Anonymous Ism
Life is hard, which is why it’s important to seek excitement in absolutely everything. That includes socks. And, IMO, no socks spark more joy than those that come from Anonymous Ism.
Since its 2002 inception, the Japanese outfit has been inspired by mid-century techniques; the team initially relied upon seventies knitting machines to create its offerings but has since employed contemporary alternatives that are capable of producing vintage-feel socks.
The designs – always fun, but never in a tacky, novel way – are patently inspired by the mid-century, too. Fifties-style diamond patterns and sixties-vibe fair-isle arrangements are amongst the most popular picks, alongside seventies stripes and paisley motifs.
Nike
Really, I should be writing about Uniqlo socks, which are wonderful, and Arket socks, which place a close second (especially those grey marl ones, which are perfect with black shoes and blue denim).
But I have to go with my heart, not my head. Nike’s Essential white sports socks are the ones I look forward to wearing the most. They are tough, comfortable, weirdly flattering (when worn with shorts), and they speak of a ‘me’ that’s more athletic, more relaxed and more like a professional footballer at leisure. And three pairs for £17!
Gap
I've always loathed a statement sock. I always think it feels so needy to have some coruscating pop of paisley or tartan yelling at everyone from down there, drowning out the rest of what you're wearing. They remind me of whacky uncles, and people who love penny farthing racing, or who have Instagram accounts for their moustaches.
A sock should be a rock-solid buffer between shoes and trousers, two places in your wardrobe that are actually ripe for self-expression. Which is why I love Gap's crew socks. They add a little bit of texture and are basically bombproof.
Uniqlo
I never gave much thought to socks, and reader: I'm not proud of that. We're talking holes in the toes, threadbare heels, a grizzled survivor on The Road hiding pure sloth in a pair of Reebok Classics. If you can't see it, then it doesn't exist. Right? WRONG.
Socks are so important. Ones without holes in, especially when you're in a stranger's home and they're the sort to get funny about shoes on the carpet. So, enlist Uniqlo. They're absurdly affordable, keep their stretch for an ungodly amount of time and sit in a sweet spot between pure Federer sportswear and the brightest monogrammed shade of investment banker. I've bought loads, largely in a Hubba Bubba pink. And yes, without my big toe on show.
Pantherella
A brand that really knows its stuff when it comes to socks, there are 12 unique steps that go into making a pair of Pantherellas, a time-honoured process that has taken place inside its Leicester factory since 1937. When the market was full of heavy wool hosiery, Pantherella focused on a more streamlined design in silk or sea island cotton, building a rep for the best of the best.
Today they stitch and sell a little bit of everything. My personal favourite being the Danvers ribbed-knit in red. Cotton with a little bit of nylon blended in for some stretch and durability, they work particularly well with dark tailoring and combat boots. A little pop of Pantherella red sneaking out from the crop of the trouser.
Falke
Ever since my dad got the very first iPod in 2001, he's been loyal to Apple. I can’t blame him: so have I. But can the same brand allegiance work with socks? Yes. Yes it can.
Falke has been developing technically sound fabrics since being founded in 1895. To match their top notch activewear line, there's also an enormous range of socks for every occasion. So hiking, and tennis, and running, and suits, and even indoor go-nowhere house socks. Falke has got it, and these German go-tos are super comfortable, not too thick and keep their shape after a number of wears.
