Want to inject a pop of personality into your wardrobe? Make a stylish statement in a pair of colourful patterned socks. Show a little leg and let your ankles do the talking in flashy footwear from these Toronto retailers.
This footwear boutique carries a wide range of statement socks and loud legwear from Canadian designers and international specialty brands. Playful patterned socks by Sock It To Me come in over 200 novelty designs — everything from mustaches to ninjas to unicorns. If you’re not quite bold enough for penguin-print knee-highs, L.A. brand Richer Poorer offers some more subtle alternatives with its collection of classic crew socks in colourful geometric designs and preppy argyle prints.
Well-dressed gents step up their suit game at this high-end menswear shop with locations around the GTA. The wide selection of designer socks at the Bloor Street flagship store is sure to add a pop of unexpected colour to your work wardrobe. Cashmere blend socks from Pantherella are an affordable extravagance but serious sock connoisseurs will covet the printed dress socks from luxury Italian label Etro. (The pricey accessories will set you back a whopping $70 per pair). The comprehensive menswear emporium also carries no-show socks by Paul Smith that’ll give you that bare-ankle look without the sockless smell.
Pay attention ladies, you’ll want to clean out your entire sock drawer to make room for the chic patterned hosiery and colourful socks from this legwear store. Alongside the shop’s array of basic and patterned tights and stockings, shoppers will spot a large collection of plain and playful dress socks, sporty ankle socks and barely-there sockettes to wear with your favourite pair of flats.
From printed knee-highs to moisture-wicking sport socks, this factory outlet in North York has footwear for just about any type of scenario you could image. Outdoorsy types will love the thermal winter socks made with merino wool and designed with strategically placed elastic for ankle and arch support. While many of the socks here focus on function — like the athletic compression socks and non-binding diabetic socks — there’s also an abundance of fashion-forward dress socks featuring multicolored stripes and polka dots.
Socks aren’t exactly the most risqué wardrobe item, but the daring designs at this American retailer are sure to turn some heads. Think calf-high sparkle socks, fishnet ankle socks and sheer patterned knee-highs. Traditional striped sports socks get a sexy upgrade as thigh-highs that can be worn with short shorts or under jeans for added warmth. If you’re looking for basics, the shop also carries a selection of unisex patterned and plain socks in budget-friendly three-packs.
Heading up north for the weekend? Chic Canucks can pick up men’s and women’s camp socks at this Canadian-themed fashion boutique and lifestyle shop. The Toronto-made socks are created using a cozy wool blend that helps to keep your feet warm without feeling itchy. Wear these classic grey socks year-round paired with Birkenstocks or Blundstones.
This longstanding shoe shop on Queen Street West stocks a variety of trendy socks to pair with your favourite footwear. Oversized fleece welly socks from Hunter are a great insulating layer for rubber rain boots and the Converse no-show socks feel great (but look invisible) when worn with a pair of canvas sneakers. Men and women will both fall for the luxurious cotton feel and fresh designs from InStance, a California-based sock brand started by NBA star Dwayne Wade.