Your sock drawer is no doubt packed with options aplenty, particularly dress socks, but there’s an art to finding the proper pair – an art that might change how you get dressed. Bermuda socks are especially useful as you curate a tailored look in keeping with traditional Bermuda attire. And, with a history all their own, they’re some of the more functional (and fascinating) socks you can buy.

What are Bermuda Socks?

Bermuda socks are essentially the same as over the calf dress socks, a specialty of ours at Boardroom Socks – and yet, the name is highly specific. But not to worry, because the same result (a blend of form and function) can find its way into your sock drawer with little fuss.


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Like the best tuxedo socks, Bermuda knee socks are a valuable tool to have at your disposal, along with an expertly cut pair of dress trousers or Bermuda shorts – and the right pair of dress shoes, of course.

The Origins of the Bermuda Sock

The name dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when British soldiers stationed on the island of Bermuda replaced long trousers with over-the-calf knee socks, which were then paired with shorts. The use of men’s Bermuda socks worked as a cooling aid in the heat, creating quite the distinctive look in the process. Bermuda shorts and knee high socks have since been commonly associated with each other.

man wearing traditional Bermuda attire with Bermuda socks and Bermuda shorts

Traditional Bermuda attire for men. Photo courtesy WSJ.

The look is certainly specific to Bermuda (especially when it comes to wearing long Bermuda socks and shorts alongside a blazer), but the style of sock can work just about anywhere dressy, over-the-calf socks are required. The key? Pairing your Bermuda socks with dress trousers or Bermuda shorts, the right way (more on this in a moment).

What are the Best Bermuda Socks?

There are a few key points to keep in mind when scouring the market for the best Bermuda socks, since the style is particular and can quickly go wrong. For example: When wearing men’s Bermuda socks, it’s crucial to find a pair of over the calf socks that stay up all day. When your socks sag, particularly Bermuda socks worn alongside Bermuda shorts, the entire look is sloppy and unfortunately, not stylish – the opposite of the intended effect of wearing Bermuda knee socks.

Breathability and comfort are also key, and that’s a focus of each pair of socks we craft at Boardroom Socks. How to best achieve the right balance of breathability, yet durability? Look for men’s Bermuda socks that are made with a material like extra long staple cotton, as we use in our over-the-calf dress socks.

The fibers in those socks resist breaking, tearing or pulling, yet remain light and comfortable – ideal for situations where you might find yourself wearing Bermuda socks and shorts in the high heat. Still not sold? Boardroom Socks has the largest selection of over-the-calf dress socks on the market, so choices abound for every style situation.

And as with any pair of socks, there are some options that hit the sweet spot, so to speak, in matters of style, utility and classic good looks – as any pair of men’s bermuda socks should do, of course.

What’s the Best Way to Wear Bermuda Socks?

Some Bermuda socks are utterly classic and made for formal style situations, like an iconic “Bermuda shorts and knee high socks” sort of look. For starters, our Navy Cotton Over the Calf Dress Socks embody a classic, crisp and dressy look – an ideal pairing for a traditional Bermuda formal #OOTD, like a navy blazer with vibrant shorts and black dress shoes. Add a white dress shirt and perhaps a complementary tie (sold separately!), and the look is yours to make your own.

Some accessories also fit the bill nicely if you’d like your socks to take center stage: A pair of Sky Blue Cotton Over the Calf Dress Socks can add playful contrast to shorts in shades of tan, light grey, rust or tobacco, while a navy blazer grounds the look in more classic fashion.

And because colors ranging from dark earthen tones to light, dusty hues tend to work well in island or coastal settings, a set of Khaki Cotton Over the Calf Dress Socks style nicely alongside summer attire (like olive shorts and the aforementioned navy blazer). There are nearly as many options for stylish men’s Bermuda socks themselves as there are ways to wear them, and there’s no time like the present to add some distinctive flair – plus comfort and breathability – to your next suited summer look.


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Nathan James
Nathan James

CEO, Boardroom Socks

Nathan is an eighth generation textile professional, passionate about producing quality hosiery right here in North Carolina. His favorite dress socks are our burgundy merino wool socks. You will also frequently find him wearing our no-show socks. Outside of the office he enjoys fishing, reading and exploring Charlotte with his wife, son and Golden Retriever.



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