With the nights drawing in, the average temperature dropping and thoughts turning to Christmas. It’s time to think about wrapping up warm but of course in a stylish manner.

Gentlemen have been getting socks for Christmas for many years, normally a present of dread but this year, men, that pair of socks for Christmas could be from Tabio, a brand of socks you will want in your sock drawer. Ladies have their own dedicated Tabio range too and this ingenious Japanese label is the height of luxury in the footwear department.

Tabio – The history

Tabio is an online and instore Socks and Tights Speciality Store. The label was established as a premium store brand, and is now expanding worldwide. In July 2001 Tabio was established company in the UK and by March 2002 they opened flagship store on London’s Kings Road. Now their fabulous collections can be bought online at the Tabio website.

Tabio came about when the Founder Mr Ochi left his regular job in 1968 to start a wholesale trading house that specialized in socks, originally called Dan, many years Later Tabio is turning into a exciting new brand in the socks and tights industry. Tabio stands for “The Trend And the Basics In Order”. Tabio also means to travel around the world in Japanese and to evolve socks (old type of socks are called Tabi in Japan).

Mr Ochi’s thoughts on having a sound product to work upon. “A product should be a joy, bringing happiness equally to the manufacturer, seller, and purchaser. If the product makes the manufacturer and seller happy, but not the purchaser, your business has strayed from the honourable path.”

The LadyM Presents team had the delight and comfort of testing out some of the fabulous footwear available from Tabio; here’s an insight into this funky foot fashion company’s best pieces;

Tights

Tights come in all ranges of colours, styles and patterns. Get creative this winter with diamond patterned tights in a gorgeous navy. The tights are opaque and very comfortable. They have a lovely diamond pattern and a beautiful colour range so that they can go with any styles of fashion. The tights will look great with boots or pumps. Why not try the Flower tights, designed to look like flower ivy and give a delightful elegant appearance.

Tights from Tabio

Toe Socks

Fantastic toe-socks featuring rubber grips to reduce slip are the next best thing this winter, fun and functional, if not a bit silly. These T-Shirt striped toe socks from Tabio are cotton rich toe socks with a classic stripy pattern. They are 96% cotton and very comfortable. You can wear them with sandals or any kind of shoes and reap the benefits of wearing toe socks.

Toe Socks from Tabio

The benefits of wearing toe socks; “Associate Professor Adachi researched the effects of wearing toe socks. The results said toe socks improve circulation much more than normal socks. Also, after taking off toe socks, foot temperature drops only moderately compared to when removing normal socks.”

Sockettes/Footsies

Got a pair of amazing flats or wonderful wedges but want the extra comfort of a sock or stocking whilst wearing them? Why not try the Sockette – available strapless or with popular strap covers, these are specialised cushioned socks with low rise edges and toes, perfect for wearing inside your flats, wedges, or pumps. They are made of 80% cotton, provide a very soft touch and great comfort! They come in a variety of colours and styles to suit your footwear.

Sockettes from Tabio

Knee Socks

A LadyM Presents team favourite are the knee high and over the knee socks, in cotton or a merino wool mix, for extra warmth and in a variety of styles and colours. Don’t just wear black tights for the winter months, layer up with some fabulous knee high socks in sumptuous burgundy with an antique rose print design, ideal for wearing with dress or high heels. Those with a mixed merino wool will keep your legs warm in cold weather.

Knee Socks from Tabio

Leg Warmers

Think less of the 80′s and more of this season’s key accessory , these up to date leg warmers are fabulous for keeping your shins warm when you’ve got this seasons ankle boots on, or if you need a little something hip and trendy to add definition to your look. Whether its long fur or dark metallic, Tabio legwarmers are a great way to add depth and warmth to your winter wardrobe, they come in fringed, stirruped, striped, chunky knit and a variety of colours to team with your outfit.

Legwarmers from Tabio

Tabio also stock a mens range of toe socks, room socks, trainer socks and formal socks and have been worn by Keira Knightley British Vogue and have also been featured in Elle Magazine. Get your winter warmth from their website.