A basic rule of dress for men is the color of the sock should be the same as the color of trouser.  But that’s boring!  Much like the bold neckties that allowed men to reveal their inner wild side, today’s trendy socks offer business people a way to stand out even when wearing a classic pair of pants.  Not your granddad’s boring dress socks, or your mom’s uniform knee-highs, colorful socks with bold colors and creative designs have gained a substantial following and have become a growth industry.

Sock sales rose 5.6% to $4.22 billion for the 12-month period ended April 2013, according to NPD Group.  And much of that growth is coming from specialty shops that offer colorful, patterned styles.

The casual workplace, and current fashion trends for both men and women, have driven the interest in wild socks.  People feel freer to express themselves, and there are no signs that the trend is slowing down.  So, in the interest of building brand awareness, why not join the fun and give bright, colorful socks as a client giveaway.

Of course, “bright” socks can mean a lot of things: bold solid colors, classic patterns like argyle and paisley, on up to things that are bordering on novelty items.   Logos can be added to an existing design, or an entirely new design can be created using the brand colors and corporate logo.  At first glance people may think the wearer is just dressing with a little individual flare, but when those legs are crossed, the logo becomes clear and the brand has earned another impression.

Sports teams, fraternities, tech companies and business groups are being gifted customized socks for big events and celebrations.  Great for creating excitement for marketing campaigns, team-building or a new product launch, custom socks are perfect giveaways for any industry.   Because, really?  who needs another pair of black dress socks?!