What Is Underneath the Socks?

Turn a pair of yoga socks over and you will usually find dots, lines or small shapes across the sole. The layout is not the same on every pair.

Some have tiny dots running from heel to toe. Others have larger sections placed beneath the front of the foot and around the heel. On patterned socks, the sole design may even form part of the overall look rather than being hidden underneath.

It is worth checking the extra photographs before ordering. 

Checking the Toe Design

There are several ways the front of a yoga sock can be made.

Full-toe socks cover the toes completely. Open-toe styles have one opening across the front, leaving all of the toes uncovered. Individual-toe pairs have a separate fabric section for each toe.

Some designs sit somewhere in between. They may separate only the big toe or leave small openings at the end of each section.

Individual-toe socks can take a bit more patience to put on. It is easy for one toe to end up in the wrong section or for the fabric to fold inside. Take a moment to straighten everything rather than pulling at the sock once it is already on.

Seams can vary too. Some are barely noticeable from the outside, while others are more visible between the toes.

Check the Class Rules

Not every studio approaches socks in the same way.

Some classes are normally taken barefoot. Others may allow yoga socks or ask people to bring their own pair. It is sensible to check before attending somewhere new rather than assuming the rules will be the same as another studio.

The instructor may also have guidance about footwear for a particular type of class or piece of equipment.

When socks are permitted, put them on shortly before the session rather than walking around outside in them. This helps keep grit and outdoor dirt away from the sole pattern.

What Does the Sole Look Like?

The main photo does not always show the bottom of the socks, so it is worth looking through the other pictures before choosing a pair.

Some have small dots underneath, while others use lines, larger shapes or a pattern that covers most of the sole. The layout can be quite different from one pair to another.

Open or Closed Heels

Some yoga socks cover the heel completely, much like a normal pair of socks. Others leave the heel open and are held in place by straps or fabric around the foot.

This is not always clear from the front photograph. Looking at the side or back usually gives you a better idea of how the sock is made.

There is no right choice here. Some people like having the whole foot covered, while others prefer an open heel with less fabric around the back of the foot.

Different Strap Styles

The straps can look quite different depending on the pair.

Some socks have one simple band across the foot. Others have crossed straps or several thinner bands. You may also see wider straps that sit further up the foot.

On certain pairs, the straps are made from elastic.

When Is It Time for a New Pair?

Some pairs are worn once a week, while others are washed far more often.

The toes and heels are good places to check first. These areas may start to look thin or develop small holes before the rest of the sock.

Straps can stretch as well. Once they lose their shape, they may not sit across the foot in the same way.

Turn the socks over and look at the pattern underneath. The raised dots or shapes can become smooth, cracked or loose over time. When the fabric or sole pattern is badly worn, it is probably time to replace the pair.

Colours and Patterns

There are plenty of styles beyond plain black socks.

Some pairs have stripes, floral prints or contrasting straps. Others have coloured toes or a pattern printed across the bottom.

Dark socks can show pale fluff and dust, while light colours may show marks from the floor more easily.

Colours can also look slightly different online.