Striped Thigh High Socks

This is the only sock range we sell where the maker publishes the actual measurements, so this page can tell you whether the sock fits your thigh instead of guessing at one size. Use those numbers first.

The measurements. Flat, each sock is about 22.8 inches long and 11 inches wide. Stretched, it reaches about 29.5 inches long and 35 inches wide, and the maker rates it for a thigh circumference of 18 to 35 inches. Two practical readings of that. Under 28 inches, the sock has enough spare stretch to sit above the knee without pulling down. Between 28 and 32 inches you are in the working range and the cuff will stay put. Above 33 inches you are near the limit: the sock will still go on, but the stripes will begin to flatten as the knit opens up.

What the yarn does to the stripe. These are 75% cotton, 5% spandex and 20% rubber, knit rather than printed, so the stripe is a colour change in the yarn and it does not crack or peel. The rubber in the blend is what gives the cuff its grip, and it is also why these are hand wash only and should never see a tumble dryer, because heat kills the rubber and the sock quietly stops staying up. Cotton is the reason they breathe and do not go shiny at the knee.

Colour. The stripes are paired against black rather than being a single colour, so the same sock reads preppy with the blue, a little witchy with the purple, and flat-out neutral with the grey. Black and rose is the one that photographs best against pale skin.

How they wear. Over the knee with a pleated mini is the classic. With shorts and a chunky trainer when you want the sock to be the statement. Under wide-leg trousers as a layer when it is cold but you do not want tights. Because they are knit cotton they will feel warm indoors, so this is an autumn and winter sock rather than a summer one.

The question we get most: yes, one size really does cover the listed range, but if you sit at the top of the 18 to 35 inch band, expect a slightly shorter over-the-knee line than the model shows, because some of the length is spent going around rather than going up. Measure at the widest part of the thigh, about four inches above the kneecap.