Credit:
GoWith / Bombas
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Like underwear, you can never have too many dress socks. Traditionally ribbed, all-black, and stretched over the calf, a dress sock is as vital to the office professional as a stylish briefcase or pair of dress shoes.
Not all dress socks are made equal, of course. Some have cushioned footbeds for all-day wear while others have stay-up technology that stops them from slipping down. If you’re on the hunt for some replacements or if you just want to spruce up your rotation, these eight pairs of dress socks offer versatility and can switch from formal events to casual outings in a cinch.
1. These classic mid-calf socks
Stock up on a multi-pack of socks from Amazon.
Plain black dress socks are a staple for a range of reasons: They’re inconspicuous and classy, and they match with practically everything in your wardrobe. If you’re seeking to stock that sock drawer with an army of basics, this pack from Amazon Essentials will do you good. They come in a five-pack with sizes that fit men’s shoes 8 to 15. Get them in all black, or a pack of blue and beige or tan and gray.
The socks have a 4.5-star average rating based on over 1,700 reviews. “My husband is in the Navy and bought these socks shortly after graduating boot camp,” one reviewer explains. “He seems to really enjoy these socks with his boots; they're thin enough to let his feet breathe in this hot southern weather but have been holding up perfectly with heavy everyday use for the last few months.”
Get the Amazon Essentials 5-Pack of Men’s Dress Socks from Amazon for $15.90
2. These plush midcalf socks
These socks from Bombas are an upgrade to the norm.
If you’re looking to invest in some socks that provide more than a no-frills experience, Bombas is the answer. This lightweight knit sock has a cushioned footbed, seams that don’t cross over the toes, and a Y-shaped stitch that helps cradle the heel. Bombas also promises to donate one pair of socks to the homeless with each purchase. These midcalf socks come in men’s sizes M to XL—which fits shoe sizes 6 to 16—and in brown, black, navy, and gray.
“The quality of these socks is amazing,” one reviewer writes. “They fit just right and are super comfortable. Keep up the great work, Bombas.”
Get the Men’s Dress Calf Sock from Bombas for $15
3. This trio of patterned argyle socks
Embrace diamond and grid patterns with Cole Haan.
Can’t decide on a single pair of dress socks? This set from Cole Haan offers three flavors: one tan with an argyle pattern, one tan with vertical stripes, and one in solid dark brown. The socks come in one size that’ll fit men's shoe sizes 7 to 12 and in a three-pack in tan/brown or black/gray/turquoise.
“They are thin, not thick at all, which is what I prefer,” one reviewer explains. “They fit well in dress shoes. They wash well, too. They’re tight and pull up nearly over the calf, but stay up.”
Get the Cole Hahn Diamond Grid Men’s Dress Socks Three-Pack from DSW for $16.99
4. These colorful ribbed socks
Color your sock drawer and wardrobe with these pairs from Uniqlo.
Tired of darker dress socks? Uniqlo has an array of ribbed socks that can spice up a dressy outfit with simple solid colors. They’re made from a warm blend of cotton and acrylic, which mimics the feeling of wool. While one pair costs under $4 a pop, you can mix and match them for a bulk-buy price of $12.90. Each sock comes in one size that fits men’s shoe sizes 6 to 12.
These socks have a cult following from Uniqlo fans, who praise them for their selection of colors and comfort. “Great quality,” one reviewer writes. “Not only do they wear well after many washings, but they also don’t fade quickly. I love them.”
Get the Men Color socks from Uniqlo for $3.90
5. These rib-knit dress socks
Take in a preppy look with these socks from Ralph Lauren.
Menswear brand Ralph Lauren is synonymous with classic prep, and this trio of stretchy cotton socks is no exception. Each sock has tight cuffs, ribbed vertical stripes, and a Ralph Lauren horse logo to show off a love of the brand. Grab it in one size that fits men’s shoe sizes 6 to 12.5 and in white, black, and gray, or charcoal, white, and black.
“Beautiful socks and good quality,” one reviewer writes. “I like and wear them a lot. The sizing is perfect and I’m definitely going to buy them again.”
Get the Polo Ralph Lauren Ribbed Dress Sock 3-Pack from Amazon for $23.89
6. These mostly cotton socks
Reach for all-natural cotton with a pair of socks from Etsy seller GoWith.
Most socks are made from a blend of cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex. These socks, on the other hand, are made from 97% cotton, relying less on synthetic materials that can cause irritation on sensitive skin. These thick ribbed socks have 3% elastane for elasticity, but remain natural and undyed for a cotton color that looks more creamy than white. They come in men’s shoe sizes 9 to 10 and 10.5 to 12.
“I’ve worn all ten pairs, washed all of them, even tumble-dried a pair—and they’re all still my favorite socks by far,” one reviewer writes. “The cotton is glorious, I don’t get gross and sweaty like I do with store-bought synthetic socks. They look great. I love how they are an off-white cream color because it reminds me that I’m not wearing a cheap pair of bleached synthetic socks.”
Get the GoWith Natural 97% Cotton Socks 5-Pack from Etsy for $23.99
7. These merino wool socks
Premium socks from Falke are durable, cushioned, and seamless.
If you’re tired of socks that seem to need replacing every few years, consider these from Falke. The dress socks have reinforced cushioning in the heels, toes, and balls of the feet, as well as a hand-knit finish for a seamless design. On the outside, they’re made with temperature-regulating merino wool—which is breathable and non-itchy—and soft cotton on the inside. Available in nine colors, they come in a wide range of sizes that fit men’s shoe sizes 6 to 15.
They have a 4.4-star average rating based on over 500 reviews. “These socks are expensive but wonderful,” one reviewer explains. “I have a pair that I bought in 2014, and despite regular wear, they seem to look good as new. For those who can find wool itchy, as I do, the combination of merino wool and cotton is a dream of comfort.”
Get the Falke Men’s Airport Merino Wool Dress Socks from Amazon starting at $18.38
8. This multi-pack of argyle socks
Go with a classy argyle look from Gold Toe.
This midcalf pack from Gold Toe—which includes three argyle patterns in colors, like taupe, navy, and beige—is a great pick for stocking up on dressy socks that stray from typical solids. The socks feature a reinforced toe and heel for better comfort, spandex for stretchability, and moisture-wicking properties. They come in one size that fits men’s shoe sizes 6 to 12.5 and in 10 colored argyle combinations.
The socks have a 4.7-star average rating based on over 2,000 reviews. “These socks are not very high on the calves, but they stay up pretty well,” one reviewer explains. “The main thing I love about these is the fact that they actually help with moisture control. My feet never sweat in these.”
Get the Gold Toe Argyle Crew Socks Three-Pack from Amazon starting at $12.77