What does crew socks mean?
This time, we’re not talking about gifts, but about the socks themselves. We decided to put ‘crew socks’ under the microscope to understand what’s really behind that mysterious name. To get to the bottom of it, we’re answering the most common questions people have:
First of all, it's worth looking at the meaning of the word 'crew' itself. Various legends surround the etymology of the term 'crew sock', with one theory reaching back to the 18th century and the attire worn by sailors on old sailing ships. Due to their specific length—which we'll get to in a moment—they were ideal for physical labour and moving freely around the deck. It's no coincidence, then, that most modern sports socks have a length very similar to the classic crew sock.
But is that the only theory that answers the question, what does the name ‘crew sock’ mean? Of course not! There is speculation that the mid-calf sock also owes its name to rowing teams (a 'rowing crew') and the US Navy of the 1940s.
As you can see, the origin stories vary, but they all boil down to one thing: a group of people needed a sock of a specific length to ensure maximum comfort while carrying out their daily activities. We may be several decades on from those times, but at Rainbow Socks, we know that some needs are timeless. That’s precisely why you’ll find crew socks in our collection socks for you.
Although the name ‘crew sock’ sounds professional, mid-calf socks are more commonly known simply as classic men's socks. This is all thanks to their specific upper length - 15-20 cm - which ensures your leg stays covered at all times. Even when you sit down and your trousers ride up!
So, now you probably know how high are crew socks and what makes them different from ankle socks. Mid-calf socks are longer than their ankle-height counterparts, which only peek out slightly from your shoes. This makes classic crew socks ideal for anyone who loves to show their socks off to the world… especially if they are colourful and full of original patterns!
Fashion is governed by certain laws. Everyone knows that new trends appear cyclically, pushing older styles off the podium. The same thing happened with mid-calf socks when, in the late 20th and early 21st century, Millennials championed shorter, barely-visible sock styles. Fortunately, there's another golden rule in fashion: classics are always in style, and after a hiatus, they often return to the top.
So, if you're wondering, are crew socks still in style, particularly for wearing with shorts? The answer is: absolutely, now more than ever! Younger generations are once again experimenting with classic socks, which pair perfectly with everything from wide-leg flares to shorts. What's more, the more daring fashion fans are reaching for original, colourful patterns to express themselves even better.
We hope you now have a clear idea of what crew socks are and what makes them different from ankle socks and their even shorter cousins, no-show socks. If you're feeling inspired to feel stylish, now is the perfect time to choose the ideal pair for yourself, or to explore our entire gift collection for your loved ones.
RAINBOW SOCKS - WHERE FEET AND COLOURS MEET!
