The Evolution of Sock Trends: A Decade-by-Decade Look (2024)

FAQs

What is the evolution of socks? ›

In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. In the late 16th century, machine-knit socks were first produced. Until the 1800s, both hand-made and machine-knit socks were manufactured, with the latter technique becoming more common in the 19th century, and continuing until the modern day.

In the 1920s, socks were mostly functional and often made from wool or cotton. They were typically neutral in colour and designed to be practical rather than fashionable. Women, however, started to experiment with rolled-down stockings, showcasing a bit of ankle.

One such trend that has been making waves in recent years is the mismatched socks trend. Yes, you read that right—wearing socks that don't match! While it may seem puzzling at first, this trend has captivated the fashion world and is gaining popularity among individuals who dare to embrace the unconventional.

A direct ancestor of the word “socks” is probably the Old English word “socc”, not that different in sound and meaning, as it referred to a light slipper. People of that time borrowed the idea, together with the name, from the Latin “soccus”, which was a type of light shoe with a low heel.

Everyday Gen Zers are wearing Nike Dri-FIT crew socks to school with Converse high-tops and mini Uggs. “I think part of growing up is people trying to separate themselves from what came before them,” Noroña said.

The global socks market size was valued at USD 47.08 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030.

In ascending order of height, the most popular options include no-show, low-cut, ankle, micro-crew, crew and over-the-calf. A no-show sock is great for slide-on shoes while an ankle sock is good for activities like running or working out.

Tube socks have been around longer than many people realize. Some fashion historians date their existence to the 1800s. Their popularity in the U.S. peaked in the late 1960s and '70s, as kids became more active in sports like basketball, soccer, track and field, and roller skating.

In the US, slouch socks have trended in and out of fashion since the 1980s. From around 1984 to 1997, slouch socks were a popular fashion item for kids, youngsters and adults of all sexes.

20th century

Amid concerns girdles might cause abdominal flabbiness, suspender belts offered a more practical and comfortable choice when used to hold up stockings. Then, by the early 1960s, the introduction of pantyhose offered a new alternative to garter belts and girdles.

What is the life cycle of a sock? ›

Good, quality socks will last about a year depending on wear and if they are taken care of. If you're currently experiencing phases 4 or 5, it's time for new socks. Wearing your old threads doesn't look as good as it used to. And, you're running the risk of weird stares, blisters, and discomfort.

Before socks, many cultures wrapped their feet in cloth. That is because before knowledge of knitting became widespread, weaving was the primary way people turned spun fibers into fabric. 400 A.D. — In Europe at this time, a type of foot wrap called a puttee is worn by holy people as a way to symbolize their purity.

Before we had elastic socks, socks and stockings were held up with garter belts or sock garters. They weren't always the most comfortable contraptions, and these days they are usually just worn for looks, not necessity.

The oldest pair of socks dates to the 4th century, and was discovered in the ancient city of Oxyrhynchus in Egypt. The red woollen socks, each with two toes, were made with a type of single needle knitting and may have been designed to be worn with sandals.