Finding the right size socks for your feet is an important task - and not one we regularly think about. Still, it is important to find that perfect fit to achieve true comfort for your feet and to extend the lives of your hard-working socks. After all, you don’t want them bunching up around your legs and chafing, or squeezing the life out of your ankles, do you?
Today, we will be exploring just this issue: how to find the correct size socks for your feet. This guide will be primarily for UK socks, though we will of course include sizes for the US and Europe as well, in case you need to stock up whilst on your travels.
Although the size of your sock is technically based on a combination of the length and volume of the sock, quite handily, manufacturers have correlated these figures and found a way to ensure that sock size is based on your shoe size. Makes sense, eh?
So, all you really need to do to find the right fit for your socks is learn your shoe size, which will then provide you with your correct sock size to match.
Naturally, if you forget what size socks you need, we will include a handy, quick-glance table and a short guide so that you can match your socks to your feet, ensure they are not too loose or too tight, and return to this page again if you need more info.
Men’s sock size chart
Men’s Sock Size |
UK (shoe size) |
USA (shoe size) |
Europe (shoe size) |
|
Small |
3 - 5.5 |
4 - 6.5 |
36 - 39 |
|
Medium |
6 - 8.5 |
7- 9.5 |
40 - 43 |
|
Large |
9 - 11.5 |
10 - 12.5 |
44 - 47 |
|
XL |
12+ |
13+ |
48+ |
Men’s sock cut
[illustration]
The cut of your socks, in short, refers to the height at which the neck of your sock will sit around your ankle or leg. There are a variety of sock cuts, so make sure to visit our post on types of men’s socks for the complete lowdown.
Essentially, we’re looking at 4 main lengths:
- No-show socks
- Ankle socks
- Trouser/Crew socks
- Knee-high socks
Of course, which length you choose is up to you and your personal taste. Fortunately, the cut of the sock has little to no impact on the size of sock you require - since sizing is based on your shoe size. But it is important to know what style of sock you’re looking for nonetheless.
Men’s socks size guide
If you want to get truly technical, sock sizing is based on a combination of length and volume. However, sock companies have done the hard work for you and correlated these sizes to match with your shoe size. This is nice and simple and a really convenient way to ensure you have the correctly fitting socks for your feet. Whether you’re in the UK, the US, Europe, or further afield. All you need to do is make sure you know what your shoe size is and the sock size will come to you easily.
If you don’t know your shoe size already, a good way to learn is to find your most comfortable pair of shoes and check their sizing. We say your ‘most comfortable’ as you’ll probably wear those shoes the most (and, thus, your socks will be worn with these shoes the most).
Once you have your shoe size to hand, you can return to our sock size table above and see what sock size fits your shoe size best. For example, if you’re a UK size 9.5 for your shoes, then you’ll be looking for large size socks. It really is as easy as that.
One thing you will need to bear in mind, however, is how narrow or broad your feet are as this will also affect the fit of your sock. This is especially relevant if you are on the border between two sock sizes, but we’ll go into more detail on that now...
What size of socks do I need?
The perfect fit for your socks should be tight enough to stay in position on your leg or ankle, but loose enough that it’s not squeezing you and creating discomfort. They also shouldn’t be baggy in any way - this will cause rucking and chafing, which is not only uncomfortable, but can shorten the lives of your socks.
If you’re at the very upper or bottom end of one sock size, then it is worth trying each to see which fits your feet the best. If you have narrow feet, then it is likely better to choose the smaller size. If you have broader feet, then go with the larger size. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation either, so why not try one pair in each size and see which fits your feet best? You can then use those better fitting socks as a future fitting guide.
Should socks be tight or loose?
This is an excellent question, and the answer is: neither. They should be neither tight nor loose.
Too tight and they’re just damn uncomfortable.
Too loose and they’ll either slip right off your feet or bunch up and chafe.
Either way, the wrong size sock is not something you want in the slightest, so make sure to utilise this guide and select your correct sock size.
Refer back to this size guide and keep the chart in mind
If you get stuck trying to figure out your size, don’t forget to return to this guide and follow the simple steps to ensure you find that perfect fit. Remember that keeping your shoe size in mind is of utmost importance when choosing the right size for your socks.
The sizing chart that we have outlined above is representative of the vast majority of UK sock brands and styles that we have available. If you find yourself abroad and in need of socks, then find out your shoe size in that area and then make use of the table.
When you browse through our Pants&Socks website don’t forget to properly read all of the product descriptions to ensure you have the length, style, and sock material that is right for you.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered by the descriptions, then don’t be shy! Get in touch with our team and we will be more than happy to help you out and find the perfect pair of socks for you - and in the right size, at that.