black crew socks, grey ankle socks, blue no-show socks, and floral sock inserts hanging on a clothesline

Gen Z vs. Millennial Sock Trends: Crew Socks, Ankle Socks & The Rise of No-Shows

Some sock trends seem timeless. From the resurgence of crew socks to the ongoing sockless shoe trend, Generation Z and millennials are driving the evolution of sock fashion. If you’re hesitant to ditch your no-shows like your skinny jeans, keep reading to see why ankle socks and no-shows like FLAT SOCKS® are still top contenders for both generations.

Gen Z Socks vs Millennial Socks

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, often resurrects fashion trends that millennials retired years ago. In addition to bringing back mullets and Crocs™, Gen Z favors crew socks—an interesting contrast to millennials’ preference for ankle socks. This change in sock length highlights how each generation uses fashion to express individuality.

three teenagers sitting on stairs wearing jeans, sneakers, and crew socks

On social media, many Gen Z members say wearing ankle socks is now a “millennial giveaway.” Like previous generations, these “zoomers” use fashion to distinguish themselves from their predecessors.

After all, Hailey Bieber’s gym outfit featuring leggings and crew socks echoes the cultural impact that Britney Spears’ cargo pants and stilettos or Paris Hilton’s velvet tracksuit had in the early 2000s.

Recent market trends also reflect these shifting preferences. For instance, sock brand Hanes® reported that sales of above-ankle socks have increased by nearly 6% since 2021. Additionally, some fashion brands report crew socks outselling ankle socks by a two-to-one margin.

Should You Follow the Gen Z Socks Trend?

Gen Z’s sock choices are strongly shaped by social media, with TikTok influencers driving many trends. The debate over millennial socks versus Gen Z socks first gained traction on TikTok, where people under 30 make up 47% of the platform’s users. Influencers on the app have amassed millions of views debating whether no-show socks are still trendy.

According to consumer reports, 55% of Gen Z discovers clothing trends through short-form videos on social media, and 37% make purchases based on influencer suggestions. Millennials and Gen Z may not be so different after all—Vogue Business noted that 77% of Gen Z and 79% of millennials rely on social media to discover new fashion trends.

So, should you throw out your entire sock collection just because a 16-year-old on TikTok declared ankle socks passé? Probably not.

Are No Show Socks Out of Style?

Although Gen Z may prefer taller socks, they also love making bold fashion choices that defy traditional rules—whether that’s wearing socks with sandals or skipping socks altogether. One thing both generations agree on is the practicality of FLAT SOCKS no-show sock inserts, especially for those embracing sockless shoe styles like HeyDude® shoes.

close-up of a man holding a white sneaker with a grey sock insert inside

A 2024 YouGov survey revealed that 61% of adults favor low-profile socks, whether ankle socks, no-shows, or no socks at all. Breaking it down by age, 41% of Gen Z adults prefer tall socks, but 47% still lean toward ankle or invisible socks. In other words, ankle and no-show socks are very much still in vogue.

Most Americans seem to favor no-show socks, and FLAT SOCKS are the ultimate choice for this style. These inserts are placed inside your shoe rather than worn on your foot, eliminating the common issues of slipping or bunching that come with crew or ankle socks. Plus, they are moisture-wicking, helping to combat foot sweat and odor.

No show, no slip, and no stink? That’s a triple win in our book.

Crew Socks vs Ankle Socks vs No Shows

Just because Gen Z has embraced crew socks doesn’t mean ankle socks are completely out. Whether it’s crew socks, ankle socks, or no-shows, understanding the different types of socks and their lengths is key to finding the right pair for your comfort and style. After all, socks can elevate or ruin an outfit, and wearing socks has many health benefits too.

Generational differences aside, the primary distinction between crew socks and ankle socks lies in their height. Crew socks reach mid-calf, while ankle socks sit just above the ankle, and no-shows stay hidden below the ankle line.

Still undecided about which sock type to wear? With crew socks gaining popularity, you can confidently wear crew, ankle, or no-show socks with virtually any outfit—whether casual or formal. In fact, going sockless with flats and jeggings is just as stylish as pairing loafers with crew socks.

FLAT SOCKS can even be worn with socks if you need extra cushioning, odor protection, or want to add a pop of pattern inside your shoes, like floral prints, animal prints, solid colors, or seasonal designs.

a person wearing pink leggings and white sneakers standing beside three pairs of sock inserts

Embrace Your Sock-less Style with FLAT SOCKS

A quality pair of socks never goes out of style. FLAT SOCKS no-show inserts provide comfort, odor control, and versatility, making them the ideal choice for any footwear trend. Whether you’re opting for bold crew socks or adopting the sockless look, explore FLAT SOCKS to find your perfect match.

FLAT SOCKS is not affiliated with Crocs™, Hanes®, HEYDUDE™ or any other shoe or clothing manufacturer. References and trademarks mentioned are used for research or as examples of compatible shoe brands with FLAT SOCKS.