(Newswire.net — November 30, 2020) — There are few gifts that little boys hate getting more than socks. But socks, and business socks in particular, become a much more appealing choice once your loved one gets older. They have eminently practical usage while also allowing the wearer to show off their own sense of style and personality.
That latter part is especially important when shopping for a romantic partner. Picking out the perfect pair of mens dress socks isn’t just a thoughtful way to keep your partner dressed. It’s also a way to address that you understand them and are thoughtful enough to consider the type of clothing they’ll love.
Pattern or Color
Boring black may be the default for dress socks, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the only option available. If you really want to pick out the right gift, take the time to snoop a little and take a look at your partner’s sock drawers.
Consider what type of colors and patterns they prefer in their socks, but also look at the outfits they prefer. Finding something that complements a beloved suit or that can serve as a switch hitter in their wardrobe can go a long way towards making your gift that much more special.
Most men lean either towards solids or stripes for their socks, but if you’d like to offer something new as a gift, you can gently ease him into a new style. A muted pattern like mild dots can serve as a great transition either into or away from patterns.
Materials
Socks are fortunately pretty uncomplicated as far as materials are concerned. Most pairs of dress socks will be made from wool or cotton – and there isn’t a distinct better choice. Both come with their own advantages.
Cotton is the easier, less expensive, and more accessible choice. Socks made from cotton are breathable and do a decent job of wicking sweat but don’t allow that sweat to evaporate as quickly. That’s why cotton is such a common choice for workout socks that you’ll wear for short periods of time and then throw in the laundry.
Wool is the more premium option. It’s thicker, breathable, and does a great job of evaporating moisture. But that thickness also makes wool bulky, and wool socks need to be cared for more meticulously if you want them to last. Wool generally does an exceptional job of managing both odor and moisture.
As a general rule of thumb, cotton is better for the summer and wool for the fall. But the types of socks your partner prefers and the climate you live in can have an impact on that as well. If you’re looking for the best of the best, make sure to look for Pima cotton or Merino wool.
It’s also important to remember that good socks are ultimately about comfort. There are plenty of socks that come with nylon and polyester as part of their makeup. They add more flexibility, a snugger fit, and a stronger general feeling of confidence when worn.
Length
The length of the dress sock is determined by a pretty basic metric: whether it stretches over the calf or extends to a mid-calf length. There’s no issue of appropriateness here. The only real question is what’s comfortable to your partner.
Over the calf socks tend to hold better. They won’t sag in the same way that half-calf socks do, but they can strain the elastic if stretched out too far. Many men find half-calf socks more comfortable, but they’re more likely to expose skin when sitting or crossing legs.
When shopping for dress socks, being empathetic of your partner’s needs is the most important thing. Consider what they prefer, and let that be a guiding point in what you’re shopping for. But that doesn’t mean that you need to just order a duplicate of what they already have in their drawer. Let their current wardrobe be a guiding principle, but don’t be afraid to get creative too.