Michael Jackson’s wearing black leather loafers and white socks while dancing with zombies is one of the most culturally significant moments in history. While the Thriller music clip was released more than forty years ago, the best loafer socks remain a timeless fashion choice.
Even prior to Jackson’s signature look, the likes of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin were all known to wear loafers with socks. Harry Styles and Pharrell William, two fashion icons of the modern era, have proved that this look will not go away.
If you wear the right socks with your loafers, it will be a great way to improve your footwear. This article will show you the best socks to pair with loafers, for all occasions and styles. Whether you’re looking to dress them up or keep it casual, these are the men’s socks for loafers to emulate this classic look.
What you need to know
There are many different styles, colors, and sizes of socks that you can wear with loafers. This article discusses all the types of socks for loafers, including those that cover the mid-calf to those that do not show.
Our top picks after scouring the Internet across countless websites are the ISTO Cotton Socks. These socks are soft, comfortable, stylish, and work with any loafer. If you’d rather keep your socks out of sight, the Myrqvist Lars Cotton Socks are designed specially for loafers with a heel grip to keep them from sliding down into your shoes.
Continue reading to find out which socks are worthy of your best loafers.
Why They’re Great: These socks look great with loafers and are made from recycled and organic materials. They’re mid-calf length, which allows them to peek out from your shoes before disappearing under a pant leg. With four dark neutral colorways to choose from, they’re sharp with loafers and will keep you comfortable no matter how long your day gets.
How they feel: Soft and stretchy, these socks are perfect for loafers. The elastane helps to keep them in place throughout the day.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. Eighteen bucks for a single pair of socks hurts a bit, but you can’t put a price tag on quality socks.
Material: 70% organic cotton 28% recycled polyesteramide, 2% elastic | Sizes: S-M, L-XL | Colors: 4 | Type: Mid Calf
Why They’re Great: It doesn’t get any more classic than Gildan white crew socks. These look great with loafers if you’re going for a more casual, laid back style. Since they’re white, they’ll match any color loafers lining your closet. The ten-pack ensures that you’ll always have a back up pair, even if your dryer destroys some of them.
How they feel: These socks are very similar to any other athletic socks. They may be a little tight in loafers because they’re on the thicker side, but this will only help with cushioning, preventing nasty blisters. The shoes wick away moisture so that your feet stay cool and dry when you’re running around town.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. These definitely dress loafers down, so if you’re headed to a nice function, stick with dress socks or no shows, rather than athletic socks.
Material: 72% cotton, 24% polyester, 3% spandex, 1% nylon | Sizes: US 6-12 and 13-15 | Colors: 3 | Type: Athletic (Middle Calf)
Why They’re Great: The best socks for loafers are these. Sporting a sharp houndstooth print, these dress socks show you’ve given some thought to your outfit, especially when paired with brown leather loafers. The soft cotton socks are designed to reach the mid-calf.
How they feel: Dress socks are usually thinner, but this pair is a little thicker. This will keep your socks from sliding down and rubbing on your loafers.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. If you don’t want to draw attention to your ankles, it pays to stick with a more inconspicuous type of socks, unlike these patterned mid calves.
Material: Scottish Lisle cotton | Sizes: S, M, and L | Colors: 6 | Type: Mid Calf
Why They’re Great: These socks are specially designed to fit loafers and prevent uncomfortable rubbing. Choose from a single pair of socks or a 3- or 9-pack to keep them close at hand. However, what’s really special about these no show loafer socks is the small silicon patch on the heel, which prevents them from slipping down into the abyss. Less adjusting for more comfort.
How they feel: Made of a cotton-blend, these socks feel comfortable and soft to wear. Since you can’t see them under shoes, you may forget you’re wearing socks at all.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. These socks for loafers only come in a single colorway (black), which doesn’t matter much since they’re not meant to be seen.
Material: Cotton blend | Sizes: EU 39-41 (42-44), 45-47 | Colors: 1 | Type: No Show
Why They’re Great: These athletic socks will help you dress down loafers. They’re much nicer than your typical varsity crew socks while retaining the classic ribbed material for a sporty look. The socks are finished with
How they feel: The rib gives these socks a more snug fit around the ankles. They’re super comfortable, crafted from a cotton elastane blend for softness with a touch of stretch.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. Sometimes, I feel like it’s hard to justify socks when they’re above $20. But when it comes down to it, what’s the difference between $20 and $26? (Not much).
Material: 80% cotton and 19% polyamide with 1% elastane | Sizes: EU 36-40, 41 to 45 | Colors: 3 | Type: Athletic (Middle Calf)
Why They’re Great: Created for the discreetly stylish man, these are the best socks for loafers if you don’t want them to be seen. Fitted socks stay on your foot for longer periods. To keep them up further, there’s a rubber grip inside the heel that prevents the socks from sliding down into your loafers. These loafer socks, cleverly made of a bamboo-blend, are resistant to odors.
How they feel: Bamboo socks have a soft and breathable quality. These socks keep your feet cool all day long without causing a stinky office.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. It’s hard to find fault in such a perfect product. The socks might peek out slightly if you have loafers with a shorter vamp.
Material: 75% Bamboo, 23% Polyamide, 2% Elastane | Sizes: EU 39-42 and 43-46 | Colors: 2 | Type: No Show
Why They’re Great: Ankle socks are a standout choice for loafers, especially when they’re neutral colored and hidden under a pant leg. These men’s socks for loafers strike a perfect middle ground between no show and athletic socks at a solid length and comfortable weight. They’re also easy to dress up or down with loafers, making them a versatile choice for any man.
How they feel: These socks for loafers are made of a polyester-cotton blend with a bit of spandex added for extra stretch. They’re on the thinner side, which will help keep your feet cool throughout the day while mitigating any rubbing from leather loafers.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. Many men swing to extremes – either no show socks or mid calves with loafers. If you’re not already on the ankle sock train, they may look a bit funny if it’s your first time pairing them with loafers.
Material: 58% polyester, 42% cotton, 2% spandex | Sizes: US 6-12 | Colors: 3 | Type: Ankle
Why They’re Great: These thin dress socks will solve your problem of having to stuff athletic socks inside loafers. Stretching up to a mid calf length, they’re thinner than even traditional dress socks, made from a silky polyester with a sheer(ish) look. These are the best choice if you don’t have much room in your loafers for a thicker sock or if you’re seeking something you’ll forget is even there.
What They Feel: They are so thin that they feel like nothing. They’re sheer, lightweight, and super breathable, making them the top choice if you’re looking for summer socks to wear with loafers or simply thinner, over the calf socks. Though, thin doesn’t mean weak. These socks are reinforced at the toe and heel.
There are flaws, but they’re not dealbreakers. The silky material may cause these socks to slide down, especially when you are walking.
Material: 92% polyester and 8% spandex | Sizes: One Size | Colors: 11 | Type: Mid Calf
Buying Considerations For Men’s Loafer Socks
Style
The first consideration when determining the best men’s socks for loafers is the style. These are the most common sock types to wear with loafers. They will impact the look and feel of the footwear.
- No-Show Socks: The socks are hidden from view, giving the impression that your feet are sockless. However, they still protect you against blisters. The best loafer no-show socks have a rubber or silicon grip that prevents them from sliding inside the shoe. They’re also great for a casual or more dressy look.
- Dress socks: These dress up loafers. Dress socks, which are usually mid-calf in length, can be paired with loafers to add color and pattern. They look particularly sharp with suits or more formal attire.
- Athletic Socks They give loafers an air of casualness, especially when they are made with the classic ribbed design. Wear them casually with jeans or chinos.
Material
Material can also influence the look and feel. Loafer socks tend to be made of a cotton-elastane blend. Occasionally, you’ll find loafer socks made from innovative materials like bamboo, which aid in keeping feet cool, dry, and odor free throughout the day.
Colors
Finally, it’s worth thinking about the color of socks for loafers, as this impacts their wearability. If you want to be safe, choose neutral-colored socks that are white, black or grey. These will match any color of loafer, as well as whatever else you wear them with.
If you’re looking to show off your style and be bold, pair your loafer with a patterned or brightly colored sock.
My dad is known to wear colorful socks with his leather loafers. He gets compliments on this every day.
Why you should trust us
When I’m not watching Michael Jackson music videos, I’m constantly on the hunt for the latest styles and trends. I split my time between New York, Paris, and London, and over the past year, I’ve seen more men rocking loafers with socks than ever before. Based on my personal observations and taking cues from style greats, I’ve been able to determine the best socks for loafers that suit any man’s preferences. You’ll find them all on this list, waiting to accompany this year’s hottest footwear.
Final Verdict
Individual preference is key to finding the best socks for loafers. However, I’m happy to report that through my personal findings, the ISTO Cotton Socks are the top mid calves, with four neutral colorways to choose from and a soft cotton blend. If you’d rather keep your socks incognito, opt for the Myrqvist Lars Cotton Socks, which will stay out of sight without slipping down into your loafers thanks to the silicon grip on the heel.
The FAQ
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Socks are definitely okay with loafers – just take Michael Jackson, for example. They’re a great way to add interesting contrast to an outfit or to show off your personal style through a bold sock choice.
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The outfit will determine whether or not loafers are better with socks. For example, loafers without socks look great with shorts or casual getups, while loafers worn with socks are stellar for suits and chinos, especially if they’re dress socks.
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