Linen socks, your thoughts

[Son Of Saphir]

Would like to start a new linen socks thread because we haven't had one for years here. What are people's thoughts on linen socks?

Have worn linen socks during summer for about 4 or 5 years now and it is the best decision me ever make. They keep my feet fresh all day on warm days, and no wool or cotton sock compares. Me wear the Bresciani; the socks stay up all day, unlike what so many have reported in the past. The linen are very comfortable and soften up nicely after the first wear. The mottled colours are great for summer. They don't shrink.

 

[TimothyF]

Are they 100% linen, and do they last?

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Are they 100% linen, and do they last?

95% linen, and they do last.

 

[DorianGreen]

I have had some (don't remember the brand and whether it was pure linen) in the past, but it wasn't a good experience: they didn't keep the shape and wore out very quickly.

Recently I saw some (70% linen 30% cotton) very good looking at Schostal, tempted to give a try.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

^^^

Was hoping to hear your comments on them. Mine have always kept their shape and they are durable. People either have good experiences with them and love them, or they are a nightmare.

 

[ladislav.jancik]

I have Bresciani linen socks.
They are the most comfortable summer socks I have, but they are quite worn out and quite rough in the heel area after about twenty wears. They have not developed any holes though. However for the price they cost I would not buy them again.

 

[brax]

Agree with the above. They are somewhat difficult to find (my last stash came from a shop in Genoa) but Bresciani linen sock are all I wear with summer suits.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Looked at mine yesterday, to my surprise they are starting to wear at the heel too.

$2 per wear is too high.

 

[TimothyF]

This is why my thin dress socks rarely get worn. They don't last as long, and they don't cushion the feet as much. Say whatever you want, but Uniqlo socks last (I have yet to wear out a single pair), come in good patterns and weaves. If only they make cotton socks knee-high

 

[Son Of Saphir]

To me socks are very important, and it means taking the hit with a high cost per wear. There is no way to get around it unless compromises are made, but socks should never be compromised too much.

Tried buying the Viccel once, bought 100 pairs. What a disaster that was. Dreadful quality socks. Probably better to buy from a reputable sock maker, you get what you pay for imo.

Also got the Corgi wellington boot socks. Quite thick, but they are wearing thin at the ankles too. High cost per wear on those too. Wearing good socks is expensive.

 

[DorianGreen]

To me socks are very important, and it means taking the hit with a high cost per wear. There is no way to get around it unless compromises are made, but socks should never be compromised too much.

Tried buying the Viccel once, bought 100 pairs. What a disaster that was. Dreadful quality socks. Probably better to buy from a reputable sock maker, you get what you pay for imo.

Also got the Corgi wellington boot socks. Quite thick, but they are wearing thin at the ankles too. High cost per wear on those too. Wearing good socks is expensive.

I have the same approach, often socks don't get the proper attention. No compromises on quality and style for me: always over the calf and properly sized socks (never short and one size fits all ones).

Of course, the more socks you have in rotation, the more durable they will be.

 

[Son Of Saphir]

I have the same approach, often socks don't get the proper attention. No compromises on quality and style for me: always over the calf and properly sized socks (never short and one size fits all ones).

Of course, the more socks you have in rotation, the more durable they will be.

Yes, the sacrifice is to drop $$$$ on socks every now and again (sock expenses) and build up the collection. To me socks are the most important piece of clothing.

 

[dialtone]

@ladislav.jancik I also have the Bresciani linen socks. Agreed, they're the most comfortable socks I own. They've held up well against holes.

Oddly, my Bresciani wool socks developed holes after 3-4 wears. No idea what happened there. Lesson learned, I suppose.

 

[TimothyF]

Yes, the sacrifice is to drop $$$$ on socks every now and again (sock expenses) and build up the collection. To me socks are the most important piece of clothing.

Or you could do preventative maintenance, and darn the heel area as it's getting thin.

Personally I have a decent OTC collection, just rarely wear them. Don't see why they cost 7x normal socks, which probably last 7x longer, look just as classy and colorful (except those 5 inches right below the kneecap), and are more comfortable for feet after a long day's walking

 

[Son Of Saphir]

Or you could do preventative maintenance, and darn the heel area as it's getting thin.

Personally I have a decent OTC collection, just rarely wear them. Don't see why they cost 7x normal socks, which probably last 7x longer, look just as classy and colorful (except those 5 inches right below the kneecap), and are more comfortable for feet after a long day's walking

Yes, I promised myself, if l am going to wear the good socks l am going to want a good cost ratio. Socks don't last long and they are expensive, so cost ratio comes into it. I have darned socks and l will continue doing so. Will try to get $1 per wear if l can, but that is still $365 per year on socks. Since COVID sock prices have gotten out of hand, so sacrifices need to be made.

Looked at those Uniqlo online but l don't like the look of them. Do they have otc?

In 3 weeks my private sock source runs out. He retires after 50 years and is a personal friend of Mr Bresciani. He has access to many Bresciani socks that are unavailable online. Was going to order hoardes of socks this year from him, but now my plans have been dashed. Me say to the man "you can't retire yet,me have many socks to order from you this year". Might order 20 pairs of wool and cottons soon though, and another 50 linens online during the year and build up the collection a bit more. Will probably another 30 pair through my shoemaker later in the year too.