Classic men’s socks

Three quiet patterns that go with most of what you already wear: a fine stripe, a pin dot and an argyle. Each is made in compact cotton, so the pattern stays sharp and the sock stays smooth. If you want socks that suit a work suit, chinos and jeans without anyone remarking on them, start here.

The Classic designs

Get all three

Classic 3-Pack

3 pairs

Fine Stripe, Pin Dot and Argyle: the three Classic designs in one pack. Quiet patterns that go with a work suit, chinos and jeans, so there is a pair for most days of the week.

Choosing Classic socks

Classic is the family for the man who wants a sock to look right and then be forgotten. The patterns are small and the colours are the ones already in most wardrobes, so there is very little to think about in the morning.

Fine Stripe is the easiest place to begin. Cream with a double claret stripe, it works with navy, grey and brown trousers, and it is the pair we would put in a gift box without a second thought. Pin Dot is navy with small cream dots, a step up from plain navy without turning into a talking point. Argyle is the traditional diamond pattern in dark olive, cream and gold, and it suits tweed, brown shoes and denim.

All three use a 20/1 yarn in compact cotton. That is combed cotton with an extra compacting step, so the yarn is smoother and stronger, and the socks pill less. The toe is a Rosso-linked toe, which is a flat, low-bulk seam with no ridge across the toes. That matters most in a dress shoe, where there is less room to hide a lumpy seam.

If you are not sure which to pick, the Classic 3-Pack holds all three designs, so you can wear them and see which pair you reach for first.