This winter came with December’s historic cyclone and arctic temperatures. Despite blizzards and chilly winter storms, professionals continue dispensing their indoor and outdoor duties, as usual. It’s easy to bundle up with thick sweaters and scarves, but when it comes to socks, you need something comfortable, warm, and appropriate. Warm, cozy socks for casual settings have no limits, and no one’s there to judge the appropriateness of your sock game. However, when it comes to professional settings, especially those involving clients or higher-ups, you should be more careful when considering your sock selection. Most professional socks are usually too thin, offering inadequate insulation and padding when wearing winter boots or heavy shoes. Discomfort and poorly insulated feet lead to fidgety legs, disrupting your work and productivity.
Fortunately, some socks provide the right amount of thick warmth while satisfying professional standards. At Family Britches, we have a carefully selected range of winter socks that work indoors and outdoors.
Top Factors to Consider When Shopping for Professional Socks This Winter
The following are the top considerations when selecting the best professional socks for this winter:
1. The Type of Material
The first ever pair of socks was a leather-skinned, low-heeled shoe made from animal hide. Over the centuries, socks became clothing items for showing rank while keeping feet warm. Today, different materials are in use for professional socks. Depending on your needs, you can select between plant-based or animal-based materials.
Remember, varying materials offer unique insulation properties and cushions. For example, cotton socks differ from wool socks as the latter is thicker and provides more warmth.
Alpaca fiber is usually a favorite amongst professionals as it’s lightweight and extremely soft while providing excellent insulation. Though an animal-based material, it’s cruelty-free and hypoallergenic.
It is also better than regular wool as it doesn’t itch or irritate the skin.
Ultimately, your material choice of winter socks will be determined by the professional outfit you prefer for the day. For example, this wool shirt jacket is best paired with wool or alpaca socks.
2. The Colors and Patterns
Colors are so powerful that they affect temperature and impressions. For example, black is considered to be the color of authority. Optical physics and thermodynamics also suggest that the color black in clothing absorbs and retains heat better than lighter colors.
Moreover, brightly colored socks screen attention seeking and often color clash with the rest of your outfit. Remember, professional settings, whether indoors or outdoors, don’t usually have much room for fashion experiments. That being said, don’t be afraid to express your style with colors and patterns that complement your ensemble.
Black and gray are the most popular colors for professional dress socks, as they offer a tasteful and subtle look. If you are feeling a bit daring but still appropriate, consider going with browns and navy blues.
Patterns break the monotony of any professional look, but they should be subtle and not too loud or flashy. Some of the most popular patterns include argyles, pinstripes, checks, and herringbone.
As a general rule of thumb, match the socks patterns with the rest of your outfit. For example, it wouldn’t be best to wear this checked Baylor suit with herringbone socks.
3. The Thickness of the Socks
Winter socks can’t be too thin or too thick. Anything too thin is uncomfortable and provides inadequate insulation, while anything too thick will likely bunch up in your shoes, making you look awkward.
The thickness of the socks should be appropriate for the season. During winter, go for thicker socks with some cushioning or padding to provide extra warmth and comfort when wearing boots or heavy shoes.
The trick is to have an outstanding choice of winter outfits to go with your winter socks. Yes, it takes effort to find the right winter socks that fit your professional standards, but it’s worth it.
For example, this Soft Construction Jacket Ensemble is easily paired with thick winter cotton socks for a cozy winter look.
Keep Cozy and Appropriate This Winter
Winter is upon us, and as a professional, it pays to invest in the right winter socks. With the above three essential factors in mind, you can find the perfect socks for your professional wardrobe.
Remember, finding the best winter wool or cotton socks doesn’t mean compromising appropriateness. At Family Britches, we have seen winters come and go, and we know that being cozy and appropriately dressed can go hand in hand.
Pick the right materials, colors, patterns, and thicknesses, and you’ll be set for a season of comfort and style. Contact us for more information.
