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Know Everything About A Comparison of the Leading Designer Socks
Brands For Men
Socks do not
always receive the attention they deserve when putting together an
outfit. For most men, socks are considered unimportant as they are
less visible than other garments. Whilst this is true, an ill
conceived pair of socks can ruin an otherwise well thought out
outfit. In addition, socks can offer a great opportunity to subtly
add pattern and colour. Socks need to be considered not only in
visual terms, but also with respect to comfort and quality. In this
article I will compare the leading designer sock brands for men on
the basis of choice, quality, comfort, innovation and fashion. The
brands I will be looking at are; Falke, Pantherella, Burlington,
Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, Paul Smith, Duchamp-London and Ted Baker.
An important
distinction needs to be made between these brands i.e. whether they
are sock specialists (Falke, Pantherella etc.) or fashion brands that
manufacture a range of socks (Ted Baker, Paul Smith, Armani etc).
There are several differences, apart from the fact that sock
specialists offer a larger range. Most fashion brands manufacture
men's socks in only one size, known as 'one size fits all'. On the
other hand, sock specialists usually offer 3 different sizes; 5.5-8,
8.5-11, 11.5-14. Whilst it is more comfortable to wear a sock
designed to fit your foot size, the fashion brands offer the chance
to buy into a big brand name. In fact, sock specialist never put
their logo on the outside of the sock, whilst designer brands usually
do (such as the Armani eagle or Calvin Klein 'CK').
Pantherella
and Falke have a vast range of men's socks, covering all aspects of
functionality from business to casual to sports. Within each category
they offer plain fabrics in many colours, as well as fashion patterns
such as stripes and argyle. In plain coloured socks, they also offer
variations in fabric such as plain cotton, ribbed cotton, wool and
cashmere. Calvin Klein and Emporio Armani also offer quite a diverse
range, from plain cottons to stripes. The other brands have a more
niche range, offering high fashion socks that adhere closely to the
brand's design principles (e.g. Paul Smith's renowned stripe).
In terms of
quality all the designer brands use high quality fabrics in their
men's socks, blended for durability. Falke go that extra mile in
manufacturing hard wearing socks, and have developed a reputation
throughout Europe. All socks are manufactured in Germany, and have a
reinforced heel and toe (and in some cases additional stress zones).
They are also the experts in using new technology such as using
silver ions for freshness, anti-bacterial cotton and climate
regulating fabrics. Falke have recently developed an ergonomic
comfort system which has a patented ergonomically shaped sole area
for an optimum fit. A combination of natural and functional fibres
provides a breathable climate, and an innovative cushioning applied
to the inside of the sole adds extra comfort.
When it comes
to fashion socks that are about exciting colour and pattern, the
fashion brands come into their own. Whilst Falke manufactures fashion
stripes and argyles, it is only a small percentage of their overall
range. Having said that, they offer some bold and exciting colours in
their plain men's socks, such as; magenta, blueberry, lime green,
wine and 'Swedish Blue'. Pantherella focus more on fashion, and are
responsible for the collection of Richard James socks.
Duchamp-London, a premium men's accessories brand, produce the most
striking men's socks in both pattern and colour.
They are
particularly well known for their Harlequin pattern (also used in
their cufflinks), which is made up of bold stripes that are divided
into chequered squares. Ted Baker is famous for its quirky sense of
humour, which shows through in their men's socks via playful patterns
that experiment with the conventional stripe and spot. Emporio Armani
is a truly refined brand and focuses mainly on muted colours and
subtle patterns, all decorated with the highly distinctive eagle logo
in a contrasting colour. For an argyle sock, Burlington is the most
well known and respected. Now owned and manufactured by Falke, they
are high quality socks offering huge choice in vibrant colour combinations.
In conclusion,
if you are looking for a technical, well fitting sock then sock
specialist brands such as Falke offer the best solution. On the other
hand, many fashion houses such as Paul Smith provide socks that will
add bold and dynamic colour to your casual and formal wear. |
