If you want to get a room full of people into a heated debate, bring up socks. As garments, they’re ubiquitous. As practical and sartorial choices, they can be polarizing. To some, crew length is a way of life. To others, it’s all about the ankle, or the color, or the reinforced arch.
In asking our colleagues about their favorite socks, we opened up a minefield. Shopping editor Max Migowski put the kibosh on ankle socks. Fashion intern Jacob Jarvis spoke out against white socks with grey heels (“If you really want to add an accent color, it should be better”). But it was fashion director Sebastian Jean’s take that proved most controversial: “Socks to bed, always.”
There were gasps, there were groans, there was vehement disagreement. The meeting ran over. Time stood still. And after all that, we’re bringing you our shortlist — or as short as we could make it.
Birkenstock Cotton Slub Socks
“I love Birkenstock socks for their chunk. They’re cozy yet breathable, obvious without being obnoxious.” — Claire Landsbaum, Deputy Editor
Noah Tonal Striped Socks
“Noah socks are classy without being too pretentious. Plus, they have just the right amount of natural wrinkle.” — Jason Meggyesy, Branded Content Editor
Tabio Cotton Pile Tabi Ankle Socks
“These are high-quality Tabi socks from a Japanese brand. They don’t stain, and they don’t slip.” — Andrea Mena, App Content Manager
Evan Kinori Organic Cotton Socks
“Not all socks are created equal: Evan Kinori’s are woven in Japan with cotton grown in New Mexico.” — Noah Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
Ivy Ellis Vintage Sport Crew Socks
“Small runs, made in Scotland, good materials, and great preppy design. Need I say more?” — Harry Bainbridge, Strategy Director
Nike Dri-FIT Everyday Plus Cushioned Training Crew Socks
“A foundational sock that also keeps your feet dry. What more could you want?” — Sebastian Jean, Fashion Director
Muji Right Angle Plush Short Socks
“I’m not the biggest fan of half socks, but if I had to choose a pair, it would be these, which are cushy and affordable.” — Keanu Huwaë, Office Manager
UNIQLO Soft Pile Half Sock
“UNIQLO’s ribbed socks are the perfect length with shorts, and the texture is interesting without being loud.” — Jacob Jarvis, Fashion Intern
Le Bon Shoppe Boyfriend Socks
“Le Bon Shoppe’s socks are my platonic ideal: midweight and stretchy with arch support so good it’s practically orthopedic.” — Claire Landsbaum, Deputy Editor
Falke Airport Socks
“Falke socks come in a range of sizes like a T-shirt and have an asymmetrical fit — one for the left, one for the right. Brilliant for comfort, a nightmare for laundry mishaps.” — Noah Johnson, Editor-in-Chief
