Picking the Right Socks for a Suit - The Do’s and Don’ts

Several men wear suits to work, church, or other formal events; and, socks are often required to complete the suit ensemble. However, most of the time, it can be frustrating to determine what socks are appropriate for the right suit. With the following guidelines, men can understand what socks are acceptable and which ones are not the next time they open their sock drawer or visit the sock store.

Don’t Wear Fold Over Socks

Fold over socks should never be worn with a suit. These socks are reserved for more conservative and casual looks. This is usually because they are constructed out of casual cottons that are not fitting for the workplace or a formal environment. In addition, they are hard to keep in place. Most of the time they tend to roll over and look sloppy. Their lack of structure also makes them prone to stretching out. Although many find them comfortable, they do not possess the level of formality required to compliment a suit.

Don’t Wear White Socks

In the world of fashion, white socks are meant for sporting activities. When they are worn anywhere else, they look out of place. For example, consider a man that spends time getting himself well groomed for a formal wedding. He dresses in a tailored suit that has been pressed. His shoes are polished, and he even smells nice. Unfortunately, he has decided to wear white socks with his ensemble. These socks kill his overall appearance. They take away from him time and effort getting ready. It may have been better for him to wear no socks at all.

Do Wear Dress Socks

Since fold over socks and white socks are not an option with a suit, the best choice is dress socks. Many assume that this is boring and limits their individuality. However, there are several different options to choose from, including the following:

• Neutral colors
• Bright colors
• Patterned
• Graphic

What is the difference between these socks and other socks?  They are better suited for a suit!  These socks are thinner than traditional athletic socks. In addition, they also have fewer grooves on them. These characteristics make it less likely for them to bulk up around the ankles of the feet. Instead, the socks should stay in place. Furthermore, the fancier material is a nicer compliment to a formal suit pant.

Do Match Socks to Pants

In terms of matching, the sock color should be coordinated with the suit pant. Too often, people make the mistake of matching their socks to their shoes. This makes it easy to select the right color of socks. If there is a choice between a lighter or darker shade of socks, it is usually best to select the darker shade. Whenever socks have patterns on them, it is a good idea to choose the sock based off the most dominant color. The reason it is important to keep the color consistent with the pant and sock is because it makes the outfit look more cohesive when the socks show.

With these simple do’s and don’t, most men will be able to properly select socks for their suits. This will allow them to look presentable at work or during their next formal gathering.