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The Best White Socks That Are Actually Comfortable and Cute
Socks are functional accessories that often get overlooked, but in 2025, they're finally getting the attention they deserve. Thanks to a rise in sock trends, they’re being embraced not just for their practicality, but for their style, too. White socks, in particular, are having a major moment this year, celebrated for their clean aesthetic, versatile appeal, and ties to the athletic and throwback looks everyone’s loving right now.
Experts in This Article
Nena Evans
a fashion creator and stylist
“White socks are trending [and] we’re still very much seeing preppy and tenniscore all over the runways and in stores,” says Amanda Weil, a stylist and the CEO of Style Awakenings. The trend mostly highlights crew socks—or a variation of crew socks—but slouchy and quarter styles are also very much en vogue for every season.
The Best White Socks for Women at a Glance
- Best Crew Socks: Bombas Women's Modern Rib Calf Socks, $18
- Best Quarter Socks: Stance Icon Quarter Socks, $11+
- Best Sheer Socks: Nordstrom Everyday Sheer Dot Ankle Socks, $12
- Best Slouchy Socks: Aritzia Best-Ever Slouchy Crew Sock, $15
- Best Socks With Bows: Bombas Lightweight Bow Quarter Sock 3-Pack, $54
- Best Socks With Ruffles: Ava Heart Lace Trim Crew Sock, $12
What to look for in white socks
From trendy crew socks and slouchy socks to classic ankle socks and no-show socks, white socks come in just about every style imaginable. So, before you buy, consider the type of sock you need for your shoes and outfit. If you need some help deciding, stylists say you can’t go wrong with a trendy crew sock style, which is everywhere right now.
“Gone are the days of the ankle sock; It’s no socks or crew socks and nothing in between,” says Nena Evans, a fashion creator and stylist. “Taller socks not only pack a bigger stylistic punch than their no-show sister, but they’re also notably more practical—say goodbye to blistering ankles from socks that chronically fall and move around.”
In addition to making your style selection, Evans recommends looking for socks that are constructed from cotton with a bit of stretch. The natural fiber is more breathable compared to other synthetic styles, and the stretch ensures a comfortable and snug fit around the foot. And, if you opt for a taller sock style, it might be worth looking at options with some fun details—like embroidery, a cool trim, or a cute bow (such as the Bombas Lightweight Bow Quarter Socks)—for a pop of personality.
How to style white socks
White socks are extremely versatile and can be styled in so many ways—including more subtly for a no-show situation. If you want to accessorize with your white socks, Weil says to wear them with shoes you’d never think to wear them with, like a strappy heel or ballet flat. “It adds edge to a more sophisticated or professional look.” She also recommends looking for sheer white socks, socks with some bling or embroidery, or sporty stripes. “They are yet another means to add your personality, especially if you have a certain dress code you need to follow for work or school.”
Crew socks are the easiest style to play with because they look great with any pair of shoes. Weil says loafers, ballet flats, strappy heels, sneakers, short booties, and even sporty slides all look cute with crew socks. “Gone are the days when we look twice at people who wear socks with sandals,” she adds.
So, what white socks are the best?
Bombas makes some of the best socks ever. If you’re looking for a pair of crew socks, consider the Bombas Women's Modern Rib Calf Socks, which are constructed from breathable cotton and feature a stretchy yet supportive fit. Stance is another one of the best sock brands, and the Icon Quarter Socks are one of our favorites for wearing with sneakers. The Aritzia Best-ever Slouchy Crew Socks are a retro slouchy style that go well with athleisure looks, and the Bombas Lightweight Bow Quarter Socks offer a cute coquette moment that goes with just about everything and anything.
Ahead, find these top picks for the best white socks for women, plus a few more styles we’re obsessed with.
The 6 best white socks for women
Best Crew Socks: Bombas Modern Rib Calf Socks
$18
When it comes to the best white crew socks, it doesn’t get more classic than the Bombas Modern Rib Calf Socks. These versatile socks can be worn pulled all the way up, scrunched all the way down, or folded over to look good with any shoe. The socks are constructed from a lightweight and breathable material with cushioned footbeds and a supportive honeycomb band across the arches.
Pros:
Lightweight and breathable
Available in different sizes
Classic, versatile style
Cons:
The most expensive pair on our list (but so worth the splurge)
Best Quarter Socks: Stance Icon Quarter Socks
$11
Stance socks are some of the most comfortable socks ever and the Icon Quarter Socks are a fantastic choice if you want something a little shorter—but not a full-on ankle sock—that look great with loafers, ballet flats, and fisherman sandals. The socks are constructed from a breathable cotton blend and are designed with all sorts of unique comfort details like arch support, targeted cushioning, and a fit that doesn’t slip and slide around.
Pros:
Breathable material
Built-in arch support
Targeted cushioning
Cons:
The Stance logo is visible on the inner ankle
Best Sheer Socks: Nordstrom Everyday Sheer Dot Ankle Socks
$12
Sheer socks have tons of styling potential, and these ones from Nordstrom are great for dressier shoes like patent leather loafers, ballet flats, and heels. These socks are like a combination of tights and socks and feature a sheer material with simple and subtle polka dots and a thicker hem at the top for durability. Since they are similar to tights, these socks are more delicate and not machine washable, so keep that in mind.
Pros:
The sheer material makes them breathable
They have subtle polka dot details
Cons:
The material is delicate
You have to hand-wash them
Best Slouchy Socks: Aritzia Best-Ever Slouchy Crew Sock
$15
Slouchy socks are the sock style for athleisure looks and a great way to add some extra oomph to a tennis dress outfit, skirt set, or even a casual bike shorts and oversized graphic tee look. The Aritzia Best-Ever Slouchy Crew Socks are our favorite slouchy socks because they have a thicker construction that looks vintage with a super soft feel on the feet. Since they are so thick, they look best with athletic or sporty sneakers, so we don’t recommend pairing these with slimmer shoe styles like ballet flats.
Pros:
The cute retro slouchy style
They have a soft and breathable cotton material
Cons:
Looks best with athletic or more sporty-looking sneakers
They run a little big, so size down if you can
Best Socks With Bows: Bombas Lightweight Bow Quarter Sock 3-Pack
$54
This pack features three white quarter socks with bow details on the heels that look adorable with skirts and shorts. They’re constructed from soft, extra-long staple cotton that is breathable and comfortable enough for long wear. Since they are a dressier sock style, they don’t have added comfort details like extra cushioning, so just keep that in mind when selecting a shoe style to wear with them.
Pros:
Versatile quarter sock style
Good value (for Bombas)
Constructed from soft, extra-long staple cotton
Cons:
No extra cushioning
Best Socks With Ruffles: Ava Heart Lace Trim Crew Sock
$12
Ruffles are another cute way to make your sock style pop. These ruffled crew socks from Urban Outfitters feature ribbing with eyelet details and a lace trim with heart details on top. They’re made from a soft and cozy pointelle knit material and go well with strappy heels, sneakers, loafers—anything, really.
Pros:
Soft pointelle knit fabric
Heart-shaped details in the lace
Easy to style
Cons:
Not sized (but they fit most foot sizes)
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