Socks thread

Ambrosius08 · Sep 20, 2021

Shadow stripes of all kinds are a great love of mine when it comes to socks.

The duck blue ones by Bresciani feature a grey shadow stripe, but what really gets my heart pounding is my navy blue & rust shadow-striped pair by Gallo.

I admit that sometimes I sit with my ankle on my knee at work, just ‘mirin this particular pair. And the hand-linked toes & heels are a thing of beauty.

fxh · Sep 20, 2021

Ambrosius08 said:
Shadow stripes of all kinds are a great love of mine when it comes to socks.

The duck blue ones by Bresciani feature a grey shadow stripe, but what really gets my heart pounding is my navy blue & rust shadow-striped pair by Gallo.

I admit that sometimes I sit with my ankle on my knee at work, just ‘mirin this particular pair. And the hand-linked toes & heels are a thing of beauty.

I'm pretty sure

Fwiffo has a well paid job just doing that!

Ambrosius08 · Sep 20, 2021

fxh said:
I'm pretty sure Fwiffo has a well paid job just doing that!

My assistant also occasionally takes part in this activity. Maybe it’s the case for Fwiffo as well.
One more thing to love about good socks - they create jobs and keep unemployment rates down!

The Shooman · Sep 20, 2021

Ambrosius08 said:
Since Florisgreen is no longer with us, I decided to do my part in fulfilling the giant hole he left in our socks... I mean, lives.

I mostly own socks by Bresciani, Gallo, and Mazarin. Merino wool, linen, cotton lisle, a few hunting socks made of lambswool. Every single one is over-the-calf, and I have about 25 pairs combined.

Of these, I find the latter maker to be the worst quality, while I agree with The Shooman on Gallo wool socks being absolutely amazeballs. I have had three pairs by them for +5 years, and they are as good as new.

I mostly buy socks in rather subdued colours, with a few patterns here and there. I found these on top of my laundry pile:
View attachment 41372

Nice post

Ambrosius08 when you experience Gallo socks the quality really shows. Sock making doesn't get any better than that. William Abraham might use more luxurious materials like sea island cotton etc, but I couldn't imagine the actual making being any better than Gallo's highest line.

Bresciani is a very nice sock, but Gallo is true highend luxury hosiery with a price to match. Gallo is impeccable, and such a high priced sock continues to sell in this world because people know how great they are. Gallo (tailoring line) is pure seduction....you can't begin to compare Bresciani with Gallo. Enjoy the luxury of a great sock maker while it is still around, see what sock making is really about. When you enter the world of Gallo, your eyes get opened and things are never the same again because you finally understand how socks really work.

The Shooman · Sep 20, 2021

Ambrosius08 said:
Shadow stripes of all kinds are a great love of mine when it comes to socks.

The duck blue ones by Bresciani feature a grey shadow stripe, but what really gets my heart pounding is my navy blue & rust shadow-striped pair by Gallo.

I admit that sometimes I sit with my ankle on my knee at work, just ‘mirin this particular pair. And the hand-linked toes & heels are a thing of beauty.
View attachment 41380

View attachment 41378

The Gallo shadow stripes are my favourite socks ever. They never cease to wow me. Sitting your ankle on your knee and looking at your sox becomes such a pleasurable activity when you have Gallo shadow stripes on. The look of the socks and the craftsmanship make it all worth it.

No photo can really do Gallo justice.

LeFoo1 · Sep 24, 2021

Mandatory apologies for the horrendous photo quality and dust on the socks.

Sharing my favourite sock brand so far - a brand called Sorley. These are 100% cotton made in Italy. The tag says they retail for ~USD35 a pair, I bought 6 of them in a sale from The Armoury 2 years ago at 50-60% off. 2 of them cannot be found, probably hidden somewhere or in my other apartment.

They are all OTC, retain shape well, don't trap moisture, and are simply comfortable to wear in general. I wear the camel pair by far the most because it's a colour I didn't have, and it pairs well with my casual trousers. I haven't worn the blue ones at all since I still have many old "business" pairs in rotation.

I must emphasaise these are probably the first actual "nice" socks I own - so can't really compare them to any other real brands. My previous ones were from brands like pringle, happy socks, undandy, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, etc. The designer brands were actually comfortable, but were too short and not all maintained shape well. The other problem I have with some of my old socks is that some of them had too high % of synthetic material - they feel cool to the touch and have a bit more stretch, but they retain way too much moisture and I sweat way more than I normally would when wearing them.

Now these are my minimum standard when getting new dress socks...If I do buy any new ones in this lifetime.

The Shooman · Sep 24, 2021

Yes, when better socks are worn it is impossible to go back to the old ways.

A small article on Gallo socks.

a more sophisticated and haut de gamme line appears, the Tailoring line. A revolution within the revolution. Two complementary aesthetic dialogues, to be worn alternatively, depending on the occasion. By all means these are socks to show off

Gallo socks - combining the poetry of craftsmanship with the industrialisation of technology

The key pieces are the socks: accessories that have the power to ennoble every look in the male wardrobe.

made-to-measure-suits.bgfashion.net

No truer words said.

I wore my first pair of cashmere/silk/wool Corgi knee high socks today. A thicker sock that goes great with gunboats. Fabulous socks.

The Shooman · Dec 8, 2021

Had a choice between purchasing Lattanzi shoes or sox. A tough choice.

I eventually got around to ordering my first linen socks, and despite me trying to buy from https://meschaussettesrouges.com unsuccessfully for years,

Journeyman recommendation of using paypal. It worked!

Bought these to start with.

Will probably order more Corgi winter socks soon to stock up. Also would like some more Gallo.

Sauce · Dec 8, 2021

The Shooman said:
Had a choice between purchasing Lattanzi shoes or sox. A tough choice.

I eventually got around to ordering my first linen socks, and despite me trying to buy from https://meschaussettesrouges.com unsuccessfully for years, Journeyman recommendation of using paypal. It worked!

Bought these to start with.
View attachment 42150 View attachment 42151

Will probably order more Corgi winter socks soon to stock up. Also would like some more Gallo.

Do they mark the price down on the package Shooey, I want some of their Herringbone and Hounds models. I dont want to pay duty on them though.

The Shooman · Dec 8, 2021

Sauce said:
Do they mark the price down on the package Shooey, I want some of their Herringbone and Hounds models. I dont want to pay duty on them though.

They ought to....the prices are crazy enough. Testing a couple of pairs, but 20 euro postage for those two pair. Comes out to $90.00 ASD, or $45.00 per sock. OUCH! None-the-less much cheaper than Kirby or Gallo with much lower postage too, but still costly enough. Sox are pricey things. I hate paying the bucks for socks, but if you want the good ones it's gotta be done.

In short, no, they don't mark the prices down.

Will report on how these linen socks go over the Christmas break. Gonna buy some Corgi while l still can. Will skip Gallo for the moment, too pricey....will only buy those socks every now and again.

My Corgi's are o.k, but aren't great. They stay up all day but are poorly cut (baggy around the ankles). Gallo are superb and perfect, but the prices are gut wrenching with high postage costs; still worth it though.

Bresciani aren't up to Gallo (tailoring line) in quality, but they aren't priced like Gallo either. Bresciani is like John Lobb rtw, a really nice decent sock. Gallo (top line) is like Lattanzi, it takes it all the way with the finest making.

Journeyman · Dec 8, 2021

The Shooman said:
I eventually got around to ordering my first linen socks, and despite me trying to buy from https://meschaussettesrouges.com unsuccessfully for years, Journeyman Journeyman recommendation of using paypal. It worked!

I told you so!

I'm glad that you were finally able to purchase some socks from there.

Sauce · Dec 8, 2021

The Shooman said:
They ought to....the prices are crazy enough. Testing a couple of pairs, but 20 euro postage for those two pair. Comes out to $90.00 ASD, or $45.00 per sock. OUCH! None-the-less much cheaper than Kirby or Gallo with much lower postage too, but still costly enough. Sox are pricey things. I hate paying the bucks for socks, but if you want the good ones it's gotta be done.

In short, no, they don't mark the prices down.

Will report on how these linen socks go over the Christmas break. Gonna buy some Corgi while l still can. Will skip Gallo for the moment, too pricey....will only buy those socks every now and again.

My Corgi's are o.k, but aren't great. They stay up all day but are poorly cut (baggy around the ankles). Gallo are superb and perfect, but the prices are gut wrenching with high postage costs; still worth it though.

Bresciani aren't up to Gallo (tailoring line) in quality, but they aren't priced like Gallo either. Bresciani is like John Lobb rtw, a really nice decent sock. Gallo (top line) is like Lattanzi, it takes it all the way with the finest making.

Just makes them to expensive for me, I can stand for the post but the duty pushes them over the edge. I can get good socks here for the same money but not in those patterns. Makes me a bit miffed but thats life.

Look forward to reading about your thoughts on the linen jobs. Never had linen socks but the texture looks great.

Sauce · Dec 23, 2021

These babies have just landed, made by an Italian maker, Bresciani I presume. Took advantage of a buy 3, get 1 pair free offer. 22 euro per pair, 20 euro post. Which was super fast. Hoping they have a sale in January so I can snag a few more pairs.

The Shooman · Jan 4, 2022

Linen sock report - Bresciani

As promised, my report on linen sox. The really good thing about linen socks is they are cooler in hot weather while keeping the feet reasonably dry. Apart from that, l am not overly keen on them because they feel quite rough on the feet; they don't feel as good as wool or wool/silk, or even a nice cotton sock, but what really matters is moisture wicking properties and coolness on a hot day.

***FIT***
If you are a scrawny runt just out of school with stick legs you will probably encounter problems (I know they are runty kids by how they talk). Geeky kids on S.F report problems of fit, ie, they bag around the ankles and fall down and clump up inside the shoo.

Linen Socks for summer - where to buy?

I saw a little write-up on Bresciani linen socks in this months copy of Esquire. It caught my eye because they do bright summer colors, and they say it's moisture wicking and 3 times stronger than cotton. I usually destroy my cotton socks in weeks, so I've never been able to get any nice ones...

www.styleforum.net

For me they stayed up all day but were slightly lose around the ankle and lower leg, but nothing that really bothered me. The fit is not quite as good as cottons or wools because linen is less flexible, but on the right type of legs they are still o.k. The thing that detracts from the sock experience is the roughness.

Linen sox are the best bet on a hot day, but there are compromises to be made, but so be it. Took almost 4 weeks to arrive from France. Nice packaging and a nice note written from the owner.

The Shooman · Jan 4, 2022

For me it is:

- Viccel for beater sox
- Bresciani for nicer days (Kabbaz argyles are worth it)
- Gallo (tailoring line) for my special days

Other special socks from the U.K are added for Winter, ie, thicker socks with brogues and shell cordovan shoes.

The Shooman · Apr 11, 2022

Ordered another 6 pair of these from Corgi. Nice and thick, and always nice to have a thicker sock for winter to wear with shell cordovan shoes and heavy brogues.
- 10% cashmere
- 10% silk
- 80% wool.

Panama · Jul 13, 2022

More Corgi's. 8 pairs of 100% cotton sox...

The Shooman · Sep 1, 2022

Very difficult to find great socks that are interesting.

- so much stuff on https://meschaussettesrouges.com is high poly count
- so much stuff on https://www.bresciani.it/en is boring
- where are the nice purple wool socks?
- where are the nice thick winter socks for otc?
- where are the nice looking 90% wool sox?
- so many nice sox on Kabbaz site are one size fits all. 🤮
- Viccel make so many duds/dogs

The only seemingly decent place to get nice socks is here, but oh, those prices are so steep.

Luxury Socks for Men | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Introducing refined and elegant men's dress socks with modern verve - befitting a sophisticated and tailored wardrobe.

williamabraham.com

For the first time l can understand what William Abraham is saying. Almost impossible to get really nice socks anywhere.

güero · Sep 1, 2022

The Shooman said:
Very difficult to find great socks that are interesting.

- so much stuff on https://meschaussettesrouges.com is high poly count
- so much stuff on https://www.bresciani.it/en is boring
- where are the nice purple wool socks?
- where are the nice thick winter socks for otc?
- where are the nice looking 90% wool sox?
- so many nice sox on Kabbaz site are one size fits all. 🤮
- Viccel make so many duds/dogs

The only seemingly decent place to get nice socks is here, but oh, those prices are so steep.

Luxury Socks for Men | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Introducing refined and elegant men's dress socks with modern verve - befitting a sophisticated and tailored wardrobe.

williamabraham.com

For the first time l can understand what William Abraham is saying. Almost impossible to get really nice socks anywhere.

What about Calze Sabas, did you try them in the meantime?

sirloin · Sep 1, 2022

The Shooman said:
Very difficult to find great socks that are interesting.

- so much stuff on https://meschaussettesrouges.com is high poly count

True. I visited the Paris store over the summer. Great place to visit - like a candy store! But I really had to look out, to avoid the poly stock.

The Shooman · Sep 2, 2022

I have contemplated purchasing the world's most exclusive sock on numerous occasions due it being quite durable. Wanted to experience what it was like owning it, but still don't have the nerve to pull the trigger, and likely never will. None-the-less, some blokes have desired the `experience' of the NZ red deer sox as numerous pairs are sold out at $1,275.00

Cervelt Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Cervelt is the superfine down fibre of a rare species of New Zealand red deer. Averaging 13 microns in diameter, it is finer than either Cashmere or Vic...

williamabraham.com

Would like 100 pair of vicuna and red deer sox for the winter

QuandoDio · Sep 2, 2022

The Shooman said:
I have contemplated purchasing the world's most exclusive sock on numerous occasions due it being quite durable. Wanted to experience what it was like owning it, but still don't have the nerve to pull the trigger, and likely never will. None-the-less, some blokes have desired the `experience' of the NZ red deer sox as numerous pairs are sold out at $1,275.00

Cervelt Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Cervelt is the superfine down fibre of a rare species of New Zealand red deer. Averaging 13 microns in diameter, it is finer than either Cashmere or Vic...

williamabraham.com

Would like 100 pair of vicuna and red deer sox for the winter

At those prices, that is a classic case of ' they see you coming'

Panama · Sep 2, 2022

QuandoDio said:
At those prices, that is a classic case of ' they see you coming'

If I had millions not even billions, I would order 300 pairs...

The Shooman · Sep 3, 2022

QuandoDio said:
At those prices, that is a classic case of ' they see you coming'

No so fast; it is like drinking expensive wine. Part of it is about the experience. Economically it might look like poor value for money, but value can be based on experience and perception for some people. Maybe knowing that red deer is rare and expensive can also add to the value for some people, and so can boasting rights. Maybe it cost a lot to make these socks given how rare it is, so maybe the `see you coming' (mark up percentage) factor is not as big as some people think it is.

Also,

The Shooman · Sep 5, 2022

Just bookmarking some amazing socks to add to my `must own' list. Will save these for my white and cream wool trousers worn with tan shoes.

Deco Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

The Deco evokes early 20th-century art and architecture. Uniquely versatile, it offers a chic accent to either a tailored look or a black-tie ensemble. ...

williamabraham.com

Deco Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

The Deco evokes early 20th-century art and architecture. Uniquely versatile, it offers a chic accent to either a tailored look or a black-tie ensemble. ...

williamabraham.com

Filo Seta Stingray Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Knit with a mulberry silk pattern yarn to add a touch of formality and a lustrous pop of color, the Stingray is our twist on the classic Birdseye style....

williamabraham.com

Seersucker Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Inspired by the quintessential summer suit, our SEERSUCKER style spices up this traditional pattern with lustrous silk. The subtle luster of the contras...

williamabraham.com

Seersucker Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Inspired by the quintessential summer suit, our SEERSUCKER style spices up this traditional pattern with lustrous silk. The subtle luster of the contras...

williamabraham.com

Silk Sophisticate Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

While projecting formality and refined elegance, The SILK SOPHISTICATE is defined by its intriguing texture and fabric construction. The interplay of th...

williamabraham.com

Fine Silk Birdseye Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

The Fine Silk Birdseye is our most formal jacquard. Comprised of 100% silk, an ultra-fine and semi-sheer gauge, and a bi-tonal color that is paradoxica...

williamabraham.com

Pretty nice `eh? Will only buy a couple every now and again. These will be the really REALLY special sox. Only to be worn with incredible outfits.

What is really good about William Abraham is that the shipping is cheap where-as the shipping from Gallo and Kabbaz costs an absolute fortune (three times the price). It makes the William Abraham dream do-able.

Panama · Oct 29, 2022

I was going to give up on 100% cotton socks. However, I have taken advantage of Intimissimi 5 socks for £30.00 and gone for 5 pairs of 100% cotton lisle socks...

Panama · Dec 16, 2022

Has anyone tried 100% silk socks?

The Shooman · Dec 16, 2022

Panama said:
Has anyone tried 100% silk socks?

Not yet, but these are on my list when the exchange rate improves. Silk socks are said to be like fine wine, very decadent. They feel good and look good apparently, but do not necessarily last long.

I will start off with these 100% silk socks. They will be my special sox.

Silk Sophisticate Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

While projecting formality and refined elegance, The SILK SOPHISTICATE is defined by its intriguing texture and fabric construction. The interplay of th...

williamabraham.com

However l will play safe and get a bunch of silk/cotton silk/wool combos like these for when l dress extra good:

Filo Seta Stingray Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Knit with a mulberry silk pattern yarn to add a touch of formality and a lustrous pop of color, the Stingray is our twist on the classic Birdseye style....

williamabraham.com

Seersucker Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Inspired by the quintessential summer suit, our SEERSUCKER style spices up this traditional pattern with lustrous silk. The subtle luster of the contras...

williamabraham.com

Seersucker Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Inspired by the quintessential summer suit, our SEERSUCKER style spices up this traditional pattern with lustrous silk. The subtle luster of the contras...

williamabraham.com

Milky Way Socks Style | WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Leveraging a vanisé (double-face) knitting technique to its full effect, the MILKY WAY is notable for its mélange color combinations. With the entire in...

williamabraham.com

QuandoDio · Dec 18, 2022

Panama said:
Has anyone tried 100% silk socks?

I have. A while back. I got two pairs to go with black tie. One ripped the first time I wore it and the other was...ok. A bit clingy and almost sheer.

I prefer wool-silk in that context.

Great White Snark · Dec 18, 2022

Those sheer socks that some people wear with a tuxedo that look like women’s panty hose are fucking hideous.

The Shooman · Jan 13, 2023

Viccel is now this company.

Enter - Celchuk Shop

celchuk.com

I still like their shadow stripe sox.