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Blair Waldorf might actually crack a non-sinister smile, if only she could see the influence her oversized headbands, prominent bows, and colorful tights have on today’s trends. Knee-high socks for women are yet another play on the early aughts prep-school uniforms infiltrating their way into celebrity outfits, sailing down designer catwalks, and making appearances at meccas like Milan Fashion Week 2023 streetwear style. Though Nike gym socks were once relegated to just athletic wear, A-listers’ interest isn’t the only reason this footwear accessory, which was once an afterthought, is getting so much attention.
“When we revisit Y2K and 2010’s fashion,” says fashion editor and stylist Audree Kate López, “there is a lot of skin — crop tops, low rise jeans, micro mini skirts, and booty shorts.” Tamara Conlin, SVP of Merchandising and Design for Bombas, finds a way to balance proportions is with tall socks, oversized outerwear pieces, and heavy accessories (chunky earrings, anyone?). She notes examples of women’s socks that play into the revolution of lingerie wear too — think sheer and mesh see-through stockings. López even recalls moments where Bella Hadid and VIP fashion show guests at the Vivienne Westwood fall 2023 show leaned into knee-high socks as an essential element to every day or night-out look.
The balancing act López references can also apply to “the macro trend shift from skinny bottoms to wide or easy bottoms,” like baggy jeans, says Conlin, adding that “it has come with an evolution in how socks play into our outfits.” Depending on the design, she says knee-high socks are open to varying degrees of dressiness. For example, “ribbed socks are classic and look great styled under boots; lightweight, breathable mesh materials work year-round and can be dressed up with skirts or shorts, or dressed down under jeans.” She adds that you can have even more fun playing with patterned textures, like pointelle.
Like the best fashion accessories, López notes knee-high socks serve functional purposes, too, lest we forget the ingenious development of no-show socks. In addition to providing warmth, socks allow you to get more use out of those women’s boots and even open-toed shoes during cooler weather. “Some socks offer compression,” she says, “which is great for circulation, varicose veins, and swelling if you are on your feet most of the day, traveling, or exercising.”
At the end of the day, the options for wearing knee-high socks are endless. Totally bug out with Cher and Rachel Green and layer long socks under quintessential ’90s mico hemlines, fall into a step-and-repeat with sleek, sheer fabrics modeled on high-fashion runways, or enter your grunge era wearing knee-high socks alongside chunky combat boots. When it comes down to it, choosing the right pair all depends on what you wear it with, so with the help of experts we’ve compiled a list of versatile options to have on hand.
Colors available: Black
Material: Nylon, elastane
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
For an intimates brand, Commando is thrust under the spotlight quite often as stars, including Maren Morris, Heidi Klum, Kendall Jenner, and many more, opt to wear its leggings and tights from the red carpets to their streetwear style. These socks match fashion with functionality by featuring silicone along the band to keep them safely secure on your legs, while a blend of stretchy, elastic fabric allows you to skip around town feeling unconstrained.
What testers say: “I usually don’t write reviews, but these are too good not to. I wore these from 5pm to midnight, walking all over town and taking the lightrail, in the rain no less. They did not slip ONCE. Seriously, not once! No muffin-top from the band squeezing my thigh, just a perfect line — I was amazed.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $31.93
Colors available: Black
Materials: 88% polyamide; 12% elastane
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Shopbop Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $40.00
Colors available: Espresso, Ivory, Olive
Materials: 49% acrylic; 17% nylon; 16% cotton; 16% polyester; 2% spandex
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
On that same note, ribbed socks are a practical pick, because they help give the sock structure, says López. “This is great for a knee-high or over-the-knee sock so it doesn’t slide down the leg throughout the day.” What’s more, the acrylic and cotton blend fabric is super warm, so whether you find yourself curled up on the couch in a big sweatshirt or pairing them under a mini skirt as you brace bitter winter weather, wearing them will feel like you’re tucking your feet and legs under a plush blanket.
What testers say: “Not too thick or thin. So soft and warm!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $10.00
Colors available: Travel Buff, Soft Taupe, Pearl, Little Color, Barely There, Barely Black
Materials: 85% nylon; 15% spandex
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
The mostly nylon construction is blended with spandex for just the right amount of stretch, keeping toes from feeling constricted, but still preventing the sock from bunching awkwardly in your shoe.
Additionally, Lopez explains that a mesh knee-high sock like this option is “great to layer under a tall boot if you have a muscular calf and don’t have a ton of extra room in the boot for a thicker sock made of wool or cashmere.”
What testers say: “I have been wearing Hanes Silk Reflections for at least 20 years. They wear like iron but look so sheer. I’m so thankful I can still get them. They come in many colors, although I prefer ‘Pearl.'”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.00
Colors available: College Navy and White, Game Royal and White, White and Black, University Red and White, Black and White
Materials: 98% nylon; 2% spandex
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
More than likely, the footwear will make its way out of the exercise studio since its collegiate colorways — particularly the flashy red hue — serve a dual purpose by expertly leaning into the preppy vibes we saw during Copenhagen’s spring 2024 fashion week and clock frequently on New York City streets.
What testers say: “I love these long socks! I wear them with my shorts and skirts and dresses.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $22.00
Colors available: Charcoal, Oatmeal, Black
Material: 77% merino wool; 21% polyester; 2% elastane
Out of the hundreds of designs Bombas offers, Conlin says these knee-high socks stick out among the rest. “Our merino is so soft, which we all need for our long days, and since the yarn is thermo-regulating, I’m never overheating during the day.”
For styling, she adds that she prefers to scrunch them down under her knee-high boots and throw on a long sweater. To that point, though the three neutral colorways keep the straightforward design versatile, we’re delighted with how Bombas added a bit of personality with a color-blocked border and ribbed detailing that will look adorable peeking out over the top of tall boots.
What testers say: “The minute the weather turns chilly I wear knee socks. These Bombas knee socks are the best I have ever purchased.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
Colors available: Black, Brandy, Peacock, Artichoke
Material: 61% cotton, 22% polyamide, 17% elastane
While a subtle hint of skin will peek through, the 60 denier coverage is thick enough to keep your legs warm, and the mostly cotton construction is breathable, so you can wear these socks throughout all four seasons. Complete with a scalloped edge, we wouldn’t hide this enduring design under our taller boots. Instead, we’ll be slipping into our best loafers or buttoning the ankle straps on an adorable pair of heeled Mary Janes (perhaps these from Sam Edelman) for a charming Parisian look.
Price upon publish date of this article: $28
Colors available: Black, peacock, cream
Materials: 49% viscose; 28% polyamide; 14 % wool; 6% cashmere; 2% metal
What testers say: “These are comfortable, warm and beautiful!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $9.00
Colors Available: White and black, Athletic Heather Grey and black, blue and white, pink and white, white and black
Materials: Combed cotton; nylon; Lycra
Alo Yoga Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Love them! The fabric is so soft, and they look super cool. I want them in every color. I get a total 90s vibe when I’m wearing them. The quality is fantastic.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.00
Colors available: Light Pink, Beige, and Dark Brown
Materials: 60% cotton; 25% polyamide; 15% metallic fiber
Gucci Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $290.00
Women’s Knee-High Sock Trends 2023 — How to Wear Knee-High Socks
Fashion tastemakers and models alike are ensuring we forget that cheesy tube socks were once a staple in our dads’ wardrobes and gym teachers’ uniforms. For instance, Dior sent a wave of chic all-black looks down the spring 2023 runway, many featuring matching tall socks peering over the top of luxurious leather boots. Similarly, the trend elbowed its way into the fall 2023 runway show as buzzy labels like Marc Jacobs and Brandon Maxwell layered solid-colored socks under pointy-toed pumps for workwear-inspired looks. Alessandra Rich, on the other hand, opted to feminize the footwear accessory with lace designs and soft textiles, a style Addison Rae soon adopted herself. Then, there was the unforgettable moment Gigi Hadid was styled in an ethereal all-laced ensemble, with equally angelic, lace knee-highs at the Jacquemus “Le Chouchou” Fashion Show.
Overseas, we saw streetwear and celebrities adopt the look and diversify it, allowing us to see just how much versatility the humble socks hold. For instance, during Copenhagen’s spring 2024 fashion week, guests laced up chunky Dr Martens boots with black knee-highs, while some sported flashy hues alongside designer flats, and others wore their knee-high socks more casually with cowboy boots and sandals.
These fashion moments have certainly trickled down into everyday wear and present a wide pool of inspiration to pull from when deciding how to wear knee-high socks. When it comes to your preferred aesthetic, López says, “If you want a preppy or indie sleaze look, go for the loafer or oxford, and if you’re more into ballet-core (a fairy, romantic aesthetic), opt for a mini skirt, and pair ruffled socks with heels or flats.” Feeling risqué? Walk in step with the “no pants” trend alongside the likes of Bella Hadid and Anne Hathaway. To pull it off, López suggests pairing your micro mini shorts, skirt, or even brief underwear, à la Kendall Jenner, with sheer tights and knee-high socks with a sweater or button-up shirt.
“Since the knee-high silhouette can be the drama of an outfit itself, I think neutral colors in knee-highs are always great to have as part of your wardrobe,” says Conlin. Material is another factor to consider, explains López, who suggests choosing wool, like the Bombas merino wool blend socks, or cashmere, such as the Calzedonia Long Cashmere Glitter Socks, for warmth, and cotton for sleeker looks and breathability. Additionally, while sometimes pricier, merino wool and cashmere are more durable than cotton, but, “if you’re interested in testing out the trend but not committed to the investment, look for an affordable cotton pair of knee-high socks,” says López. We like the Alo Yoga Knee-High Throwback sock for this reason.
How We Chose the Best Knee-High Socks for Women
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To compile this list of the best knee-high socks for women, we conducted hours of research. We first consulted fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López and Tamara Conlin, SVP of Merchandising and Design for Bombas, for their expert recommendations and insights into what to look for in a knee-high sock. Then, we spent time scouring the footwear market, evaluating each sock’s comfort level, style, and popularity. We also considered any extra factors like customer reviews, social media popularity, number of colors, size range, and special features such as extra cushioning. Finally, our editors personally tested several of the knee-high socks and shared their results with the team to land on these top-rated picks. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Audree Kate López is a fashion stylist and editor whose expert advice has appeared in outlets such as WWD, Byrdie, InStyle, Glamour, and many others. She’s also worked on projects with brands like Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew, and Club Monaco, and has styled thousands of clients and celebrities.
Tamara Conlin is SVP of merchandising and design for Bombas, a sock-wear and clothing brand whose mission is to design comfortable socks, underwear, and T-shirts for every type of consumer. Also baked into the brand’s mission is addressing the needs of our immediate community. For every piece of clothing you purchase, the brand donates a similar one to those experiencing homelessness.
Meet the Author
Irene Richardson is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, and WWD. She’s always seeking real-world inspiration for her stories, whether that means stopping fellow joggers to ask how comfortable their shoes are or scouring reviews online. Richardson used López’s and Conlin’s input, customer reviews, and research into materials and celebrity-lauded styles to write this story on the best knee-high socks for women.
