6 Types of Socks & Lengths Explained

An informal guide to each sock length, it's benefits and how to style them. When choosing an outfit, accessories are a win or lose situation especially when your socks don't match your shoes and outfit altogether.

Our guide below will look at the designs and features of 6 types of common socks that are worn.

When were socks first worn?

Socks are first dated back to prehistoric times when cave dwellers first wore animal skins tied around their ankles. Ancient Romans were the first civilisation to wear fabric socks. In more recent times, the Middle Ages saw higher classed individuals wearing stockings made from silk and premium fabrics.

It wasn't until the first sewing machines were created before the general public were able to feed into the market of a wide variety of socks with differing patterns, lengths, colors, and fabrics.

Benefits of Wearing Socks

Socks are found to not be used just for aesthetic purposes, the original construction and materials of socks can provide varying levels of warmth and comfort:

1. Warmth: Wool, cashmere, and acrylic keep your feet warm and create a barrier from cold weather.
2. Moisture-wicking: Rayon and cotton socks are lightweight, breathable and have moisture-wicking abilities. These sweat-absorbing socks are ideal for sports.
3. Stretch: Socks featuring nylon will provide stretch and a snug fit.
4. Durability: Socks with a reinforced heel and toe areas will have more durability.

6 Types of Socks you need in your wardrobe

No Show

These socks are designed to cover the heel and toe and are invisible when wearing shoes. The design allows you to avoid blistering from your ankles and the front of your foot when there is friction from walking for long lengths. They also keep unwanted bad smells from pilling up after sweat from your feet stays inside the shoe.

You can style no-show socks with low-cut shoes or slip-on shoes, such as ballerina shoes, loafers, and sandals.

Trainer Socks

Low-cut socks, sit underneath the ankle area and extend up to the ankle bone. These socks can be worn with slip-on or low-cut shoes to help prevent blisters, and make a good pair with running shoes.

Ankle/ Crew Socks

These socks are slightly longer than trainer socks and range from above the ankle to Quarter-length socks. They protect the area where your shoe meets your Achilles, making it a great sock to wear with any type of shoe or boots. Ankle and Crew socks have enough length to feature elaborate designs and prints that pair well with loafers, heels and sandals.

Knee High / Over the Knee

Knee-length socks extend up the leg and fully cover the knee. Over the knee socks are typically seen as “dressier” than crew length socks. They can be worn as sheer pop socks or a lengthy knee sock that pair well with boots or long skirts for added coverage. Compared to crew length socks, the major advantage is the fact that they don’t fall down your calf over time.

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