Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Pick one or pick ’em all — just one of several solid sock options from American Trench.
The photo and title of this post isn’t a mistake, trust me. We’re just talking about socks, right? Indeed. A great pair of socks is indispensable no matter the time of year, be they a no-show pair for the warm days of summer or something a little thicker — like these Cotton Rugby Stripe Socks from American Trench. You might recognize the brand from a past entry as part of this site’s Style Q&A series, and if you haven’t paid attention to date, it’s best time you start. The brand is all about crisp, clean, understated designs, something that sets them apart from other sockmakers who favor bolder, louder patterns. A pop of color or a great pattern is definitely to be commended, and those are the types of socks I wear myself more often than not — yet when a knitwear company lets the fabrics and materials speak moreso than the pattern, that’s when you take notice. American Trench manufactures its socks at family-owned mills in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, and does so in small quantities — so you definitely get what you pay for. And at $44 for a 4-pack of the socks pictured above, that’s a very good thing.
The medium weight and striped pattern make these socks a great pair to ground complementary colors. Sky-blue chinos by Combatant Gentleman. Waterproof chukka boots by Timberland.
That’s one thing to note about the brand’s socks overall — they are indeed pricey compared to your average pair. But you get the choice of some intriguing fabric blends — pima cotton and superfine merino are but two picks — plus a nice swath of colors fit to pair with everything from inky blue denim to grey chinos. And as you can see above, the brand’s Triple Stripe sock offers a solid complement to some sky-blue chinos, too. After testing out some pairs through this fall, these socks are every bit as good as advertised — and priced. They’re comfortable, breathable and stylish. There are small points of reinforcement (or what feels like thicker fabric) at heavier wear areas, and they don’t slide down your calves throughout the day thanks to a spandex-lycra blend. The option to select from some neat designs, like a zany-yet-reserved Fair Isle pattern, is another bonus. The pairs I’ve tried out — including those Fair Isle socks — fit comfortably in some sturdy boots, and they also fit in just fine with a nice pair of leather sneakers. Add all this onto the fact that they’re durable, comfortable and made in America, and you might not want to buy from another sock brand this fall — or any other season.
Do you own any socks from American Trench? How do you like your socks — wild and wacky, or more reserved?
The Style Guide 
[…] great folks at American Trench do standout merino wool caps for winter (in addition to great socks), and those caps were the subject of my newest GearHungry […]
[…] 8926 Pro Diver (still ticking!). However, I loaded up on a few pairs of comfortable and stylish American Trench socks, plus my nice watch cap from the brand. The cap was a huge help, and though I had hoped it would be […]
[…] out from atop your suede chukkas isn’t a bad thing. If you’re like me and stocked up on American Trench socks earlier this fall, some stripes from that brand could also do you good with this […]
[…] my JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan, some tough Iron & Resin gloves and some comfortable American Trench socks. Throw in a merino watch cap (also from American Trench), and I should be all set. As to your own […]
[…] was also in order to start the new year, and my JackThreads Collegiate Bomber — plus some striped American Trench socks and my Bonobos French Terry Sweatpants— proved more than up to the task. My Reef Outhaul […]
[…] you’re not hip to American Trench by now, wait ’til you try out their socks. In addition to the merino watch cap at the top of […]
[…] even moreso of a great accessory. Whether it’s a sharp leather dress watch or a nice pair of American-made socks, those little touches can go a long way in making an outfit. And that’s certainly the case […]
[…] They run true to size, so there was no slippage (or cramping up of my feet, conversely) with some striped socks. Some have had issues with stitching imperfections or other problems around the sole, but there […]
[…] are anything but a plain old dress sock. American Trench’s cotton rugby stripe socks are premium, breathable and comfortable, with a pattern that pairs really well with the other […]
[…] And additional pieces like a great pair of Mack Weldon boxer briefs and stylish-yet-understated American Trench socks weren’t overlooked in my bag — and they shouldn’t be in yours, […]
[…] Trench definitely does more than just reliable cotton striped socks fit for fall, winter and spring. Its Summer Footies use recycled cotton yarn woven in a random […]
[…] The Socks: American Trench Summer Footies, $13.50: Because you’re going to want a nice, clean finishing touch beneath those rolled chinos, reach for durable, comfortable, American-made socks. […]
[…] them were brands you frequently see here — that would be folks from places like American Trench, Tanner Goods and Owen & Fred. Perhaps most importantly, I was humbled and honored to interview […]
[…] on the menswear front, you can never have enough stylish, durable socks — right? The team at American Trench knows this very well (and if you read The Style Guide, so do you!). It’s fitting that the […]