Are fashion socks a lucrative market? Are socks more popular with men or women? Do people really buy socks with designs that are out of this world? Find out more about the potential of the global socks market and the best socks styles to stock up on in this article.
Table of contents:
Benefit from a flourishing stock market
Beat the competition with these four fashion sock styles
Fun designs for seasonal promos, simple designs for stable sales
Benefit from a flourishing sock market
The global market for socks saw steady growth in 2021, and revenue from the sales of socks around the world is expected to nearly double in the coming decade. It is forecasted to reach nearly $56 billion in 2031. The US, Germany, France, and India are countries where growth in their demand for socks is expected.
According to a survey by a sock company, Germans own the most pairs of socks on average in Europe. In terms of style, casual socks hold around 42% of the total global market share, with socks for men holding the largest market share.
Beat the competition with these four fashion sock styles
Invisible or ankle socks
Invisible, ankle or no-show socks are likely to be a popular item among men and women of all ages. Since these socks are short, they are rather suitable for summer wear as they do not wrap around the calf and trap heat.
Ladies who dislike having the tops of their socks peeking out of their shoes or sneakers are likely to pick ankle socks. Men who like wearing loafers might also prefer socks that do not show.
Apart from providing a range of color options for these socks, having customizable sock design options would help to further differentiate your products and make them more marketable. Plan your designs so that they can go on sale for different festivities or seasons. For example, limited edition designs can be promoted during Halloween, Christmas, or Saint Patrick’s Day.
Crew socks
Though they might not be too fancy, crew socks are one of the most ordinary sock styles available on the market. They can be seen as the default or safe choice when it comes to getting a pair of socks.
Due to the prevalence of crew socks, brands should look into features that can elevate their sock products. An option is to consider ice socks that are made of a thinner material. These are not as warm as the usual type of cotton socks and would likely be a popular option for summertime.
Another option is to provide additional design features like frills and embroidery. Since these socks look stylish, they can be easily matched with several different types of outfits and double as both casual and dress socks. Versatile styles like that are likely to be a win with the fashion crowd.
Remember to also take weather into consideration as materials like cotton and merino wool are likely to be more popular during the colder seasons. Apart from the thickness of the material, look into providing interesting designs as well. Patterned or unique designs can make for a nice pop of color to an otherwise boring work outfit, while themed cartoon socks are bound to turn the heads of die-hard comic fans. Providing customized designs will definitely give your sock products an edge over the others.
Compression or calf socks
Apart from the usual fashion sock styles, there are other types of socks worn for athletic or health purposes. Socks can help reduce friction during physical activity, and some athletes wear socks that cover their calves while doing sports. These socks provide extra support and reduce muscle oscillation when in movement, resulting in lower rates of muscle fatigue and soreness.
There are also many who choose to wear compression socks for health reasons like stimulating blood flow and preventing cramps. Though not mainly worn for fashion, providing such socks with a higher aesthetic appeal is bound to make the item more popular and marketable.
Thigh-high socks
Thigh-high socks might not be the most favored style among the masses, but these are likely to gain more popularity among the ladies come autumn or winter. Not only do these socks look fashionable when matched with the right outfits, but they can also be made of thick, knitted material and provide a great deal of warmth during the colder months.
Look into thigh-high socks made with thinner cotton for summer and spring. Apart from being a fashion item, these socks can also be worn while sleeping to keep warm. Cosplay enthusiasts are likely to look into novelty sock options, so it is advisable to look into versatile designs that are inspired by anime, cartoons, or shows.
Fun designs for seasonal promos, simple designs for stable sales
Great opportunity lies in the global socks market since socks are quite the staple fashion item for everyone. Simple designs are a safe choice, and providing unique and interesting designs would help to boost short-term sales. Look into trendy sock designs and styles on Alibaba.com to attract more customers with selections that are likely to be popular among the masses.
