Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

The effect of well-designed and good-looking kit on one’s riding ability and style is purely subjective, of course. Some cyclists wouldn’t be seen dead on the bike unless they’re draped with the latest season’s accoutrements from the hottest brands.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

There’s no denying, however, that gear made with ergonomics and the ride in mind will allow you to focus on the pure pleasure — and pain — of pedalling. Even when it comes to footwear. That’s the aim of new Italian brand The Wonderful Socks.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

Can a pair of socks make you faster? It’s quite possible that The Wonderful Socks will. They’re about as technical as you want your socks to be: lightweight and highly breathable, which is a big plus for summer.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

Their catalog is extensive, each design telling a story from the annals of cycling history. This pastel model is named Marco, after il Pirata, inspired by his favorite mountain, Monte Carpegna. On a 36° Sydney day, I was appreciative of their ventilation.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

The Wonderful Socks collaborates with designers such as Matt Stanbury and Karen Balest, who have brought both subtle and striking graphics to the range. Even the packaging is superb (and can double as a dopp bag).

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

Proving that there’s more to their designs than fancy patterns and colours, the name of this model is Les 4 Mousquetaires and refers to Renè ‘Crocodile’ Lacoste, Henri Cochet, Jacques ‘Toto’ Brugnon and Jean Borotra — the dream team of tennis during the 1920s.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

Frank Gehry said “You can look anywhere and find inspiration” — even to the stars of tennis for a cycling sock, then. Socks are fairly disposable items of clothing, but when you’re dressing in the pre-dawn dark for the morning ride, at least you won’t experience a wardrobe malfunction with The Wonderful Socks.

Find them in Australia at Good Fuel Company.

Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks

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Charming Chaussettes: The Wonderful Socks