35 Best Socks of 2025
Festive metallic socks with a fun surprise: Maria La Rosa One Ribbed Laminated Socks
Top pick
These silk-blend socks have a dazzling foil-laminated finish, and they come in over 20 rich shades. These socks are some of our favorites for gifting — not least because when you pull them on for the first time, the metallic lamination breaks open with a satisfying “crack.”
The Maria La Rosa One Ribbed Laminated socks are ready to party: They’re dressy (made of silk!); festive (sparkle, much?); and bright (they come in fluorescent pink, sapphire blue, space-age silver, and many more hues). Plus, like all of the most-in-demand party guests, they show up with a little unexpected pizzazz.
Get ready for a satisfying “snap, crackle, pop.” Brand-new in their packaging, these socks have the high shine and smooth finish of an uninflated Mylar balloon. But as you give the fabric a tug, the metallic lamination on their ribbing breaks open with an ASMR-worthy “crrrriick.” (See the video above to experience this brain-tickling delight.)
These socks are not a one-trick pony — they’re really pretty and comfy, too. Made from a light, breathable blend of silk and polyamide, the One Ribbed Laminated socks feel notably smooth and airy. Said one tester, “I worried that they’d be stiff or itchy, but I barely even noticed I was wearing them.”
Flaws but not dealbreakers
These socks are “diabolically expensive,” according to gifts writers Mari Uyehara and Samantha Schoech. “[That’s] why we prefer to think of them as jewelry.”
If you shop directly from the brand’s site, there’s a hefty shipping cost. At the time of writing, sending a pair to Brooklyn, New York, cost an astonishing $42. Our advice: Buy the socks from other retailers, such as The Post Supply.
Of course you’re supposed to hand-wash them. I’ve been machine-washing mine inside-out in a delicates bag, and so far, so good — but proceed at your own risk.
Specs
- Material: 66% silk, 34% polyamide
- Sizes: one size (EU 35-41)
- Colors: about 20 metallic colors
Sheer socks in over 50 playful prints: Sock Candy Sheer Socks
Top pick
These charming sheer socks come in over 50 whimsical designs, including this sweet strawberry pattern. The heels and toes are reinforced, but these delicate socks still require a bit of TLC.
Another fun sheer pair, this one in a vibrant floral pattern
Sandals and heels deserve to be worn with fun socks too. Sock Candy’s sheer crews come in whimsical patterns and prints that we love putting on display. I especially liked the Strawberry Daisy Ruffle Sheer Crew Socks and the cheerful, flowery Ditsy Floral Sheer Ankle Socks.
Take your pick from the fun and funky patterns. If you want the world to know how passionately you love pasta, there’s a (surprisingly pretty) sock for that. Or maybe you’re after something a little slinkier, like this snake-print pair.
These socks are thoughtfully reinforced. The body of the sock is made from ultra-light, transparent nylon mesh. But the heel, toe, and cuff are crafted in a hardier combed cotton — so there’s less chance that these wispy socks will instantly rip and run.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Despite their cotton heels and toes, these socks are still delicate. Wash ’em inside out in a garment bag, and then air-dry them. (And don’t expect these socks to last a lifetime.)
They go up to a women’s size 10 only. We wish they came in more sizes.
Specs
- Material: 54% nylon, 45% combed cotton, 1% lycra
- Sizes: one size (women’s 5.5-10)
- Colors: 50-plus designs
Elevated sheers with bold, modern designs: Hansel from Basel Sheer Crew Socks
Top pick
These ultra-fine sheer socks command attention in a wide selection of modern, graphic motifs. Considering how thin they are, they’re remarkably durable, though they should be treated gently.
These are the same socks, in a different floral pattern.
For a bold, visually arresting look, we love the sheer nylon crew socks made by Hansel from Basel. We tried the Pop Sheer Short Crew and Ethel Sheer Crew styles. “I’m obsessed with how graphic and playful the designs are — very reminiscent of Marimekko,” a tester said. These socks come in around 25 delightful designs, including modern squiggles and dainty ladybugs.
These socks are giving “upgrade” vibes. Compared with our other sheer pick from Sock Candy, these (pricier) socks have a finer construction and a more durable feel, with smoother elasticated cuffs. I’ve worn and washed my test pairs numerous times, and they’re still in excellent condition.
They have a fancy pedigree. Most patterned socks are made on knitting machines with 144 to 200 needles per inch. But these sheer crews are made in Japan on ultra-fine-gauge, 240-needle machines, according to Hansel from Basel founder Hannah Byun. As a result, the fabric is especially silky and strong, with more precisely rendered designs.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
They’re supposed to be hand-washed. That said, I’ve been (rebelliously) washing them inside-out in a delicates bag and air-drying them, and so far they’re A-OK.
Alas, sheer socks aren’t BIFL. Which is a bummer, since these are so cute (and pricey).
They come in just one size, fitting up to a women’s 9.5. “Majorly hurtful,” one tester (size 11.5) said.
Specs
- Material: 100% nylon
- Sizes: one size (women’s 6-9.5)
- Colors: about 25 designs
Plant-dyed socks with whimsical prints: Happy Socks Natural Dye Socks
Top pick
These cotton-blend crews thread the “fun but tasteful” needle. We love this polka-dot pattern, but there are lots of appealing prints in the same collection, which uses plant-based colorants and an earthy palette.
Happy Socks is best known for its brightly colored, often silly designs. (Super Dad superhero socks, anyone?) While we agree that life’s too short for boring socks, we’re partial to the brand’s more-subdued Natural Dye Collection, which includes sophisticated (yet still playful) styles like the Big Dot Natural Dye Socks.
The colors are more muted than those of typical Happy Socks offerings. Shades like gentle taupe, olive green, and rich burgundy — all created with plant-based dyes — dominate. “They’ll actually match with the rest of my wardrobe!” one tester exclaimed.
Have fun — and keep your dignity, too. These cotton-blend crews come in dozens of smile-inducing patterns. Go ahead, let your boss see you rocking socks covered in stars, cherries, or even burgers — these pairs are tasteful enough that your cred will remain intact.
For more-playful-yet-polished socks — in bolder colors — we also recommend the Paul Smith Signature Stripe Socks (men’s), though our testers found the mid-calf-height cuffs a bit too snug.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The interiors may be a little itchy for some people. The patterns are textured on the inside.
The comfort and construction aren’t anything special. We love these socks for their restrained quirkiness — but as (purely functional) socks, they’re just okay.
Specs
- Material: 60% cotton, 25% polyester, 14% polyamide, 1% elastane
- Sizes: two unisex sizes (EU 36-46)
- Colors: six natural-dye prints and patterns; hundreds of other patterns and prints
Roll-top socks with subdued sparkle: Calzedonia Glitter Socks
Top pick
These short socks have a subtle metallic sparkle, so they’re festive yet still understated enough for everyday wear. We were impressed with their non-itchy texture and comfy roll-top ankles, though the looser design won’t appeal to everyone.
The Calzedonia Glitter Socks add a totally wearable touch of sparkle to casual and dressy outfits alike. These surprisingly comfy viscose-and-polyamide quarter-crews come in a selection of mostly muted tones, with subtly glittering metallic threads throughout. (Though they probably don’t have enough oomph for your Vegas-loving aunt.)
Surprise! They’re not itchy. “I was convinced that the texture was going to annoy me, but these socks are unexpectedly smooth,” a tester shared. “I can wear them under a snug shoe without any uncomfortable rubbing.”
They’re notably comfier than the similar-looking Calzedonia Cashmere Blend Short Socks with Glitter, which felt itchier (and barely contain any cashmere anyway).
If your ankles yearn for freedom, the roll-top design is a winning one. So there’s no digging, pinching, or squeezing. “They don’t leave an indentation around my ankles after I take them off,” a tester said. But not everyone was a fan: For some testers, the socks didn’t feel snappy enough.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The socks’ roll-tops can roll down. They weren’t snappy enough for some.
They come in one size. And that size fits only up to a women’s 9.5 (EU 40).
Specs
- Material: 67% viscose, 22% polyamide, 8% metal, 3% elastane
- Sizes: one size (EU 34-40)
- Colors: six glitter colors
