How to Wear White Bucks (2024)

The Southerner's Handbook

Sid Mashburn sets the standard (and the rules) for wearing these classic shoes

February/March 2013

How to Wear White Bucks (1)

photo: Sully Sullivan

Thanks in part to our warm weather, Southerners have been suckers for the white buck since the shoe’s Jazz Age inception. Although the heat endures, the white suede walking our streets these days has dwindled. But there’s no need to fear the old standby, as long as you follow a few simple rules, courtesy of Atlanta menswear designer and tastemaker Sid Mashburn. Rule number one? “I won’t put them on before Memorial Day, and never after Labor Day,” Mashburn says. Then there’s the sock question. “I prefer them without socks. But if you do wear socks, they need to be a cream color.” The shoes can work with just about any outfit—shorts, jeans, a suit, denim, khaki, gray wool. “But remember this,” Mashburn says. “There must be an edge to the outfit: rolled sleeves, some dirt on the bucks. Something that makes you look less precious.” And while Mashburn acknowledges white bucks aren’t as easy-wearing, as, say, loafers or boat shoes, that’s precisely the point. “You know, you could walk into some places and guys might fight you for wearing them,” he says. “But you need to be ready to fight. Take a blow for the white bucks.”

How to Wear White Bucks (2024)

FAQs

How do you wear Bucks shoes? ›

Sometimes referred to as the “third shoe” — not quite casual, not quite formal — they're still prized for their versatility and comfort today. Wear a clean pair with a suit to stand out from the crowd, or give your sneakers a rest and toss them on with jeans, a button-front shirt or a polo for a smart-casual look.

Who made white bucks popular? ›

Suede shoes could be found in a range of other colours as well, but ultimately it was white bucks that - despite being a significant challenge to keep clean - proved most popular, no doubt in part because of the fact that they were often sported by another successful singer (and teen heart-throb) of the era, Pat Boone.

How do you clean white bucks? ›

Steps to Clean White Bucks:

Use a suede brush to clean away any dirt or build-up that may have occurred. Use a hard, white eraser to remove any scuff marks. A chalk bag allows for quick touch-ups to keep them looking sharp and white. Simply pat the bag onto the areas that need touching up.

Can you wear white sneakers with anything? ›

White sneakers pair perfectly with any of your classic, all-purpose styling pieces like chunky knit turtleneck sweaters, denim jackets, premium white tees, or leather jackets. Anything from white tennis shoes, to running trainers, to high-top canvas sneakers pairs perfectly with a classic piece.

What socks to wear with white bucks? ›

2. Please wear your white bucks with socks. Get some white, cream, or light tan dress socks. Wearing shoes, especially leather shoes, without socks, especially in the heat of summer, is terrible for your feet and for the leather of the shoes.

What do you wear with bucks? ›

A traditional bucks party is a semi-formal occasion where men wear suits or blazers while toasting to their friend with fine Scottish whiskey, Cuban cigars and martini (shaken not stirred, of course).

When can I wear white Bucks? ›

Now in theory, white bucks go with anything. They're historically a smart shoe, worn with Summer suits and other warm-weather tailoring.

Are white Bucks common? ›

Most people, like my grandfather, refer to white deer as “albinos.” While deer can be albinos, it's exceedingly rare. Albinism is a congenital condition defined by the absence of pigment, resulting in an all-white appearance and pink eyes.

What year were white buck shoes popular? ›

Today in the ongoing spirit of the return of classes for many this week, we're going to delve into the history of buck shoes, which were especially popular with students during the 1950s.

How do you clean white balls? ›

Using a washcloth or other type of shower scrubber will also go a long way in getting your boys as clean as possible. Be sure to rinse well while you're in there, as lingering product residue can cause itchiness and odor.

How do you keep white nubuck clean? ›

Nubuck
  1. – Dry Brush: Use a dry suede or premium brush to dry brush and loose dirt from the nubuck to prevent stains when cleaning.
  2. – Erase: Use the suede eraser to lightly erase any stains.
  3. – Foam: Like suede, using minimal liquid is key when cleaning nubuck.

How do you clean white brim? ›

Hydrogen peroxide: Use a cotton swab, cotton ball, paper towel or white cloth to apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Work the hydrogen peroxide into the material with a soft, clean toothbrush. Let it soak into the hat for about 10 minutes, then rinse, air dry and see if the stain is gone.

What is the rule for white shoes? ›

For many years, fashion experts insisted that white shoes should only be worn before Labor Day. The reasoning was that white was a summer color, and wearing white shoes after the end of summer would be considered gauche. However, times have changed, and white shoes are now considered acceptable for year-round wear.

Are white shoes still in style 2022? ›

The classic white sneaker will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean you can't add a little color. Adding a paneled accent color to a white shoe is the best way to make a subtle statement in 2022.

Are white loafers in style? ›

White loafers are in style, and getting these spiked white color loafers can make you look super trendy. If you want to up your style game and stand out from the crowd, buy these shoes today! You can easily adorn them with a pair of jeans, which will give off a classy and rugged vibe.

Can you wear white bucks after Labor Day? ›

There are few greater sartorial power moves than wearing white after Labor Day. Doing so not only bucks the age-old diktat that warns against all shades of ivory after the start of September, but it also establishes the wearer as someone impervious to the grime of daily life.

When should you not wear white socks? ›

With Casual Shorts

If you then match those sneakers with white socks, you are committing a mortal sin. Wearing bright white socks along with shorts is a big fashion no-no, and all eyes will be on your ensemble.

Should socks be darker than suit? ›

The general rule is: The socks should always be a few shades darker than the trousers. For example, dark blue socks go with a navy suit. You should wear black or dark grey socks with a grey suit. And light brown socks are the perfect choice for a beige suit.

What colors do the Bucks wear? ›

The Milwaukee Bucks jersey colors are Good Land green, Cream City cream, and white. The Milwaukee Bucks uniform has been the same since 2015.

What do you wear under a Bucks jersey? ›

Because basketball jerseys can be relatively revealing, wear a tee shirt underneath them to adhere to public etiquette.

How do you dress a swagger? ›

Dressing with swag means you are proud to show off what you've got.
...
Get several classic clothing items.
  1. A button down shirt.
  2. A utility jacket.
  3. A black dress, for girls.
  4. Graphic Tees.
  5. Jeans.
  6. A hoodie.
  7. A hat or beanie.

How late in the season can you wear white jeans? ›

White jeans are a chic base for an outfit all year-round. Dressing for the climate is always a must, but you can certainly wear your white pants into the fall and beyond.

What day can you start wearing white pants? ›

It's Time to Shut Down Fashion's Oldest Myth Once and for All. I don't know who needs to hear this, but, yes, you can wear white after Labor Day. Trends come and go.

Can I wear white Oants in winter? ›

No matter the season, white pants proponents prove that the garment can, in fact, be worn any time of year, even past the antiquated Labor Day expiration date rule.

Why are white bucks sacred? ›

White deer hold a place in the traditions of many cultures. They are considered to be messengers from the otherworld in some Celtic mythology; they also played an important role in other pre-Indo-European cultures, especially in the north.

Are white bucks sacred? ›

Native Americans considered a white deer to be sacred and a bringer of good fortune. Even today, hunters consider it to be bad luck to shoot one.

How rare is white buck? ›

Albino deer are deer that lack pigmentation and have a completely white hide and pink eyes, nose and hooves. Piebald deer are much more common with some studies showing the trait may show up in one in 1,000 deer. Albinism is much rarer and may only be observed in one in 30,000 deer.

What is the oldest popular shoe brand? ›

The Frye Company is an American manufacturer of shoes, boots and leather accessories. Founded in 1863, it claims to be the oldest continuously operated American shoe company.

Are white shoes timeless? ›

The style is as timeless—and timely—as ever. There's a reason the white sneaker has become the go-to champion for so many sneaker stalwarts and DTC upstarts alike: It's a hero product, in the most literal sense of the word.

What was the most popular shoe in the 1960s? ›

In the 1960s, Converse released their classic Chuck Taylors in bright colors for the athletes that wanted to match their shoes to their team colors. The new ability to rep your team colors made Converse the most popular shoe of the '60s.

What are buck style shoes? ›

A buck is a more casual dress shoe. It's an oxford shoe that's typically made of suede and has a brick red sole. For the better part of the last 150 years, saddle shoes and bucks have been staples in men's footwear.

How do you wear suede bucks? ›

These types of high-end suede trainers will look great paired with jeans, chinos, or even a tailored pair of shorts. To dress up with suede trainers, you can wear a sports jacket or wool blazer. Try and match the colour of your jacket to the shoes for the best overall appearance.

When can I wear white bucks? ›

Now in theory, white bucks go with anything. They're historically a smart shoe, worn with Summer suits and other warm-weather tailoring.

What does buck mean shoes? ›

In modern colloquial English the derby shoe may be referred to as 'bucks' when the upper is made of buckskin. The derby became a popular sporting and hunting boot in the 1850s. By the turn of the 20th century the derby had become appropriate for wear in town.

Why is the Buck 110 so popular? ›

The history of the Buck 110 is impressive. It came out in 1964 and blew everyone away. It's the first lockback knife that was readily available for anyone and everyone, and it was even affordable. It's also the first folder considered strong enough to be a viable hunting knife.

What are gangster shoes called? ›

The spectator shoe, also known as co-respondent shoe, is a style of low-heeled, oxford, semi-brogue or full brogue constructed from two contrasting colours, typically having the toe and heel cap and sometimes the lace panels in a darker colour than the main body of the shoe.

Why is it called a buck 110? ›

The 110 had a 3 ¾ inch blade. The handles were typically made of wood and the bolsters constructed of brass. Its staple features were its high-tension lock and low-pressure release. The 110 was so successful that it turned 'Buck' into a broad term for all folding locked-blade knives.

Is suede in style 2022? ›

Suede is one of those materials that's never out of style, but this season it's never looked fresher. For Tom Ford's autumn/winter 2022 presentation, models were styled in plum-hued bombers, unzipped to reveal tonal velour tracksuits beneath.

When should you stop wearing suede? ›

Would you mind clearing the air on when and when not to wear these shoes and what to wear them with? Suede does have a sort of autumnal feeling to it, but there's no reason you can't wear suede shoes in any season. The only season during which suede is inadvisable is the rainy season.

What should you not do with suede? ›

Don't: Use Water. Normal leather is relatively water resistant, as it's made from the outside of an animal's hide, which is accustomed to being exposed to water. Suede on the other hand, has zero water resistance and will be damaged if it comes in contact with water.

What is the rule for wearing white? ›

The old-fashioned decree bans us from wearing white during the winter and spring, from Labor Day in September till May Day (another day designated to celebrate workers' rights). One popular theory dates back to the early 1900s.

Why is it called Buck? ›

Buck is an informal reference to $1 that may trace its origins to the American colonial period when deerskins (buckskins) were commonly traded for goods. The buck also refers to the U.S. dollar as a currency that can be used both domestically and internationally.

What were white buck shoes made of? ›

White bucks are made from a form of suede called “nubuck.” Its surface looks and feels like suede with a soft texture. Its' trade mark is a pink sole. Most often white bucks are made in a four-eyelet plain-toe lace up oxford. Less often they come in the traditional wingtip lace up.

What does OG mean in sneakers? ›

General Sneaker Terminology

OG: OG stands for “Original” – although, as aforementioned, it once stood for “Original Gangster.” The term OG may be used to refer to the earliest release of a silhouette, a classic colorway, or a faithful reissue.

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