Sock trends seem to loop in an endless fashion cycle. Decade after decade, they’ve given us some truly fun (and questionable) moments.

Decades of high socks, low socks, no socks, layered socks. And believe it or not, us older generations are getting teased by the younger ones for sticking with the “sock of our generation.” Now, what exactly do I mean by that?

Gen X and and our no-show socks. I for one love my no-show socks. And here are Gen Z totally making fun of us on social media. Declaring they can tell our age just by the socks we wear to the gym.

But also, can I still remember the retro vibe of 70s/80s tube socks? Yes. But do I make fun of anyone’s choice of sock? No. Because I have at one point worn them all, and stand proud of that decision today.

Seems like every decade phased through socks of varying length. Maybe we leave the teasing back in grade school, don’t you think?

So on that note, this week we’re taking a gander at some of the retro foot trends that we have clung onto like a life preserver on the Titanic.

Tube Socks

Oh yeah. To the dads of 1970s/1980s America, the weekend is upon us. It’s now time to go outside and get after some yard work.

I must say, I can vividly remember my dad outside mowing the lawn in his tube socks and old, beat-up, grass-stained, only for yard work sneakers. And of course, short blue-jean cut-offs.

And what about tube socks with loafers? Man, our dads were so cool.

Layered Socks

For me more of a 90s trend, but the layered and scrunch socks were winning in the fashion realm. Leggings with stirrups, covered with not one, but two pairs of socks. Two different colors, one folded over the other to give the illusion of multicolored socks. And if applicable, scrunched down to give the illusion of “scrunch socks.”

It really was a lot of work, but always worth it.

Thigh Highs

Thigh highs in the 70s, then leg warmers in the 80s. And then back to thigh highs in the 90s. The data showing every decade has experienced this trend in some way, shape or form.

I personally didn’t follow the Clueless knee-high and skirt trend in high school. But I can’t imagine changing out for P.E. everyday was a walk in the park.

Ankle Socks

Contrary to the belief of Gen Z, we’ve always had a purpose (fashion over function) for ankle socks. For a while it was cool to not wear socks, especially in those loafers or boat shoes. But what comes of that other than smelly, sweaty feet?

The solution? Ankle socks!

I can remember making my own ankle socks with crew socks. And how annoying it became during the day because they would eventually slide all the way down into your shoes. You spent a majority of the day removing your shoes and adjusting your socks. Hooray for footwear innovation! We have some great ankle socks today.

So look out Gen Z… Someday you too may find yourselves reaching for a pair of no-shows without irony. History keeps proving that even the most “unpopular” sock trends find their way back around. As for the rest of us, whichever style you claim as your own: wear ’em loud and wear ’em proud!