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Home / Blog / Clothing and Style / Accessories

Bold vs. Boring Socks: Should Men Wear Crazy Socks?

Published on September 12, 2017 by Brock McGoff · Accessories May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

Bold socks with loud colors and crazy patterns have become extremely popular over the past couple of years, but does that mean you should wear them?

Should you wear bold socks

I’m going to share my thoughts about if and when men should wear bold, fun socks. I’ll also talk about when not to wear them, which is very important because I’ve seen lots of guys making this mistake.

Huge thanks to MeUndies for supporting The Modest Man by sponsoring this article. You know I’m a huge fan of MeUndies boxer briefs, and now they sell socks made from the same comfy fabrics.

There are two things I love about MeUndies socks:

  1. First, while they do offer some bold prints, most of their socks come in traditional, versatile colors like heather grey, black and dark green.
  2. Second, while so many companies only sell “one size fits no one” socks, MeUndies chose to make their socks in three different sizes. As someone with a size 7 foot, I really appreciate this decision.

Note: their cotton socks are thicker and offer more cushion than their modal socks. Personally, I like the thin, lightweight nature of modal, especially during warmer seasons.

Either way, click here to get 20% off your MeUndies order.

Do you prefer video? Here you go:

If you prefer reading, read on!

Bold Socks vs. Novelty Socks

First, we need to make a crucial distinction between bold socks and novelty socks. Bold socks call attention to themselves, but they’re not obnoxious. They’re not tacky.

Novelty socks, on the other hand, are meant to be funny, rather than to add style to your outfit. And even though they’re sometimes worn ironically, it’s my opinion that novelty socks have no place in a man’s wardrobe.

Novelty socks
These “novelty” socks are rarely, if ever, appropriate.

The only scenario where novelty socks might be appropriate is a themed party (like a “tacky holiday sweater” party).

Otherwise, let’s leave the novelty socks for the kids!

Bold Socks vs. Traditional Socks

This isn’t a hard and fast distinction. It’s more of a spectrum with bold on one end and traditional on the other.

Bold vs traditional socks

Traditional socks are solid colors or tasteful, subtle patterns in, well traditional colors (usually subdued and not overly saturated).

Bold socks, on the other hand, feature non-traditional patterns and brighter colors.

I know this definition isn’t totally concrete, but you know bold when you see it.

When NOT To Wear Bold Socks

When you wear bold socks, you’re saying, “Hey everyone, look at my socks!” In other words, you’re calling attention to yourself, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

But there are certain situations in which you shouldn’t do this. For example:

Funerals, job interviews and formal business environments

Vulture Suits review
This is an example of a formal outfit with traditional, conservative socks.

These are typically serious settings, so wearing “fun” socks would be distasteful.

When TO Wear Bold Socks

Of course, there are plenty of situations where fun, attention-grabbing socks are not only appropriate, but a great way to set yourself apart from the crowd.

Light brown flannel suit

For example:

Weddings, parties and going out on the town (concerts, clubs, bars, etc.)

These are all casual and/or festive settings, so wearing fun socks is totally appropriate.

Also, bold socks are totally fine in most casual and business casual workplaces. My last corporate gig was in a business casual office environment, and I rocked colorful, fun socks about once a week.

Brock wearing pink floral socks

I used to have a pair of grey socks with a pink, floral pattern, and I got compliments on them every time I wore them.

Just be aware: if you wear them all the time, you will become “that guy” (every office has one).

How To Match Your Socks

Lots of guys are confused about how to match their socks to the rest of their outfit.

To start, just focus on matching your socks to your pants. Here’s a good rule of thumb (or…foot):

Your socks should be the same color as your pants, but a couple shades darker.

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue shoes

This monochromatic combo will always look good, and it will always be appropriate. So if your suit is charcoal, black socks are perfect.

Of course, you can add visual interest and personality to your outfit by choosing analogous or complimentary colors (for example, navy chinos with red socks).

Matching socks with pants
Left to right: analogous, monochromatic, complimentary

If you like socks with fun patterns, you can mix it up with monochromatic, analogous and complimentary colors.

Be careful…

Just keep in mind: bold socks are like an accessory, and it’s easy to go overboard with accessories. I like to limit myself to 2-3 accessories per outfit.

For example: a watch, a tie and a pocket square.

Brock at wedding

Another example: a watch, a pocket square and bold socks.

Casual flannel fit

That way, you’re accessories aren’t competing for attention, and you don’t run the risk of looking like you’re wearing a costume or trying too hard.

Let’s Review

To summarize, bold socks can be a great way to add some excitement and personality to your outfit.

But you shouldn’t wear them in serious environments like at job interviews or funerals.

Regardless of what kind of socks you wear, they’ll match your pants if they’re the same color but a little darker.

If you wear socks that contain multiple colors or fun patterns, try to coordinate them to the rest of your outfit by choosing complimentary colors, or picking up other colors in your outfit.

If you follow these guidelines, you’ll never be confused about socks again!

Your Turn

Do you wear bold socks, or do you stick with traditional socks? Let me know in the comments section!

Accessories socks

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About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Kaden Smittenhouse says

    February 18, 2023 at 7:41 am

    I wear exclusively novelty socks even at work and I refuse to ever change.

    Reply
  2. James says

    May 16, 2021 at 5:59 pm

    I wear colorful or striped socks but I match them to the colors of my shirt or tie.

    Reply
  3. Eddie Carrier says

    November 14, 2017 at 11:16 am

    I will never wear those ridiculous looking bright colored socks.
    Surely I can find other way to draw attention to myself if I have that need.

    Reply
  4. Will says

    September 24, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    What are those beautiful pants with the flecking paired with the forest green socks and AE park avenues?

    Reply
    • Brock says

      September 25, 2017 at 1:34 pm

      Those are from Oliver Wicks – https://www.themodestman.com/green-donegal-tweed-suit/

      Reply

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