Posts on ‘July 13th, 2009’

No matter what style dilemma you’ve recently been beleaguered by, chances are there’s an accessory that will solve it. Having a bad hair day? Sort it out with the latest must-have hat and get compliments all day long. Going away and need some new luggage? Check out our latest picks for every kind of holiday or business trip imaginable. In short, whether you need new shades, cufflinks, neckwear or gloves, or you want to learn all about the rules for wearing socks, turn here to stay on top of what’s hot in the world of accessories.

Men’s Accessories Fact:

Though in ancient times neckwear often signaled social status, it was during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) that neckties became a thing of fashion. When Serbian mercenaries in the French service of the Military Frontier wore traditional knotted neckerchiefs, the Parisians went crazy for them. Soon afterward, men and women across Europe started sporting fabric around their necks.

There is formal wear and there is black tie. If the invitation says “black tie,” you better wear a tuxedo and make sure the tie is indeed black. If, however, it is a formal affair, a tailored dark suit in black or dark blue is appropriate. You may try a pinstriped suit if the stripe is very light, but you’re better off with a solid color without a pattern or stripe.

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A great fitting and comfortable pair of socks can really help your feet enjoy their day, from arch support to climate regulating fabrics. Whilst many different fashion brands focus more on the appearance, sock specialists such as Falke have invested in technical functionality for a well rounded sock.

Lots of designer socks for men look great, but do they last? All too often I have to throw my best socks out because they have holes in the toes or heels. Whilst quality is very important in a good sock, I have been surprised at the ways in which a sock can be improved for comfort. I have very slim fit and need to wear orthotics in my shoes, so any extra help from my socks is very welcome.

Whilst most specialist sock brands make some effort to make technically proficient socks, I have found none that compare to Falke. It is a German company that has been established for over 100 years, specialising in innovative socks aimed at improving quality and comfort. This article focuses less on the actual appearance of the sock (pattern and colour) and more in terms of their design construction and clever use of materials.

The first hurdle a sock must overcome to be considered technically proficient is availability in a large range of sizes. The wider the range of sizes, the better fitting the sock will be as it is more tailored to the shape of your foot. The reason this is so important is because socks are designed to fit from the heel to the arch to the ball of your foot to the toes. If the sock is slightly too big the sock provides no support, whilst if it is too small it will constrict your foot causing discomfort.

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