Multiple articles and social media posts are circulating, describing how one's sock-length tells one's generation. This labeling was sparked by the youngest, loudest and proudest Gen Z. Look down on your feet, are you wearing Millennial socks or Gen Z socks?
As a sock fanatic, it makes me think about all the socks I possess, which generation do I fall under? (Or wish to fall under, if I change my sock-length!) Combing through my dresser, my collection stretches from "no-show" all the way to "boot socks". Maybe that shows I have lived through the ages?
So here is the sock-styling summary:
Gen Z: Crew Socks or Mid-calf Socks
Millennial: Ankle Socks (or socks not visible after wearing shoes)
Gen X & Boomers: The ancestor of the Crew Socks trend?
And oh boy, millennial-style is already coined by the Zees as "old age aesthetics"?!?
Then what about Gen X and Boomers, whom are pretty much still alive and well. Are they becoming "vintages"? Fashion styles and trends tend to be cyclical anyway. From bell-bottoms to skinny jeans and back to bell-bottoms. And loafers from the 80s has been back for a while (with white crew socks of course!), as well as "dad sneakers".
In Japan, socks are daily essentials. As shoes have to be removed upon entering many places, wearing socks (or foot covers in the old days) are seen as a good etiquette and a hygienic practice. Afterall, you wouldn't want to expose and wiggle your bare toes in front of hosts or guests or leave sweaty footprints on people's floor. That also explains why even the most basic Japan-made socks stresses on deodorizing and anti-bacterial properties among other comfort-qualities.
Choice of sock-length in Japan is decided rather pragmatically by the occasions and seasonal comfort. And of course for fashion trendsetters in Japan, socks are indispensable accessories to be considered when styling.
In fact, I personally believe the cool-trend of pairing socks with sandals like Tevas, Birkenstocks originates from the young fashionistas of Tokyo. Because we are all like Linus with his security blanket here in Japan!
As sock-length progresses and regresses like tidal waves outside of Japan, we maintain a stable supply of split-toe crew socks AND ankle socks for the Gen Zs, the Millennials, Gen X and the Boomers. Not to mention, they are anti-bacterial, quick-dry and deodorizes, just to show Japanese foot-politeness!
So now, go bravely and proudly declare (or disguise) YOUR generation with socks ;-)
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