There’s something so great about the socks, hats, gloves, slippers you get traditionally once a year, let me qualify here, not the ones other people buy as gifts, unless they know you well and are prepared to spend what most would consider an exorbitant amount of money, £50 for a pair of socks, £120 for a pull on beanie. It’s the couple of pairs of cashmere made in UK luxury I treat myself to once a year.
I have a small, relatively unknown to even most in my locale, sock maker, the Midlands in the UK historically renowned for it’s hosiery factories, most now deserted and abandoned, the luxury sock market replaced by the desire for cheap Chinese alternatives. It’s called Pantherella. And every year I take a deep breath and treat myself to a couple of pairs of the most divine socks money can buy.
It’s not the colours, or patterns, Christmas tree adorned, frogs in Santa Hats, or images conjured on Christmas stockings that appeal. Plain colours in luxurious, wool, cashmere, silk or cotton combinations, that slide on, fit perfectly, look and feel fantastic on, keep your feet sweat free and temperature regulated and wear like walking barefoot on a very expensive Persian carpet is why they can command the big bucks and have done so for almost 100 years.
Founded by Louis Goldschmidt in 1937 Pantherella socks began in Leicester, England, in 1937 as Midland Hosiery Mill. His idea was to create fine, lightweight, seamless socks when only bulky ones existed. The company was renamed in 1945and became known for its luxury English craftsmanship, using high-quality yarns, hand-finishing, and seamless toes, maintaining production in Leicester and becoming the prestigious brand stocked globally it is today. Pantherella gained prestige, stocked by premium stores like Harrods in the 1940s, and expanded internationally because of unrivalled craftsmanship. Their signature features like fine-linked toe seams, reinforced heels, and use of world-class yarns (Merino, Silk, Cashmere) is why they command the prices they charge for practically perfect socks. The firm changed hands in 2001 becoming part of HJ Hall's group continuing under family management (5th generation sock maker Justin Hall).
"Provenance, Design & Quality" is the continued philosophy manufacturing from the original Leicester factory, upholding its reputation for luxury "Fine English Socks".
What Makes Pantherella Socks So Special
1. Seamless Toes: Ensures superior comfort.
2. Finest Yarns: Uses premium materials like Merino wool, silk, and cashmere.
3. Hand-Finished: Each pair undergoes extensive hand-finishing for quality control.
4. Made in England: Production remains in Leicester, upholding a strong heritage
The only downside of investing in Made in UK luxury, best in the world when it comes to fine English socks you can’t just throw them in the washing machine, they need to be carefully hand washed, however natural fibres do not hold or emit odour so you’ll find they don’t need washing anywhere near as often as other cheaper options.
The only other thing to bear in mind when looking after expensive socks and getting the most out of them. Keep toenails groomed and short or they will cut through the fine yarns and make a hole which unless you are a darning expert are difficult to repair.
Pantherella acquired John Scot Nichol sock brand founded in Leicester in the 1930s, a few years back. So you can also find Scot Nichol socks at Pantherella. I haven’t tried them so cannot tell you how they compare. Pantherella have also collaborated with other design houses like interiors brand Sanderson on a range of socks.
What I can assure you of is when you wear Pantherella socks, you cannot change to other more inferior socks, especially in the winter. They are warm, comfortable, sweat and smell resistant, fire retardant and feel under foot like you are walking on air. If you have experienced walking on heated tiles floors, think about that feeling and double it in Panterella socks.
I wear mine in bed on freezing nights, carry a pair in bag for on a flight, down my wellies, inside my Chelsea boots, the only time I don’t wear them is with trainers, working out, but I do wear them for yoga cool down so extremely versatile sock lovers and for me worth every penny.