Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Best Cotton Socks for Men to Buy Now

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What’s a great pair of boots or a terrific pair of dress shoes without a pair of the best cotton socks for men, right? The right accessories are crucial to finishing off any ensemble in terms of comfort, style, and crucial functionality, and the best socks for men are underrated yet no less essential part of that equation. In fact, buying a pair of the best men’s cotton socks is easier than it seems, seeing as many of the best online clothing stores for men are up to speed when it comes to men’s socks.

Of course, there are all sorts of varieties out there you can pick up to upgrade your sock drawer, be it socks for boots or a performance-minded pair of the best merino wool socks. But for our money’s worth, the best men’s cotton socks should become your everyday go-to. And if you don’t know where to start, well, that’s where we come in: The best clothing brands for men are offering up stylish socks aplenty. Go forth in style, folks.

Recommended Videos

Bombas Fair Isle Calf Socks

Bombas Fair Isle Cotton Socks
Bombas

Bombas has made a name for itself with just the right blend of comfort, easygoing style, and of course, a charitable component that donates a pair of socks for every pair purchased. It helps that these have a seasonally friendly Fair Isle pattern.

American Trench Cotton Rugby Stripe Socks

American Trench Cotton Rugby Stripe Socks 
American Trench

American Trench has built its business on the best made-in-America outerwear and gear, and that same approach rolls right on down to the best cotton socks for men, like these extremely well-made and highly versatile striped socks. Wear ’em with business casual or off-duty looks alike.

Polo Ralph Lauren Crew Socks

Polo Ralph Lauren Crew Socks
Nordstrom

Offset your classic Polo Ralph Lauren style staples with a timeless pair of wear-with-anything Polo Ralph Lauren socks. Get a pair in one of four available colors, while you’re at it.

Dozy Sleepy Waffle Socks

Dozy Sleepy Waffle Socks
Huckberry

Step up your sock game in a big way with these luxurious-yet-accessible socks made from the finest Japanese Supima cotton around. You want to talk about the best cotton socks for men? Well, you’ve found ’em, and your feet will assuredly thank you.

Ted Baker London Fine Stripe Socks

Ted Baker London Fine Stripe Socks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pair up these refined cotton dress socks from Ted Baker London with a suitably tailored Ted Baker ensemble for subtle style on the daily.

United By Blue SoftHemp Socks

United By Blue SoftHemp Socks
REI

These socks use a blend made in large part with organic cotton for an ethical, sustainable, and stylish pair of socks you can team with rugged chore pants, your favorite boots, and a thermal henley.

Arvin Goods Crew Socks

Arvin Goods Crew Socks
Huckberry

These classic socks are both stylish and sustainable, thanks to a major focus on crafting them with reclaimed cotton. They’ll look just right peeking out from beneath rolled chinos and classic leather chukka boots.

Sock Fancy Classic Crew Socks

Sock Fancy Classic Crew Socks
Sock Fancy

Combed cotton and a versatile array of easily wearable colors (including this vibrant blue) give you plenty of options when it comes to classic socks to wear with dressy or laidback looks.

Beau Hayhoe
Beau Hayhoe is a freelance men's style writer, consultant and PR pro based in Brooklyn. Beau's menswear and gear writing has…
Men’s fashion tips: How to wear corduroy pants this fall and winter
Making an old fashioned classic stylish
Corduroy fabric

Alright, gents, let's talk about corduroy. Corduroy pants, to be specific. Many of you may feel that corduroy, in general, is old-fashioned, something of the past that needs to be left there. And honestly, there are some pretty legitimate reasons you feel that way. For instance, the fabric was initially created for and fit perfectly as workwear in the 1800s. It was tough and flexible, making it a desired garment for factory work. Then, it was adopted by the military in WWII (namely by the Women's Land Army -- you're welcome for that point at trivia night).

However, it rose to fashion prominence when anti-establishment advocates wore it in the 1960s and 1970s. People like Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, and Pablo Picasso made it famous. Even The Beatles were said to have singlehandedly saved the fabric by England's President of the Board of Trade. So, being loved by that era makes us feel that our fathers and grandfathers own corduroy, but as you already know, we are living in our own era of "What is old is new," and we have to learn how to wear corduroy the right way today. Here is how you wear it the way those icons of the past did.
Types and styles of corduroy pants

Read more
The best fall running gear for men to run in comfort
We've got the lowdown on gear you need to stay comfortable as the weather gets colder
A man running on fall foliage near a lake.

Fall weather is often the sweet spot for running. With the sweltering, muggy summer runs in the rearview mirror and the frigid winds and icy roads of the winter yet to come, autumn has bright, sunny skies and dry, crisp air that leaves your lungs and legs feeling like you could float along the roads or trails for miles upon miles. Fall is an ideal season to run a marathon or step up your training before the darkness and cold of winter descends.
That said, fall weather can be variable -- bridging the gap between the hot summer, where you aim to wear as little as you can get away with, and the freezing winter, where you’re decked out in multiple layers to cover every inch of exposed skin. Your fall running wardrobe should have light, breathable options for shorts, pants, short- and long-sleeved tops, and a light running jacket or vest. Depending on the climate in which you live and your personal preference, running gloves and a thin hat can also be helpful. To help you fully enjoy each and every run this fall in comfort, our top picks for the best fall running gear for men are below.

Best long-sleeved shirt: Ibex Journey

Read more
The best men’s dress shoes: Our top picks
Look great with the best dress shoe in any style
best mens dress shoes man shopping for

Dress shoes are a staple in a man's wardrobe. No man is fully dressed until he has chosen the right pair of shoes. Whether you are wearing a suit every day and need a pair of dress shoes for daily use, or you are only dressing up on occasion and need that perfect shoe to really show off on your night out, you have to know which one is right for you. Of course, we're not going to force you to go it alone while you search aimlessly through the world of men's dress shoes. No way, we have done the hard work and found you the best of the best for any occasion and any type.
Oxfords

We don't know if this was the first dress shoe. It probably wasn't. Guys dressed up before Oxford students in the 1800s, right? Anyway, this is the most famous dress shoe, and for good reason. Originating on the campus of the namesake university, the Oxford is known by its closed lace system, meeting at the end of the laces in a 'V' shape. This keeps everything nice and tight, looking very put together.
Florsheim Sorrento Cap Toe

Read more