Sock Fashion Through the Ages
Fashion trends come and go; hemlines and silhouettes shift, hairstyles get bigger and smaller, and everything comes back into fashion at one point or another.
This even includes socks, which have played subtle but sneaky roles in fashion throughout the last century! Let’s start off in the mid-century with a classic look all the coolest students subscribed to.
The 1950s: The Bobby Sock Era
Nothing says 1950s Americana quite like crisp white bobby socks paired with saddle shoes. They were polished, wholesome, and practically a uniform for soda-shop dates and school dances.
Honestly? It's a look we'd still wear to grab an ice cream cone on Cape Cod. Fairly reminiscent of the new crew sock style in this decade!
The 1960s: Color Arrives
As social unrest rose in the 60’s, fashion correspondingly became bolder, and socks followed suit. Bright colors, playful patterns, and knee-high styles became part of the fun. Suddenly, socks weren't just practical; they were part of the outfit (much like today!).
The 1970s: Tube Socks Take Over
The decade of tube socks! Tall. Athletic. Usually sporting a few colorful stripes near the top. From jogging to just walking to the record store, tube socks somehow made everyone feel a little more sporty. It feels sooo 70’s!
The 1980s: Bigger Was Better
Everything was more: the hair, the accessories, the shoulder pads. Scrunched socks became a staple, often layered, colorful, and paired with just about every sneaker imaginable. And don’t forget leg warmers, the sock that’s not a sock.
The 1990s: Casual Cool
The '90s kept things relaxed. Crew socks became an everyday staple, while athletic brands found their way into nearly every closet. Socks were practical, comfortable, and blissfully unconcerned with going viral.
The 2000s: The Great Disappearing Sock
Oh, the aughts. Millennials remember this one well. The mission was simple: make it look like you weren't wearing socks at all. We’re talking ankle socks, no-show socks, and even lower no-show socks. If your socks peeked above your sneakers? Yikes. And pairing them with a skinny jean, infinity scarf, and beanie? The height of fashion.
The 2010s: Comfort Takes Center Stage
As athleisure and sneakers became everyday wear (Vox has a great Explained episode on Netflix about this!), people started paying more attention to comfort and quality. Premium materials, better fits, and thoughtfully designed socks began replacing the bargain packs we'd all been buying since college.
Today: Crew Socks Are Having a Moment
If fashion has taught us anything, it's that everything eventually comes back around, and crew socks are officially having their comeback tour. Once reserved for gym class and your dad's weekend sneakers, today's crew socks are a style staple.
Worn with everything from classic white sneakers and loafers to clogs and running shoes, they've become an effortless way to add a little personality to an outfit.
What's Your Sock Era?
Did you proudly rock tube socks in the '70s? Are you still emotionally attached to your no-show socks? Or have you fully embraced Team Crew?
Which sock trend deserves a comeback, and which one should stay in the past?