A Sockless Summer
August 30, 2010 | Guest
The earliest memory I have of my father is watching him reading the paper in the garden, wearing a white T-shirt, sun-drenched jeans and classic black Gucci loafers, with no socks. I assume this is where my (healthy) obsession with footwear began. And this sockless style has become in vogue in menswear recently, perhaps fueled by the success of sites like The Sartorialist and the American designer Thom Browne.
There is something elegant about the sockless look when executed with a quality lace-up or loafer, injecting an air of informality into the look of a tailored trouser. It’s about the carefree lifestyle, and the image of someone who spends their day relaxing in a square with an espresso. Don’t get me wrong, I love socks, tall, striped, coloured, and especially when all I ever see on the morning commute is monotonous greys and black.
The sockless style can be hazardous for shoes, however. For instance, the interior heel of my loafers has become worn and slightly stretched, so this is not for the faint-hearted. I would suggest a little talcum powder here and there as well to avoid any unpleasant smells. Just make sure you always air them out after use (like raw denim, I’ve heard putting them in the freezer for a short stint can work wonders).
For those of you looking to inject some leisure into your footwear, consider losing the socks.
Christian Kimber (Style Sage)








