Socks thread

[QuandoDio]

Modern day gallo is still good. I stay away from the wild colours/ patterns and just stick to all-wool versions ( the best but not much variety) or less flamboyant colours.

Modern Pantarella is crap, IMO. Not a patch on its yesteryear.

 

[güero]

Best socks, shame he quit offering them. Almost nothing left, therefore dirt cheap:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Socks/11511/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=shoe-shine-shop

Get them if you can, especially the invisible/impalpable seams are hard to find otherwise.

 

[fxh]

Best socks, shame he quit offering them. Almost nothing left, therefore dirt cheap:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Socks/11511/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=shoe-shine-shop

Get them if you can, especially the invisible/impalpable seams are hard to find otherwise.

Wow. You got some?

 

[güero]

Wow. You got some?

Yes, plenty of them. Only the 2-ply cotton ones though, none of the 4-ply and none of the WISIC. Mostly blue and brown houndstooth. The are super fine/thin, but still no see-through. Perfect for the summer.

 

[Noob]

I have Pantherella socks from the last few years and they seem really good. How much better were the old ones. (How long ago?)

 

[shookt]

Recently got into over-the-calf socks, what a comfort to wear. (I used to buy Viccel mid-calf but its over-the-calf from now on!)

 

[ASSHAT]

Best socks, shame he quit offering them. Almost nothing left, therefore dirt cheap:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/Socks/11511/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=shoe-shine-shop

Get them if you can, especially the invisible/impalpable seams are hard to find otherwise.

seem to remember you from the Urban sock forum. Unknown Italian bespoke shoe masters and spa holiday dreams. WOW!

 

[güero]

seem to remember you from the Urban sock forum. Unknown Italian bespoke shoe masters and spa holiday dreams. WOW!

No Fipsi, not quite, please read up.

 

[The Shooman]

Recently got into over-the-calf socks, what a comfort to wear. (I used to buy Viccel mid-calf but its over-the-calf from now on!)

I think it is good to wear mid calf socks on those very hot days, but yes, no comparison to over the calf socks.

 

[ASSHAT]

No Fipsi, not quite, please read up.

yes you are correct, I forgot to mention you are also a well known habitué of men's toilets on the Roermond Outlet village.

 

[Rambo]

yes you are correct, I forgot to mention you are also a well known habitué of men's toilets on the Roermond Outlet village.

Dont kink shame

 

[güero]

 

[The Shooman]

I love Kirby's enthusiasm here.

Looks like Kirby owns a big warehouse, so it looks like business is doing very well. Good on him. I used to think someone else was buying Kirby's multiple bespoke items, but it looks like Kirby is buying it all himself. He is doing a good job at promoting, so hats off to him.

 

[Rambo]

I love Kirby's enthusiasm here.

Looks like Kirby owns a big warehouse, so it looks like business is doing very well. Good on him. I used to think someone else was buying Kirby's multiple bespoke items, but it looks like Kirby is buying it all himself. He is doing a good job at promoting, so hats off to him.

The Shooman you ever heard this 'soverign grade' bullshit before?

edit - I gotta give it to Kirby. he is a fantastic bullshit salesman. he's charging $36 for a pair of cotton socks and $75 for a pair of silk socks. no wonder he can afford that big warehouse.

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

The Shooman you ever heard this 'soverign grade' bullshit before?

Each pair comes with a gold sovereign, freshly minted by artisan maestros in Rome.

Very expensive and those thin dress socks tend not to last so long. $36 is a bit steep. Also gambaletto is used to describe the give in the sock. Whilst gambaletto translates to English a knee-high it the Italian rag trade it refers to socks with elastic in them.

 

[Untermensch]

Kirby Allison's Hanger Project (he uses the full name every single time, so why shouldn't I) has ventured into dangerous business territory. He's basically outsourcing the production of items which you can find elsewhere, at the same or better level of quality, under brand names loaded with heritage and royal warrants. He then sells them at twice the price.

Also, if there is a "sovereign grade", is there another grade? A tourist class or standard grade, as it were?

He also needs to work hard on his pronunciation. It's embarrassing. But that's by the by.

The hangers, by the way, are made in China. Quality, craftsmanship, and tradition? I think not. Just good Western design made in China.

On a final side note, Allison must be fekking loaded. You don't get into the Carlton Club any other way. Texan oil money, as likely as not.

 

[The Shooman]

Kirby Allison's Hanger Project (he uses the full name every single time, so why shouldn't I) has ventured into dangerous business territory. He's basically outsourcing the production of items which you can find elsewhere, at the same or better level of quality, under brand names loaded with heritage and royal warrants. He then sells them at twice the price.

Also, if there is a "sovereign grade", is there another grade? A tourist class or standard grade, as it were?

He also needs to work hard on his pronunciation. It's embarrassing. But that's by the by.

The hangers, by the way, are made in China. Quality, craftsmanship, and tradition? I think not. Just good Western design made in China.

On a final side note, Allison must be fekking loaded. You don't get into the Carlton Club any other way. Texan oil money, as likely as not.

Interesting comments.

As for shoos, he has certainly spent $$$$$$ on shoes in the last few years. At least 13 pairs of bespokes and many more to come by the sounds of it. Lets think off the top of my head of what he has:
- 9 Cleverley bespokes
- 1 Gaziano & Girling bespoke
- 1 Dominic Casey bespoke
- 1 Dimitri Gomez bespoke
- 1 stunning Foster & Sons bespoke

and thousand dollar Charvet bespoke shirts.

In ancient chinese philosophy it would be said that a man has a lot of virtue to have such a good life where he travels in comfort buying whatever he pleases. People fall into these things and inherit money because of virtue, while others try and try and try and are never able to do much.

The Shooman you ever heard this 'soverign grade' bullshit before?

Rambo yes, l have heard his 'soverign grade' talk many MANY times. I wonder if it is true. I would be very disappointed in Kirby if he was telling fibs. Definitely a master salesman though, as good as it gets.

 

[The Shooman]

I really look forward to my yearly or twice yearly treat by buying some nice socks. Viccel is having a 27% off sale so l bought 19 pairs, some in silk/wool, one pure wool, and others in cotton. I really love the silk/wool pairs the best.



I am a collectors of large amounts of shoos, knitwear and sox!

 

[shookt]

lol I was tempted too but I don't really need more right now.

 

[The Shooman]

lol I was tempted too but I don't really need more right now.

money is never wasted buying socks, a man always needs more pairs eventually. I imagine there will be a 40% sale in the new year, so l will get some more then.

 

[Kafkann]

got my viccel cotton socks yesterday
it seems the design has changed quite a bit compared to the batch I bought in 2017
there was a brief period when they even printed an ugly big white logo on the toe area, glad they got rid of it

 

[Rambo]

got my viccel cotton socks yesterday
it seems the design has changed quite a bit compared to the batch I bought in 2017
there was a brief period when they even printed an ugly big white logo on the toe area, glad they got rid of it

how would you rate the quality of the current batch vs. the 2017 batch?

 

[Kingstonian]

“In ancient chinese philosophy it would be said that a man has a lot of virtue to have such a good life where he travels in comfort buying whatever he pleases. People fall into these things and inherit money because of virtue, while others try and try and try and are never able to do much.”

Predestination in Calvinism? More to do with getting to heaven and achieving salvation though.

Abundant supplies of top quality socks? Not so much.

 

[Kafkann]

how would you rate the quality of the current batch vs. the 2017 batch?

One difference I've noticed so far: the new viccels are a bit shorter than the old ones. Mines are all ribbed OTCs and the ribbing portion on my new viccels is a-thumb's-length shorter than the old ones. Not a problem for me, but I imagine it might for some whose trousers' hems ride up high when they sit down - the elastic part will show.

 

[shookt]

Whats the difference between silk/wool and cotton? I guess the silk/wool ones are warmer and feel softer for similar weighted socks?

 

[The Shooman]

Whats the difference between silk/wool and cotton? I guess the silk/wool ones are warmer and feel softer for similar weighted socks?

the silk/wool ones feel much better on the feet and are more comfortable. They are better finished in the sewing of the toe and also and have a loser elastic at the top while still staying up, and are more airy and absorb better moisture and less likely to stick to the foot like with cotton. The Silk/wool are definitely better.

 

[shookt]

the silk/wool ones feel much better on the feet and are more comfortable. They are better finished in the sewing of the toe and also and have a loser elastic at the top while still staying up, and are more airy and absorb better moisture and less likely to stick to the foot like with cotton. The Silk/wool are definitely better.

Good to know, time to switch over! I was afraid they would be too warm in hot weather.

 

[The Shooman]

Good to know, time to switch over! I was afraid they would be too warm in hot weather.

I don't wear them in the really hot weather so l can't be sure how warm they will be. I will give them a try on a hot day and see.

 

[ballmouse]

I got a pair of Bombas socks for free. They seem really nice. Much better than a bunch of these old Marcolianis and Pantherellas I had laying around since they seem to last in the washer and they don't feel like tissue paper.

Anyone else try them before? It's a shame they don't have more basic designs on their webstore.

 

[The Shooman]

how would you rate the quality of the current batch vs. the 2017 batch?

Viccel report - old v's new batches

I like the current batches of socks better, especially the woolen ones. The current cottons are softer with plenty of nice designs. The older one tone cottons were more course imo and some had the logo under the arch of the foot. None of them have that now.

Older wools v's newer wools, a world apart
The older woolen socks used to be awful, low weave density and horrible washed out colours of brown and dark blue. Another old pair of woolen socks felt cheap too, but look beautiful. The current woolen socks look really good and feel nice and soft and have more volume in them than the cotton or wool/silk pairs, but they aren't too thick, they are just a nice wool dress sock. They are a vast improvement on the older woolen socks.

Wool/Silks, a winner!
The wool/silk socks are fantastic. They are comfortable and the sewing (ridges) on the side are less noticeable where-as with the cotton they are more noticeable, and perhaps that is because the cotton in thinner so the sewing is more easily felt where-as the silk/wool is more spongy and easy hidden. With great socks like Bresciani the sewing (handwork) is so much better, but Viccel's handwork is decent in most cases to not injure the foot.

I really like the Viccel socks because the patterns are really nice and the wool/silk pairs are wonderful. They aren't perfect, but they do the job quite well. I don't think any cotton socks are overly great, they always feel cheap. The biggest issue with Viccel socks is the fit of some of the cotton pairs; sometimes the calf area of the one colour cottons can be slightly tight over the calf, and patterns like the birdseye cotton pairs can be a touch big around the ankle area, but then again l have narrow ankles and larger calf area, BUT they are bigger than other socks in this area.


One thing l do want to buy are a bunch of pin-dot cotton socks.

Pindots Archives - Viccel Quality Socks Producer

viccel.us

I can't say l think much of the herringbone and and snowflake patterns. Meh.

Viccel - Purple White Snow Flake Over The Calf Wool Silk Socks

Viccel Purple White Snow Flake Over The Calf Wool Silk Socks will elevate your formal look. Durable and made from the most superior Wool Silk Socks these men's socks are hand-finished creating a premium men's sock, available in a large range of colours, Purple White Snow Flake Over The Calf...

viccel.us

 

[The Shooman]

Hers a better video - by a normal person showing how to weave the wool and use a MUSHROOM

I ordered some darning needles and darning thread in different colours to mend my wool/silk socks. I will also use thicker wool for my thicker socks. I like the idea of darning my own socks.

Recently l blew holes in two pairs; one pair was new while the other was old. Last year l blew a hole in a pair on the first day. Some of my socks have had dozens of wears. Eventhough l have hundreds of pairs, l don't like being wasteful so l am going to darn my sox. When the heels give out l will patch them up. I feel good about it too, it makes me feel powerful and in control.....men repair stuff. I recently sewed a sock using cotton, but that is not so good. I used to repair my socks as a kid.

 

[Kingstonian]

I ordered some darning needles and darning thread in different colours to mend my wool/silk socks. I will also use thicker wool for my thicker socks. I like the idea of darning my own socks.

Recently l blew holes in two pairs; one pair was new while the other was old. Last year l blew a hole in a pair on the first day. Some of my socks have had dozens of wears. Eventhough l have hundreds of pairs, l don't like being wasteful so l am going to darn my sox. When the heels give out l will patch them up. I feel good about it too, it makes me feel powerful and in control.....men repair stuff. I recently sewed a sock using cotton, but that is not so good. I used to repair my socks as a kid.

View attachment 33899View attachment 33900

‘Men repair stuff’ - but women darn socks.

Although that was very much the older generations of women. Nowadays, they just buy new socks at Primark.

Due to unseasonal hot weather and corona virus lockdown, I have not been wearing socks much in the past weeks.

The Shooman’s ‘Definitive guide to Australian shorts, singlets and sandals’ would be much appreciated.

 

[The Shooman]

‘Men repair stuff’ - but women darn socks.

That sounds good, but women these days don't do those types of things. My grand father was a real manly man that was tough as old boots and repaired everything; his wife did all the sewing, but even he used to darn his socks. He also hand washed his own socks, and since age 14 I have followed his lead and have been hand washing all my socks because they are said to last much longer. A mate of mine suggested using special filtered water to make them last much longer (he says flouride wears out clothes too fast), but l couldn't be bothered messing around.

 

[QuandoDio]

^^^ Most Washing machines now have a hand wash option. Put them in one of those laundry mesh bags for added production and done.

Life is too short to be literally hand washing pairs of socks.

 

[Journeyman]

The time has come for me to look for new pairs of socks.

For the past seven or so years, I've been wearing Uniqlo (for casual outfits) and Marcoliani (for dressier outfits) socks. However, all of my Marcoliani pairs are about to reach the end of their working lives, and will be reassigned to use as cleaning or shoe-polishing rags.

So, any suggestions? Uniqlo is fine for plain colours, so I'm nore interested in socks with small, subtle patterns such as birdseye, mini-herringone, mini-houndstooth check and similar patterns.

Would people recommend Viccel? I'm sure that they used to be quite a bit cheaper but, then again, I think that the last time I looked at the Viccel website was about seven years ago.

Any other brands? Any good vendors?

 

[Lobbster]

My go to socks are made by a German brand called Falke, the merino Airport model for winter and the cotton Tiago for when it's warmer, iIrc the latter come in varying degrees of thickness so you have to watch out. Both are widely available in Germany though I would expect them to severely overpriced down under. They last long enough without being anything special but they come in a wide selection of colours.

Another one is Gallo who are mostly known for their fun socks but they have normal models aswell. They come in many different styles and degrees of quality and can be quite expensive. Same as Falke they are quite accomodating to larger calves. They are some of the longest lasting socks I've had. In Italy there are still loads of shops selling a wide variety of unkown brands that are of very decent quality, unfortunately they're usually not available online.

Meschausettesrouges.com have a very decent selection of brands and patterns. I've ordered from the once when they started out and can't really comment on quality.

 

[Kingstonian]

My go to socks are made by a German brand called Falke, the merino Airport model for winter and the cotton Tiago for when it's warmer, iIrc the latter come in varying degrees of thickness so you have to watch out. Both are widely available in Germany though I would expect them to severely overpriced down under. They last long enough without being anything special but they come in a wide selection of colours.

Another one is Gallo who are mostly known for their fun socks but they have normal models aswell. They come in many different styles and degrees of quality and can be quite expensive. Same as Falke they are quite accomodating to larger calves. They are some of the longest lasting socks I've had. In Italy there are still loads of shops selling a wide variety of unkown brands that are of very decent quality, unfortunately they're usually not available online.

Meschausettesrouges.com have a very decent selection of brands and patterns. I've ordered from the once when they started out and can't really comment on quality.

Falke make great ski socks. They stay up over the calf and they are warm and comfortable. Labelled Left and Right too, for some reason. It makes sense to use them in colder weather - not just for ski trips. I suspect Falke also offer unbranded ski socks for Lidl and Aldi.

Clearing out stuff today and I found some free socks sent with a catalogue by a company called bamboo. I have not worn them. They are in loud Jon Snow/David Dimbleby hoops.

 

[robertito]

Viccel for formal, with a bit of patient a 25% discount appears every now and then in their website.
Uniqlo for casual (but only in winter)

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

I just get Burlington argyle socks now. Original American company went bust and Falke own the licensing in Europe. They have seasonal ranges and have a range from the conservative to the very bright. But not in a hilarious socks way.

Pantherella I find not very long lasting.

 

[Lobbster]

Falke make great ski socks. They stay up over the calf and they are warm and comfortable. Labelled Left and Right too, for some reason. It makes sense to use them in colder weather - not just for ski trips. I suspect Falke also offer unbranded ski socks for Lidl and Aldi.

They're padded to accomodate the parts of the foot where the most stress is put on which is obviously different for the right and the left one.