What Are Ankle Socks?

What are ankle socks?

We love a good pair of ankle socks, sometimes called short socks, low rise socks or low cut socks. The problem with these socks is that they can vary in length, so sometimes the ankle sock will barely reveal your shoes, or sometimes it will be a few inches taller and show a cute design or a funny saying. One thing that holds all ankle socks together is that they are longer than faceless socks and shorter than sailor socks. But how long is that?

How long are ankle socks?

There are several lengths of socks that can be called ankle socks. A lot of online information about these socks is conflicting and confusing, but as a sock authority and a business that has been selling socks since 2011, let's call it that - these are the official names for each ankle sock length. Length refers to height, or the distance from the sock to your leg (not the total length of the sock from toe to top). Use these terms or be wrong!

low top socks

Low-cut ankle socks are the shortest length of ankle socks. It barely covers your ankle bone, or maybe slightly below it. This length will still show up when you're wearing sneakers, but only a little bit. The only part you see might be the top of the strap or the heel tab to keep your heel from rubbing against your shoe. Low-cut ankle socks are a great option for those who like socks.

season socks

Quarter socks, sometimes written as 1/4 socks, are slightly longer than low-top ankle socks, about a quarter of the way up your leg, hence the name. Crew socks are longer than quarter socks and can be considered half socks because they reach halfway to the knee. Therefore, a quarter sock is half the length of a crew sock.

Turn-Cuff  socks

Turn-cuff socks let you change the length of your socks anytime! These fun socks can pull up the cuffs and reach the height of a crew or miniature crew sock, or they can cuff and end up the length of a quarter sock. Sometimes they even show funny hidden messages when you flip the cuff.

What socks are shorter than ankle socks?

There are some socks that are shorter than the lowest low-cut ankle socks. These are often called faceless socks or lined socks because they are made to line the inside of the shoe and not be seen at all. Some of these will leave an open area on your foot, like a pair of ballet flats. Others cover most of the ball of your foot, but still don't show when you're wearing the shoe.

socks longer than ankle socks

Quarter socks are the longest of the ankle socks, and above them you enter the crew socks category. Socks a little over a quarter are super shorts, which in turn are shorter than full length. Next are knee socks that fully cover the calf. Above are knee-high and thigh-high socks.

When should ankle socks be worn?

Ankle socks can be worn almost any time, but these socks are really great with summer clothes, tracksuits, running shoes and all kinds of sportswear.

You may want to avoid wearing ankle socks in situations where exposing your calves might be impolite. Business casual and formal suits often require longer socks, such as round or knee socks, to keep your legs covered even when you sit down. For one of these reasons, you may also sometimes opt for longer socks. Other than that, ankle socks are very popular!

Many athletes prefer a sock that fits so they forget it's there. We offer ankle socks that wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable when you sweat.

In terms of fashion, a fun way to wear some of our long ankle socks is with shorts and summer clothes. These socks come with fun sayings or fun designs while still allowing your legs to breathe and stay cool on warm days.

Enjoy the different styles of ankle socks - they're fun, functional, short and sweet! Shop our complete range of ankle socks here