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While maybe not always top of mind, dress socks are one accessory essential you should always have stocked to grab whenever the need arises.
Usually much thinner and softer than their athletic counterparts, dress socks for women are usually made from light, stretchy materials and hit at the mid-to-upper calf depending on preference. These socks are meant to be thin and conform to the feet so they can easily be worn with all types of close-fitting dress shoes including heels and pointy-toe boots.
We have included a few different styles of dress socks with neutral color options that are appropriate for work or play. These socks are durable in material and have sturdy, reinforced heels and toes. Some of our options are also made with special materials that are infused with moisturizing properties for comfort while being anti-bacterial and odor-free.
The Top Dress Socks for Women Compared
Hanes ComfortSoft Socks — Best Overall
These dress socks are another great option that is made with a touch of spandex for stretch and to ensure a great fit. These socks have a lightweight construction for no added bulk that makes them perfect for dressier affairs or simply great with shoes where a thin sock is warranted.
Pros
- This convenient three-pack comes with assorted colors and prints
Cons
- These socks may attract some fuzz
Jefferies Socks — Runner Up
This six-pack of dress socks features a seamless, smooth toe resulting in less bulk around the toe area while creating additional comfort. Made from an organic cotton blend, these durable socks are the perfect option for lounging, wearing with any dress shoes, sneakers, and are easy for everyday wear.
Pros
- These socks can be worn cuffed or uncuffed
Cons
- There are no mixed color options
7Bigstars Dress Socks — Honorable Mention
The 7Bigstars Dress Socks are an exceptional product designed to keep feet comfortable and dry. These socks are crafted from bamboo, which is a super absorbent material that literally pulls moisture away from the feet, making sure they stay fresh and dry all day long. Additionally, the bamboo “Kun” found in these socks makes them naturally odor resistant, so you don't have to worry about funky smells.
Pros
- Perfect thickness for work shoes
Cons
- Not warm enough to wear in colder months
oBolv Socks — Contender
These classicly designed crew socks offer a comfortable fit with a soft and thin material mix that makes them ideal for all-day wear. Anti-bacterial and odor-control technology work to keep feet protected and comfortable and a reinforced heel and toe area dramatically improve the lifespan of the socks. These are ideal for wearing to the office, around the house, and for any outdoor activity.
Pros
- The material is infused with natural aloe vera and Vitamin E
Cons
- These socks may leave some pressure marks at the end of the day
No Nonsense Socks — Also Consider
If you prefer a knee-high option then these silky trouser socks are a great option. Rotate these into your work or play wardrobe as they are sturdily constructed for comfort and opacity. Their nylon and spandex blend ensure softness and stretch and they have a specially designed comfort top to keep them from leaving pressure marks.
Pros
- Choose from a 3-pack or 9-pack
Cons
- There is only one color option
Buying Guide: Dress Socks for Women
Dress socks are categorized by size, type, colors, and patterns, and finding the ideal dress sock for formal attire can be a confusing choice to make. Therefore, to assist you on your sock shopping adventures, we’ve prepared a complete guide on what you should be looking for in the perfect dress socks for your wardrobe. We have also compiled details about various types of dress socks for women and how to take care of them.
Features of the Perfect Dress Socks
Material
Women’s dress socks are mainly featured in cotton, wool, and polyester. While cotton socks are comfortable, breathable, and comparatively cheaper than the other two. They, however, have a tendency of shrinking from washing and stretching out from wearing. On the other hand, wool socks can be a great addition if you live in colder environments, giving your feet the comfort and warmth they deserve. However, wool socks are significantly more expensive than their counterparts and struggle in warmer environments. Lastly, polyester socks which are an improved version of the cotton sock, are popular for their durability, stretchiness, and ability to dry quickly. We believe polyester to be one of the best sock materials in the market, featuring a variety of advantages over its counterparts.
Padding
Socks are something which you need to wear most of the day and thus, they should be able to keep your feet safe and comfortable. A good dress sock should be padded from the bottom so it saves your heel from blisters and prevents your foot from chafing with your shoes. With comfort and safety being the foremost priority, this doesn’t mean you should go for thick and burly dress socks which need to be crammed inside your shows.
Color
For women, dressing has been a priority for any form of gatherings and meetings. Therefore, it makes sense for the dress socks to be colored appropriately. A good dress sock should compliment your outfit and not stand out boldly from the rest of your clothing. Some decent dress sock colors for formal occasions include black, white, dark grey, and charcoal. However, when in doubt, just try to match the color of your dress sock with the color of your outfit!
Types of Women’s Dress Socks
There are quite a few types of dress socks available for women, with the decision of each type depending on your footwear and demand for comfortability. Here are a couple of different sock types to get you going!
No-show
No show socks, if the name hasn’t given it away, effectively prevent any fabric of sock peeking out from your shows. Also called low-cut socks, these sit below the ankle and prevent your feet from blisters while keeping your fashionable persona intact. These socks are great for when you’re wearing flats, sneakers, and even heeled booties. However, no-show socks can often be slippery and shouldn’t be worn with high-heeled footwear.
Crew
Crew socks are standard socks made deliberately thin for complying with the dress-sock theme. These socks offer much more grip, warmth, and comfortability than their counterparts and are great for physical activities due to hosting plenty of cushioning on their underside. Further, crew socks are mixed in with a touch of spandex to ensure some stretchiness for a tight and perfect fit.
Trouser
These knee-high socks stretch up to your knees, conforming to most leg sizes and featuring comfort and fashion at the same time. Even though their knee-high, trouser socks are quite breathable and are designed to stay up on the calves without slipping off. Trouser socks feature a touch of opaqueness and are able to host a variety of designs and prints to give your legs some personality.
Are Bamboo Dress Socks Better Than Cotton Ones?
Bamboo dress socks are made from the cellulose of bamboo, giving them a soft and silky feel. Apart from being environment friendly, bamboo dress socks are softer than most cotton socks and feature hypoallergenic properties for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, the sweat-wicking bamboo viscose infused in the sock further ensures that your feet remain dry and cool all day long.
Taking Care of Your Dress Socks
Dress socks are a delicate item and should be handled with care. They should be washed with cold water and be air-dried to prolong their elasticity. It is also a good practice to turn your socks inside out before a wash in order to prevent any lint from getting accumulated on the surface. Furthermore, dress socks are intended to provide cushioning while wearing shoes and they should be treated as so. Wearing dress socks as footwear inside your home will not only wear down your socks but also make them dirty quicker.
Aloe-Infused Dress Socks
Aloe socks are infused with aloe vera, which is a natural moisturizer and healer of dry skin. Normally made with a touch of spandex and nylon, aloe-infused socks soften your calluses but aren’t recommended for people working long days. Aloe-vera infused socks effectively trap moisture inside your foot which can lead to athlete’s foot and bad foot odor if worn for a long time.
