Socks Are the Secret to Cool-as-Hell Summer Style
Welcome to The Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.
After years of socklessness reigning supreme, something crucial has shifted in the men's style universe. Because suddenly, ankles are no longer bare. Calve, either. This is the dawn of the summertime statement sock-and it's time to embrace it.
Why? Because summer is hot. Piling on layers is out of the question. Instead, you've got to juice your style strategically. And pairing cropped trousers, jeans, or even shorts with a pair of bold crew socks is a great way to do it. The abbreviated inseam means everyone will get a glimpse of your new accessory-plus, you'll still have effective leg-area airflow.
If you're thinking you've seen this kind of thing before, know that these are not the statement socks of yesteryear. They're not "quirky" or "silly"-they're just plain cool. Here are five of our favorites.
Adidas
Solid Crew Socks
SHOP $19 for a 2-pack, endclothing.com
It doesn't get much more classic than this offering from the sportswear giant. Three-stripes branding rings the top, while the trefoil logo makes a showing at the ankle. If you're just dipping your toes into the waters on this particular style move, this is how to do it. The styling is bold but easygoing, and at under $20 for two pairs (the other one is white with pink details), it's a great deal.
Acne Studios
Striped Stretch Cotton-Blend Socks
SHOP $45, mrporter.com
Old-school tennis style meets with Scandinavian cool in this pair from the Swedish label. The stripes give everything a vintage athletic feel, while the straightface emoji symbol brings the look into the digital age while simultaneously referencing the Swedish concept of lagom, or "just the right amount." (In this case: not too happy, not too sad). That's a lot of analysis for a pair of socks, but these are dope socks-and now you've got an interesting tidbit to share when someone compliments you on them.
Palm Angles
Flames Socks
SHOP $55, endclothing.com
The whole idea of shamelessly rocking hiked-up crew socks has a bit of a throwback vibe to it. Some designs play on the '70s heyday of the move. Others, like these flame-emblazoned ones from Palm Angels, reference the '90s renaissance. Lean into the vibe with washed-out denim and white sneakers. Or, if you're feeling extra bold, swap the jeans for some bright nylon shorts.
Off-White
"Socks" Socks
SHOP $90, mrporter.com
There is arguably no hotter designer on the planet right now than Virgil Abloh. From his own Off-White label to collabs with Nike and his new post heading up Louis Vuitton's menswear, the guy is on fire. Bring a little of his deconstructed, self-referential style to your own look with these socks. They're labeled "socks," so you can be extra sure of what they are. Very meta. Very Virgil.
Gucci
Appliquéd Striped Socks
SHOP $120, mrporter.com
Is $120 a lot to pay for a pair of socks? Without a doubt. But it's not a lot to pay for Gucci. (See? It's all about perspective.) Plus, if you've got the cash, these things will seriously up your high-fashion cred. From the bright green color to the bold stripes and the fancy rubberized logo patch, they're Gucci through and through. Wear them with cropped track pants to capitalize on the sporty feel, or play against type and try them with shorter, dressier trousers. Either way, you'll be sure to stand out (in a good way).
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