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We all tend to think about outfits in terms of shirts, jacket, and pants. Socks are an after thought. However, picking the right socks can really make your style shine. When it comes to socks, there are a lot of choices to make including the type of material, colors, quality, and length. Stylistically, it needs to look good and coordinate with your entire outfit. At the same time, socks should be comfortable and fit well. Otherwise, they can create blisters and other foot problems. Below are the different kinds of socks to consider with your next purchase.
Knee High Socks
Knee high socks are long. They go right up to your knee. Diabetics and athletes often wear knee high socks because it adds support. For instance, knee high diabetes socks improve circulation in the legs by preventing blood from pooling to the feet. These socks have other features such as low profile seams, moisture wicking abilities, and extra padding for protection. These socks are a good remedy for foot discomfort. Here is a full guide on how how to pick diabetic socks.
Suitable for : Women and men, diabetics, athletes, runners, high intensity exercise, people with DVT, people with peripheral edema
Calf Socks
Wearing calf socks is a nice accessory to spice up a women’s style and make your outfit really pop. Use calf socks to layer up and add more colors to your wardrobe. These socks look stylish when worn together with skirts, dresses, or shorts along with high heels or boots. Match the color of your tops with your calf socks to create a cute casual or formal attire. Calf socks also keep your legs warm during winter. You can also learn how to choose the best women’s socks.
Suitable for : Women, fashion, keeping legs warm
Ankle Socks
Ankle socks cover your entire feet and just reaches right below your ankles. For those hot summer days, a lot of people opt for a sock that offers less coverage. They work with low top athletic shoes and other casual footwear.
Suitable for : Women and men, casual and low top shoes for exercise
Quarter Socks
Quarter socks are a little bit longer than their ankle counterpart. They go up above your ankles and touches your shins. Quarter socks will prevent blisters in the area where your Achilles contact your shoes. Similar in style to ankle socks, it just a matter of preference in style. One goes below the ankles, the other on top. Again, these socks are great for wearing in the heat. For those with diabetes, quarter socks for diabetics are also available for people with foot issues such as nerve damage, cold feet, and poor circulation. They also help to protect the feet with additional cushioning.
Suitable for : Men and women, diabetics, low cut tennis or running shoes
Crew socks
Crew socks are the most common length socks. They are often worn during exercise at the gym and colder winter months. Crew length socks go about half a foot above the ankles and partially covers the calf. Crew socks offer good protection and keeps the legs warm. Some of the most popular diabetic dress socks come in crew length. While these socks look and feel like normal socks, they double as dress socks too. They offer foot comfort that people with diabetes need to protect their feet.
Suitable for : Women and men, casual or formal, diabetics, exercise, business functions
Mid Calf Socks
Mid-calf socks as the name implies are long enough to cover half of your calf. These socks keep you warm in cooler weather. For that reason, mid-calf socks are more often than not made from wool. Wool is an expensive material because of its durability, ability to keep your feet warm, and wick away sweat.
Suitable for : Men and women, cold weather, jogging, physical activity, formal attire or casual
Thigh High Socks
Originally worn by men and women in Scotland, now women are the ones usually wearing thigh high socks. These socks reach above the knees and onto the thighs. These socks are suited to wear with skirts, shorts, and dresses. Try wearing thigh high socks with patterns to add some flare to your style. Also, check out our guide on how to wear the right socks for your outfit.
Suitable for : Men, Women, Scottish, keeping legs warm, style
No Show Socks
No show socks are also known as slip-on socks. They are thinner and lighter than traditional socks. Yet, these socks still offer some protection and sweat absorption. No show socks are great for wearing with loafers or boat shoes because they don’t show. When they get worn and old, you can recycle socks and help the planet.
Suitable for : Men, women, outdoors, loafers, boat shoes
While often neglected, socks play a vital role. Socks can have multiple purposes. They can be a fashion statement. Socks protect our feet and keeps our legs warm too. Some are worn for special occasions or for physical activity. Other socks have health benefits from wearing them. So spend some time and decide on what you need from your socks and pick the right ones for your situation.