out in our shop here.

One, it's really important that your dress sock stays up at all times. The number one reason for a sock to stay up is its length. It simply needs to be over the calf. If it's like mid-calf or a little shorter or ankle length or even shorter, it simply won;t work and will slide down.

The other aspect you want to pay attention to is the elastic. You want it to be long and not just slim because otherwise, it may constrict your blood flow and wear uncomfortably. It also helps to avoid all kinds of gimmicks such as sock suspenders or braces.

It's important to go with natural fibers, ideally, hundred percent natural fiber blends such as cotton, wool, silk or cashmere, simply because these fibers absorb moisture more than nylon or any other artificial fibers and they make you sweat less. A high-quality material also feels very comfortable on your skin and it will last for a while. In areas such as the elastic on top, you need artificial materials because there's just no elastic natural material that would work well. Also, in your heel, where socks wear the most, you want some elastic material as well as in the toe area. Other than that, stay clear of blended socks.

If you have a foot in size 6, you'll need a different sock than somebody who has size 13, that's simply unavoidable,therefore, when you buy over the calf socks, it is important that you get the size that is made for your foot. Most men aren't even aware that you can buy socks in several sizes but once you've worn a pair that is actually the right size of your foot, you never go back. That is why we offer 4 sizes at Fort Belvedere that cover 98% of all men.

A dress sock is meant to be worn with suits, combinations, tuxedos or white tie outfits and as such, you want it to be elegant and thin. You don't want a hand knit sock that's very thick and rough that may be great for casual events or in cold winters . For a suit, you want a thin, elegant material, that means, it was knitted in a machine with a high number of needles such as 200 needles, 240 and 280.

As a general rule, you'd always match them to your pants or your trousers. Never to your shoe. That's just the main, basic rule but beyond that, there are a lot more ways that you can match your socks and a proper way.

#socks #dresssocks #notsponsored
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Gentleman's Gazette

[gramarson]

0:04 RALPHIE The forbidden sock💀💀





*jokes aside been long time viewer and have finally been able to invest in some of your accessories for my wardrobe and i LOVE them. Bless you Ralphie, you’ve definitely helped inspire me when it comes to mens wear. Keep up the great work!

[danieladownie]

You know, honestly I'm jealous. Here, men have a very detailed resource for the history, function, and fashion of every component of their garments. I'm not saying women don't, it's just many videos for women's fashion are about coordinating or whatever. I don't actually learn about the history and details of what goes into making clothing for women.

I'm sure a lot of this information can be applied to women's clothing, but my point is that women don't seem to make it as important. I mean, I had to stumble upon a men's fashion channel (out of pure curiosity) just to see this kind of information all neatly bundled in a video.

Women may seem better dressed, as society tells us, but women really don't put this much passion into dressing well.

[andrejjurga]

Raphael your outfit is one of the most elegenat I have ever seen. True inspiration. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[BrianPhase]

I picked up Ft. Belvedere socks. They are incredible.

[liquidmath]

I'm anxiously waiting for the video showing how to match socks. This is much needed.

[yarnheart]

I love socks. When I get them on Christmas day it's like finding the holy grail.

[AverageNiceGuy]

13 pairs of Fort Belvedere socks delivered today.
I am impressed.
Thank you.
Now, maybe I have a chance to keep up with the style of the European lady I am with :-)

[bailey]

This is great! My dad is asking for nice, statement dress socks for Christmas. I stumbled upon your channel a while ago and I just found it again. I will definitely be checking out your shop.

[SightNSoundBand]

Excellent suit/tie/shirt/pocket square combination...nicely done...

[powder]

Hey! Shirt stays are not gimmicks! I've used them in ROTC and they are amazing! You are right about them being uncomfortable though...

[rovercoupe]

All my socks are from Pantherella. All of them are black. I don't have to spend time matching them up and just put them into a drawer from where I can grab two in the morning. M.

[Pipoleyer]

Hello! What about bamboo socks? thanks!

[mandeepbaweja]

Love that suit, shirt & tie Rapheal....do you really have to unbutton the bottom button of Vest / Waistcoat??? I have seen many men very sharp dressed and just buttoning every button of waistcoat....

[coreymason]

Great episode, l learned a lot from your videos.

[ksmccc]

Hey thanks for always best video. It's difficult for me to find socks and trunks in reasonable price these days. 😢 Does anyone have any suggestions?

[TheModsen]

I wonder if rather thick and colorful wool socks are appropriate for a combination with dress shoes. Thank you very much in advance :)

[ZachariahMBaird]

He said that athletic socks don't go with a suit, but what if I'm not wearing a suit, but still want something a little more stylish? Like what socks would go best with dark jeans, leather sneakers, button down shirt, leather jacket, and fedora? I need something in between athletic and dress socks.

[ExtrovertedCenobite]

Ok, stop already, I never thought I would watch a video on socks but this man knows his socks and I am tired of restricted blood flow to my lower legs and feet. If only I could find the sort button on the website to help me find the lowest priced socks, all I found were $40 socks for a pair.

The last purchase I made was 3 pairs for $16, I suppose you get what you pay for.

[xxmem]

Sock garters aren't a gimmick at all. They're a very sensible solution to the inevitable drooping of any sock that isn't a recently purchased OTC sock. Most socks you'll find in men's departments are mid-length as men seem to prefer these by a large margin. In most cases they will droop at some point during the day or when the elastic loosens after a number of washings. Sock garters are the best solution. Socks will stay up all through the day, and after a couple of days of using them, you'll totally forget that you have them on. The key in wearing them is to attach the garter to the front of the sock and loop the back of the garter over the top of your calf muscle.

[SQ_og]

That suit looks best on you of all you have.