The 8 Best Dress Socks to Elevate Any Formal Fit

Burberry’s checked dress socks are as elegant as they are comfortable. With a dark-brown or black leather dress shoe, you’re golden. Not only are these plush and warm, but they’re wildly soft and luxe, too—when you hold them, you can feel the quality and craftsmanship in the weightiness of the socks. With the brand’s iconic checked print and splashes of orange throughout, this is how your fit goes from basic to brilliant.

A simple white dress sock does the trick, but isn’t it a little bit better with Gucci’s iconic green and red stripe at the cuff? This pair is breathable and versatile; the lightweight cotton makes even your most stifling, least broken-in pair of loafers feel comfortable and classy. It’s one of my top picks for the comfort and style alone; this is a sock you don’t have to think twice about styling, because it does the work for you. Don’t be afraid to reach for that stripe; it makes all the difference.

If you yearn for a buttery-soft, silky sock that feels like a cloud swathing your feet, Happy Socks has the pick for you. These are wildly comfortable, with a fabric that feels like it might just melt in your hands. They aren’t too thick or thin, and they’re definitely breathable—plus, the seamless-toe design is all about enhancing your comfort. With a variety of colors you can choose from to complement your best dress shoes, these are a damn steal.

Sometimes you just gotta keep it simple and classy. Todd Snyder has just the sock for that. In soft, warm merino wool crafted in Italy, this pair is cozy and classic, with a ribbed cuff that deters it from slipping down your ankle. Plus, this style comes in an array of elevated, solid colors, so you never have to worry about matching patterns and prints.

It’s hard to overstate how damn soft these socks are. They’re plush but not too thick, so even your slightly-too-small dress shoes are compatible with them. And with its ribbed design and gorgeous, deep-green shade, this is a pair you’re going to be reaching for again and again. And again. And again.

Maybe you’re the kind of guy who prefers a taller dress sock. If so, Bombas has just the pick. The over-the-calf socks in this four-pack are warm, comfortable, and seamless (literally—the toes don’t have seams), so your fit game will be refined and your comfort game will be unmatched. The ribbed design is constructed so as not to slip down your leg, and for some extra arch support, the sole is designed with a micro-honeycomb pattern.

Lightweight, breathable, and versatile—this is a dress sock you’ll wear everywhere, from your office to the airport. Falke designs these with unmatched comfort and durability, with a merino-wool blend that’s cozy but not stifling.

Some argyle never hurt anybody—especially with a black pant and a black leather loafer. These are elegant and timeless, with a print that’s yet to go out of style. These have handsewn toe stitching, a soft, comfortable fabric, and an unbeatable price.