The crew sock is a long and versatile sock worn by both men and women. Rising to approximately mid-calf, the crew sock is mostly worn for either casual, work, or light activewear.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the crew sock.
How Long are Crew Socks?
Crew socks vary in length from one company to another. However, we found that most crew socks will generally rise 11” from heel to cuff. For most, the top of the cuff of the sock will rest comfortably in the middle of the calf.
For comparison, a quarter crew will rise about 6” whereas an ankle sock will rise to approximately 3”.
What to Wear With Crew Socks
Crew socks are versatile, allowing you to wear them with many different clothes in your wardrobe. However, most will commonly pair the crew sock with chinos or denim:
The extended length of the crew sock will cover your lower calves and ankles even when crossing your legs while sitting:
While crew socks are commonly worn with pants, you can also wear them for light athletic activity. For example, crew socks are often worn for strength training, hiking, basketball, soccer, and more.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the first known use of the term ‘crew sock’ was in 1948 (source).
Anatomy of a Crew Sock
Crew socks have many details in their design. To demonstrate, here’s a diagram that we put together for you:
Here’s a look at each of the features (from top to bottom) presented in the diagram above:
- Cuff: Along the top of the sock, the cuff features reinforced fabric to increase durability while also helping the sock stay up when worn.
- Rib Stitches: The vertical raised and recessed fabric help keep the sock close to the leg from cuff to ankle.
- Shin Panel: This may or may not feature additional cushioning to provide warmth and durability to the sock.
- Heel: This added pocket allows the crew sock to fit better and prevent slippage.
- Transfer: The transfer is the transition in the fabric between the instep and the sole.
- Instep: Many socks provide a mesh or lightweight fabric to the instep to allow for greater breathability to control moisture and odor better.
- Toe Pocket / Box: Like the heel, the toe pocket (also known as the toe box) is an area for your toes to fit comfortably and prevent slippage of the sock.
- Sole: This area of the crew sock often contains thicker fabric to increase comfort and reduce the chance of a blister forming.
- Toe Seam: This is where the sock is sewn shut during the manufacturing process. Circular knitting machines will make a small seam that is nearly flat to reduce the rubbing or irritation of your toes.
Types of Crew Socks and Materials
Crew socks are available in various materials, including cotton, polyester, merino wool, bamboo rayon, micro modal, spandex, and even in multiple blends across all these materials.
While there are exceptions to these rules, you’ll find that crew socks tend to rely on certain fabrics depending on the intent:
- Casual & Athletic: You’ll commonly find both cotton and polyester here. Cotton is breathable, and polyester is moisture-wicking.
- Hiking & Cold Weather: These crew socks often rely on a thicker and warmer fabric such as merino wool or alpaca fiber.
- Formal & Semi-Formal: You’ll find thin and softer fabrics for dress crew socks, including bamboo rayon or micro modal.
Protection from the Environment
Crew socks are perfect when outdoors as they protect from many environmental conditions.
Here are a few examples of how crew socks protect your legs and feet:
- Bugs: Whether it’s ticks, fleas, or even mosquitoes, crew socks protect your skin from painful and irritating bug bites.
- Plants: When hiking, thorny bushes, dry branches, and even poison ivy are a constant concern. Crew socks provide plenty of protection from these low and hazardous bushes.
- Weather: Some companies make thermal crew socks that help your legs and feet to retain heat. Consider this variety of crew socks if you work outdoors for long periods or live in an area where winter temperatures reach below freezing.
Colors & Designs
When shopping for crew socks, you’ll find that they are available in various colors and designs. Typically black and white will be versatile and should pair well with most of your wardrobe.
Patterns or designs are a great way to have fun with your style. In recent years, some companies have even offered ‘print on demand’ crew socks where you can have custom pictures added to socks – these can make a great gift!
Sizes
Most crew socks come in only a few sizes, including 5-9, 6-12, and 12-15.
However, did you know that some companies such as Kane11 make their socks in individual sizes? This allows for a more precise fit for greater comfort.
Name Origins
Crew socks first entered the dictionary in 1948. It is believed that the name has military origins, specifically the Navy. The yeoman, an administrator responsible for keeping the storerooms, would order socks of the same length for all the crew aboard. This spread into civilian life, and the name stuck.
Conclusion
We hope that the information above gave you a better understanding of crew socks and their many details.