Norton of Morton

Read a new instalment of Norton of Morton every Saturday at 4 o'clock

Saturday 30 August 2014

Marko John’s - guaranteed to blow your socks off

In which G.M. Norton gets heady about hosiery.


As a keen sock lover, I was overjoyed to be sent a rather splendid pair of socks for review by Marko John’s. If you’re not familiar with Marko John’s, they’ve been making socks in Blighty since 1895. A dashed long time, I’m sure you’ll agree!

Gift box

They make a fine selection of brightly coloured foot friends, for both ladies and gentlemen. Admittedly, the ladies range of knee-socks are limited to three colour options, but they are lovely nonetheless.

Knee-length ladies socks

Gentlemen, on the other hand (or should that be ‘foot’?) are treated to a whole array of options to suit different tastes. I counted 30 different striped pairs, which are my favourite, along with nine different ‘top and tailed’ pairs.
Oxbridge

I was sent the Oxbridge pair of socks which is a lovely blue stripy number and cost £13.50. Made from 90% cotton and 10% man-made fibres, I was delighted with their selection. In case you didn’t realise from my recent ensemble entry, I am currently involved in a torrid love affair with the colour blue. Or ‘bleu’, as the French would say.
Top and tail

The socks were accompanied by a charming letter by Marko himself, who seemed almost as taken with my turn of phrase as I have been with his hosiery. I’ve worn the socks a number of times now and they are incredibly comfortable and rather snazzy to boot.
English efficiency, German colours
What I find ruddy marvellous is that each sock is hand-linked by real sock-making people right here in Britain. I could try explaining the process they go through to make each pair of socks but Marko John’s explain it so wonderfully themselves – toddle over to their production page.
Bleu
Even the packaging is manufactured and printed in Britain too!

In fact, I’ve been ever so impressed that I’ve just joined Marko John’s VIP sock club! Unlike the Handlebar Club to which I’m also a member, there’s no club tie or regular social gatherings (although I may suggest it). However, I already feel welcomed into the fold!
Forever blowing bubbles
Each month, VIP sock club members receive a new pair of socks in the post. You can either pay an annual fee of £99 upfront (and save 39%) or hand over £9.99 each month (and save 26%). I opted for the monthly option. Benefits include exclusive socks for club members and additional discounts throughout the year.
The best yellow thing since custard
I’m salivating at the prospect of a new pair of Made in Britain socks arriving each month. Before you are drenched in my saliva (not a pretty thought, what?), hot foot it to the Marko John’s website and treat your feet too!

G.M. Norton
Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’

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2 comments

  1. Great looking socks my dear Chum, but I am most anxious to learn if the hosiery for men comes in an OTC version? or are they all mid-calf?

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    Replies
    1. The majority are mid-calf but they do seem to offer a small selection of limited edition over the calf socks. Here is an example, Sir: http://marko-johns.com/shop/stripes/full-length-bordeaux/

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