They stand out in a crowd and portray a person that has a rich taste in fashion and versed with trends, culture, history, and whatnot. This review explores some of the best art socks that will level up your style. [toc]
How to Choose the Right Art Socks
In the race to stylishness, buying socks isn’t the most fun thing to do. But then you realize after some time that you are looking fly top to bottom, except for your socks. It is then a big embarrassment when you have to leave your shoes outside at your friend’s place, or when you have to cross your feet at work. I have been there too, and my socks had halls in them! At the end of the day, I rushed to the mall and grabbed the first few pairs of colorful socks I could get. Another life lesson that I learned in quick succession was that all good things need some effort. The cycle of embarrassment continued until when I fully invested time researching.
Buying tips for art socks
Color and design
There is no single magic formula here. To stand out from the rest, follow your heart. If you are drawn to Da Vinci’s paintings, find a pair that captures some of his famous pieces. You could also choose designs that entail famous people like rock stars, politicians, or even animal faces and cartoon characters. When it comes to color, fashion gurus recommend getting socks that match the color of your pants. The socks need to blend subtly into your outfit. If the socks have many color patterns, make sure that least one of them matches your outfits.
Material
Visual appeal is not the only thing to consider in art socks. You definitely want them to last longer than the ones in my sad story. Cotton and wool are durable materials to have for art socks, but you can also find long-lasting models that blend a variety of synthetic fibers.
Breathability
If your socks are not breathable enough, the sweating on your feet could invite severe fungal infections. Cotton performs averagely on breathability. However, things will be much better if you choose socks that blend cotton and synthetic fibers—they are thinner than cotton and therefore perform better at wicking.
Size and fit
Just like with shoes, you need the right size of socks for the comfort and health of your feet. Too tight socks might imbibe free blood circulation and leave you with blackened toes. On the other hand, oversized socks will feel uncomfortable as they shift every time you move. Also, consider the thickness of the socks. For instance, if your shoes fit tight, heavy woolen socks would be out of the question. On the other hand, slimmer socks are most appropriate for formal wear.
Types of Art Socks to Try
No-show socks
There are artistic no-show socks for those that want to leave their ankles bare. This trend is quickly picking up. This might be an acceptable stylistic direction if you plan on wearing shorts.
Dress socks
These art socks can be worn with formal and casual outfits. Some color and design patterns are, however, only appropriate for informal settings.
Mid-calf socks
Artistic mid-calf socks can be worn with sneakers, dress shoes and other shoe designs. They come in thousands of colors and designs.
Best Art Socks of the Year
1. Van Gogh Starry Night Socks
This is a pair of socks featuring the famous Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting. The latter was an 1889 artwork that depicted the insane asylum that he was held up in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. If you like to rock an insanely bright and attractive pair of socks, this might be what you need. The laid back panting adapted to these socks makes them ideal for casual wear. If you have a loved one that is obsessed with Van Gogh’s paintings, these socks might make a perfect gift for them. The cotton material makes them comfortable as art socks. You might also like the breathability of the fabric, you might be able to feel fresh and dry for the length of time you wear them. If you are rocking sneakers or fall boots, you will especially need a breathable pair of socks to save your toes from getting baked up. The other cool thing about these socks is their seamless toe design. These socks are designed without a seam at the end, which often irritates sensitive toes. For a person with arthritis or diabetes and other conditions that makes the toes sensitive to irritation, this design might be the most ideal. The cotton material in this pair of socks is reinforced with a bit of spandex to make it stretchable. That means that you can expect a cozy fit no matter your foot size.
2. Socksmith Dia De Los Frida Casual Sock
This pair of socks features an artistic representation of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter of German descent. She was known for her portraits and works that depicted the stark beauty of nature and Mexican artifacts. Pros
Colorful and artistic from the famous Starry Night painting Would make an ideal gift for art lovers They are breathable and suitable for rocking with fall boots or sneakers The cotton material feels soft Available for ladies and men
Cons
The elasticity wears off first Might shrink after a few washes
Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait on this pair of socks features her face covered in a traditional Calavera. The ‘day of the dead’ as the portrait is famously known is a head-turner on this pair of socks. It might be spooky, but it comes out as attractive nonetheless. This ladies’ pair of socks fit foot sizes 6-10. It is made of a material that blends cotton and nylon and other inclusions that could enhance its flexibility. Socksmith is in the business of making comfy casual wear socks such as these that you might feel comfortable in with every step you take. Just like the Van Gogh Starry Night Socks, this model features a seamless toe design too. That means that you could rest or walk in them comfortably without worrying about toe pains. The weaving style of the Dia De Los Frida Casual socks makes them breathable. The improved air circulation enables moisture to evaporate with ease. You might, therefore, be able to wear them all day long without your feet soaking in sweat. The elastic material around the ankles makes them fit firmly in place. These socks might, therefore, be the best choice if you are trying to avoid socks that ride down your ankles every time you move.
3. Socksmith Men’s Novelty Crew Socks Hamilton-Gold
This pair of socks is ideal for self-expression, for theater bugs and history lovers that wish to make a statement about their crazy obsession with Alexander Hamilton.
Made of soft and breathable cotton-blend material They are colorful and artistic for a fun-loving fashion enthusiast These socks don’t slip when you move around
Can be a bit tight around the ankles They shrink with the first wash
He was one the founding fathers of America, lauded for many accomplishments and loved by actors, poets, and musicians. This pair of socks is artistically crafted for men, but ladies might look good in them too. They are made to fit men shoe sizes 8-12.5. They come in gold black colors with a picture if the old-time politician—you could wear them next time you go to see Hamilton. You might get many compliments for that matter. The Socksmith Men’s Novelty Crew Socks Hamilton-Gold are made of a soft cotton blend material. You might find them comfortable enough to sleep within those winter nights. The socks also feel a little breathable, even though they are a bit heavier than the previously reviewed pairs. You might be able to keep fungal infections at bay, given their ability to wick away moisture. I particularly like their seamless toe design and an expertly contoured heel pocket. The design makes this pair of socks conform to your feet. Whether you are wearing these to the gym or to work, you can expect a high degree of comfort and performance. You wouldn’t call them ‘stylish’ in every sense of the word, but they may come in handy days when you need artistically minimalistic socks to accompany your formal wear
4. Jawsome Socks by Sock it to Me
These art socks are made by Sock it to Me, another fashion socks brand like Socksmith. It features shark jaw inspired a design that has a strong appeal to it.
They feel soft and warm They are breathable Seamless toe design Designed to fit snug
Color may fade on the fast wash Sizing might be too small
The colorful design involves sharks wearing old school 3D movie glasses. The sharks are in red and blue while the rest of the fabric is black. These socks are available for men of shoe sizes 7-13. The socks are made of cotton and polyester materials. In that regards, they feel soft and cozy. And the spandex component of the fabric helps with flexibility, making the socks stretchable on different foot sizes. You might find these socks to be thick and breathable at the same time. That can be a good thing, especially if you are after warmth and comfort. The fabric is free of chemicals, according to the manufacturers, making these socks recommendable for persons of skin allergies. Like most of the models earlier reviewed, there is an elastic band at the top of the Jawsome Socks that prevents them from dropping to your ankles when you move. However, beware that this band might be too tight for free circulation in your legs. You might find the Sock it to Me’s Jawsome socks to be versatile enough for casual and formal wear.
5. Alpine Swiss Men’s Cotton 6 Pack Dress
Rounding up our art socks hotlist is the Alpine Swiss 6 pack for men. Although not splashed with old portraits or other zany designs, their vibrant color patterns can catch any artistic eye.
Creative shark patterns Made of soft cotton material They are breathable
You might find that the elastic top fits too tight No seamless toe design
The good thing is that from these 6 pairs you might have plenty of color options to brighten your day. These socks can function as formal wear, giving you a stylistic edge over colleagues that are clad in boring plain colored socks. They can also be used for casual occasions. You might also appreciate the way these socks feel lightweight and comfy. The Alpine Swiss Socks could come in handy when you want to kick back at home while keeping your feet soft and cozy. The socks are made of cotton that’s blended with polyester and elastane. Because of that, you might find that they feel breathable, lightweight, and extra comfortable. And another thing; the elastane component makes them elastic enough to stay in place all day. However, these socks don’t feel too tight around the calf-like the Jawsome socks by Sock it to Me.
A pack of six saves money Comes in bold colors and patterns Stylish for formal wear and casual outings Lightweight and breathable Seamless toe design
The material feels too thin They might get small holes after a few wears
The Best Pick
The Van Gogh Starry Night Socks stand out from the rest. These banging socks are highly artistic and could be the time ship for art enthusiasts that need a bit 1889’s starry nights. This pair is available for all sexes. Their design is laid back, with an insane mix of blues and blacks. If your loved one is crazy about Van Gogh pieces, these socks might be the perfect gift idea for them. The Starry Night socks are made of soft cotton material. The fabric feels breathable and cozy, ideal for people that wear socks all day long. One other cool thing here is the seamless toe design that saves your toes from painful irritation. These features and more make the Starry Night socks a potential nifty acquisition for dapper ladies and gentlemen.
