If their dogs are barking, we’ve found the right harnesses. Keep your crew sure-footed with our picks for the best groomsmen socks.
We’re smack-dab in a sock renaissance, but that doesn’t mean loud novelty socks are the right choice for your groomsmen. When choosing groomsmen socks, you should consider both the vibe of your wedding, and the vibe of your wedding party.
Below, we’ve selected our favorite unique groomsmen socks in four different style categories: solids, patterns, novelty, and no-show. But before we get to the picks, let’s talk about why you’d even worry about buying your groomsmen socks.
WHY BUY GROOMSMEN SOCKS?
Uniformity
Consistent groomsmen attire equals great wedding photos. Anything else is a crap shoot.
Quality
When your groomsmen rent suits for your wedding, they may get some “free” socks with their rental, but most of these freebies are a tissue-thin pair that’ll keep slithering down your ankles while you dance. That’s annoying, and even a small improvement in quality will make your groomsmen very happy groomspeople.
Novelty
The right pair can create a legacy—each step taken, a testament to your groomsmen gifting abilities.
Now for the socks.
Solid Groomsmen Socks
Best For: A classic wedding vibe, or a low-key look.
Also Good For: A suit or tux with a pattern.
WINNER: UNIQLO
Uniqlo’s simple sock comes in every color imaginable. It’s got a modest price tag, and it’ll dependably cover your lower shin.
RUNNER-UP: POLO RALPH LAUREN BLACK RIBBED SOCK (3-Pack)
Six pair, so one click and done (ideally). “Cute logo” says one reviewer, and to be fair there is a horsey on it. This one is just as great as our top pick, but it comes in fewer colors.
ALSO GOOD: SATURDAYS NYC NOVELTY SOCK
We had to make room for at least one old school dress sock in the solids. Getting married is serious business, and it’s always refreshing to see the groomsmen attire reflect that.
Patterned Groomsmen Socks
Best For: The groom who wants to see his groomsmen branch out without pushing them too far.
Also Good For: André 3000
WINNER: STANCE NETWORK
Simple yet aggressive windowpane design. This is a power sock if ever such a thing existed. Full disclosure: I own a pair of Stance socks and they’re still truckin’ four years later.
RUNNER-UP: HAPPY SOCKS SCISSORS
It’s an unusual motif, but used in a low key way—you’ll find plenty in this vein at Happy Socks. Side note: Does anyone else hear “skizzers” when you read the word “scissors?” English is weird.
ALSO GOOD: GUCCI PATTERN
High dollar sockage, but in case you forgot, it’s your wedding. This is why America invented credit cards, probably.
ALSO-ER GOOD: UNIQLO SUPIMA COTTON DOTS
The budget is real, but so is the supima cotton you elegant groom, you.
Novelty Groomsmen Socks
Best For: Adding to the wedding theme.
Also Good For: Making each groomsperson feel individual and appreciated.
FOR RUSTIC WEDDINGS: UO BANDANA SPORT SOCK
A little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. It’s easier to wear a busy pattern like this number from Urban Outfitters if it’s in a restrained color palate, à la black and white.
FOR BEACH WEDDINGS: STANCE MONTE VERDE
Groomsmen tested, botanist approved. These are the company’s best-sellers for a reason.
FOR MAN BUN GROOMSMEN: UO TIE DYE CREW
Vibes, that is all.
FOR A GIFT: NICE LAUNDRY MONOGRAMMED 3-PACK
In some cases, the perfect groomsmen gift. I mean, if you have your socks monogrammed, I’m pretty sure you can teach at a college.
FOR OUTDOORSY GROOMSMEN: PATAGONIA MERINO PERFORMANCE CREW
The first rule of backpacking is any given item should have multiple uses—for example, groomsmen socks / hiking socks. These wool shin shelters will keep their feet drier than any pair of cotton socks, and could actually reduce dancing blisters.
No-Show Groomsmen Socks
Best For: Loafers or slip-on shoes in warm weather.
Also Good For: The groomsmen who doesn’t show up (zing).
TIE: BOMBAS CUSHIONED NO-SHOW (4-Pack)
About the same price as the Stance no-shows below, and about as awesome, too. Cushioned socks are the future we all deserve.
TIE: STANCE GAMUT2 3-PACK
“These socks have arch supports” is something your groomspeople could say to a potential amorous partner at your wedding, instantly generating years of really good gossip.
ALSO GOOD: UNIQLO LOW CUT
They really hit the price-to-quality ratio nicely, unlike my writing-to-quality ratio. They don’t coddle you with cushion the way the other two picks do, but they’ll do the job admirably.
Best Sources for Groomsmen Socks
We’ve barely pulled at the thread of all the groomsmen sock options out there, but we obviously didn’t try to hide the love for our favorite suppliers, either. These are the most reliable brands for covering your wedding party’s tootsies:
UNIQLOHonest socks that work, in honest colors, at very honest prices. Plenty of variety, but not where you go to get too crazy.
URBAN OUTFITTERSWide variety of groomsmen socks, but nothing too formal if that’s what you’re aiming for.
STANCEDoes a really great job unique novelty socks and slightly more serious foot-covers.
HAPPY SOCKSRecognizable things that you’d never expect to see designed into a sock pattern.
Better Groomsmen Suits
Honestly, if you just let the chips fall where they may and skip buying your groomsmen socks, that’s fine. You can’t control every detail of your wedding, so if you have to choose, it’s best to focus your attention on the important, big-impact things, like the groomsmen suit or tuxedo.
That’s why we make it simple to outfit your wedding party. Our suits are designed with the best materials for a better fit, and whether you and your crew visit one of our 300+ showrooms to get fitted or not, we’ll make sure everyone finds their sizes. Get started outfitting your groomsmen here.
Or, learn more about how to create the perfect groomsmen outfit here.