Picture this: you’re walking down La Rambla in a crowd of people, your vision flooded by greys and blacks. Suddenly, out of the fog of conformity appears a light, your eyes are drawn to it like a bumble bee to pollen. You don’t notice the person themselves but rather their socks. Luminous pink fabric with little neon green moustaches that spread across them. They are peeking out at you and almost mesmerising you as you pass. You don’t know how, but somehow this person is pulling off the look and you are intrigued. Their non-conformist and almost rebellious appearance inspires you and you crack a smile. “Where can I get socks like that?”.
Local Retailers
American Socks, where they “dare to be different”, has 4 stores across Barcelona, specialising in the knee-high, solid white with colourful bands around the cuff, retro 70’s sock. But they also have mid-height socks in similar styles. All their socks are designed and manufactured in the city and they only use eco-friendly cotton and dye. Price range: €8 – €12.
Pacific and Co. whose “socks are dope”, also design and manufacture in the city of Barcelona and are available in more than 10 locations. They use original colourful designs on socks of various lengths, that range from feathers and landscape portraits with animals to geometric shapes and even tasteful text designs. They are dedicated to the quality of their socks. Price range: €10 – €14.95
Laser Barcelona was established in 2010, also in Barcelona. Their socks proudly display their brand and use attractive colours to exhibit their vision. Their flagship store is in Ciutat Vella, where they sell their famous socks, original clothing and even unique skateboard decks. Price range: €12
Parachanclas is a cultural and business initiative that is taking stylish socks to new levels in Barcelona. With 4 stores in Barcelona, it’s no wonder that, to pay homage to the city, their socks are named after the city’s neighbourhoods. Their unique and stylish designs consist of lines, dots, drawings and patterns. Price range: €10 – €12
Happy Socks have a Barcelona store but actually originated in Sweden in 2008. Their objective is to “spread happiness” by turning socks into expressive accessories for creative people. Their unisex sock collection is rich, with socks of every colour, design and pattern you can think of. To bring exclusive designs to their collection, they regularly collaborate with various designers, companies and artists such as Snoop Dogg, Billionaire Boys Club and Barneys in New York City. Price range: €8 – €20
Popularity
Novelty socks once were something we joked about. We would buy them for our siblings and friends at Christmas as a gag gift and they were something your science teacher would wear. Now they are getting so popular that even celebrities like Dwayne Wade and Jay-Z are backing the brands. This popularity has made this expressive idea into a multi-million euro industry with people across the world embracing the originality of these stylish socks. Here is a simple guide to men’s sock fashion for those who want to know more.
Photo credit: alansf via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-SA
Barcelona’s expressive and liberal atmosphere and culture is rivalled by few cities. It’s no wonder that many stylish and novelty sock manufacturers call Barcelona home. If you’re interested in supporting the local economy, check out the local designer’s products and you won’t be disappointed.
Throw out those dull foot gloves and get yourself some socks that really tell your story.