Can anyone explain red socks to me?

Good evening

I was wondering if anyone could explain to me the phenomenon of red socks. I read something about them in Hackett's Mr. Classic where it was references as a british thing, but I can't remember what else he said.

They also appear in the movie Constantine worn by a character meant to have the look and feel of a young english gentleman, who speaks with an english accent and wears suits that are, or are meant to appear to be, saville row tailored. This would support the theory that it is an english thing, rather rather than the costume designer feeling mischevious.

I hope some of you can help me with this, as the search function proved futile, as did Google.








Thank you in advance.

I wear red socks occasionally with suits when the mood strikes. What's troubling you about it?

It's a way to express oneself. Why this dilemma? Do you want to know the historical background?

Much like cricket, you'll never quite understand, old boy.

Nothing troubleing me about it really, just curious I guess. Generally speaking people would say apropriate colours would be similar to your suit or slightly darker, so it just seems like a peculiar choice. Personally I think it's amazingly cool, but I was just wondering if there were any rules and/or traditions surounding this phenomenon. If it means something, like certain tie-patterns do, or if it's just for fun.

And yes, if there is a history about I'd love to hear it.

Originally Posted by Financekid

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Nothing troubleing me about it really, just curious I guess. Generally speaking people would say apropriate colours would be similar to your suit or slightly darker, so it just seems like a peculiar choice. Personally I think it's amazingly cool, but I was just wondering if there were any rules and/or traditions surounding this phenomenon. If it means something, like certain tie-patterns do, or if it's just for fun.

And yes, if there is a history about I'd love to hear it.


Not really a phenomenon...but here is the history:
Many years ago, the first pairs of socks were invented. They were black. One day, the inventor used less dye and made gray socks. he followed with blue, white and then on a dare, made red socks. All were a hit in the village.

Originally Posted by ter1413

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Not really a phenomenon...but here is the history:
Many years ago, the first pairs of socks were invented. They were black. One day, the inventor used less dye and made gray socks. he followed with blue, white and then on a dare, made red socks. All were a hit in the village.

Wow, that's hillarious. Doesn't really explain why wearing red socks is refered to as being an english thing though.

Originally Posted by Financekid

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Wow, that's hillarious. Doesn't really explain why wearing red socks is refered to as being an english thing though.


The village was in the UK.

I like them for casual wear.

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Originally Posted by Financekid

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Wow, that's hillarious. Doesn't really explain why wearing red socks is refered to as being an english thing though.
Allow me to explain then. England is a place of uniformity and uniforms. As a child, you wear a sombre uniform to attend school. This can be from age 4-18. When you attend university, the dress is equally as sober, and then you graduate and get a job where you have to wear a suit. The only place for a little bit of personality to show through here? Socks. Socks are about the only thing in the school uniform that a teacher or prefect could not tell you off for, as they weren't stipulated in the school uniform list. The same goes for suits, socks are a personal thing, and it would be out of place to comment on a mans choice for them. Therefore, wearing colourful socks is a rebellious and individual thing to do, in order to separate yourself (in uniform) from everybody else. I doubt it would catch on abroad, where personality is expressed through other means seen as you don't have to wear a sodding uniform for fourteen years of your life plus.

Originally Posted by Financekid

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Wow, that's hillarious. Doesn't really explain why wearing red socks is refered to as being an english thing though.

English thing? It's a Boston thing

atleast its not white

Found this random pic of me in the wild. You get the idea.