13 Types of Socks: Explore Different Sock Heights and Materials

A sock is an article of clothing worn on the foot that can extend to the ankle and calf. Socks provide warmth, prevent blisters, and can help shoes last longer. Socks date back to prehistoric times when cave dwellers wore animal skins tied around their ankles for warmth and protection. Ancient Romans first wore fabric socks, and throughout the Middle Ages, ruling class men and women wore stockings made of delicate fabrics, such as silk. With the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the [sewing machine](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-a-sewing-machine), a wide variety of socks became available in different patterns, lengths, colors, and fabrics. The construction and materials of socks can provide varying levels of warmth and comfort, depending on your needs: 1. __Warmth__: Wool, cashmere, and acrylic will keep your feet warm. 2. __Moisture-wicking__: Rayon and [cotton](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-cotton) socks are lightweight and have moisture-wicking abilities. These sweat-absorbing socks are best for running and other physical activities. 3. __Stretch__: Socks featuring spandex or nylon will provide stretch. 4. __Durability__: Any sock that has reinforced heel and toe areas will have more durability. From toe socks to leg warmers, there are various sock lengths and materials available for different types of shoes, weather, and activities: 1. __No-show socks__: These socks cover the heel and are invisible when wearing shoes. You can wear no-show socks with low-cut shoes or slip-on shoes, such as ballerina shoes, loafers, and boat shoes to help prevent blisters. 2. __Ankle-length socks__: Ankle-length socks, also called low-cut socks, cover the ankle area and extend up to the ankle bone. These socks can be worn with slip-on or low-cut shoes or booties and help prevent blisters. 3. __Quarter-length socks__: These socks are slightly longer than ankle-length socks and touch the shins. Quarter-length socks, also known as trouser socks, protect the area where your shoe meets your Achilles, making it a great sock to wear with running shoes and when doing any physical activities. 4. __Crew-length socks__: Also called mid-calf socks, crew-length socks extend midway between the knee and ankle, halfway up the calf muscle. This sock height is suitable for high-top sneakers and boots. 5. __Calf-length socks__: These socks cover the calf muscles entirely and extend up to the knee. Calf-length socks are also called over-the-calf socks. 6. __Knee-high socks__: Knee-length socks extend up the leg and fully cover the knee. 7. __Thigh-high socks__: These socks extend midway up the thigh and typically feature a garter belt or an elastic band to prevent them from slipping down. 8. __Split-toe socks__: These socks have a separation between the big toe and the rest of the toes, making them a suitable sock for sandals. 9. __Dress socks__: Dress socks for formal occasions are usually made with finer materials and worn with dress shoes. Dress socks are typically calf-length. 10. __Slipper socks__: You can wear these socks indoors without shoes. Slipper socks feature grips on the underside to prevent slippage. Moccasin slipper socks are a thicker and more insulated version of slipper socks. 11. __Compression socks__: These socks compress the legs, stimulating blood flow and reducing pain in the legs and feet. Compression socks, also known as support socks, are partially made with spandex for stretch and come in various lengths. 12. __Leg warmer socks__: These knee-length socks are made of acrylic or [woolen fibers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/guide-to-wool-fabric) to keep the legs warm during the winter months. 13. __Boot socks__: These socks are ideal for cold weather, and the thick woolen material keeps feet warm beneath boots. Become a better fashion designer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Anna Wintour, Laura Kim & Fernando Garcia, Marc Jacobs, Tan France, Diane von Furstenberg, and more. There are different types of socks for varying occasions, from formal hosiery to boot socks for hiking.