The classic complaint of getting socks for Christmas portrays the footwear as a generic gift. However, socks are universally needed, offering comfort, versatility and fashion-forward appeal across seasons and demographics.
According to Ty Yarborough, regional sales manager at Sock101+, PPAI 100’s No. 92 supplier, socks are “a great way to tell your branding story or the client’s story without even thinking about it. With every step you’re taking, you’re promoting your brand.”
Not only are socks crucial for day-to-day wear, but they also come in many styes: no-shows, ankle, crew and boot are among the most common. Perhaps you’ve seen the discourse online about millennials favoring ankle socks and Gen Z preferring crew socks. Regardless of where you fall in this debate (I, for one, wear both), it’s hard to ignore the importance socks play in the fashion industry.
Socks as promotional products allow end users to represent their brands in a more subtle way. For those who don’t want a flashy logo tee, socks offer a more discreet marketing alternative. Employees can have a sense of pride when they put their socks on in the morning and carry it with them throughout the day, whether it’s visible to others or not.
Additionally, certain socks can cater to specific events or seasons. For the continued pickleball craze, athletic crew socks could enhance a summer event, or warm fuzzy socks could be a perfect gift for the winter holidays.
“This season, it’s not just about comfort – it’s about high impact,” says Suzanne Kyba, strategic accounts and partnerships marketing manager at Sock Club, PPAI 100’s No. 58 supplier. “Bold statement pieces are having a major moment with creative designs and vibrant, earthy tones. Think golden sunset hues and rich ocean blues.”
Socks make great group gifts with flexible sizing and gender-neutral options. There’s no need to make a ton of different designs of socks – unless you want to, of course, as one classic design can suit any wearer. Socks never go out of style, which limits the possibility of them getting tossed after being gifted, making them a sustainable option, too.
Read on for some standout sock suggestions.
These Slouchy Midi Socks bridge the gap between vintage and current styles. With the stylish midi length and cozy slouch, these socks are great for going out or staying in. Featuring a ribbed knit with a seamed heel and toe, they come in women’s shoe size 6-11 and have an average lead time of three to four weeks. Because they are knitted/woven and not printed, these socks – and their designs – can last longer than five years.
Sock101+ / PPAI 625402, Silver / sock101.com
These Merino Wool Cloud Crew Socks are a great choice for anyone looking for something comfortable and practical. They come in medium and large and have some major advantages: insulating, antibacterial, UV protecting and flame resistant. While they’re ideal for a camping trip or for winter weather, they can also keep you cool in the warmer months thanks to the temperature-regulating properties of wool.
Strideline / PPAI 658220, Standard-Base / strideline.com
These Fuzzy Socks offer a classic style with a fun pattern. Fuzzy socks are the slippers of socks and would be great for a self-care themed gift or during the holidays. These cozy crew socks allow up to three colors in a custom design that covers the whole sock, plus optional rubber grips on the bottom to reduce slipping and sliding. They come in one size, making it easy to order for a large group.
Pop! Promos / PPAI 564497, Gold / poppromos.com
Athletic Ankle Socks are a great choice for anyone with an active lifestyle. These socks are great for working out or being on your feet all day. They feature sweat-wicking technology, anti-blister tabs and reinforced cushioned toes. They’re also made of recycled plastic bottles and printed in the U.S. They come in one size, making them a great choice for a company outing or for an exercise-themed gift.
Tribe Socks / PPAI 716751, Standard-Base / tribecustom.com
The Cotton Crew is a classic and a great choice if you are looking to make patterned or colorful socks. “This fan favorite offers maximum design space and all-day comfort, effortlessly transitioning from warm weather to cool,” says Kyba. These socks come in multiple sizes, including infant, toddler, youth and adult, but you can also opt for the one-size-fits-most option, which makes bulk orders easy. There’s a 30-pair minimum, and they can be ready in three to five days.
Sock Club / PPAI 692671, Silver / custom.sockclub.com
Dress socks often suggest black, grey or navy socks meant to match your pants, but why not spice them up? Customized Woven Dress Socks are a great way to add some fun branding to your formal look. These come in one size and can have a full coverage imprint, giving the option of printing a fun all-over design rather than just a logo.
BamBams / PPAI 255565, Gold / bambams.com
Hanna Brookshire is an editorial assistant with PPAI.
