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The Best Socks For Girls

Last updated on June 22, 2022

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From birth, socks play an important role in helping with body temperature regulation. However, when the weather is warm enough or while indoors, infants should keep their feet bare to allow their toes to wiggle freely.

In infancy, you’ll want your child to go barefoot as much as possible. This will help encourage the movement that is necessary to form a healthy foot. However, once a child is walking, it’s important to cover the feet, especially on outdoor surfaces. Going barefoot can expose an older child to wounds or fractures as well as plantar warts.

Many parents spend a great deal of time researching the right shoes for a baby’s foot. You want the right fit, as well as support for a baby’s developing feet. But it can be easy to overlook the socks your little one wears underneath their shoes. Socks provide a little extra cushioning while also keeping a child’s foot warm and dry.

The right fit is important in a child’s sock. It’s especially important that the sock not fit too tightly, as this can get in the way of foot development, and encouraging healthy circulation is a good goal. For younger children, you can slide your finger between the sock and the foot to check that the fit is loose enough.

When checking to make sure a pair of socks fits your child properly, also pay close attention to the overall fit. When you put the sock on, does the heel match where your child’s heel falls when the toe is lined up and in place? Look for any areas where the sock might bunch. This may not seem like such a big deal when the child is wearing only the socks, but those loose areas can become uncomfortable once squished up inside a shoe.

Our Picks For The Top Socks For Girls

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Amazon Essentials Fully-Cushioned Low Cut Socks For Girls, 14-Pairs

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Amazon Essentials

Fully-Cushioned Low Cut Socks For Girls, 14-Pairs

This pack includes 14 pairs of white socks with sizes available from 2T to large. Seven pairs are solid white while the remaining pairs feature a pop of color on the heel and toe, making them great for matching with your girl's favorite pair of shoes. The soft cotton-polyester blend includes a little nylon and elastane for extra comfort.

Overall Take

Great for Everyday WearMostly white with a hint of color, this set of 14 pairs of socks is great for everyday wear.

 Runner Up

Simple Joys by Carter’s Rib Knit Cuffs Socks For Girls, 12-Pairs

Simple Joys by Carter's

Rib Knit Cuffs Socks For Girls, 12-Pairs

Featuring 12 pairs of colorful patterned socks, this set is great for both toddlers and kids. Sizes range from 0-6 months to 4T-5T to help you find that perfect fit. The cuffs are ribbed to help hold them in place and the nonskid soles provide traction for toddlers who are learning to walk.

Overall Take

Fun PatternsA variety of fun pattern options set this pack of 12 pairs of socks apart from the rest.

 Strong Contender

Fruit of the Loom Lightweight Crew Socks For Girls, 10-Pairs

Fruit of the Loom

Lightweight Crew Socks For Girls, 10-Pairs

Ten pairs of socks are included in this set, and while some are white, others feature light color accents. The material is 97% polyester and 3% spandex with a thick, warm design that makes these socks best for chillier months. Machine washability ensures they will hold up even with regular wear.

Overall Take

Warm and CozyMade from a warmer polyester material, these socks are ideal for those chilly fall and winter months.

 Also Great

adidas Superlite Moisture-Wicking No Show Socks For Girls, 6-Pairs

adidas

Superlite Moisture-Wicking No Show Socks For Girls, 6-Pairs

Light pastels give these socks a classy look, while moisture-wicking material helps keep feet cool and dry— even in the heat or during active play. The design is no-show to allow you to wear it with your girl's favorite shoes without worries that the socks will peek through.

Overall Take

Keep-Cool OptionMoisture-wicking fabric helps keep feet cool, even during warmer weather.

What to Look For

  • Sizing varies with socks, but usually it’s based on shoe size. Make sure you know that size before you start shopping for socks.
  • As with shoes, it’s usually a good idea to consider growth when you’re buying socks. Chances are, your child’s foot will grow a half inch or so after you buy the socks, so it might be useful to allow for that when you’re looking at sizes.
  • Socks are generally sold in sets. For younger girls, you’ll often find as many as a dozen pairs in one set. This can help you quickly fill a sock drawer.
  • Most socks include cotton along with polyester and a little elastane for stretch. Cotton can soften the fabric while polyester helps extends its life, especially with regular washings.
  • You can find socks in a variety of colors, but when worn with shoes, nobody will see that color. Some neutral-toned socks include small splashes of color to liven things up a little.
  • Older girls might like socks that don’t show when worn with shoes. These socks have a lower profile to look great with sneakers, loafers or other types of shoes your child might wear.
  • Ankle socks will often feature ribbed cuffs to ensure they stay in place once they’re on. Make sure this part of the sock won’t be too tight or constrict circulation, particularly in infants and toddlers, whose feet are still growing.
  • Some socks are made with a thicker design that keeps feet warm. This can be especially useful in chillier weather. It might also help in warmer months if your home tends to run on the cooler side.
  • Moisture-wicking fabric is useful if those feet will be sweating inside a pair of shoes. You’ll still want to make sure your child removes her socks right when she gets home from practicing sports or playing in the heat all day.

More to Explore

Socks have been present throughout history, but one pair discovered in Egypt has raised some eyebrows. The socks have been dated between 250 and 420 AD and had a split-toe design that made it clear they were meant to be worn with sandals.

One interesting thing about the socks was the way they were made. Experts believe the socks were knitted using a method called nålbindning, which used just one needle and one thread in a time-consuming process. This method was often used for constructing clothing that would be worn close to the body — namely on the head, feet and hands. The needles used in nålbindning were made from either wood or bone that was only 6 centimeters to 10 centimeters long.

More to explore