Michael Grade wore them with his dark suit yesterday, Sir Christopher Meyer (pic) is famed for them, and even David Gest wouldn’t be without them in the jungle. But can someone please tell me, why do men wear 
red socks?
One one hand they look naff and tasteless, the kind of accessory I would expect John McCririck to have a drawer full of. But they also have a quirky appeal indicating a “devil may care” attitude. Are they simply a ploy of the upper-class dandy?
I wonder if our continental men could wear them with panache, while on a Brit, the site of the red ankle causes ripples of mirth and derision.
Sir Christopher‘s hosiery has caused much speculation from commentators seeking an explanation for his outlandish taste, it has even had Michael Gove in despair. The reason seems to be a tactic to be unforgettable:
“He wears red socks (a 1980s sort of idiosyncratic gesture designed to keep him in the memory of those he meets, but nevertheless one that works), he can ride in the ambassadorial Rolls-Royce through Washington like a pasha, but he is essentially grounded, partly through his wife Catherine – despite them being known as Fred and Ginger on the Washington circuit.”
And I’m sure it is a case of “once seen never forgotten” as Sir Christopher even wears a matching tie! But before you head off to try out this daring style for yourself, do take advice from the Men’s Style Guru who advises you not to wear red socks while giving the State of the Union address as “some will take you for a Communist and others will insist that the vice president take over immediately, on the ‘unable to perform’ clause.”
So men, have you added a pair of red socks to your Christmas list, or wouldn’t you be seen dead in them?
I have no idea.
Why do men wear red socks? To tell you the truth, I really haven’t a got a clue either.
I have never worn red socks, and I don’t intend to either!
Revolting things.
You’ve started something here, Ellee! From now on I shall be looking down to see what colour socks the Italian men are wearing all the time!
When you find, for the third time in a week, that the reason your sock drawer is empty is because wifey’s wearing them in bed at night – swearing she thought they were hers – you start to see the charm in buying socks that she wouldn’t be seen dead in….
Well I am surprised, you are not a very adventurous lot!
I’ve got a pair of red socks, they come from New Zealand. They are a replica of the “lucky red socks” worn by the crew of the NZ boat that won the America’s Cup race. I’ve also got a pair of black socks with a little silk red heart embroidered on each one. It was a Valentine’s Day pressie. Back in the good old days.
Dear Jim, I knew I could rely on you to be different. I hope you still wear your love heart socks.
Red socks? Hmm.
The last word in stylish hosiery for the gentleman about town is a pair of yellow socks. I rarely wear anything else, hosiery-wise.
I knew an attorney here in Chicago who wore red socks to court all the time. When I asked why, he told me it started as his personal protest/response to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre….
I think they’re rather fetching!
Please don’t ANYONE buy me a pair of red socks for Christmas!
Now this is a very important post, Ellee. Why do they dress this way indeed? By the way, your scrutiny of Sir Christopher’s hosiery has no ulterior motive, does it?
Why not a thread on stylish mens underwear?
I used to always ask that question when Sir John Mills always seemed to wear them and Sir David Frost, maybe they come with a Knighthood?
Why do men wear socks? Because they want to be noticed. Lol.
I’m sure men who wear red socks are trying to make a statement of some sort but the statement that they actually make isn’t the intended one!
I think coz they r gay or they have got a shit choice. Or may be they think that their socks will be invisible even when they walk 😀
Peter Cook in Bedazzled, 1967.
Red socks with a suit is the height of beautiful luciferwear.
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I could I want to recommend you few attention-grabbing issues or tips. Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article. I want to read even more issues about it!
Well. It is a fashion statement. Some notables: Garrison Keillor, Studs Terkel, Van Johnson, Oliver Stone,
Sir Chistopher Meyer…. I wear them because it gives people I know something to buy me for Christmas.
I love red socks, i wear them with my suite pants to work all the time. It makes me feel strong, like a real man, and all the chicks on the train really dig them. I actually love them so much that when I had a moonboot when I broke my foot, my girlfriend made me a giant red sock to cover my moon boot.
Red socks RULE!!!! your not cool unless you have red socks on!
If I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand.
Nene
Ahoy! I was once questioned in New Zealand (1984) while trying out pair of Sorrel inners – “You know what happens to men who wear red socks?”, by the shop assistant. I have been wearing them on and off ever since, and still can’t remark on what does happen … Cheers, Dreadful Ned