Tight Tan Slacks
I use these Adidas soccer socks: Amazon.com: adidas Unisex Rivalry Field 2-Pack Otc sock, University Red/White, Large: Sports & Outdoors
They're a snug fit but don't cut off circulation at all.
Tight Tan Slacks
PX Clothing Mélange Yarn Joggers
These are my current favorites... the material is quite smooth, but not like that dry-wick stuff (you don't slide off a bench)... and they are holding up alright for deads.
I use soccer socks and I made up a shin guard out of a 2L bottle of Pepsi. I only need it for the one side though. With my mixed grip, I must just be slightly off. It does drag a little on my other leg, but the sock is enough to protect. With ideal form, the socks should be enough. But like other said, you could use your knee sleeves as well.
Knee high socks.
Looks like knee high socks is the forum favorite. Next question, does cotton or polyester feel 'cooler' to wear, since the whole point of switching from sweat pants to shorts and socks is to not feel as hot.
Confession, I had my wife hem all my lifting shorts for me, so that they are a couple inches above me knee. Not quite 70's big short, but now they don't snag on my knees when squatting, and feel less hot than they did before. I even wear sleeveless shirts on occasion in my garage now, and not just my white Costco undershirts. Those undershirts sure are nice for wiping sweat off your face. Speaking of Costco, I bet they have some amazing deals on knee high socks. I could probably buy a dozen for the cost of two on amazon.
I've never deadlifted with anything other than bare shins. Narrow stance, smooth part of the bar against my legs. That helps I guess but the contact is pretty minimal anyway.