The best man has a bigger job than the rest of the party. He keeps the rings safe, gives the toast and keeps the groom calm. It makes sense that many couples want his look to be a little different too. Socks are one of the simplest, most subtle ways to do it.
Here is how to choose best man socks that set him apart while still fitting with the group. To see the full range of wedding colors and patterns, visit our groomsmen socks for weddings.
Why Give the Best Man Different Socks?
Most wedding parties wear the same suit, tie and shoes. A different pair of socks gives the best man a small detail that is his own. It also creates a fun moment in photos, especially if you plan a sock reveal shot. And it is a quiet way of saying thank you for taking on the role.
The key is to stay in the same family of colors or patterns. You want him to stand out, not look like he dressed for a different wedding.
Four Ways to Set the Best Man Apart
1. Same color, different pattern
If the groomsmen wear solid navy, give the best man navy pin dots or navy Argyle. The color still ties in with the group, but the pattern makes him easy to spot. This is the most popular approach because it always looks planned.
2. Same pattern, different color
If the groomsmen wear black Biz Dots, the best man could wear burgundy Biz Dots. This works especially well when the accent color shows up elsewhere in the wedding, like the flowers or bridesmaid dresses.
3. Solids for the group, a bold pattern for him
Keep the groomsmen in ribbed solids and give the best man something with more energy, like Mirrors in blue or burgundy, or the Red Line polka dot groomsmen socks. In photos, his socks become the focal point.
4. Match the groom instead of the groomsmen
Some couples have the groom and best man share one pattern while the rest of the party wears another. It highlights the two men at the center of the ceremony. Our post on groom socks vs groomsmen socks goes deeper into this choice.
Best Man Sock Pairings That Work
- Groomsmen in navy solids: best man in Navy and Red Argyle
- Groomsmen in black ribbed solids: best man in black Mirrors or Black and White stripes
- Groomsmen in grey solids: best man in Black and Grey Argyle
- Groomsmen in burgundy pin dots: best man in Burgundy and Blue Argyle
- Groomsmen in navy pin dots: best man in ribbed navy with a small embroidered heart
For more ideas on suit and sock combinations, our guide on how to match dress socks to your suit is a helpful starting point.
Make It a Gift, Not Just Part of the Outfit
Because the best man does so much, many grooms give him a slightly bigger gift. A few ideas:
- Give him his wedding pair plus a men's sock gift set so he has extra pairs for work or other events.
- Choose Argyle groomsmen socks, which come individually gift-boxed and feel ready to present.
- Add a handwritten note thanking him for standing beside you.
- Hand them over privately before the rehearsal dinner so the moment feels personal.
Comfort for a Long Day
The best man is on his feet from the first photo to the last dance. LOVE SOCKS pairs are made from organic cotton and finely knitted on 200 needles, with a seamless toe and a stay-up, non-binding cuff that will not dig in. They are mid-calf dress socks, so they stay in place under suit trousers, and our men's one size fits US shoe sizes 7 to 12. Every pair is designed in the USA and made in Europe for Love Sock Company, a family-owned business in Maryland.
Want the full picture on matching and gifting for the whole party? Read our groomsmen socks guide. And if the sock reveal photo is on your list, check out our wedding sock photo ideas.
FAQ
Should the best man wear different socks from the groomsmen?
He does not have to, but a small difference is a nice way to honor his role. Keeping the same color family keeps the group cohesive.
Who buys the best man socks?
Usually the groom, as part of the best man gift. Some couples buy them together.
Can the best man and groom wear matching socks?
Yes. Matching the groom and best man while the groomsmen wear a different pair is a popular way to highlight both.
Find the right pair for your best man in our groomsmen socks collection.
