If your personality screams color, fashion moguls have heard you loud and clear. Richard James’ multi-striped anklet socks ($35, Saks) offer enough color that could invoke your inner clown. Lacoste’s men’s argyle socks ($14, Bloomingdale’s) offer a pink, navy and powder blue color combination that to some, may seem ridiculously colorful—but on you, they may look smashing.



For more conservative dressers, designers are creating patterns and color schemes that cater to your preferences. Burberry retails socks that are primarily dark hues—greens, blues and grays—that accompany many outfits perfectly. Burberry adds splashes of bold colors, like the red stripes in the house check anklet socks ($26, Saks), that men may find appealing, and an appropriate accessory choice. The subtle designs and shades offered by Burberry give men the option to add classic whimsy—without the risk of psychedelic insanity.

In addition to the expanding realm of color, fabric options are also reaching beyond cotton and polyester-nylon blends. Metropolitan View cashmere blend socks ($25 – $30, Bloomingdale’s) are an imported, luxurious option that come in a variety of colors—from lime green to lilac. These socks are a mix of nylon, viscose and cashmere, and are worth every penny.

When heading to the gym, don’t think that any old pair of socks will do. Athletic-apparel companies have changed their fiber blends to serve as a deterrent for foot ailments. According to www.aapsm.org, fibers that repel moisture are hydrophobic, while fibers that absorb moisture are hydrophilic, such as cotton or CoolMax®. When participating in your sport of choice, wear hydrophilic, or sweat-loving, socks. You want socks to soak up your sweat, keeping your feet dry and less prone to common fungal ailments, such as athlete’s foot.

Hanes offers numerous athletic sock options, from classic ankle length ($16 for 10) to crew socks ($16 for 10). The undergarment giant offers products with innovative technology to keep your feet dry. Hanes All Day Dry™ ankle socks ($7 for 6) are made with cotton-rich fibers (77 percent cotton) to ensure your feet remain dry throughout the day. Hanes also has black and gray socks to complement your shoe color (i.e. don’t wear white socks with black shoes, grandpa, and vice versa).

As men make the move from traditional and mundane to the hip-and-happening trends in clothing, they understand that it’s important to dress with style. More designers are catering to men’s needs, creating more choices when it comes to fashionable attire. When making your next clothing purchase, consider socks as part of the ensemble, and select a pair that complements—not distracts from—your fashion sense.