The Crew Sock Trend Is an Easy Way to Give Your Outfit a Boost (2024)

While we once spent years trying to hide our socks, investing in the most invisible pairs, showing them off is in again. Over the past few years, crew socks have made a solid comeback, and whether you're scrunching them at the bottom of your sweats or letting them pop out from under a pair of jeans, this little extra has proven to be an easy way to elevate any look of the day.

So, what qualifies as a crew sock? Crew socks fall at mid-calf and still leave plenty of room under the knee. Unlike ankle socks, this longer alternative keeps both your feet and a portion of your legs warm. Plus, they look cute and add a little something extra to your outfit. Celebrities, top fashion brands, and streetwear enthusiasts enjoy incorporating crew socks into their looks and wearing them as a daily accessory.

Still, styling them can be tricky, so we're rounding up 10 ways to wear crew socks, ahead.

With a Fitness Set

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Maybe it's the vintage look it creates, or perhaps it's just the comfort factor, but there's something so appealing about an activewear set paired with crew socks. Of course, you don't need a gym membership to rock this ensemble—athleisure is still a top trend. Not quite sure where to snag a quality pair of socks?

Gather Some Celebrity Inspiration

When celebrities lean into a trend, it's hard not to pay attention. Even for today's top style icons, crew socks are a must—they've been spotted on Kaia Gerber, Lucy Hale, and Kristen Stewart. Many pair them with loungewear, but in reality, crew socks look great with a variety of different aesthetics, whether you're rocking a maxi dress or structured trousers.

Amp Up a Simple Outfit

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Even if your look consists of a simple top and leggings, throwing on a pair of crew socks will add an extra detail that feels fashion-forward and fun.

Nail the '90s Look

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Princess Diana was the original inspiration for teaming crew socks and biker shorts, but the '90s fit still works today. An oversized sweatshirt or even a shacket will make this combo complete.

Dress Them Up

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If you're ready to ditch the sweats, reach for a blazer and jeans instead. A pair of crew socks will surely keep your ankles warm, but at the same time, will give this classic, down-to-business look a more relaxed spin.

Make Them Part of Your Foundation

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Longer-length skirts are another big trend. Let this piece be the star of your outfit (especially if it includes an animal print!) by adding a solid top and a pair of crew socks. This outfit idea is a mix between cozy and elevated, so you'll find it's appropriate for almost any non-formal occasion.

Think Preppy

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The truth is, there are no rules when it comes to crew socks—you can pair them with just about anything—but they definitely complement preppy fashion choices. Style a basic pair with chunky loafers and trousers or a pleated skirt. If wearing these babies scrunched isn't for you, pull them straight, or wear them under your pants (as opposed to pulling them over) to eliminate any extra bulkiness.

Wear Them With Chunky Sneakers

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Embrace dad style by scrunching up your cozy crew socks and styling them with your go-to pair of bulky sneakers. You might even feel an urge to add khakis to the mix—which, yes, creates a surprisingly cute combo!

Add Socks to a Summer Outfit

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Although there may be nothing nicer than pulling crew socks over cold feet and taking these babies to bed, you'll find they're a must-have for warmer weather, too. If your sundress or shorts outfit feels like it's missing a little something, a pair of bright white socks worn with slip-on shoes can quickly create some interest and provide a little pop.

Try Something Different

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It's possible you've never thought to wear socks with platform heels, but when styled with a mini skirt or tiny dress, the pairing is playful and very retro.

The Crew Sock Trend Is an Easy Way to Give Your Outfit a Boost (2024)

FAQs

What is the point of crew socks? ›

Crew socks provide ample coverage and cushioning, offering a comfortable fit for extended periods of wear. The ribbed or elasticised tops prevent them from slipping down, ensuring that they stay in place throughout the day.

Are crew socks popular? ›

Sporting these socks have become super popular and a great way to add character to any outfit, as they come in a plethora of patterns and hues. Whether you're hiking with friends or attending a backyard barbeque, a pair of stylish crew socks will surely spruce up your wardrobe.

When should you wear crew socks? ›

Because of their length, Crew socks offer an opportunity to show off fun, novelty patterns in both casual and formal wear. They can be worn with dress shoes, boots and high-top sneakers. Crew length socks also pair well with athletic wear, offering additional support and warmth during exercise.

Why do guys wear crew socks? ›

Crew socks are taller than ankle socks and are often worn around the mid-calf, offering ample coverage and support. These types of socks can be worn pulled all the way up or cuffed at the top, depending on each individual's preferences.

Do crew socks make your legs look longer? ›

I know a lot of people are worried crew socks will make their legs look short, but I've honestly never felt like they do. As someone who is only 5'3″ (5'4″ on a good day…), I actually feel like crew socks elongate the legs.

What is the trend in socks for Gen Z? ›

As these videos put forward, Gen Z consumers lean towards crew socks or even higher styles, often featuring bold colors or graphics. This reflects a broader emphasis on comfort and self-expression within Gen Z fashion choices.

What is the most popular sock style? ›

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.

What were the socks trend in the 2000s? ›

Socks Fashion Trends in Early 2000's
  • Low-cut socks were a major fashion trend in the early 2000s, usually paired with sneakers and other laidback footwear. ...
  • No-show Socks: No-show socks continued to be popular in the 2000s, as people sought out comfortable and discreet footwear options.

Is a crew sock a dress sock? ›

No. Crew refers to the sock length and not the specific type of sock. In general, crew length socks are typically athletic socks and not the type of sock that would be worn with dress shoes. True dress socks are either knit to a mid-calf or over the calf length.

Should crew socks be tight? ›

1. You should be able to easily press your finger in between your big toe and your second toe. Socks should be snug but not tight. Wearing socks or shoes that are too tight can increase your chance of ingrown toenails or hammertoes.

Where do crew socks hit? ›

A crew sock should come up to about the calf muscle, whereas an ankle sock, as the name suggests, stops at the ankle. None of this was meant to trick anyone, but sock talk gets heated. It's all about what feels right for your foot.

What is the purpose of crew socks? ›

Crew socks are a popular length of sock that reach up to the middle of your calf. This style is usually a favourite for athletes as the sock offers support and cushioning to the most important parts of the foot such as the heel and toes.

When should you not wear socks? ›

Shoes you can wear without socks include canvas sneakers, slip-ons, boat shoes, sandals, ballet flats, and loafers. While FLAT SOCKS can turn any shoe into the sockless kind, these styles tend to be more breathable. Keep your shoes clean.

Can you wear crew socks with jeans? ›

Over the past few years, crew socks have made a solid comeback, and whether you're scrunching them at the bottom of your sweats or letting them pop out from under a pair of jeans, this little extra has proven to be an easy way to elevate any look of the day.

Are crew socks meant to be tight? ›

How Tight Do They Feel? At the top of the foot, you want the socks to feel tight enough to stay in place, but not so tight that they can't expand a little while you are walking. If you're wearing a crew-length sock, this feel should extend all the way from the ankle up the calf to the elastic band on top.

What are crew socks vs normal? ›

Crew Socks:

They are longer than ankle socks and quarter socks, providing more coverage and protection.

Are crew socks good for running? ›

Crew-length running socks have made a comeback in recent years, but the cut offers little performance value—although one could argue that because of the extra height, the sock won't slip into your shoe like a no-show sometimes can.

Where do crew socks go to? ›

As the name does not suggest, crew socks are something between the ankle and knee-high socks. They cover the bottom half of a calf and might be cuffed at the top or pulled up. The texture of these socks is designed to keep them in place.

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