Last Updated on February 2, 2021
How well do you know socks, and how do you pair them with different outfits? Well, there are countless types of socks on the market that create varying fashion statements.
One critical thing you need to note is that socks have variable functions and match different styles and outfits. If you don’t know how to wear your socks or what kinds of socks available in the market, this is the right article to read. We will provide information about the top 40 types of socks on the market and how to wear them.
1. Dress socks
These are men’s socks worn for official callings, maybe for a dinner date or a gala dinner. They are made with lightweight materials and are also quite breathable. The dress socks are made to reach slightly above the calf or around the calf length. You can wear dress socks with a tuxedo or official suits.
2. Casual socks
Just as the name states, these are socks worn casually. They are some of the most versatile socks worn with different casual outfits ranging from jeans, khaki, or shorts. They come in varying sizes to match with different types of outfits. Also, casual socks are made in brighter colors with contrasting prints and patterns.
3. Work socks
These are socks crafted for work only. The work socks are formal, just like the dress socks, which are more durable and comfortable. Since the socks are meant to be worn for long hours, they have lightweight and cushioned footbed for support when walking around. These socks are also quite durable.
4. Yoga socks
Basically, the yoga socks offer feet grip when performing various yoga moves. So, they have anti-skid details at the soles to the toes area. The majority of yoga socks are stretchy to reach around the ankle area.
5. Winter socks
The winter socks are made with extra-thick knitted materials, plus insulation that secures the feet from the cold. The winter socks are made with warm and soft materials like wool and polyester, plus they have wicking properties to ensure the feet are dry throughout. These are socks you can wear with boots, outdoors, or pajamas while indoors.
6. Running socks
These types of socks are recommendable for people who love running sports. They are designed to reach slightly above the running shoes’ edges to offer enough support to your feet. You can pair them with all running shoe models.
7. Diabetic socks
These are medically advised socks for people who have diabetes. The diabetes socks are ideal for improving blood flow around the feet and secure the feet from fungal infections by keeping the feet dry all the time. These socks are made with soft and warm materials, plush cushioning for ample support to the feet. You can wear diabetes socks with different outfits, including official and casual.
8. Compression socks
If you have swelling feet, your physician will recommend you get compression socks. These are crafted socks to employ pressure on the lower part of the legs to improve blood flow while reducing swelling of the legs. Also, people with varicose veins are advised to wear these socks to reduce swelling.
9. Boot socks
You should wear socks that reach at least where the shoes reach or slightly above the shoes. So, the boot socks are designed to be worn with different sizes of boots. Some boot socks may go above or below the knees and are super thick and breathable for comfort when worn with boots.
10. Support socks
These socks are similar to the compression socks, only that they are recommendable for all people, even those without leg problems. The support socks are made with strong spandex materials that provide firm fitting to support the muscles and reduce fatigue. These types of socks are common for athletes and gym enthusiasts since they offer excellent foot support. Also, they come in varying sizes to wear with running and sports shoes.
11. Slipper socks
If you need socks to wear while indoors instead of house slippers, get slipper socks. Slipper socks are crafted with an anti-skid button that secures the feet from slipping even when you walk on slippery surfaces. These socks are super comfortable and breathable in case you want to wear them for an entire day. Also, they are made in lengthy sizes.
12. Loafer socks
Some shoes or low cut shoes need low cut socks to give the wearer that edgy look. So, the loafer socks are meant to be paired with loafer shoes or flat shoes for women. They come in varying prints, colors, and patterns to fit different wears, both office and casual.
13. Leg warmer socks
These are socks worn during the winter or cold seasons. They are also ideal for people who do morning activities like hunting or fishing for warmth purposes. What sets the leg warmers socks aside is the design. Unlike other socks that start from the toes, the leg warmers socks start from the ankle section up to the knee section. The majority of these socks are made with warm and soft material to keep the legs warm and secure. Leg warmer socks should be worn on other socks for additional warmth.
14. Waterproof socks
If you are involved in work that requires you to keep your legs in cold areas, these are the best socks to get to secure your feet. These socks are made with a waterproof rubber-like material that secures the feet from contact with wetness. Considering these socks are not too breathable, they are mainly worn on their own.
15. Liner socks
The liner socks are much lighter and thinner and should be worn inside other pairs of socks. They are quite common for hikers or camper since they help to wick away moisture on the feet to keep the feet dry throughout. The liner socks are also worn with thicker socks, whereby they secure the feet from blisters in case of excessive heat.
16. Anti-slip socks
These socks are made just like yoga socks at the base sections, only that they can be worn for casual duties. These socks are designed like ankle boots with anti-slip rubber or plastic soles to prevent your feet from slipping off the floor. You can wear the grip socks while indoors to keep you warm, or if you don’t want to keep on wearing slippers to access areas in the house.
17. Tab socks
These socks are equipped with extra tab materials at the back of the heels to secure them from blisters by ensuring the shoes do not rub the heels. You can wear these sock types with new shoes or shoes that are a bit tighter on your feet.
18. Trouser socks/ stockings
These are standard socks worn by women when rocking skirts, dresses, or trousers. The trouser socks are meant to be worn under the trousers and skirts, plus they extend way up to the thigh region. The trouser socks are mainly worn for formal occasions or during the cold times like at night.
19. Crew socks
These socks are designed just like loafer socks, only that they extend up to the ankle section. The crew socks are made in varying sizes and patterns, ideal for kids and adults. These are socks that you can wear with casual outfits or official fits.
20. No show socks
These are other standard socks worn by women with different types of shoes. These socks are made in neutral colors, so you can wear them with different shoes such as strapped shoes or palm shoes when going to the office. However, note that these are short socks since they are smaller than loafer socks.
21. Anklet socks
These are pretty much the most fashionable socks that you can rock with any streetwear out there. These socks are crafted in ankle-length, and you can wear them with sneakers, ankle boots, or running shoes. The anklet socks come in different prints and patterns.
22. Mid-calf socks
The mid-calf socks are designed to cut out through the mid-calf section above the ankle and below the knees. These socks are ideal for wearing with mid-calf boots and are also familiar to students.
23. Thigh high socks
These are the most extended socks types that reach in mid-thigh or above the mid-thigh sections. These socks are great for young girls or if you want to wear a short skirt with platform shoes. They are quite fashionable when paired with the right outfits.
24. Over the knee socks
Over the knee socks are common for people who wear boots occasionally or short skirts since they reach slightly above the knees. So, these are safe socks that you can rock with knee-high boots. Note that some above-knee socks may go closer to the mid-thighs.
25. Thumb socks
These are unique socks designed with a gap between the large toe. These socks are comfortable wearing the Y-shaped slippers since they are more comfortable paired with such slippers. They are also common in Chinese culture, and they are worn with kimonos.
26. Toe socks/ toe gloves
These are the type of socks with contoured toes spaces like hand gloves such that; you have to slip your toes on the available gaps. The socks are comfortable to wear while in the house.
27. Open toe socks
These socks are made with open-toe sections. The socks are made in different styles, including compressor socks. They are also made with warm materials like wool and are more comfortable wearing open shoes like sandals or flip flops.
28. Crotchet socks
These are handmade socks using sweater threads. The crotchet socks are standard for babies and are made in different styles with varying patterns as well.
29. Silicon feet protector socks
They are versatile socks worn under or over the socks depending on one’s needs. These protective socks are made with silicone material that forms a cushioned surface to protect the feet from blisters or burns. These types of socks are common for people with sensitive feet and are mainly worn under other socks.
30. Novelty socks
These are cold season socks mainly made with warm materials like wool, polyester, and cotton. These socks are made in varying sizes to match with different shoes like ankle boots or knee-length boots. Also, note that there are some novelty socks for kids.
31. Bobbysocks
These socks dated way back to the 80s and were common among women. The bobby socks mainly reach around the ankle section and have a cuff all around. The socks come in different sizes and prints for kids and adults. You can wear these socks with platform shoes, ankle boots, or flat shoes for school going girls.
32. Tube socks
The tube socks are designed to reach above the ankle area and below the calf section. The tube socks are famous among sports and athletes since they go well with running and sports shoes. However, there are still some styles that can be rocked with casual shoes like boyfriend shoes.
33. Toe topper socks
Many people confuse toe topper socks with toe socks, but they hugely differ in the design. The toe topper socks are tiny socks that cover the toes section and extend to the feet’ arch. These socks are ideal for people who need cushioning without the socks showing.
34. Knee socks
These are the style of the socks that lie between the over knee socks and the knee-high socks. The socks are quite fashionable when worn with boots or even heels for women who may want to wear a short skirt.
35. Over the calf socks
These socks end just above the calf section, and some models may extend a bit lower the knees. Women prefer these socks since they can be paired with multiple outfits and styles. As long they offer good snuggle and do not slip off, the socks are great to wear with boots, short skirts, and dresses.
36. Crew length socks
These socks extend past the ankles and reach around the mid or upper section of the calf. The majority of mid-length crew socks are made with bulky materials and are ribbed as well. Depending on the prints, these socks can be paired with both casual and official outfits.
37. Quarter/shin socks
Quarter socks are slightly longer than ankle socks since they reach around the shins. These socks are recommendable for people with Achilles tendons or sportspeople since they provide cushioning to the Achilles area when touched by shoes.
38. Calf socks
These are technically the style of socks that reach around the calf area. These types of socks are suitable for women who want to create a contemporary style. You can wear the calf socks with calf boots during the cold seasons and are great style when paired with a short skater dress or shorts and heels.
39. Slip on socks
These are multifunctional socks worn with loafers, ballerinas, and low cut shoes. The majority of the slip-on socks reach way below the ankle area and are made with thin transparent materials. Note that these socks come in different styles suitable for men and women.
40. Spat socks
These socks are mainly made with beautiful pattern prints and colors and are worn above shoes. Also, some spat socks are meant to be worn over other sock types for additional warmth and protection. These socks may reach around the shin or above the shin.
Conclusion
This article has all the information you need to know about the available types of socks and how to wear them. So, learn how to make a fashion statement using socks when working or out with friends.
