Socks are sold in shoe-size ranges, for example 39–41 or 42–44, because the knit stretches over several foot sizes. The trouble starts when your size sits at the edge of a range, or when a manufacturer splits sizes differently from what you are used to. Below: a chart converting shoe size to foot length, an explanation of the ranges manufacturers use, and rules for choosing warm, thin or invisible socks.
Chart: shoe size and foot length
European (EU) shoe sizes are based on foot length: one size equals 2/3 of a centimetre. Measure your foot from the heel to the tip of the longest toe (standing, on a sheet of paper) and read your size:
| Foot length | EU size | Typical sock range |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5–22.5 cm | 35–36 | 35–37, 36–38 |
| 22.5–24 cm | 36–38 | 36–38, 37–41 |
| 24–26 cm | 39–41 | 39–41, 39–42 |
| 26–28 cm | 42–44 | 42–44, 42–46 |
| 28–30 cm | 45–47 | 45–47 |
For other sizes: EU size ≈ (foot length in cm + 1.5) × 1.5. A 25 cm foot therefore gives size 39.75 – that is, 40.
Manufacturers' ranges: 36–38, 39–41 or 37–41
Manufacturers split sizes in two ways:
- Three-size ranges (36–38, 39–41, 42–44, 45–47) – used for most Cerber socks. Your size always falls into one range (41 is 39–41), but at the top of a range (38, 41, 44) the sock fits more snugly – for thick styles, go one range up.
- Wide ranges (37–41, 39–42, 43–46) – used for most Milena socks, as well as Legs (36–40, 41–45) and Pezzini (39–42, 43–46). One pair covers four to five sizes, so the knit has room to spare and the edge of the range is safer.
Exceptions to the “middle of the range” rule:
- Wool and terry socks (winter, trekking) – thick knit has less stretch, and wool shrinks when washed too hot; at a borderline size, take the larger range.
- Trainer socks and invisible socks – they have to grip the heel, so at a borderline size take the smaller range. In trainer socks with a silicone heel grip, a size too big means slipping inside the shoe.
- Non-binding socks – the cuff is loose by design, but the foot still has to fit; a sock that is too big wrinkles under the sole and rubs. More in our guide to non-binding underwear.
Women's, men's and children's socks
Women's socks usually cover sizes 35–41, men's 39–47. The split concerns the cut of the leg and the patterns, not foot length – a woman in size 41 can wear men's 39–41, and a man in size 39 can wear women's 39–41. Children's socks come in narrower ranges: Cerber 25/26, 27/28, 29/30 and 33–35, Milena 29/31 and 32/34.
How to measure your foot
- Stand on a sheet of paper wearing a sock as thick as the ones you usually wear.
- Mark the point behind your heel and in front of your longest toe (it is not always the big toe).
- Measure the distance with a ruler; do it for both feet and take the larger result.
- Measure in the evening – your foot is slightly bigger then than in the morning.
Signs of the wrong size
- Too small: the heel of the sock slips under your foot, the toe stretches over your toes, the cuff marks your calf more than it should.
- Too big: excess knit bunches under the toes and at the heel, the sock twists inside the shoe, the leg slides down.
Size is one thing, the occasion is another: we cover colour and length in our guide to socks for a suit. Warmer styles are in the wool socks collection, and the full range in the socks category.