Curious about Boardroom Socks? In this review, we’ll discuss their offerings, what works and what doesn’t.
Table of Contents
This updated review includes feedback from two writers, Tony Gorga and Ryan Hallstrom.
Born and bred in North Carolina, Boardroom Socks are a favorite around these parts. They took top placement in our objective over-the-calf sock test roundup back in fall 2019, and continue to put out a strong showing around the internet.
Tony decided, to do a longer-term test with Boardroom’s dress socks and standard models to see how they held over the course of a year (yes, a year) of testing.
Ryan also tested out their dress socks as well as their Fair Isle Socks (though his test wasn’t as long or intensive as Tony’s).
About Boardroom Socks
Socks are one of those things that seem to fall into two camps in menswear. They tend to be, comparatively speaking, quite affordable. So, it’s an accessible way for those starting their style journey to get in with a modest investment.
That said, some guys tend to go overboard with ‘statement’ or ‘funky’ socks- crazy patterns, small animals, or monocles. Perhaps you’ve been to (or in) a wedding where all the groomsmen had an equally crazy pair to go with their tux.
On the other hand, socks seem to be an afterthought for the more hardcore menswear nerds, who much prefer to invest in jackets and luxe trousers. But, there’s a place, I think, for a really good pair of socks.
Enter Boardroom Socks.
Made in the textile hotbed of North Carolina, Boardroom Socks is a family-run company. The James family started the company in 2010 when father Mike could no longer find the quality over-the-calf dress socks he’d worn for decades.
Pulling on seven generations of textile manufacturing in his family, he and his wife, Carol, started the business in their family home. Their youngest son, Nathan, joined, and before they knew it they had 15,000 pairs of socks in the attic!
They’ve expanded their business and their offerings, but remain dedicated to North Carolina businesses.
What’s on Offer?
Boardroom Socks began by selling over-the-calf dress socks in merino wool and Pima cotton. They favor a classic color palate and tend to avoid loud socks with big patterns or water-dwelling mammals on them.
The selection, though, has expanded quite a bit. While the natural extension was, of course, mid-calf socks in wool and cotton, Boardroom now offers summery no-show socks, winter-themed Donegal Tweed pairs, as well as more casual Fair Isle socks
Again, though, the colors are versatile and combine nicely with the blues, browns, and greys classic menswear tends to go for.
What I Tested
Here’s what TMM writers tested out:
What Tony Tried Out
I’ve worn Boardroom’s over-the-calf socks since mid-2019, and started testing the mid-calf ones in early 2020.
Boardroom was kind enough to send a range of styles in both wool and cotton. Over the course of the last year, I’ve worn, washed, and-in some cases-dried them in all kinds of environments.
I’ve worn them with foam-filled gym shoes to, well, go to the gym, and with dress shoes with leather insoles. I’ve worn them with golf shoes, loafers, and, on occasion, flip-flops to take out the trash.
What Ryan Tried Out
I tried two pairs of Boardroom’s over-the-calf dress socks, and their Fair Isle socks in each of the four colorways.
I’ve worn the dress socks on many occasions in the past few months — to church, a wedding, civic events, and more.
I’ve worn the wool-blend Fair Isle socks on several winter hikes, while running errands around town, and as I’ve just hung around at home.
What Worked
Here’s the good news about Boardroom.
Note: From here on out the review is from Tony’s perspective unless otherwise indicated.
Fit and Durability
In the course of my initial review of over-the-calf socks, some of the pairs came in funky sizes. Some were too big.
Even though they supposedly fit a range of sizes 8-12 (I’m a 10B in Allen Edmonds so it should be bang in the middle), the toe box was a little too big, the heel cup didn’t sit quite right, and the fabric bunched up.
Those sorted themselves out, though. Others, not so much. They fit fine out of the box, but if you accidentally ran a wool pair through a dryer cycle, they became mittens.
With Boardroom, that’s not the case. The fit is excellent out of the package.
The toe seam sits where it should, and the heel cup is comfortable. No slipping. No rubbing. No bunching. On top of it, after at least a dozen washes and a mix of air-drying and machine-drying, the fit has stayed the same, even on the wool ones.
Of course, one of the hallmarks of a good over-the-calf sock is it stays up all day. Even after a year of pulling them over my calves and running them through a washer and dryer, that’s still the case.
Unlike the elastic in some of my cheaper pairs, this holds up all day and doesn’t move. At the same time, though, they’re not compression socks squeezing my calves.
The wool itself also held up pretty well. I didn’t notice any significant pulling, pilling, or wear- even after a year’s worth of putting them through all kinds of environments.
Ryan’s Input
All of the Boardroom socks I’ve reviewed fit me well.
However, at first, I thought the Fair Isle socks were too big, but after washing and drying them they seemed to shrink to size. For me, they fit almost like over-the-calf socks but reach a couple of inches shorter than the dress socks.
As far as durability is concerned, I’m not sure that I’ve had these socks long enough to give a definite answer.
That said, I have noticed some slight pilling on the dress socks after perhaps 10 wash and dry cycles, which is to be expected.
The Fair Isle Isle socks also show some minor signs of wear (a few loose threads and the bottom “sole” areas looking a bit more fuzzy than elsewhere).
Fabric and the “Smell Test”
Fantastic. Flat-out fantastic.
Boardroom knits on 168 needle machines, which puts their socks at a comfortable (pun intended) medium between super-fine dress socks and the squishy tube socks you’ll find by the bargain rack.
That along with additional reinforcement in the heel and toe, makes for a sock that’s both comfortable and durable.
I tested both wool and cotton socks in weather ranging from the 20’s to the 90’s. Yes indeed, I wore wool socks in 90-degree heat. Why? Wool has natural aerating and anti-microbial properties, leaving your feet dry and able to breathe. More airflow=cooler piggies+less stink. That’s a win-win in my book.
That said, the cotton socks also performed well. Cotton tends to retain moisture and odor- and yes, there was definitely more here than in the wool pairs. That said, odor and moisture retention was just fine; even after a workout in these things.
Ryan’s Input
Unlike many other dress socks I’ve tried, Boardroom’s socks feel soft and comfortable. Their dress socks fabrics also feel a bit thicker than the competition (the resulting comfort is a big plus for me as someone who walks a lot in dress shoes).
According to Boardroom, their Fair Isle socks are a mix of “45% Merino Wool, 40% Acrylic, 13% Nylon, 2% Spandex”. This makes for warm and comfortable socks.
However, they feel a bit less warm and comfortable when compared to some of my other wool “winter-type” socks. Perhaps this is due to the inclusion of 40% acrylic, though I can’t be certain.
That’s not to say they aren’t good socks, they definitely are, but just something to be aware of.
Concerning smell, I haven’t thought of smelling my socks as part of my review process — so, “No comment.”
Style
Boardroom is on the more conservative end of the sock style spectrum. You won’t find any bow ties, monocles, or rubber chickens on these guys. If you’re the “funky sock” guy in your office or looking for a pair of “fun” socks for your groomsmen, it might not be the place for you.
But, if you’re looking for a classic and versatile pair, Boardroom is a solid option.
Even through multiple wearings, washings, and spins through my dryer, I didn’t notice significant color fading, either.
Ryan’s Input
Style is where Boardroom really shines, in my opinion.
The dress socks are professional and don’t draw attention to themselves. Rather, the subtle colors and refined finishings help to contribute to a cohesive ensemble. In other words, no one will be looking down at your socks, but, in a business setting, you don’t want them to.
The Fair Isle Socks, on the other hand, are much more eye-catching. That’s the whole point of having unique patterns.
Fair Isle patterns are a classic choice for knitwear — especially sweaters.
Since these socks are meant for much more casual environments, you’re at greater liberty to show some personality through your sock game.
Price
Boardroom’s pricing for both cotton and wool socks ranges from 16.95 for a solid pair and 17.95 for a patterned pair.
That was solidly in the middle of our over-the-calf sock round up. Some may consider it a little steep, but considering how they’ve held up over a year of use and that you’re supporting a small company employing local people, I think it’s actually a pretty good cost-per-wear value.
Ryan’s Input
As Tony mentioned, over-the-calf dress socks come in at right around 17 bucks. Considering the quality, I think that this is a fair price.
The Fair Isle socks cost $21.95. I think that’s just about right (though I think that perhaps a different knit or fabric mix would result in even more comfortable socks).
What Didn’t Work
Honestly, very little ‘didn’t work.’ I’d consider a couple of suggestions, though.
Arch Support
As someone with flat feet, I appreciate when sock companies add in a little extra arch support. Bombas and Pierre Henry do this quite well, and I’d like to see Boardroom offer a little as well.
It wouldn’t necessarily have to be in the dress or mid-calf socks, but a little of that in a thicker sock would be very nice, indeed.
Static
I noticed the fabric of my suit trousers catching on the over-the-calf socks in both wool and cotton-but particularly annoying with the wool ones. This resulted in some awkward bunching around my shins for the first few minutes after standing up.
Now, I don’t have an aggressive trouser taper (between 7.25 and 7.5 inches flat), so if you happen to need something slimmer, it may be worth considering.
There are a couple of ways to mitigate this, though. First, the ‘catching’ is caused by static and friction in the wool fibers reacting with the wool in my trousers.
Rubbing a dryer sheet on your socks can help. Second, trying to find fully lined trousers is helpful, too. But, that’s pretty hard to do. Fully lined stuff may get toasty, too, especially if you tend to run hot.
Ryan’s Input
I also noticed static clinging, particularly with the dress socks. As a result, often when I stand up I have to pull down my trouser hem to prevent them from looking like high waters.
The Verdict
Are Boardroom Socks worth it? After a year’s worth of wearing, washing, and drying, they’ve retained their top spot in my eyes. They fit fantastically well, are supremely comfortable, and hold up to your washing machine and drying in durability, color retention, and elasticity.
Are these the boldest socks on the market? Of course not. Is someone going to pull you aside and ask where you got them? Probably not. But, that’s not really the point. If you’re looking for a well-made pair to complement a versatile wardrobe, Boardroom is a great option to last you for years to come.
In an age where fast fashion still holds an uncomfortable amount of clout, something as simple as a well-made pair of socks is deeply satisfying to pull on.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
