Socks differ in length and type, which is why it can be a bit tricky to know which goes with what outfit, especially for men. Fortunately, it’s not all that difficult to determine what type of socks you should wear with certain outfits. In fact, all you need to do is to familiarize yourself with the different types of socks available to you, how they’re used and what their purpose is, and which can best complement your ensemble.
If you want to become more fashionable, you must learn how to match socks with the right types of outfits. For example, dress socks go with formal attire, while running socks are worn with sportswear. There are even compression socks that can aid in maintaining good circulation whether at work or at play. To help you out, here is a simple guide that will help you master the art of wearing the right socks for every occasion:
Different Sock Lengths
In general, there are many types of socks that serve different purposes. However, these pieces of fabric are mostly categorized according to their length. For men, there are five different sock lengths to choose from.
No-Show Socks
This type of sock is designed to be invisible, which is why it’s called a “no-show” in the first place. These socks are also referred to as low profile socks, footies, and peds. Since they are a lot shorter than ankle socks, they are ideally worn with low-top shoes such as loafers, boat shoes, and moccasins.
Ankle Socks
As the name implies, this type of sock goes up to the ankle. They are longer than no-show socks but are shorter than short crew and crew socks. In general, these socks are versatile as they can be worn with just about anything. However, they are most commonly worn when jogging, running, and engaging in other strenuous activities.
Short Crew Socks
This type of sock is also known as micro crew, mini crew, and quarter crew. They usually fall above the ankle and are offered in various lengths but are restricted to sit just below the mid-calf. They are best worn with high-top shoes as they offer great coverage for your ankles and prevent chafing in that particular area.
Crew Socks
These socks are pretty much like short crew socks with added length. They usually go up to the mid and upper calf, but don’t go up near the knees, unlike over-the-calf socks. They are often worn when hiking, playing sports, and participating in other activities that require added protection for your legs.
Over-the-Calf Socks
In general, this type of sock is the normal length of dress socks. They are often woven from high-end fibers like wool or silk and are paired with formalwear like suits and tuxedos. They also have tapered ends that reach just below the knee, preventing them from sliding down your legs.
How Do You Choose the Right Sock Length?
Socks are created in various lengths to fit certain shoes properly. Thus, it’s important to consider your footwear when choosing what socks to wear. For example, wearing high-top shoes can often cause your ankles to chafe, which is why it’s best to wear short crew or crew socks that can cover your ankles to the fullest.
At the same time, you must also consider the type of event that you will be attending and the attire it requires. For example, attending a black-tie event means that you should probably wear over-the-calf dress socks since these occasions have a formal dress code.
Figuring out what socks to match with your ensemble can be confusing at first, but it’s certainly not impossible. Keep these simple tips in mind, and you’ll have no trouble finding the right sock length for the occasion.
