Saint James Socks

THE ASKMEN TAKE

Nautical socks for the Francophile? Sure, why not? The Saint James Clothing Company, based out of Normandy, France began making knitwear over 100 years ago. Its sweaters were designed for deep-sea fisherman, and over the decades have become cult classics among the water-loving types of Europe -- and more recently in the U.S. To add a little breadth to its product line, Saint James is now producing nautical-themed socks that aim to give its wearers a little of that coastal French charm at a small fraction of the cost of the sweaters.

UNIQUENESS

Blue-and-white striped socks are nothing new, but perhaps few other companies in the world have as much right to produce them as Saint James. This company, unlike countless of other brands we see every day, is actually an authentic producer of original gear with a purpose. Saint James is not the pet project of two 20-somethings from New York with degrees in philosophy andfashion, funded by their parents’ friends, nor is it a tribute brand. This is the brand that inspires the tributes. Saint James didn’t design its original sweaters to be worn on Ivy League campuses (although they certainly are now), it designed them to be worn at sea. While these Saint James socks are late arrivals to the label's party, just bearing that name makes them more legitimate than all other nautical-themed footwear out there today.

DURABILITY

The design is very French Mediterranean, and if there is one thing that will never go out of style, that's it. These Saint James socks are made out of 85% combed cotton, 10% polyamid and 5% elastane fiber. While cotton is one of the more breathable materials, most adventurers know that any sock meant to be worn while fishing, hiking or anything more than 10 kilometers away from an baguette and espresso shop should be made of wool. Wool is used in real adventurers’ socks because it dries over twice as fast as cotton if wet, and the use of cotton here causes us to question if Saint James is now seeking to capitalize on its own heritage of authentic products for authentic people. That said, these socks are good looking and prime to be worn with a Sperry Topsiderout in the Hamptons.