BY STEVEN MAY 28, 2023
Finding the perfect pair of dress socks isn’t easy. I am testing multiple brands to find the best socks for professional men. First up – Boardroom Socks is a family-owned company based in North Carolina dedicated to crafting high-quality socks. With a strong focus on classic styles and premium materials, Boardroom Socks aims to deliver products that blend sophistication with everyday practicality. I wore them for many days and tried different colors, styles, and different lengths. Even at a fairly low price, I think better options are available for dress socks. Below, I will provide an overview of the Boardroon Socks product line and share my detailed review.
The company prides itself on using materials like Merino wool and pima cotton to deliver true dress socks. Their merino and pima cotton dress socks are known for their softness, durability, and breathability. These choices reflect their commitment to offering comfort without compromising on style. Over-the-calf and mid-calf dress socks are their primary offerings, catering to various preferences and needs.
Classic Navy from Boardroom Socks
Boardroom Socks’ designs are more subdued, sticking to timeless colors and patterns that suit a wide range of formal and business settings. Their attention to detail is evident in features like reinforced heels and seamless toe designs, essential for ensuring long-term wearability and comfort.
Founded on family values and a passion for quality, Boardroom Socks provides men with reliable and stylish dress socks. Despite some limitations in their product line, their dedication to quality and craftsmanship remains a cornerstone of the brand.
Dress socks are a crucial element of a polished wardrobe, offering style and function. Different materials like Merino wool and pima cotton are popular choices for their softness and durability. Boardroom Socks started by focusing on these materials, offering socks in a classic color palette without venturing into loud patterns. They originally emphasized over-the-calf dress socks, setting a standard for elegance. The socks come in various designs and knits, ensuring there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Dress socks are an essential component of a well-rounded wardrobe, providing both style and function to any ensemble. Beyond merely covering the feet, they bridge the gap between dress shoes and pants, ensuring a cohesive and polished look. Quality dress socks, like those made from Merino wool or pima cotton, offer benefits that go beyond aesthetics. Merino wool is particularly prized for its natural breathability and anti-microbial properties, which keep feet dry and reduce odor. These attributes make dress socks an essential component of any refined outfit.
Boardroom Socks Offers Gift Bundles
The structure and features of a dress sock are crucial for comfort and durability. A reinforced heel can provide additional support and longevity, while a seamless toe design eliminates the friction that can cause discomfort. This focus on construction ensures that the socks look good and stand up to the demands of daily wear. When paired correctly with dress shoes, these socks offer an extra layer of comfort and protection, preventing blisters and other foot issues.
Moreover, the right pair of dress socks can add a subtle touch of personality to your outfit. While classic colors and patterns remain a staple, some brands venture into more unique designs, allowing for a bit of personal expression even in formal settings. This versatility makes dress socks an indispensable part of any man’s wardrobe, contributing to both comfort and style.
Uncomfortable Toe Stitch Will Slide
In my quest for top-notch dress socks, I tried Boardroom Socks, sampling their pima cotton and Merino wool socks. I paired these socks with various dress shoes, hoping for a comfortable fit. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of my expectations. The external toe stitch was a significant issue, consistently sliding to the side and causing discomfort by rubbing against my toes. This problem persisted across multiple pairs, making them less than ideal for long-term wear.
Another drawback I noticed was the tendency of their mid-calf socks to slide down to the ankle, which was quite frustrating during the day. Even their over-the-calf, typically more secure options, didn’t quite hold up as well as I had hoped. But they are an excellent price, and at that I can recommend their over-the-calf socks in cotton and merino wool. But for the mid-calf, the constant need to pull them up detracted from the overall experience.
Burgundy Ribbed – Slide Too Easily
While the socks featured reinforced heels and were made from quality materials like pima cotton and Merino wool, these benefits were overshadowed by the discomfort and fit issues. I hoped for a little better performance in this price range. Especially considering the importance of a good dress sock in maintaining a polished and comfortable appearance. Despite their breathable nature, the socks didn’t meet the standard for everyday wear, leading me to seek alternatives that better address these common issues. However, Boardroom Socks make the best no-show socks I have trialed.
When evaluating Boardroom Socks at a price point of around $18 per pair, there’s a certain expectation for quality. The socks are crafted using 168 needle machines, which strikes a balance between super-fine and thicker tube socks. Despite the high-quality materials like pima cotton and Merino wool, the performance leaves something to be desired. The external toe stitch was a consistent issue, sliding to the side and causing discomfort. The fit problems extended to the mid-calf socks, which often slid down to the ankle, and even the over-the-calf options didn’t provide the secure fit one would expect for everyday wear.
The reinforced heels are a nice touch that enhances durability, and I love the look of their ribbed socks. But this don’t fully compensate for the other shortcomings. I anticipated better overall performance in this price range, especially given the importance of a comfortable and reliable dress sock. While their over-the-calf pima cotton socks offer better breathability compared to some alternatives like Gold Toe Socks, brands such as Southern Scholar deliver superior performance with their synthetic materials for a slightly higher investment.
Reinforced Heel – Ribbed Merino Wool
Now, I don’t love clothing made from synthetics like polyester and nylon. I prefer natural fibers. But for socks, I can make an exception for the right value. For those prioritizing long-term durability and consistent fit, Boardroom Socks may not meet the high standards some of their competitors set.
In my search for more comfortable dress socks, I discovered the benefits of hand-linked and Russo machine-linked socks. These options provide a superior fit due to their even stitching and flat toe seam, eliminating the discomfort often caused by uneven seams. This shift in construction makes a significant difference, ensuring that the toe area remains smooth and free from irritation.
Boardroom Socks has expanded its range to include mid-calf, no-show socks, Donegal Tweed pairs, and Fair Isle socks, but these options have not resolved the core issues I encountered. I found that the sliding at the ankle and discomfort at the toe persisted, making them less suitable for everyday wear. In contrast, hand-linked and Russo machine-linked socks excel in maintaining their position throughout the day, offering long-term durability and consistent comfort.
Boardroom makes THE BEST No-Show Socks
Brands like Dapper Classics and Southern Scholar (Read my Southern Scholar Sock Review) have capitalized on these advanced linking techniques, providing socks that look great and stand up to the demands of daily use. The even stitching ensures a snug yet comfortable fit, allowing the socks to maintain shape and position without constant adjustment. For those who prioritize style and comfort, these alternatives present a compelling option over traditional dress socks.
Regarding their no-show socks, Boardroom Socks hit the mark with their impressive design and comfort. If you want comfort while flexing the sockless look, try the multiple colors from Boardroom Socks. I purchased three pairs to see how they stack up against other brands and was pleasantly surprised. Unlike their dress socks, these pairs of no shows delivered on both fit and functionality. They feature a slip silicone heel grip that effectively keeps them in place all day, eliminating the annoying slippage that can occur with other brands. The material felt soft yet durable, making them a solid option for casual wear.
Boardroom Socks No-Show Socks
I’ve tried numerous no-show sock brands, including Mack Weldon and high end Italian Sock makers, and Boardroom Socks’ version stands out for its blend of comfort and practicality. The design ensures they remain invisible under loafers or casual shoes, providing a clean, sockless appearance without sacrificing comfort. This focus on staying put and feeling good makes them a reliable choice in my wardrobe. The attention to detail in these no-show socks is commendable, making them a standout in an otherwise mixed experience with the brand.
After thoroughly testing Boardroom Socks, I found that while they offer good quality options in premium materials like Merino wool and pima cotton, their dress socks did not meet my expectations for comfort and fit. But I am picky, and they have many options you can try in a simple design like classic navy for your business days. However, the persistent issues with toe seam irritation and sock slippage detracted significantly from their appeal. However, if you are searching for reliable no-show socks, Boardroom Socks excel in this category with their slip silicone heel grip and durable, comfortable material.
For those who place a high priority on both style and comfort in dress socks, look into brands like Dapper Classics. Although they come with a higher price tag of around $25 per pair, the investment is justified by their superior quality and consistent performance. Brands such as Southern Scholar also provide excellent alternatives, particularly with their synthetic materials that offer better durability and fit.
Ultimately, when it comes to finding the best dress socks for everyday wear, it’s worth considering options that offer advanced linking techniques and a seamless toe design. These features can make a significant difference in comfort and long-term durability. While Boardroom Socks has some merits, especially in the no-show category, other brands deliver a more comfortable and reliable dress sock experience.