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Just Really Good Socks

Japanese brand Anonymous Ism makes quality stuff for your feet.

By Cam Wolf Oct 28, 2016, 12:32pm EDT

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What you’re about to see are good socks. They’re not statement items, and they’re not meant to show off your personality in an over-the-top way. They’re just really good socks from the Japanese brand Anonymous Ism.

The best ones are made of a classic slubby cotton that come in really beautiful colors — navy, orange, olive, purple, green, red, and charcoal, not gray — with a slightly speckled look. Even when Anonymous Ism gets crazy, it never crosses the fine line that separates fun and garish. Some are printed with contrasting colors, others have reindeer or prints of an American flag.

There’s also a Fair Isle pattern that looks as though it could have been repurposed from a J.Crew sweater and cable knits that look like something a lazy grandma would knit after bailing on her initial plans for a scarf. If you’re looking for something with just a touch more flair, there’s a subtle camo pattern and a patchwork pair that would make Junya Watanabe proud.

Buying quality clothing is fun, but spending a lot of money to get the good stuff isn’t. The beauty of a pair of socks is that you can get some really good shit for the price of two burritos. Prices cap off at $40, but most hover around $25 (the cheapest pairs are $19).

And retailers obviously know how important the low price point is, too. Socks are something shoppers can, and often do, buy on a whim. Anonymous Ism is the sock brand of choice at a bunch of the big ones, like East Dane, Mr Porter, END., Unionmade, Need Supply, Gentry, UNIS, Notre — even J.Crew and Club Monaco stock them.

From eclectic patterns to rich colors, these are the best from Anonymous Ism to buy now.