Socks for the formal suit and pumps

Short answer: With a suit and pumps, the sock should sit discreetly, stay hidden above the shoe's edge and not slip down under the heel. Choose a thin, soft sock in a neutral colour and check that it does not squeeze in the narrow toe of the shoe.

What the sock needs to do

A suit with pumps is a polished, often formal look, where the sock should preferably not be the first thing anyone notices. It should sit discreetly, be thin enough for a narrow shoe and soft enough that you can wear it for a whole working day.

Thickness in a narrow shoe

Pumps have a narrow toe and a close fit around the foot, so a thick sock quickly takes up too much room. Choose a thin sock that does not bunch under the toes, and try it with your own shoes. A thin sock also looks tidier if you wear the suit with bare ankles.

Colour against suit and shoe

A neutral colour close to your skin tone or to the shoe makes the sock less visible. If the colour matches the suit, the look is calm. Avoid strong patterns if the suit is plain, unless you deliberately want the sock to be part of the look.

A low sock that stays hidden

In pumps many people want a low sock that ends below the shoe's edge. It can protect the skin from rubbing at the heel and toe. Browse the socks for men and women and choose a short model that does not slip into the shoe.

The heel slips out of pumps

Many find that the heel slips up and down in pumps, and a sock that is too smooth makes it worse. Choose a sock that grips at the heel and check that the shoe fits properly. If the shoe is too big, the sock helps only a little, so find a size that fits.

Rubbing and blisters

New pumps can cause blisters, especially if the foot is warm and damp. Switch to a clean sock if the day is long, and break the shoes in before you wear them for a whole day. Keep a spare pair of socks in your bag if you know you will walk a lot.

Washing and care

Wash the socks following the care label, usually at a low temperature, and let them dry fully. Do not use fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. If you air your pumps after wearing, they last longer and smell less. Change socks every day and let the shoes rest a day between wears.

The rest of the office wardrobe

The suit sits best when what you wear underneath is soft and does not form lines. For cooler days you can wear something warm underneath, and for time off there is, for example, bamboo sweatshirt for women. Also see the bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need socks with pumps and a suit?

It is a personal choice. A thin, low sock protects the skin from rubbing and moisture, but you decide what suits the day and your style.

How do I stop the sock showing in pumps?

Choose a low, thin sock that ends below the shoe's edge, in a colour close to your skin tone or the shoe. Try it with your own pumps before you leave the house.

Why does my heel slip out of pumps?

Often the shoe is too big or the sock is too smooth. Choose a sock that grips at the heel and find a size that fits your foot.

See our range of bamboo socks for women.