The Ultimate Guide to Socks: 50 Types of Socks You Need to Know About
Socks, they never get the attention other clothing items do. Let’s be honest many of us prioritise other items of clothing and this is especially the case when it comes to doing different activities. Going to the gym and Im sure you will go in your workout gear, or on a holiday you take your nicest shorts. But what about socks? Do we need specific ones for different activities and occasions just like other items of clothing? Well the short answer is yes but sometimes it’s really your choice which socks you prefer. So lets dive right in and see what kind of socks there are
By Length
1. Half Socks: Think of these as toe gloves. They literally just cover just your toes and a bit more and are perfect for open-back shoes like clogs or crocks. Ideal for the minimalist who wants toe protection or anybody who gets cold toes.
2. No-Show Socks: These are the little ninjas of the sock world staying hidden under low-cut shoes. They're the perfect sock for low cut trainers like Vans and perfect for anyone who loves loafers but hates the look of socks peeking out.
3. Ankle Socks: Think no show socks but they cover your ankles too. These are the classic choice for gym-goers and casual walkers with their trainers. They're also great for pairing with trainers when you’re on the move.
4. Quarter-Length Socks: These are slightly taller than ankle socks and cover the whole ankle. Usually worn for sports, these socks are for the active individual. Many sports company’s choose to make socks this length to show off their brand logo on the socks. Smaller ankle socks don't allow the room on the sock for this.
5. Crew Socks: This type of sock is the mid point between longer socks an athletic socks. They cover more than the ankle are suitable for athletic wear and causal outfits. They're perfect for high tops and hiking boots.
6. Mid-Calf Socks: The most popular sock size! Higher than the crew fitting just below the middle of the calf. These are the perfect mix between warmth and fashion making perfect socks for style enthusiasts who like a little comfort and warmth.
7. Calf Socks: Reaching just below the knee, these are very popular with athletes needing extra leg protection. They are ideal for runners, football and rugby.
8. Knee-High Socks: They cover the knees! These are a favourite for keeping warm and adding a stylish touch. Often worn as part of school uniforms or with shorter dresses where the hem line is below the knee and sometimes even worn by air hostesses. 2024 has unravelled a trend of knee high socks being worn with short dresses and sandals. Hey we don't create the fashion, we just tell you about it!
9. Thigh-High Socks: So these go above the knee as the name suggests, however as well as being popular to keep really cold legs warm their also pretty fashionable amongst loyal wearers. Fashion and warmth isn't the only use of these socks; they are also great for compression therapy and helping improve vein function therapy.
By Function
10. Athletic Socks: These socks can range from ankle to calf socks sizes and are usually cushioned and moisture wicking to allow heat and sweat leave the socks. Expect to find in many synthetic fibres but bamboo in our opinion is the best. Mostly warn by gym rats and runners.
11. Compression Socks: Compression socks are specially designed to apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles to promoting blood flow from the lower legs and ankles to the heart. They help reduce swelling and discomfort as well as help prevent blood clots and are commonly used by individuals who stand or sit for prolonged periods. Others than can use compression socks are athletes, those with medical conditions such as varicose veins and those with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
These sock are perfect for anybody travelling (although you could also wear the similar and effective flight socks) working long-shifts and anyone needing a gentle pressure to help their veins and muscle move blood more efficiently.
12. Thermal Socks: Insulated socks for extra warmth to help battle colder climates or winter sports. These can be made from a range of materials but are most popular in wool. Think Cold winter nights on the sofa.
13. Diabetic Socks: These socks are non-binding and seamless for sensitive feet. They should come with protective padding or towelling at the base of the sock and around the toes. This is to help prevent any injury’s from knocks and bumps the wearer may encounter as well as giving feet more comfort. The special cuff helps to prevent any blood flow restrictions.
14. Grip/Non-Slip Socks: Socks with grips/Threads on the soles! These socks help with grip and are mainly worn by athletes and in other activities including yoga, pilates, dance and medical patients or elderly to prevent falling.
15. Heated Sock: Heated socks are specially designed footwear that incorporate heating elements to keep feet warm in cold conditions. They are powered by batteries, often rechargeable, and provide adjustable heat levels for comfort. Ideal for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or hunting, as well as for individuals with conditions like Raynaud's disease, these socks help maintain foot warmth and improve circulation.
16. Spa socks: These socks are usually made from cotton and have a spandex layer inside. They are designed to allow you to put creams and moisturiser on your feet and wear the socks without having the cream seep out.
17. Dress Socks: Elegant and made from more high quality materials these socks are for formal occasions. They come in solid colours such as black, blue and grey and can come in a crew length or over the calf length.
18. Stocking Socks: Sometimes also just referred to as hosiery these socks are similar to hosiery but in a socks form. Imagine they are worn like hosiery but the look and feel is similar to that of socks. Thin and knee-high, often worn with skirts for a sleek look. Ideal for office wear and stylish occasions. Similar to women's tights but in sock form.
19. Fishnet Socks: These are really bold with a mesh-like design. They really make a statement and are perfect for the fashion-forward individual as well as those looking for punk-inspired outfits.
20. Transparent Socks: These are becoming a growing trend out of 2023 but have always been around. Coming in a transparent tights like material they allow the wearer to wear socks that you can still see your feet in. They add a touch of style to many outfits including heels, sandals and dolly shoes. They allow you to stand out subtly without being too bold and the growing range of styles and colours allows for more options.
21. Toe Socks: Sometimes called 5 finger socks, each toe gets its own cozy compartment. These socks are like gloves for your feet separating each toe and stopping friction between toes and helping prevent blisters.
22. Novelty Socks: The typical occasion sock gift that allows you to add the splash of personality when gift giving. Although many of these types of socks are usually of the lower quality spectrum, things have changed with newer socks entering the market that cater towards better quirky designs, gift giving and socks with personality all whilst maintaining a high quality. Check out happy bits socks for some examples.
23. Liner Socks: Thin socks that are made to be worn under thicker socks. Usually lightweight and breathable they make great socks for anybody with sensitive skin. They literally act like a extra layer of skin on your feet.
24. Ped Socks: Similar to no show socks, these socks sit just above the heel collar of your shoe. Many athletes prefer wearing these to no show socks when doing activities as they don’t a slip as much allowing for more comfort. There also great with loafers and everyday.
By Material
25. Cotton Socks: The standard sock material for soft breathable socks. The most commonly warn natural material and ideal for everyday use.
26. Wool Socks: The go to material for warmth. Thicker strands of material allow for greater levels of warmth between sock and skin. Ideal for the colder months and for anybody looking to do any outer door activities like hiking where durability as well as warmth is needed.
27. Bamboo Socks: The Swiss knife of sock materials and the King of all occasions. Super soft material meets moisture wicking properties and anti bacterial ones allowing for high levels of comfortability. Perfect for sensitive feet! Let’s not forget bamboo being a eco friendly and sustainable option. What’s not to love? Check out awesome bamboo socks!
28. Synthetic Socks: Made from durable materials like polyester and nylon, these are great for athletic use. Perfect for intense workouts and outdoor adventures. Although these materials are great as working out socks they do come with major drawbacks, these include the harsh effects of producing synthetic materials on the planet as well as the roughness people often feel from many synthetic materials on their skin.
Other Specific Types
29. Executive Socks: Also know as Dress socks these are the most formal socks. They usually measure at least 18 inches and come just above the knees. Traditionally worn by men for formal occasions, these socks ensured no skin was showing during meetings. I mean I wouldn’t expect your trousers to be that high up but you never know.
30. Hiking Socks: Hiking socks are specially designed socks that provide comfort, support, and protection for your feet during hiking. These socks have various levels of cushioning to support you on hikes. Some socks have heavier cushioning ideal when carrying heavy loads. They also designed to stop bunching while on the move.
31. Cycling Socks: Cycling socks are designed to enhance comfort, performance, and protection for cyclists. They are often made from lightweight materials and are a snug fit to prevent slippage whilst cycling. Sometimes these socks have mild amounts of compression to enhance blood flow and reduce fatigue. Cycling socks also come in different heights to help prevent against sun exposure and debris.
32. Loafer Socks: Thin and designed to stay hidden in loafers. These quite literally cling onto your feet. There very similar to no show socks and in our opinion, quite literally the same. Usually made from synthetic fibres due to being really thin.
33. Slouch Socks: These are made to be worn slouched in a relaxed manner around the ankles. Made popular in the 80’s to 90’s fashion scene these socks are made from a thick ribbed cotton fabric that allows them to be worn in a relaxed fit. They have made a small resurgence in recent times but are not soo popular now.
34. Boot Socks: These socks are predominantly made for winter boots and offer a extra layer of comfort and warmth for colder weather conditions. Typical materials include wool and thermal layers to retain heat with thicker layers of fabric or double layers used. Expect these socks to rise well above your boots and sometimes as high as your knees.
35. Ski Socks: Think Boot socks but longer and thicker to fit into ski boots. These socks also have more durability to cope with the resistance from skiing and sometimes a compression element to help with better blood flow and recovery during activity.
36. Running Socks: There are a wide range of running socks in various different forms depending on what the runner prefers. Generally these socks are light weight and breathable. They can have mesh panels to help sweat escape or they can be double layered to help run in colder conditions. Expect good socks to be reinforced at the heels and toe areas for durability. Lengths once Again are varying and the length the runner wants depends on what they prefer or the weather conditions.
37. Football Socks: The famous footie sock has been around for ages. Made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester they are made for durability during play. These socks fit more snug in comparison to other socks to prevent slippage. They also come in a variety if colours in accordance to the teams colours.
38. Yoga Socks: Specifically designed for yoga these socks look very different to other socks. Some yoga socks come with closed toe designs whilst others come with the more versatile open toe design. The open toe design allows for better grip with the toes and materials like cotton, bamboo and spandex allow for ease of movement and breathability. The non slip area on the base is a standout allowing for ultimate grip.
39. American football socks: These rough and tumble socks are made from synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester for durability giving a similar fit and feel to other field sport socks. The difference how is they come with added padding due to the impact rate in America football providing the wearer a extra layer of protection. Lengths can also be longer.
40. Golf Socks: Golf socks come in many various forms to accommodate the wearers preference. Many of these socks come in super comfortable materials and cushioning to help with long walks on the golf green. All types of golf socks come with reinforced layers to support your golfing swings. Lengths range from ankle socks to longer lengths to allow you to choose which length best suits you.
41. Lounge Socks: These are made for pure comfort, for lazing around at home and feeling warm and cozy. Lounge socks are usually made from more luxurious materials such as merino wool or super soft bamboo. Socks can be designed to feel more plush with thicker layers of material for added warmth and cushioning. Slipper socks are a popular type of lounge sock. They come with a non slip layer to help support the wearer from slipping on more slippy surfaces. We should also mention thermal socks and knitted socks which make great additions to any lounge set.
42. Bed Socks: These socks are designed to keep you warm and comfortable while sleeping. They are usually made from thermal materials or luxury materials like cashmere. They even come in new aloe infused versions to hydrate feet over night.
By Style
43. Argyle Socks: These fashionable socks were at the height of fashion at the start of the 20th century with a range of many colours. Featuring diamond shapes in a combination of colours with intersecting lines they were unlike anything seen before and became widely popular. Various materials were used but mainly cotton and wool, with a combination of more subtle colours to allow the wearer to have a more casual look. Originally created in Scotland the sock has a deep history with the country but its popularity soon spread to the rest of the UK and United States.
44. Frilly socks: Frilly socks are adorned with ruffles or a lace trim on the cuff. This makes these socks stand out for most other socks quite easily even when in their most popular colour of white. Frilly socks gained a lot of popularity in the 80’s and 90’s with young girls and became a staple sock for girls with the school uniforms.
45. Acid Wash Socks: These socks are treated with a specific washing technique to create a unique multi - tonal appearance. This process requires using a acid or chemical/bleach wash to partially fade the fabric. The popularity of these socks came to the forefront In the 1980s and they have since returned in 2022 with many brands stocking these designs amongst their socks.
Other Functional socks
46. Flying socks: Similar to compression socks but designed for flying. These provide a level of comfort during flying whilst providing a low to moderate level of compression in comparison to regular compression socks. Flight socks usually offer more comfort in comparison to their compression cousins due to the simple fact your seated a lot more on a plane than you might be normally. You need to get as comfortable as possible and this is why flight socks tend to be made with more comfortable materials like bamboo cotton and cashmere wool. They aren’t as reinforced as compression socks due to reinforcement normally meaning using more synthetic fibres and the simple fact you wont need to be as active.
47. Dance Socks: Dance socks are specialised socks made to facilitate smooth movements over the dance floor. These socks are smooth alright! They are super smooth and can sometimes have grips on the toes and heel area to help the dancer grip. There is a choice between bare feet dance socks and slip on dance socks. The later you slide over your dance shoes.
48. Work Socks: These socks are designed specifically for people who spend long hours on their feet or in demanding environments. Think of people builders working in tough conditions on a construction site. They enhance comfort and support when wearing work boots and are more durable than normal socks. Work socks come in more durable fabrics and double layers and can sometimes even come with padded areas and arch support. Mainly used in manufacturing, physical labour jobs and those who require prolonged standing.
49. Military Socks: Military socks are specially designed using a blend of high quality durable fabrics. The socks will be reinforced and padded to support the user during heavy usage. Occasionally some socks can also offer a form of compression to help with recovery and blood circulation on tougher assignments. Used by a variety of military personnel but also used by many hikers, campers and sailors.
50. Climbing Socks: Made from moisture wicking fabrics like bamboo and these socks offer a snug fit preventing sliding for the climber. They can also offer cushioning on pressure point areas and areas where you may get friction to prevent blisters.
In conclusion we can see the world of socks is incredibly diverse, offering a multitude of options to suit every need, occasion, and personal style. From the practical and specialised designs of work socks and military socks to the fashionable and fun varieties like frilly socks and acid wash socks, there's a type of sock for everyone. Whether you require the medical benefits of compression socks, the performance enhancement of athletic socks, or the nostalgic charm of argyle socks, each type serves a unique function and adds value to our daily lives.
So, the next time you reach into your sock drawer, remember that each pair represents a blend of history, technology, and fashion, all woven together to meet the diverse demands of our feet.