Socks: A Love Language
The holiday season is upon us and although I did not grow up celebrating Christmas, I still love this time of year. The cold weather, the pretty lights, and the chance to eat mince pies while watching Harry Potter on the television (aka how I plan to spend my Christmas this year).
I grew up celebrating Eid, and one of the traditions for Eid is to wear brand new clothes. When I was younger my parents did not have the money to buy me and my siblings new clothes every Eid, but my father always made sure to buy us a brand new pair of socks to wear. They were never fancy, just all white cotton sports socks, but to this day I find a sense of immeasurable joy in wearing a brand new pair of socks.
My wardrobe is almost exclusively black, with two notable exceptions - my socks and my collection of Liberty print handkerchiefs. I do still moderate the colour in my sock collection, because the majority of my socks are solid black. But I like to wear colourful socks on special occasions and the days where I just need cheering up. For me they are a fun luxury and something that carries a lot of personal meaning.
I know people joke about getting socks for Christmas, but as far as I am concerned, socks are one of the best gifts to give or receive. The sizing is forgiving, you have a variety of fabric compositions, you have a variety of colours, you have a variety of styles - you can pretty much find something for everyone and really tailor your choice to each individual. The pricing is also generally decent enough that you can get nice options without breaking the bank.
I have put together a few fun choices that I hope you enjoy!
(Please note: This post is not sponsored and all links are provided for convenience only. I recommend shopping around as most of these can be found on sale and in various colour configurations!)
Wide Rib Mid-Calf Socks by Tabio (£12 @ Tabio)
While there is nothing wrong with buying socks from Uniqlo or a multipack from your local department store, it is always nice to have a little upgrade once in a while. When it comes to cotton blend socks I like trying brands that specialise in hosiery, such as Tabio or Falke. They are usually a step up in terms of construction and quality, and come in the same range of colours and trims. Shop around, but these ordinarily come in at under £15 depending on which brand you choose.
Waddington Cashmere Socks by Pantherella (£44 @ Liberty London)
Consider this a luxury option for someone you really like (including yourself). These are made by Pantherella in a super soft cashmere 5x1 rib. They feature the brands signature seamless toe design which has a flat seam for comfort. You already know what to expect - cashmere is three times warmer than sheep’s wool and ridiculously soft to boot. Treat yourself right, everyone deserves at least one pair of cashmere socks.
Midnight Socks by Solmate (£12.74 @ Happy Little Soles)
North American readers can buy these directly from Solmate. I am actually wearing these exact socks as I write this blog post. All Solmate socks are sustainably sourced and produced. Both the cotton and wool versions use recycled yarn and are made in the USA. They come in all manner of colour combinations, being intentionally mismatched, so I am sure you can find something for most people. I like how chunky these are and enjoy wearing them at home.
Chestnut JQ Sock by Anonymous Ism (£19 @ END)
I love Anonymous Ism socks, but I will say that they go on sale every season, so even though they are priced well at retail, it is always a treat to pick them up on sale. These are a pair of their wool mix socks, which come in other patterns too, but I just really like the look of these. The quality is great and they add a nice bit of visual intrigue to your outfit.
5 Colour Mix Crew Sock by Anonymous Ism (£27 @ Anonymous Ism)
Anonymous Ism again, just because I love the brand. The cotton pairs are solidly constructed, but I will say that people with particularly broad feet might want to look elsewhere. These colour mix socks come in a few different varieties, but they do tie dye options too for those who like that look. In photographs these look quite striking and bold, but from a distance they are more subtle and the colouring is beautiful.
Fair Isle Sock by Beams Plus (£19 @ END)
More Japanese socks. Beams Plus socks are perfect for anyone into that heritage and workwear look, so screw buying Carhartt WIP socks unless you have a fuckboy in your life you need to buy a present for. I love Fair Isle patterning, especially on socks, and think they feel appropriately Christmasy. Beams Plus also do more basic looking socks if you want something low key and high quality, so shop around for options.
Lampo Sock by Chup (£28 @ Peggs & Son)
And again, more Japanese socks. Chup socks come in some super cool patterns because their designs are inspired by various indigenous tribes and cultures from around the world. I love how bright and colourful these are, and they are again a beautiful Fair Isle knit. Lampo means “warmth” in Finnish, and these are made from a nicely weighted combed cotton yarn. Keep an eye out come sale season, because these are stocked by quite a number of retailers here in UK, so you can usually grab a bargain.
Polka Dot Stripe Socks Two Pack by Paul Smith (£40 @ Paul Smith)
When someone talks about fun linings or hidden details I inevitably think of Paul Smith. He always has a number of fun options that work well within an office environment, so have a look and see what you like the look of. I find the socks to be well made and a really good quality for the price. I have picked this two pack just because I can imagine myself accidentally wearing them mismatched and not caring.
Grandrelle Ivy Smilie Socks by Kapital (£30 @ Couveture & The Garbstore)
A smiley face on your heel. These are chunky and fun. What more could you want?
Tonal Zig-Zag Socks by Missoni (£40 @ Liberty London)
I have a soft spot for Missoni socks - I own these in the knee height version because I love long socks. They do a more “affordable” three pack of socks, but avoid those because the quality is trash. Buy the singles or the three pack priced as you would expect the singles to be. These are on the finer end so perfect for wearing with tailoring and more formal looks. I wear these because in another life I would wear Missoni sweaters.
Faux-Shearling Socks by Sacai (£45 @ SSENSE)
I picked these just because they look fun. I assume they are not the most practical socks to wear with shoes, so probably more suited to wear around the house. But I love anything cosy and warm, so I had to include these.
xxxx
