Il Regalo socks — outBespoken

It’s been a while since the last article in the Neapolitan Japan series,

but given Il Regalo’s own quote; a fusion of Italian sensibility and Japanese technology, I figured they fit the bill.

This latest new introduction to my wardrobe, or style to some extent, ended up being a complete overhaul of my sock drawer.

It was long overdue to say the least, but I wouldn’t go as far as to say I have neglected socks in any way, I have always had a mixed selection of both generic brands and more high-end brands.

But there’s been a certain notion that socks are consumables, easily worn out, lost in the washer, and lastly, should be a subtle almost unnoticeable part of the attire.

I have never subscribed to the latter, but still I have always kept it quite simple in the sock way, disregarding my camouflage and herringbones that is.

Now that has changed and furthermore I have to say something as simple as this new addition of socks has really rejuvenated my excitement for dressing up.

Additionally, I am quite excited to add another Japanese brand to my Neapolitan Japan list.

Il Regalo

Il Regalo is a Japanese brand developed by designer Junko Okabe Baldessari that opened in 2014, with the aim of creating unique socks through the marriage of Italian aesthetics and Japanese craftsmanship. In the same way that Ring Jacket became the epitome for tailored clothing in my search for Neapolitan/Italian inspired Japanese brands and craftsmen, Il Regalo truly captures the same spirit in the sock realm with Okabe Baldessari developing her designs inspired by her husbands country’s aesthetic heritage.

The brand provides mainly three length options; over the calf/knee-high, mid-calf and no-show socks. What initially caught my interest in them was their over the calf socks and specifically the reversible design.

A staple in the (sartorial) menswear wardrobe, but their variety extends far beyond these staples and upon trying other stripe variations and patterned socks I can honestly say there was no way back, and I’ll explain why.
There are two garment categories where I am not very knowledgeable with regards to material quality; shirts and socks.
The former will be briefly explained in an upcoming arcticle. As for the latter, we return to what I mentioned in the introduction; the notion that socks are consumables with a short lifespan.

That’s not to say that I don’t think quality matters and upon trying Il Regalo the difference in quality from my prior socks was noticeable.

They feel soft and although most of these are finer socks they feel like they will hold up well over time.

This also comes down to the percentage of each material used and there’s a fine balance in providing the right amount of stretch while maintaining the feel of natural fibers.

Sourcing quality Italian cotton, wool and silk yarns which are then crafted into socks in Japan, one can rest assured knowing that they will hold up to scrutiny given that both materials and production is top of the line.

With regards to material quality, although not my field of expertise, 17.5 micron cashmere-grade super extra fine wool suggests my laymans impression had some merit to it.

Looking at the cotton socks the quality of material is not any less impressive with fine 2-ply 80s Italian cotton being used.

The fit

All of this would of course be irrelevant if the socks didn’t wear well.

As with anything in menswear the most important part to get right is fit. Socks can be as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as they want, but if they don’t sit nicely on your legs you will end up not wearing them.

The two lengths I’ve had experience with are the over the calf and mid-calf lengts. I am also quite eager to see how the no-show socks hold up seeing as I wear no-show socks throughout summer.

On a general basis I can confidently say that the fit has been great. One of the reasons I waited a while with writing this article was that I wanted to see how they held up over time with continuous wear and washes.

So, I’ll jump into each length below.

I’ll just emphasize at this point that this is based on my experience and my calves are examples of those genetic atrocities that just never grows. That said, Japanese tend to have big calves and from what I’ve seen the same conclusions has been reached from the Japanese people I know.

Over the calf

Ideally I want my socks to stay in place throughout the day without too much compression.
This is an area were Il Regalo (especially the reversible) socks shine.

They have just the right amount of stretch and you can tell that there has been a thorough process in finding the right percentage of fibers and the right knit tightness to provide this exact fit.

As much as this sounds like a dichotomy, they sit lightly but firmly on your calfs.

To put it this way, they sit firmly in place, but don’t leave marks which is a testament to perfect fit.

My ankles are good test subjects for this purpose as usually socks don’t sit well around them unless there’s a fair amount of nylon. All the over the calf socks had a superb fit in this area.

Mid-calf

With regards to mid calf socks, I’m not gonna lie, I was doubtful and have generally avoided this length in the past as I find mid-calf socks tend to slide down easily. There will always be a limit to how well mid-calf socks sit as calf muscles contract and relax constantly throughout the day and of course with pulling from the trousers.

Needless to say, because the mid-calf designs are just as appealing as the longer socks I was curious how Il Regalo would hold up compared to my experience with other brands.

I ended up ordering one pair first and to my delight I found these to stay surprisingly well in place.

They’re not over the calf socks by no means, but to my relief I had no instances of them sagging down to the ankle or pulling in the trousers fabric.

I still favor over the calf socks, but I can honestly say that the mid-calf experience was more than good enough to open up the door to quite a few designs I initially thought were out of reach.

Pattern

You have quite a variety to select from within each category. For instance, the vast amount of paisley options like the more subtle blue paisley on gray shown above or the red and blue on white (shown in the next section).

And, although not the most colourful option, a highlight for me is definitely the brown on brown heritage paisley.

Personal style

Style wise, it’s not a big secret that although I tend to stay with earthy tones, most noticeably brown and green, I like to express colour through accessories like ties, pocket square and (as of recently) socks.

As such, it might not be surprising that these socks has been a welcomed addition to the wardrobe.

Seeing as we’re getting closer to summer and I tend to wear more dressed down outfits, specifically white tops and trousers, there’s the benefit of adding a layer of interest with socks as ties are omitted.

Conclusion

I think the vast amount of Il Regalo socks I’ve acquired and the fact that they are the only socks you see me wear is a clear enough statement as to what my conclusion is.

I might regret this statement as even more people will become aware of this brand, but it doesn’t hurt that their socks in addition to being elegant also have a slightly more unique look not found elsewhere, which makes them even more special to wear.

They are a welcomed addition to the exclusive sock market and I hope yet another Japanese brand that adds to the already established position Japan has in menswear.

Disclaimer:

I received samples from Il Regalo initially. No agreement or terms with regards to photos, promotion or review, nor any other conditions applied upon receiving samples or since.

This article is written of my own volition as a part of my own style journey and as an addition to the Neapolitan Japan series.