What Are Ankle Socks? Everything You Need to Know
Ankle socks are a kind of socks that cover the foot to a level slightly below the ankle bone and do not reach the calf muscle. They are shorter than crew socks which reach up to the lower part of the leg but larger than no-show socks which are intended to be unseen when worn with shoes. While discussing the shoes’ basics, ankle socks might appear pretty uneventful and unexciting.
Socks that cover the ankle are common in many people’s closets because they are comfortable and useful types of shoes. But even such simple items can tell a lot about themselves if you try to look at them more closely and in detail. This guide includes the basics of ankle socks; how to use them correctly, the historical background, comparisons between the styles, and a guide for the best way to use them.
When Were Ankle Socks Invented?
What today is called ankle socks can be considered as the result of gradual development and did not appear at once. It is noted that socks have been in existence since ancient civilizations especially Egypt where people used simple forms of socks. Shorter socks in fashion came gradually, during the twentieth century mostly because of fashion and change in functionality. During the 1950s and the 1960s, ankle socks were embraced into the Western style of dressing especially due to the influx in casual and sportswear. This shorter sock style provided comfort together with practicality thus increasing its current usage. Thus, it is difficult to find the date of such invention, however, the ankle sock as is well known, appeared in the last century only.
When to Wear Ankle Socks for Men?
Ankle socks are also good and compulsory accessories for men, and they may be worn on different occasions. Here’s when to wear ankle socks for men.
Casual Outings: Suitable to be worn regularly with shorts or jeans. They allow users to relax while being discreet, and will not bring a lot of attention.
Athletic Activities: Most suitable to be worn while playing sports or even for working out as they support the feet and keep them dry.
Formal Settings: Be worn together with chinos or dress pants for professional attire. Select more formal types of clothing of fine fabrics such as wool or pure cotton.
Warm Weather: Ideal for warm weather since they do not trap heat in your legs, unlike the long socks.
Layering: Wear under boots and shoes where you prefer not to show a strap line of the sock but require protection to your feet.
Men’s ankle socks are perfect for giving the right proportion of fashion statements in different activities. Selecting the right material and style will guarantee their usability in the entire day as you intended.
Benefits of Wearing Ankle Socks
Ankle socks offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice:
Comfort and Breathability: They have a close-to-the-skin fit without compromising on the comfort of the foot or causing odors.
Versatility: Good for any shoes like sneakers, or loafers and suitable for both occasions, formal and informal.
Temperature Regulation: Depending on the type of material used in the making of the shoes they assist in keeping the feet cool during the hot weather conditions or warm during colder weather conditions.
Reduced Risk of Blisters: Sneakers used in athletic activities provide cushion to reduce the chances of blisters and sore feet.
Fashionable Options: Ankle socks come in many designs and colors and this means that people can afford to wear whatever design and color that they want.
These are some of the benefits that make ankle socks ideal to wear for anyone who wants to look fashionable while at the same time being comfortable.
Choosing the Right Ankle Socks
Selecting the right pair of ankle socks involves considering a few key factors:
Material: Use is the best criterion to base a decision on. Cotton or a blend of cotton is ideal for casual wear and moisture-wicking and antimicrobial socks are perfect for athletic use. Wool blends are perfect for cold weather.
Fit and Size: Ensure that the socks are well fitted. When clothes are too tight they can be uncomfortable and can also hinder blood flow to the skin while if they are too loose they tend to fold and this causes the formation of blisters.
Purpose: Choose a sock according to its purpose. As for shoes, select those that have additional padding and support for the sport you are practicing. As for formal occasions, dress socks from the superior material are recommended.
Style and Design: Choose a style that you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Plain cotton socks are in general use and can be worn on any occasion while patterned or fancy socks are more of a fashion accessory.
Ankle Socks vs. Crew Socks
You should know the distinctions between ankle socks and crew socks while choosing a particular set of them. Indeed it has been observed that every formula has its own utility and application and hence it isn’t necessarily that one or the other is better suited.
Ankle Socks
Length: Ankle socks cover only the foot part and go a little above the ankle of the wearer. They are suitable for the season, but more particularly appropriate to be worn in informal occasions.
Comfort and Breathability: They allow the perforation through which air can easily get in and this results in warming of the shoes instead of your feet.
Style: Ankle socks are much more suitable for all types of sports shoes and ordinary shoes such as sneakers and casual footwear.
Crew Socks
Length: Last but not least, crew socks are ankle-high socks that reach up to mid-calf. They provide more protection and can be worn in cold climates and during winter.
Warmth: Those are supplementary and are usually used during colder weather as well as when outside frequently.
Style: Crew socks are used the same way as ankle socks but are normally used together with long pants and can be associated with formal wear or traditional wear.
No Show vs. Ankle Socks
What people need to understand is that no-show and ankle socks are special types of socks that have different uses given different situations. However, it is important to note the difference between the two in that it can assist in the process of selecting the correct option to employ.
No Show Socks
Appearance: Specifically, there are no-show socks to minimize their visibility when one will be putting on shoes. Hence they are perfect when worn without socks with loafers, formal shoes, or casual sports shoes.
Functionality: They are usually equipped with silicone grips in order to avoid slip-off and ensure they fit well. But they may lack cushioning as compared to ankle Socks.
Best For: When it is hot, when you are wearing formal shoes or when one does not want to see socks anywhere.
Ankle Socks
Visibility: Ankle socks are worn together with shoes and feet are well covered but they are fashionable. It can be stated that they provide more coverage than no-show ones.
Comfort: They are usually softer and offer users more support which is why people use them regularly or for their physical activities.
Best For Those that are most appropriate for casual/athleisure wear and where one does not want to look stuffy but also wants to make a good impression.
How to Fold Ankle Socks
Correct folding of ankle socks also helps to make them last longer and keep the drawer neat. First, lay two socks one over the other in a way that the toes and heels of the two socks are marked to be in a straight line. Then, fold the cuffs downwards towards the toe area to make the socks take a compact shape and to also ensure that the socks do not unravel. Next, starting from the toe of the sock roll the sock up to the cuffs and then tuck the outer cuff of the sock over the roll. Or you could use a sock organizer or just fold the socks and place them in a drawer. The major thing to be avoided is to scrunch or crumple them as this will reduce their durability.
How to Care for Ankle Socks
If well taken care of, ankle socks can last much longer than expected and retain their new-like appearance. Here are some tips:
Washing: Ankle socks, in general, are easy to wash since most of them are made to be machine-washed. Wash them in cold water as this will help in avoiding shrinking and fading of the colors used. Do not use bleach on the fabric since it is likely to fade the fabric.
Drying: Try not to wash your socks in water and then dry them mechanically as this will accelerate the wearing out of the socks. When drying your clothes, do not use high heat as this is likely to shrink your clothes and reduce their elasticity.
Storing: Keep your socks in a dry area so that they do not shrink. Do not expose the product to direct sunlight which may lead to fading of the product. If you have many of them, they can be grouped according to the type or color to make it easy to access them.
Final Words
Ankle socks are not just ordinary socks they are an essential part of your wardrobe that provides comfort, style, and flexibility. Starting with their development over the years to the present day variety of its forms of ankle socks are described as useful and fashionable.
From casual wear to sportswear or to that special occasion when you want to look your best, an ankle sock has been developed to cater to these needs. This knowledge of the various types of ankle socks, their advantages, and how to maintain them will enable you to make the right decisions and maximize on the benefits of ankle socks.
The next time you wear ankle-length stockings or socks, do not just consider it as a piece of garment, it is a tradition of the society. Happy sock shopping