Although it may seem like an easy Buy Dress Socks task to find dress socks, the world of men’s hosiery is complex. Individual tastes are different and some men may find something that is comfortable while others might not.

Three factors are key in determining the purchase of socks: sock length and sock material. It is a good idea to get to know the recipient’s preferences if you are giving bombas socks as a surprise present. You can get a sense of his preferences by looking in his socks drawer.

Step 1: Adjust the length of your socks

Let’s begin with the sock length. This is where most things can go wrong. Men’s dress nike socks have two main lengths: mid-calf or over the calf.

• Over the Calf

In formal and professional settings, the most popular length of dress socks is above the calf. This style of sock, as the name suggests, will completely cover the calf of a man and reach just below the knee. These socks, also known as knee-high dress socks, are very comfortable because the top of the sock rests on the lower leg below the knee. This reduces strain on the elastic and helps to keep the colorful socks up longer.

Why do some gentlemen choose calf-length dress socks over calf socks? Over the calf socks are durable and will last for many hours. It can be frustrating to constantly adjust slipping or sagging socks. And showing your naked legs in professional settings is considered a fashion faux pas.

• Mid-Calf

Mid-calf dress socks have a shorter sock length and should be pulled to the lower part of the calf muscle. Mid-calf socks should not be pulled up past the thickest part. This will put undue strain upon the elastic and cause them to wear faster. Mid-calf socks have a greater risk of showing skin when one is sitting or crossing his legs.

Mid-calf socks are more popular with gentlemen than socks that extend beyond the calf. There is no right or wrong answer as to what length is best. It is entirely up to individual preference. Men tend to prefer one length over the other, and they rarely change their preference.

Manufacturers use “boards” to ensure socks are cut to the correct length. These boards conform to the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers standards. These boards will be used to verify that socks are the correct size and length throughout the knitting process. As we see more dress socks of “crew” length, standards in sock length are changing. Although manufacturing costs are lower for a shorter sock than for a longer sock, some men, especially younger generations, prefer the shorter length.

Step 2: Choose the right sock material

The material the socks are made from is another factor that can help you choose the right dress socks for your man. Wool and cotton are the most commonly used materials in sock production.

There is no right or wrong answer to the question of sock length. It all boils down to personal preference. Men may prefer to have merino wool socks in the colder months or cotton socks in the warmer months. However, one material will usually be the most popular and will take up the majority of the socks drawer.

• Merino Wool

Fine merino wool is used to make high quality wool dress socks. This soft and breathable fiber helps to manage moisture and odor making it comfortable all year. Merino wool’s natural heating and cooling properties ensure that your feet remain dry.

As with any wool garment, wool dress socks must be washed with care. To get the best results, wash the socks inside-out in cold water. Then hang them to dry. You can read more about wool dress socks in our article Why you should wear merino wool socks.

• Long-Staple Cotton

The most common material used in the production of men’s dress socks is cotton. Cotton yarns tend to be more affordable than wool and are therefore less costly to make. Extra-long staple cotton is used to make our cotton dress socks. This same material is also used in luxury bed linens.

Step 3: Choose a color and style for your dress socks

The styling of your socks is important. Some men only like patterns while others prefer solid colors. Others have both. Consider how your man will dress. If he is averse to wearing solid colors but wants to experiment with patterns, choose a subtle pattern with moderate colors. We recommend the “dot” series of patterned socks. Your sock drawer is your key. Pick a pattern with a black body if it’s full of black socks. If there is no black in the drawer, you can either make a bold statement with a pattern or choose a solid color like our purple dress socks.

It is important to do some research before you buy dress socks for men. Before you begin your search, make sure to know the style, length, and yarn. This will help you make a selection that is likely to be well received.

After you have chosen the right style for him, we recommend our socks gift boxes. These gift boxes take out the guesswork, and are an elegant gift that he will love.