The fathers of the couple often get overlooked when it comes to wedding party details. The groomsmen get matching ties, the bridesmaids get matching dresses, and the dads are left to figure it out. A coordinated pair of socks is a small, thoughtful way to bring them into the look and make them feel part of the day.
This guide covers how to choose father of the bride and father of the groom socks, how to coordinate them with the wedding party, and how to give them as a gift. You can see all of our wedding colors in the groomsmen socks for weddings collection.
Should the Fathers Match the Groomsmen?
There are three common approaches, and each one works.
Full match
Give both dads the same socks as the groomsmen. This creates one unified look in group photos and makes the fathers feel fully included. It is the easiest option when ordering, since you can add a couple of pairs to the same pack.
Coordinated, not identical
Choose socks in the same color family but a different pattern. For example, if the groomsmen wear navy pin dots, the fathers could wear Navy and Red Argyle. It shows they are part of the wedding while giving them their own detail.
A pair just for the dads
Some couples give both fathers the same distinctive pair that no one else wears. This makes a fun photo of the two dads together and highlights their role as heads of the families coming together.
Choosing a Style Dads Will Actually Wear
Many fathers prefer classic, understated styles. These options tend to go over well:
- Ribbed solids: black, navy or grey, with a clean texture that looks polished with any suit. Some styles include a small embroidered heart, a sweet touch for a wedding day.
- Argyle: a timeless pattern many dads already love. Our Argyle groomsmen socks come in Navy and Red, Burgundy and Blue, and Black and Grey, and each pair is individually gift-boxed.
- Pin dots or Biz Dots: navy, black or burgundy. Subtle from across the room, interesting up close.
If a father is wearing his own suit rather than matching the groomsmen, choose socks that match his trouser color. Our guide on how to match dress socks to your suit explains the basics.
Coordinating With Each Side of the Family
The father of the bride and the father of the groom may be dressed differently, especially if one is walking the bride down the aisle in a tuxedo and the other is in a suit. A few tips:
- If both wear dark suits, the same pair of socks works for both.
- If one wears a tuxedo, give him black socks. Our black tuxedo socks guide covers what works for formal wear.
- If the wedding has a signature color, like burgundy for a fall wedding, socks are an easy way for both dads to wear it.
How to Give Socks to the Fathers
Socks make a meaningful gift when presented with care. Consider these ideas:
- Give them the morning of the wedding along with a handwritten letter. Many couples write a short thank-you note to each parent.
- Include them in a small gift set. Our men's gift sets in 3-packs and 5-packs give dads extra pairs to enjoy after the wedding.
- Plan a photo moment. A shot of the dads lifting their trouser legs to show matching socks is fun and memorable. See our wedding sock photo ideas for more.
Comfort Matters for Dads Too
Fathers are often greeting guests, giving speeches and dancing for hours. LOVE SOCKS pairs are made from organic cotton, finely knitted on 200 needles, with a seamless toe and a stay-up, non-binding cuff. They are mid-calf dress socks, so they stay up without squeezing. 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 based in Maryland.
For more ideas on matching and gifting for the whole wedding party, read our groomsmen socks guide.
FAQ
Who buys socks for the father of the bride and father of the groom?
Usually the couple, as a thank-you gift. Sometimes the groom includes them in his groomsmen order.
Should the fathers wear the same socks as each other?
It is a nice touch, especially for photos, but not required. Coordinated colors work just as well.
What sock style do most fathers prefer?
Classic styles such as ribbed solids and Argyle are popular choices because they work with everyday suits too.
Bring the dads into the look with socks from our groomsmen socks collection.
