Thigh high socks echo an old silhouette, since the V&A says sixteenth-century Tudor noblemen wore footed hose beneath short breeches that reached all the way to the waist. In the 1960s Mary Quant promoted shorter skirts and created a hosiery brand to meet demand. This is how to choose thigh high socks that stay up and look deliberate.
Thigh High Socks: Tudor Hose and the Miniskirt Era
Legwear with a long reach
The V&A says that sixteenth-century Tudor noblemen wore footed hose under short breeches, reaching all the way to the waist. By the mid-sixteenth century knitted silk stockings were being imported into England and soon made in London, and the museum estimates 90,000 to 110,000 English domestic knitters in 1595. In the 1960s Mary Quant promoted shorter skirts and created a hosiery brand to meet demand, helping to make tights a fashionable accessory. Thigh high socks have a long and surprisingly noble history.
Staying up
The biggest complaint is slipping. Look for a silicone grip band at the top, which holds without cutting. Ribbed tops help, and so does the right size. A sock that is too loose will slide, and one that is too tight will pinch. Try on a pair at home first, and wear them for a few hours.
Fabrics and weights
Cotton is breathable and casual. Wool is warm for winter. A sheer nylon is dressy. Picture her in a pleated skirt, loafers and white cotton thigh highs, hurrying across a college quad in the first cold week of fall. Choose a color that suits your shoes, and match black to black for a long line.
Wearing them
Thigh high socks suit mini skirts, shorts and dresses. Under a long coat they look hidden and sweet. Pair them with boots in winter and Mary Janes in spring. They also look good with an oversized sweater and a pleated skirt. Wash them in a bag to protect the grip.
What I would skip
I would skip socks with thin tops that roll down and those whose heels twist around your ankles. Thigh highs should stay in place from morning to night.
