Socks for Women

What types of women's socks are there?

Socks for women come in a range of lengths, from barely-there trainer socks to knee-highs. The right length depends on your shoes and how much leg you want to show:

• Trainer socks: finish below the ankle and stay almost invisible in flat shoes.
• Ankle socks: sit just above the ankle and are practical for casual wear and sport.
• Classic socks: reach up to the calf and look good with full-length trousers and ankle boots.
• Knee-high socks: come up to just below the knee and keep you warm on cooler days under a skirt or dress.
• Cosy socks: soft and thick, made for relaxed evenings in your nightwear and loungewear.

Which socks should I wear with which shoes?

As a rule of thumb, the lower the cut of the shoe, the shorter the sock can be. Wear trainer socks with your sneakers if you want to keep your ankles bare. Thin, plain socks look neat and office-ready in loafers. With boots, it's worth choosing taller styles with a little cushioning so the top of the boot doesn't rub. You'll find matching women's shoes at Tom Tailor too. If you want to show off your socks, pair patterned styles with cropped hems such as 7/8 length jeans or wide-leg culottes.

How can I tell if socks are good quality?

Good socks are made from a breathable material, fit snugly and have neatly finished seams. Cotton feels pleasant against the skin and absorbs moisture well. A small amount of elastane stops the sock from slipping and helps it keep its shape. On cold days, styles with a wool blend keep your feet warm. Also look for a flat toe seam, as it won't dig in inside your shoe. Reinforced heels and toes help a pair last longer.

What size socks do I need?

Your sock size is based on your shoe size. Common size ranges are 35–38 or 39–42. If you're right between two size ranges, the larger one is the safer choice, so nothing feels tight around the toes. Socks that are too small tend to slip off the heel, while socks that are too big bunch up in your shoes.

How do I care for socks properly?

Cotton socks can usually be washed at 40 °C, ideally turned inside out to keep the colours fresh. Styles with wool belong on a wool or delicates cycle. A laundry bag helps keep pairs together. You'll find the exact instructions on the care label.