Sea Island^® is different from Cotton lisle and Pima. In the arena of socks it is prized as the best available. Sea Island^® fibres are naturally more lustrous. They have a slightly greater bulk, are somewhat softer, and have a smoother surface. Grown these days exclusively in the West Indies, certified Sea Island^® is rare and very expensive. We have various weights. The Bresciani's are extremely lightweight and fine - a simply wonderful feel but very delicate. The Marcoliani's are heftier, quite lush, and somewhat more durable. Our old Pantherella's, designed before the firm's new ownership, are knitted in a mid-weight. All are hand-linked.

In order to make their Sea Island^® socks cost less, most makers mix the expensive fibres with lower cotton grades, sometimes using as much as 90% of the cheaper varieties and still calling it by the Sea Island name. We do not carry those socks. Each of the socks below shows the percentage of cotton. Whatever that cotton percentage in our Sea Island^® socks, it is all certified Sea Island^® cotton.

All top-quality luxury socks should be laundered in cold water and dried without heat for the best longevity. A dryer is acceptable if used on the no-heat "fluff" setting.