What Makes Pantherella Socks Better?

[Sartorially Challenged]

I noticed Pantherella socks are held in high regard on the forum. What makes its socks superior above other brands?

Is the quality difference with lesser socks noticeable?

[robin]

In my experience, they're no better quality wise compared to other dress socks and they wear out just as quickly. I do walk around quite a bit though, so that no doubt makes some difference.

[ChicagoRon]

Pantharella claims they do not contract socks for anyone else, however my sales assoc. at Sak's assured me they are making socks for Brioni and some other brands. FWIW....The best socks I own are actually barney's house brand.

[EL72]

The fabrics are nicer. There aren't that many makers of cashmere socks out there and Pantherella is the largest and most widely distributed I believe so that's why they get mentioned a lot around here.

[Dmax]

Most (maybe all?) Pantherellas also have hand-linked toes so there is no seem to chafe away at your foot. Some manufacturers have a very prominent toe seam which causes discomfort for some people.

I have one pair of Brioni socks and it does not look like they are made by Pantherella.

[iammatt]

Gallo makes really nice socks as well.

[aportnoy]

Originally Posted by iammatt

Gallo makes really nice socks as well.

Jay Kos shop on Lexngton has Gallo socks on sale for 50% through tomorrow, when they shutter the doors.

[bengal-stripe]

Originally Posted by ChicagoRon

Pantharella claims they do not contract socks for anyone else, however my sales assoc. at Sak's assured me they are making socks for Brioni and some other brands.

They definitely make the socks for Burberry (they are part of the same group), Richard James and Arnys in Paris. Probably for dozens of other firms as well.

Even if Brioni socks are not sourced from Pantherella, they come from some other manufacturer. Brioni makes tailored clothing; everything else is sourced from some other company.

[DocHolliday]

I buy a lot of Pantherella, usually on deep discount, but I can't say they're significantly better or more durable than other socks I own. In particular, they tend to wear more quickly than do my (much cheaper) Gold Toes. But I like that they're made in England, I like the hand-linked toe, and I like many of the patterns and colors. But I wouldn't pay retail for them, unless there was a pattern I just had to own.

To answer a question above, not all Pantherellas have the hand-linked toe. I own some that don't.

And, in turn, a question for the crowd: Has anyone actually had problems with chafing because of a toe seam? I haven't.

[Soph]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I buy a lot of Pantherella, usually on deep discount, but I can't say they're significantly better or more durable than other socks I own. In particular, they tend to wear more quickly than do my (much cheaper) Gold Toes. But I like that they're made in England, I like the hand-linked toe, and I like many of the patterns and colors. But I wouldn't pay retail for them, unless there was a pattern I just had to own.

To answer a question above, not all Pantherellas have the hand-linked toe. I own some that don't.

And, in turn, a question for the crowd: Has anyone actually had problems with chafing because of a toe seam? I haven't.

I'm not with Doc on this one.. Panthrella are durable as hell. They really do take a beating and keep on trucking.

[gdl203]

Originally Posted by Soph

I'm with Doc. Panthrella are durable as hell. They really do take a beating and keep on trucking.

Didn't he just write the opposite?

[Get Smart]

not a fan of Pantherella.

the few pairs I own don't stay up very well

[robin]

Originally Posted by Soph

I'm with Doc. Panthrella are durable as hell. They really do take a beating and keep on trucking.

Maybe I'm misreading his post, but it seems like he says his experiences are that they aren't durable? Regardless, I do share his opinions on them - they do generally make more interesting patterns and it is fun to know that they were handlinked and made in England. I also only buy them when I find them on discount for $10 or less, as the $30 or whatever they normally retail is not a good value for me.

And, in turn, a question for the crowd: Has anyone actually had problems with chafing because of a toe seam? I haven't.

Since it's been brought up, I've just realized that I've never had this problem either.

[demeis]

Hand linked toe. So no toe seam. Really the only nice feature on them. I'm not a huge fan of them but I have had people who complain about this. Personally one of my favorite socks are the Falke Airport Plus socks. Very comfy.

I don't find my pantherella's any more durable. I get a year out of them or so but i'm hard on socks. For a cheap sock that I like a lot Polo makes a nice sock and for discounts they are always available somewhere cheap.

[dopey]

They are very good socks. The materials are good and the manufacturing quality is good. The wool ones, which I prefer, hold up very well. But they are not the only good sock.