Today in less-than-riveting topics: the best dress socks for men in all the land.
It’s true that sock talk isn’t the sexiest thing, but it definitely needs to happen. Especially if you’re slogging off to work or a formal event in subpar socks that sprout new holes every month.
It’s more cost-effective over time to shell out a bit more for the best dress socks for men, especially in terms of durability and comfort, than it is to forever stock up on cheapies.
Since they’re the foot sheaths you’ll likely be wearing the most, you’ll want to prioritize pairs that are comfortable and breathable while also incorporating odor-fighting and sweat-wicking properties.
Whether you find yourself reaching for work-boot socks or something to don under your finest Oxfords when duty calls, there’s something in this list for every professional.
Now go. But do not go gentle into that business-casual night. Go instead armed with the eight best dress socks for men that ever were.
Right. Remind me to never try to make socks less boring again.
Key Takeaways
The best dress socks for men not only need to withstand the demands of your daily routine, but they also need to be—you guessed it—comfortable. Topping my list for its emphasis on comfort and its impressive ability to wick away sweat is the Mack Weldon Silver Extended Crew Dress Sock.
And when it comes to trusty, cozy dress socks for men that are easy on the wallet, look no further than the longtime staple, Goldtoe’s Harrington Crew Socks.
Why they’re great: Mack Weldon takes something quite basic—the dress sock—and elevates it to something… well, still basic. But the New York brand’s Silver Extended Crew Dress Socks are constructed with a level of quality and durability that’s woefully hard to come by in this category.
Beyond that, they’ve got a cushioned foot bed, reinforced cuffs that don’t budge and anti-odor properties that’ll keep your feet fresh all day long.
Who they’re for: Though these handsome crew socks can and should be worn by anyone, those who spend long hours on their feet or wear dress socks every day will find them particularly ideal.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You’ve got some variety in terms of colors and patterns, but the addition of a few more staple solids and muted patterns would help round out more conservative closets.
Material: 85% Cotton, 10% Ionic+ Silver, 4% Nylon, 1% Elastic | Sizes Available: One Size | Colors Available: 7
Why they’re great: These cotton men’s dress socks from ISTO are called “Cotton Socks.” And you know what, I respect that. The Portugal-based brand prioritizes transparent manufacturing practices, sustainability, and—most importantly—comfort.
These soft, breathable socks are no more and no less than what you need. And they’re going to last a long, long time.
Who they’re for: Whether your workplace or happy hour is formal, casual, business-casual, or whatever-the-hell-else-casual, your feet will feel right at home in these socks.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: ISTO’s Cotton Socks come in every core solid color you’d look to for any buttoned-up occasion—but they’re all solids and they’re all relatively conservative.
These are some of the best dress socks for men; but if you’d like to inject a bit of personality into your ensemble, you’ll have better luck elsewhere.
Material: 70% Organic Cotton, 28% Recycled Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes Available: S–XL | Colors Available: 4
Why they’re great: Based in Hamburg, Germany, Closed cut its teeth in all things denim. And a damn fine pair of jeans you’ll still find among its virtual racks.
But today is all about the best dress socks for men, my friend. And this part, in particular, is about the European brand’s Logo Socks, which are equal parts bold and conservative in the best ways possible.
Who they’re for: The stylish nonconformist who doesn’t skimp on comfort, durability, or style.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If I had to guess, the giant “CLOSED” billboard running up the length of the sock isn’t for everyone. But if you’re reading this section, what appeals to everyone probably isn’t your style anyway.
Material: 85% Organic Cotton, 13% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes Available: M–L | Colors Available: 2
Why they’re great: Looking for something a bit heartier? Form&Thread Triple Twists mid-weight cotton dress socks for men are heavy enough to keep your feet toasty in the winter and breathable enough to wear during the warmer months.
Slip on a warmer-colored pair with a wool suit or trousers for a cozy, textured look with a pop of personality.
Who they’re for: You could easily wear any of Form&Thread’s three colorways with a pair of chinos or jeans, but they’re also a good fit for business-casual and cocktail-attire occasions.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You can certainly get away with wearing these socks during spring and summer, but the triple-twisted yarn is best suited for fall and winter both in terms of style (they’ll double as boot socks all day) and comfort.
Material: 86% Cotton, 13% Polyamide, 1% Elastane | Sizes Available: 6–12 | Colors Available: 3
Why they’re great: London Sock Co.’s Designer Collection Box is a can’t-miss gift for any discerning man in your life. In it: 15 pairs of the brand’s breathable cotton men’s dress socks in 15 interesting colors and designs.
Who they’re for: Any man who has to lean on suits or business-casual outfits for work will appreciate how much color, interest, and variety the Designer Collection Box will add to their wardrobe.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You’re working with a lot of socks here. Whether you’re gifting this thing or getting it for yourself, you’ll want to make sure there’s an actual need before going all-in like this.
Material: 75% Scottish Lisle Cotton, 24% Polyamide, 1% Elastane | Sizes Available: S–L | Colors Available: 15
Why they’re great: You know Goldtoe. Your grandfather wears them. Your dad wears them. And if you haven’t had the distinct, old-school pleasure of wearing them yourself, this [dramatic pause] is your time. Since 1934, the American brand has been manufacturing its iconic, durable, breathable dress sock.
Who they’re for: If you’re looking for a basic, comfortable, traditional, budget-friendly, over-the-calf sock, Goldtoe’s quality can’t be beat for the price.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Remember the part back there about your grandpa and your dad? I wasn’t kidding… they definitely have a pair or two.
And although the brand has done some compelling rebranding throughout the years, you’re probably not going to get past Goldtoe’s old-school stigma if you’re a label- and status-conscious guy. If you’re the rest of us, though, all you care about is getting the best dress socks for men for a good price.
Material: 78% Cotton, 19% Polyester, 3% Spandex | Sizes Available: 6–12.5 | Colors Available: Dozens
Why they’re great: Designed to take a beating—be it from foot odor, wear-and-tear, or being on your feet all day—Falke’s Airport Socks are some of the most comfortable workhorses your feet are likely to have the pleasure of experiencing.
These calf-length dress socks for men maintain exceptional breathability thanks to their merino wool and cotton blend, and are available in a whopping 16 colorways.
Who they’re for: There’s not a single business-casual, semi-casual, or formal scenario I can think of where these durable, versatile socks won’t fit right in. Who are they for? You. Whoever you happen to be.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though the majority of Falke’s nearly 1,000 Amazon reviews are glowing, a handful of buyers have said their Airport Socks weren’t able to justify their price point.
Material: 60% Virgin Wool, 23% Cotton, 15% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes Available: 6.5–15 | Colors Available: 16
Why they’re great: Loro Piana’s cashmere-and-silk socks are the footwear equivalent of a day at the spa. This luxurious pair of the best dress socks for men is meticulously made with a super-soft blend of cashmere and silk. The ribbing and extra length ensure that these men’s dress socks won’t pinch or fall as you bob and weave your way throughout the day.
Who they’re for: Definitely not Goldtoe guy up there. That’s neither good nor bad, of course. All I’m saying is that this is a decidedly niche pair of socks catered toward the quality- and comfort-obsessed gentleman who has everything and for whom money is no concern.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re buying a pair of men’s dress socks for over $200 without batting an eye, we’re likely beyond the flaw conversation.
Material: 70% Cashmere, 30% Silk | Sizes Available: M–L | Colors Available: 2
Buying Considerations for The Best Dress Socks for Men
Targeted Comfort
The best dress socks for men should take into consideration the unique needs of the person wearing them. Above all, they need to be comfortable. Targeted compression around the arches, reinforced heels and toes, and odor-fighting, sweat-wicking materials are also a few of the features you should prioritize.
Material Composition
Cotton and cotton blends are breathable, comfortable, and effective materials for the best dress socks for men. And though you’ll find plenty of excellent cotton options out there, the unparalleled performance of merino wool makes it one of the best materials out there for socks.
Even if the socks you’re considering buying contain a small percentage of merino wool, it’ll go a long way in regulating the temperature of your feet, wicking away sweat, and providing outstanding breathability.
Color
You can get away with almost any color and design for your everyday socks. Men’s dress socks, however, can be a bit trickier. Don’t get me wrong—I highly encourage you to show your personality and challenge sartorial norms.
But if we’re keeping things traditional here (and today, we are), it’s best to stick with solids like black and navy, for example, and subtle patterns otherwise.
How We Chose
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, materials used, technical features, and my own sock drawer to understand what makes the best dress socks for men.
After comparing more than 50 pairs, the resulting eight are what I’m calling the best of the best. Some of my key considerations include:
Type: When putting this list together, I made every effort to prioritize versatile products with universal workplace functionality. From conservative over-the-calf socks to colorful pairs with interesting designs, socks of all stripes are represented here.
Customer Reviews: I pored through dozens of product reviews in search of both positive and negative throughlines before citing various perspectives throughout this list of the best dress socks for men.
Price: Yes, you need your dress socks to check all the boxes, but you also need the expense to make sense for your current financial situation. With the selection of incredible pairs on the market today, there’s no need to overpay for anything. I kept that consideration top of mind when choosing my top products.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to deciphering the essence of style and grooming, Kelly Larson stands out as a beacon of expertise. He has a prolific 12-year tenure in the fashion and grooming industry, and his insights are not just words on a page—they are a compass for those seeking guidance in a sea of trends.
Witness his detailing of the best men’s slippers and the best face products for men.
To compile this list of the best dress socks for men, Kelly did the hard yards so you don’t have to, sifting through a myriad of industry and reviewer information and also using his trial-and-error learnings to inform the content.
Final Verdict
Regardless of your profession, you need your dress socks to not only stand the test of time, but also be comfortable, breathable, sweat-wicking, and odor-fighting. Yes, that’s a lot.
And no, none of my top eight picks for the best dress socks for men have any trouble living up to those sartorial standards. Especially not my top overall pair—Mack Weldon’s Silver Extended Crew Dress Sock.
FAQ
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There are several types of socks you can wear with suits, but many men prefer either calf socks or over-the-calf socks in traditional, professional solids. Of course, I strongly encourage you to show your personal style by mixing in some bold colors and patterns from time to time. Basically, pretty much anything but ankle socks or no-show socks.
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A lot of what makes a good dress sock depends on your profession and personal preferences. Generally speaking, though, you’ll want to prioritize durable construction, breathability, quality materials, and sweat-wicking and odor-fighting properties.
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