Much of our communication is nonverbal. Some studies show that up to 90 percent of what we communicate is done without words. That includes our clothes.

Yes, what you wear sends a message, whether you intend to send a specific message or any communication at all with your attire. Clothing can tell the world everything from “I’m ambitious” to “I don’t care.” And every bit of your wardrobe from head to toe is part of that message—including your socks.

The color of socks people wear communicate similar attributes when used for ties, scarves, hats and other accessories. Red denotes passion. Blue symbolizes trustworthiness. Green is the color of dedication and commitment, while purple communicates a desire for prestige. For men, wearing pink socks shows bravery and individuality for sporting a color traditionally aligned with femininity. The brighter the color, the happier you appear and/or the more risk you are willing to take in life.

Socks with distinct patterns also say a lot about the person wearing them. Multi colored socks give the impression that the individual has a sense of style they want to subtly communicate. On the other hand, using wacky patterns like cartoon characters can express that one is more about fun than business. Solid patterns using nontraditional sock colors mean a person has a sense of traditional, conservative values combined with the occasional wild streak. Polka dots tell the world you have something to say while animal prints identify one as creative.

Not only can our socks impact the way others see us, they can also affect the way we feel about ourselves. A study conducted at Northwestern University a few years ago implied that what people wear affects their cognitive processes. That means wearing certain clothing, like custom printed socks with bright colors, might make us feel braver and more inclined to take on challenging tasks and seek out greater opportunities.

About the author

EVERSOX is a worldwide supplier of custom branded socks for businesses, retailers, and promotional products distributors — with over 10,000 designs manufactured & 100 major brands served since 2010.