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In Graphics: The socks your dad wore are cool again

How did the humble sock transform from a hidden layer into a major fashion statement? A 100-year timeline of style evolution, from wartime practicality and 90s minimalism to the modern crew sock revival

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Socks of Jeremy Gillet during a photocall for the film "Jim Queen" presented as part of Midnight Screenings at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026. REUTERS
Socks of Jeremy Gillet during a photocall for the film "Jim Queen" presented as part of Midnight Screenings at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026. REUTERS
FP Lifestyle Desk|Jun 05, 2026, 19:32:01 IST

For decades, socks were the unsung heroes of our wardrobes.

They were bought in bulk, kept hidden beneath long hemlines or trousers, and valued only for warmth and comfort. But as fashion changed, so did the way we dress our ankles.

Over the last century, the humble sock has quietly mirrored major shifts in society—following the rise of youth culture, the explosion of organised sports, and the changing heights of shoe and pant lines.

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Today, the visible sock is having a major moment. The classic white crew sock, once tucked away or teased as a "dad wardrobe" staple, has returned as a key accessory in modern streetwear and high fashion. It turns out that style moves in cycles, and what was once invisible is now the ultimate way to show off your personality.

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Here are the defining shifts in sock history over the last century:

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First Published:Jun 05, 2026, 19:32:01 IST
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