In this article, we shall be exploring the benefits of sock garters, how to wear them, and where you can buy them.
For those of you who want to get to the punch, these are our top recommendations to buy now:
- Amazon – Best Entry Level
- Briar Vintage – Philadelphia, USA Vintage Retailer
- Albert Thurston – Classic British Maker (Possibly the best maker – I personally have several pairs white-labelled for Benson & Clegg)
- eBay & Etsy – For New & Vintage (Search “Vintage Sock Garters” for best results)
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Socks are an integral parts of a gentleman’s ensemble.
Often taken for granted, but can so easily destroy a well crafted look with an off color, saggy look, or too short (especially with the much appreciated reduction in men’s trouser length seen in recent years).
It is our opinion that one should aim to never show ones legs, unless intentionally wishing to do so such as in the summer with your “sock-less” look (see no shows for help), or while wearing shorts.
Without further ado I shall put a sock in it, and get on with it!
Why Wear Sock Garters
The likes of GQ refute the need to wear sock garters, stating that modern textiles are such that the sock won’t slip down the leg. This may be the case for some gentlemen, but for those of us who walk to work, between meeting, or god forbid up and down stairs, this is generally not the case.
Further, if we are to take the recommendations of the aforementioned magazine and happen to have little to no break (or even negative break) in the trouser leg, the result is when sitting down the trouser leg shall rise, exposing more of the leg. [Note: we greatly support this, and should be a mandatory lesson in school as trousers are not intended to “swiff” the floor!].
Lastly, as trouser legs have become more fitted around the calf it has become increasingly difficult to pull up ones socks if they do begin to limp down the leg.
Avoid The Slip & Sag
Enter the sock garter, a simple yet elegant “throw-back” solution to avoid the slipping and sagging of socks during daily activities.
How to Wear Sock Garters
Putting on your sock garters is a very easy process, only taking a few seconds in the morning and potentially saves countless sock grabs during the day.
Clockwise from top left:
- Put your socks on, and pull them up
- Place the clasp on inside of the sock material, and fasten down (above we’ve attached them to the side of the leg, many men prefer to attach to the front for a single clasp design like this. Ultimately, it’s personal preference for the single clasp, and will practically always be side-to-side for the double clasp designs as shown in pictures below)
- Connect the ends of the elastic together, making any size adjustment as needed
- And that’s it! A few seconds for a day filled with perfect sock control
Author’s Note: I wear sock garters most days, and can personally attest to the fact that after a few minutes you forget you even have them on….
Where To Buy Sock Garters
Although sock garters are not easily found on the high street, they are in fact easy to find when one looks around. Below are three options.
High End / Quality
It’s worth spending a few extra pennies for a higher quality pair that uses a wider elastic band, more solid clasp (easier to use), and most importantly have funky colors!
In the USA: Paul Stuart is a good option (the above garters were purchased in the NYC store, which by the way is a must-visit for any gentleman).
In England / Europe: Benson & Clegg have a fine selection and offers unmatched customer service.
Vintage – Local, Ebay & Etsy
There is also something to be said for going the vintage route, especially if that ties into your entire wardrobe. The Paris example below originally cost only $2.00 (which is quite cool in itself), and they have a very robust metal clasp system that’s not breaking anytime soon… The one thing to watch for is if the elastic is still good. If not it’s an easy fix to un-stitch and replace with a new piece…maybe in a cool color? (Most local dry cleaners will be able to do it, or give it a go yourself!)
Locally: shops like Briar Vintage in Philadelphia often have a stock of sock garters, and other great vintage items to boot!
Online: Etsy is your best bet, and sometimes eBay. Search for: “vintage men’s sock garters”, “old men’s sock garters”, “men’s sock suspenders”, etc…. (Omitting the “men’s” shall give you some nice visuals shall we say, but not too much of what we are actually looking for).
Entry Level
If you just want to give them a try, and not spend too much money, you can go for an entry level pair which should cost around $10-15 delivered to your door. The quality difference is evident, especially in the clasp, but at the very least shall show you the value of owning several pairs in the future (hopefully from the better options above).
About The Author – Paul Anthony
Paul is a the founder and creative director of Bespoke Unit. His interests range from: suits, shoes, watches, sport, and travel. See his full profile here, and read latest articles. 
I’ve never worn them before, but since I’m wearing suits more often think I will buy some to try. Thank you!
Good to hear Eddie. Let us know how you get on with wearing them.
I have worn sock suspenders since the age of 15 in 1955, when my gran bought them for me. I cannot tolerate wrinkled socks and snowing bare legs. It never ceases to surprise me the number of well dressed men who are let down by their shoes and unsightly socks.
1,000,000% Agree!
Nothing more unsightly than a highly wrinkled sock.
Appreciate your comment,
– Paul
I have many pairs of sock garters. They’re not easy to find except online. I wear them every day to work or when dressed up for the evening. You do forget you have them on and it’s very nice to not worry about your socks making a puddle at your ankles. I hate it when I see men in interviews and cross their legs and see low wrinkled sock. They look messy and like they don’t care.
I agree Tommy. Not to mention seeing bare skin!
I agree that you forget you have sock garters on after a few minutes. I like them because no matter how well the sock is made, they always tend to slide down your leg. Thanks for a great article.
Thanks for the comment, and to meet another “user”!
Cheers – Paul
Where to buy a reasonable priced pair of garters?
I’d say Amazon.com is your best bet: http://amzn.to/2fKTvlY
I tried and failed. The clip for the socks would only work on thin nylon, which cause my feet to sweat and smell. Why can’t they have the alligator style clips like those on suspenders (but smaller)? Those would work on any material.
That’s a shame.
I usually have no problem on my cotton, wool and cashmere socks with them…
These ones http://amzn.to/2jXmLEe may work as have a clip. Good luck!
– Paul
Mr. Anthony – I’ve worn sock garters my entire life, in the belief a man is never properly dressed without them.
I was struck by your reference to GQ’s comment about sock garters being unnecessary because of “modern textiles.” Please forgive my brashness – but whoever said that at GQ has no business commenting about men’s dress. I’ve tried every possible type of socks, and have yet to find any which do NOT fail. Gravity, abrasion and combinations thereof are the culprits.
I am pleased to know someone of relative tender years (like yourself) actually “gets it” when it comes to classy/classic haberdashery. Thank you for the article!
Thank you very much for your comment, and 100% agree on all fronts!
I feel there is at times quality control issues at GQ, which is a shame with all the resources at it’s disposal, and the “mind share” it holds for the younger gentleman as an authoritative voice within the menswear space.
Yours,
– Paul Antohny
I like the idea of having something hold up my shorter socks, but I’m inclined to over-the-calf socks specifically because they don’t slide down. Is there a drawback that I’m not considering, or a better reason for short socks and garters?
Hi there,
Thanks for the comment. Both crew socks with garters or over-the-calf socks will obviously keep your leg covered appropriately when wearing trousers, and we wouldn’t say there are drawbacks to either method. The bonus with garters is the additional way with which to style an outfit, which we’re always a fan of.
We appreciate you reading!
I like to see socks garters and it is very pleasant to wear them .Unfortunally my wife hate such kind of accessories
I always wear knee socks especially with bermuda of shorts as in Australia New Zealand South Africa, . But in my country men don’t wear such kind of suit . I think I’m a misunderstood persoon!!
We think you should keep on being misunderstood, by those who don’t know!
All the best,
– Paul
I like sheer nylon socks with garters because they look good and feel cooler to me than heavy socks. I actually tried “over the calf” sheer nylon socks but they ended up “down at the ankles” in about 15 minutes
I inherited what I think are some kind of sock garter or extension. They are a gold metal mesh and are about 2″ long from end to end. I don’t really know what they are. I wish I could attach a picture. There are two in the set. Any help would be appreciated.
Are you sure these are not cufflinks that wrap around the end of the cuff?
Hello.
What are your thoughts of shirt stays to keep your shirts neatly tucked in throughout the day.
Yes I think that are fine to maintain a smart well kept look.
I’ve never used them myself, but know some military friends who have and they liked them.
Maybe I’ll get some to try, test and write a page on.
Cheers – Paul
1-24-2019 Paul; You’re right about the dhirt ‘holffowns in the Military. I was almost 80 years old before i saw such a thin and my Marine Corps Son was where I saw them. And his shirt-tails were also attached to his socks. ‘DIG THAT ONE! Elton Powell, Bay Minette, Ala.
Hi Elton,
Thanks for the interesting tidbit, I’ll relay it to Paul!
All the best,
CP
Where can I buy Garters over the Phone. I don’t like ordering online
Hi Gordon,
I honestly couldn’t say, sorry!
Best,
CP
You can order them over the phone at Sockdreams.com
888-717-6257
I have been wearing sock garters for years with dress pants and suits. Like many other commenters, I don’t even feel like I’m wearing them and they certainly keep my socks up and looking neat.
1,000% agree!
I don’t even notice them anymore. Nothing worse than a saggy sock to ruin an ensemble.
All the best – Paul
Also excellent for when you invest in–or are lucky enough to have someone make you–hand-knitted, custom-fitted socks, since they don’t generally have elastic in them.
Indeed, this would be the ideal scenario!
Why does modern men’s fashion seem intent on forgetting gravity? My pants slip down (even with a belt), so I wear braces (suspenders to my US friends), and socks are no different, so these suspenders are great. I am only 23, so my gym buddies ridicule them, but I know who is more comfortable!
Hi John,
We entirely agree! I guess that the fashion world is much like the flat-earth movement!
All the best,
CP
I’ve worn them when I was in school but could no longer find a store locally that carries them, I live in Seattle.
Hi Randall,
I can’t say for Seattle specifically but it’s becoming increasingly hard to find them locally nowadays. Your best bet is to buy them online. Otherwise, you might want to try looking up haberdasheries in your area. Some still exist and specialise in vintage apparel.
Best,
CP
Ik draag reeds van mijn 20ste sokophouders en kan er niet meer zonder en ben al ondertussen 75.Het is leuk om te dragen.
Dat is geweldig om te horen, bedankt!
I was told that sock garters are obsolete for the modern wardrobe. I don’t know about them, but I think they’re still an integral part of a man’s wardrobe. Guys on the bigger side like I, calf-length socks tend to sag on the first 20 minutes of walking. Also, it’s a little annoying to pull them up every time. A guy friend did suggest that I use ankle-length socks, but they’re just not that cool for me. Again, sock garters are necessary. LMAO
Absolutely, for some people, sock garters fulfil their needs perfectly! If you do want to try over-the-calf socks, though, we highly recommend Boardroom Socks.
Not just for men. :-) I need to wear loose socks due to a nerve condition, but that means my socks are “too big” and won’t stay up. Sock garters have been, if not a life saver, at least a sanity saver (especially when wearing boots).
I’ll second the mention of Sock Dreams, which is where I got mine, with suspender clips so I can use them for thick socks that the ones in the above images won’t work on. Their customer service is great.
I found your article while researching a collection of 1920s to 1930s men’s and women’s fashion that I recently acquired. I somehow assumed that only re-enactors would consider wearing sock garters anymore. I am delighted to learn that I was incorrect! Your rationale makes perfect sense, and the photos illustrate it beautifully. I can list my deadstock sock garters (and sleeve garters) with pride. Thank you!