what are the different types of socks?

 

Let’s face it–there are a lot of different types of socks out there. And while we don’t generally believe in rules, we understand that most of you might need some guidance with which of our fabulous socks go with loafers and which might look better with sneakers. Do funny knee high socks belong to the weekends only? Which low-key socks are best for the office? 

FYI: If you work here, all of our awesome socks are best for the office!

If you’re looking for help with the many different sock lengths or the various fibers used to make socks, we can help too.

But for now, let’s focus on choosing the right socks to match your activity, setting or mood. Does that seem like a daunting task? Fear not! We are here to help! Because there are actually seven different types of socks for you to choose from. Let’s dive in!

The 7 Types of Socks and How to Wear Them

1. No-Show Socks

As much as we love to show off our personality with novelty socks, we also understand that there are times when you might not want your socks to show. 

OK, well, not really us, but … you do you! 

If you want your shoes to steal the spotlight, just reach for a pair of no-show ankle socks that hit below the ankle. Women can wear no-show socks in both casual and business settings (with dressy flats, usually), whereas men typically only wear them for informal occasions. If you’ve seen a man that looks like he is going sockless with his suit, he is likely wearing no-show socks.

2. Ankle Socks

Also known as mini-crew socks, ankle socks hit an inch or so above the ankle. This type of sock is commonly worn for athletic activities such as tennis or running, which is why sports brands often make them with performance fabrics that wick away moisture. 

Ankles socks can be worn for everyday occasions and athletic activities alike. Don’t consider yourself a sporty type? Don’t sweat it — literally. If you’re just going about your day, consider jazzing up your look with fun ankle socks for women that will brighten your day. Choose a pattern to suit your mood and wear them with your favorite pair of kicks or booties to put a little pep in your step!

3. Crew Length Socks

If there is one type of sock that everyone should have in their closet, it’s the crew sock. This classic sock style hits just below the middle of the calf. It also happens to be one of the most popular types of socks, especially ever since it had a major fashion debut a couple of years back. We sell more crew socks every year than all other types combined, by a long shot.

Crew socks come in a variety of sub-styles that make them suitable for any occasion. For instance, crew length dress socks are the best choice for everyday office wear or interviews. If you’re going on a hike, you’d want a thicker crew sock made with moisture-wicking fabrics. No matter what your activity, there’s a crew sock out there to suit your every need!

4. Mid-Calf Length Socks

Mid-calf length socks hit the middle of the calf (crazy, huh?) and are sometimes advertised as “trouser socks” for men and women. This type of sock style is made to keep your feet nice and warm inside boots, sneakers and loafers while giving your outfit a dressier appearance.

Mid-calf length socks are considered a more formal sock length, and they were more popular in years past. However, they now come in a variety of patterns and fabrics to suit all different seasons and occasions. Wool is a popular sock fabric for the winter months, while thinner fabrics are ideal for summer and daily office attire. We carry a handful of styles that are tall enough to qualify as “mid-calf length,” but we still sort them into our selection of crew socks because the term isn’t very well-known by most shoppers.

5. Knee High Socks

Knee high socks are a popular sock style with women because they’re warm AND cute. This sock style hits right at the knee and is perfect for wearing with tall boots or a chic skirt or shorts. 

Of course, guys can get in on the knee high socks game, too. Both men and women wear this sock style for sporting activities such as soccer, weightlifting or lacrosse.

And don’t forget about our crazy compression socks! These amazing socks are sure to get a few laughs from friends and coworkers, while helping to keep fatigue at bay.

Either way, knee highs work as a major statement accessory that help you express yourself when you’re out and about! And a little sock fairy secret: There’s nothing cozier for self-care than an adorable pair of knee highs when you’re taking it easy at home!

6. Over-the-Knee Socks

Over-the-knee socks are another popular sock style that is commonly worn with boots. In the fall or winter, a pair of wool or knit over-the-knee socks looks ridiculously cute with most boot styles and is sure to keep your feet warm. While they’re typically reserved for colder months, die-hard sock lovers (*cough, cough*) will wear statement over-the-knee socks year-round with shorts and skirts. 

Here at Goodly, we have experimented with selling a variety of these really tall socks over the years, and we may again, but they just haven’t been as popular for us. We are constantly balancing the socks we personally love with what all you shoppers out there want the most. If you love rocking over-the-knee socks or our next category, thigh highs, just know that we think YOU ROCK! Let us know in the comments if you think we should offer more of these styles!

7. Thigh High Socks

Last, but certainly not least, there are thigh high socks. Super fun and fashionable, these tall socks extend all the way up the thigh and may have some tight elastic at the top to keep them from falling down. The thigh high socks market is pretty much cornered by women, but we’re sure that if you looked hard enough you could find thigh highs in larger sizes for dudes. Anyway, we have to say that there is just something feminine and flirty about this flattering sock style. Want to wear bold thigh high socks? Be sure to keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your socks do all the talking!

Feed Your Sock Obsession

Don’t fall for thinking that socks are just on your feet to keep them warm! They’re a fashion accessory, conversation starter, and more than anything, they’re a fabulous way to express your amazing personality. 

 

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