Hey gents,
I’m gonna keep it short and sweet this week with this little gym-inspired tip.
Don’t be afraid to show those ankles.
There, I said it. Let’s stop wearing these sad excuses for socks, and start putting on the real deal, something called a “no-show sock”.
First thing’s first, make sure you’re only wearing cotton athletic socks with casual sneakers, or when you’re actually working out or being athletic. We’ve discussed this already, as I’m sure you remember.
If you’re over the age of 12, the no-show sock is the only athletic sock you should consider. No arguing!
And no, not ankle socks, not mid-calf socks. If you’re gonna get all 80s with the striped calf-length tube socks, fine, but you better be so hip you can actually pull that off. And please, no slouch socks. (Had to be said… just in case.)
Don’t be fooled by the socks that are marketed as “ankle socks”. What you really want is a sock that hits below the ankle bone, so it’s mostly hidden by the shoe. Ankle socks cover the ankles, which are still too high.
Just look at the above image. The two on the left with the green checks? Those are no-shows. The two on the right, with the Xs? Ankle socks.
“lolwut, why does it matter?”
It’s a matter of aesthetics. Sneakers with no-show socks just look better, plain and simple. Sometimes you don’t need a sartorially-inspired reason.
Seriously, bro?
You don’t want floppy sock garters bunching around your ankles, and even those “ankle socks” that cover the ankle bone look terrible. Just trust me and pick up a couple pairs of no-show socks. This should get you started.
Are they slipping down over your heel when you walk? Either pull them up higher so when you slip your shoe on, the sock naturally slides into place, or find another brand. I’ve noticed some brands just don’t have supportive enough elastic in their socks.
Additional tip that I condone
Like the sockless look with your brogues, but hate the idea of sweating and stinking up your good leather shoes? Black no-show socks can work. You may have to wear them a bit lower, and they may peek out a bit, but that’s okay. That’s certainly more acceptable than a guy wearing footies.
Something I DO NOT condone
Speaking of footies (this shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation), I’ve heard of guys using women’s footies because they don’t want socks to show when wearing boat shoes.
It works, in theory, but what IF you had to take your shoes off in public? Just… what if.
Don’t wear them. If you can’t handle sockless, then don’t do it at all.
There you go, gents. My quick tip for the week.
Busy behind the scenes
Apologies if I haven’t been publishing as much or answering emails as quickly as I usually do. I’ve been working on some delicious stuff behind the scenes and there just isn’t enough time in the day.
I know I’ve mentioned this in the past, but I’m adding the final touches on the first EG manual, tentatively titled “The Effortless Guide to Graduating Your Style”. This will be a useful resource for guys looking to build their wardrobe from the ground up. Together we’ll assess your current wardrobe, figure out what needs to go and what’s worth keeping, and then help you slowly add classic, quality pieces meant to last years.
This guide is perfect for any man looking for a solid wardrobe foundation, but especially helpful to newly-minted college grads and dudes entering the job market, even guys who are in the middle of a career transition and hoping to polish their appearance in addition to their résumés.
If this sounds like you, make sure to sign up for updates, as I’ll be making this available to those on the EG list first (and at a special price). Sign up for updates by clicking here (and don’t worry, I hate SPAM in my inbox as much as you, so I won’t waste your time).
K (the gf) and I have also been hard at work on the new Fifth&Brannan collection. If you’re new to EG (welcome to the large wave of readers that have signed up lately), I co-founded a men’s clothing label with the girlfriend, called Fifth&Brannan. There have been some delays on the manufacturing / production end, but we’re gently nudging them along so we can finally release.
First up will be our new line of shirting, followed up by made-to-order chinos and trouser denim in the coming weeks, and also a new selection of ties, and possibly even a bow tie.
We’re super proud of this collection, and we’d love for you to own a 5&B piece. Stay on top of all the release dates by joining the 5&B fam. How do you join, you ask? Just click right here.
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Busy busy. Until next time!
photo credit (top to bottom): amazon.com, riggertrainlad via flickr, zappos.com