Can anyone explain red socks to me?

unjung · Jan 8, 2010

Originally Posted by A Canuker

Red, purple, blue(s), teal, pink, orange. Why would one not have a selection of socks as you do a selection of ties. I normally get comments on my socks. Some people rave on how "brave" I am while others think I am out of touch with reality(this said by a lady who thinks 4 buttoned suits are cutting edge) but socks are a great way of adding a little flash just like a good tie.
That's our fine city for you, where Huge Boss and D&G reign supreme.

jhcam8 · Jan 8, 2010

Originally Posted by Financekid

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.

Thanks, man - I have a tie just like that and I'll try my red cashmere socks with it.

peezie · Jan 9, 2010

Originally Posted by comrade

To cut through all of this pseudo-fashionista bullshit, the prevalence
of red socks, especially in the United Kingdom is more than likely genetic.
It is well known that colorblindness is more common among males
in northern and western Europe, particularly the British Isles and Normandy
and Brittany in France. According to the latest research, the halpotype
that is theorized to carry this trait converts the color red to gray or black
in the vision of the carrier. In these cultures male dress, in the dominant
classes, is very understated, even dull. On the basis of this analysis, the
choice of red socks, for that portion of the male population in these classes
who are colorblind, is merely an act of conformity with the paradigm of
understated dress.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_blindness

I like how somone calls something bullshit, then quotes Wikipedia.

Champagnelifestylenomoney · Jan 9, 2010

The (mainly) English affectation of wearing bright red socks with a suit ( city workers; news readers etc.), may be signalling something like 'even though I have to wear this highly conformist/sober uniform for my work, I'm actually a very exciting and racy person underneath the surface & am not boring at all - as indicated by my red socks.'

This tends to raise far fewer eyebrows than the wearing of white socks with a suit in the UK ( where this indicates either an avid Blues Brothers fan or 'care in the community').

Smudge · Jan 14, 2010

To understand the Englishman's "thing" for red socks you need to thank Adrian Mole, a 13 3/4 year old boy who once lived in Leicester, England. He kept a diary if you are interested... but its a bit "hush-hush" though.

Smartalox · Jan 15, 2010

I heard it was for signalling a particular flavor of gayness, when flashed under the partition stall of public restrooms.

weilian · Jan 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Smartalox

I heard it was for signalling a particular flavor of gayness, when flashed under the partition stall of public restrooms.

Sounds very logical. I'll buy that.

I. Gentantithesis · Jan 15, 2010

MidwesternUS MountebankUS Plumage

PipPip · Jan 15, 2010

A French colleague of mine occasionally wears long raspberry coloured socks that he claims are very special as they can only be purchased in the Vatican. I have no idea what he is talking about.

madaboutshirt · Jan 15, 2010

black and blue socks are just plain dull. love colourful socks.

Frog in Suit · Jan 15, 2010

Originally Posted by PipPip

A French colleague of mine occasionally wears long raspberry coloured socks that he claims are very special as they can only be purchased in the Vatican. I have no idea what he is talking about.

Our former PM and once a presidential candidate, M. Ã‰douard Balladur, was much ridiculed at one time because he wears the kind of socks worn by cardinals (Gamarelli?) importing them from the Vatican. He also goes to Poole for his suits. He is probably the best-dressed of our politicians, although that does not mean much.

Frog in Suit

weilian · Jan 15, 2010

Originally Posted by madaboutshirt

black and blue socks are just plain dull. love colourful socks.

Got any hot pink in your collection?

Gutman · Jan 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Champagnelifestylenomoney

The (mainly) English affectation of wearing bright red socks with a suit ( city workers; news readers etc.), may be signalling something like 'even though I have to wear this highly conformist/sober uniform for my work, I'm actually a very exciting and racy person underneath the surface & am not boring at all - as indicated by my red socks.'

Exactly, apologies if links to the "red sock fop" spat have been posted before:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...politicalbooks

I wore red socks as a post-school uniform reaction, along with matching red-tie... That was when red-rimmed glasses frames were "out there and cool" (ie, the 80s). Remember those? Still, red socks can look very nice with a light brown brogue or similar, but it's too try-hard with a suit imo

HHD · Jan 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Gutman

Exactly, apologies if links to the "red sock fop" spat have been posted before:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...politicalbooks

I wore red socks as a post-school uniform reaction, along with matching red-tie... That was when red-rimmed glasses frames were "out there and cool" (ie, the 80s). Remember those? Still, red socks can look very nice with a light brown brogue or similar, but it's too try-hard with a suit imo

I didn't know Rodney Trotter was writing for the Guardian.

MichaelKlos · Aug 4, 2014

I started wearing Red socks for special occasions many years ago. Shortly after my daughter was born I realized the every day was special, therefore I only wear red socks.

Many friends around the world have come to wear Red socks for their special occasions. And so it spread.

Can anyone explain red socks to me?

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