As New York Times Said, “Yes, Everyone’s Socks Are Showing. Here’s How to Rock the Trend—and the Pairs We Love.”
Move on over, ankle socks, there’s a new favorite sock style in town! (Says all Gen Z’s always 😉) If you’ve been keeping up, or at least trying to keep up, with Gen Z’s ever-evolving fashion styles and trends, you might have noticed one major choice shift recently with their accessories: crew socks are now the favs and here to stay. It used to be the no-show, barely-there ankle sock but apparently, this new, hip generation has fallen head over heels (pun intended) for the classic crew. From bold, crazy patterns to bright, out-there colors, socks are no longer just a practical necessity piece to an outfit, they’re now a big statement piece. So, let’s jump foot-first on the visible-socks bandwagon and walk through what styles are “in” and where the “youngin’s” are finding inspiration in their sock games these days!
Crew Socks: The Must-Have Accessory
We’re sorry to say, but gone are the days when socks were the items of clothing meant to stay hidden inside shoes. Gen Z has flipped the script on socks, making the crew sock style a must-have fashion staple for any outfit you wear in the modern day. Whether they’re peeking out of some hip sneakers, paired with comfy slides, or even worn with chunky fall boots, today’s socks are making waves in everyday outfits regardless of your taste. Why, you ask? Well, because they are a small but mighty duo that can add personality, style, and a little extra flair to any look.
Go Bold or Go Home
Plain white socks? Not for this generation! Kids and teenagers today are all about standing out with every little detail of their lives, so their socks are no exception. Think odd, eye-catching patterns, neon colors, funky prints, personalized designs, and even socks featuring their favorite characters, hobbies, messages, or even their dog’s faces. (you know you’ve seen a pair or two!) It’s all about capitalizing on self-expression for Gen Z, and socks are the perfect canvas to show off your special individuality and likes. So, go big or go home!
The Athleisure Influence
With the popular rise of athleisure wear, a trend where fashion meets sporty function, socks have become a key player in this kind of streetwear. Visible socks, especially cool crew styles, have become a principle in both athletic and casual settings with this new fashion-forward moment. Whether your crew socks are paired with leggings, joggers, or sporty sneakers, a high-quality, personalized pair can tie the entire look together from the base up. Don’t just think those in LA are the only ones rocking athleisure, more and more youngsters of all backgrounds and style types are also stomping the streets in this comfortable yet purposeful trend!
A Generational Shift
For Millennials, ankle socks dominated the trendsetter fashion scene for many years. But Gen Z wasn’t having it and has recently made a clear statement that socks should be seen and celebrated! (Very similar to how they view everything else in life, no?!) This sweet new trend isn’t just about comfort though, it’s all about breaking away from the status quo or past style rules by embracing a fresh, fun, fashion-forward approach to accessories. So, give it a shot for yourself and hop on this original train with us!
Ankle Socks Aren’t Gone (Yet!)
While crew socks are presently stealing the spotlight, don’t worry too much about ankle socks since they still have their place, especially in sports and fitness. They still, to the day, remain a solid choice for workouts and casual days, so don’t go throwing away all your ankle socks quite yet! Just know that the new generation is making some waves with the fresh fav sock cut but that doesn’t mean you still can’t wear no-shows sometimes. Just know that your favorite socks are no longer the undisputed go-to style per Gen Z’s new standards 😉
The Sock-Proud Era is Here
A new era has been cast upon us. (And no, we don’t mean a new TSwift Era, sorry 🫤) When you look at trendy social media accounts or high-end runways, they confirm that we are living in what has been deemed the “sock-proud era.” This new wave of sock fashion proves that the little details matter and that socks are no longer an afterthought but the main event, stepping front and center into the spotlight. Whether it’s knee-high, crew, or even uniquely textured designs, the goal is to let your socks shine brightly. Crew may have been voted number one, but as long as you’re showing your socks, you’re right on track with the new trendlines.
At Spirit Sox, we’re all about helping you and Gen Z embrace this sock revolution! (If you haven’t noticed, we’ve been curating these trends with our bright, fun, colorful, crazy sock designs for years already!) Whether you want to create custom crew socks with your school logo, a fun design for your team, a painting you did, or something totally unique to match your brand, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get you on trend and make socks that can be the star of your outfit, one bold design at a time!
