Culture Loose socks are back!

[thomas]

Loose socks were popular in the 1990s and early 2000s but had all but disappeared from Japan's streets. They seem to be making a comeback in 2025. At least in Harajuku.

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Loose socks, popularized during the Heisei era, are now drawing renewed attention, especially in Harajuku. A visit to a local sock specialty store reveals a wide range of these socks lined up. The shop sells around 200 pairs of the standard white type each month. According to Yuiko Nagai, store manager of the Tabio Harajuku Takeshita Street location, "They look great with miniskirts or shorts. We see customers ranging from elementary school students to those in their 20s and 30s." The design of loose socks is also evolving. Nagai explained that the newer styles are shorter and give a more streamlined appearance, making them easier to wear. As the weather warms, gauze-textured varieties are becoming popular, and new sock designs that replicate the loose sock look are gaining traction.

Loose Socks Make a Comeback in the Reiwa Era

Loose socks, once a symbol of 1990s gyaru fashion, are making a stylish comeback among Japan's Gen Z, driven by a broader 'Heisei retro' trend that celebrates nostalgic aesthetics. In Harajuku, young people are pairing the evolved, shorter versions of the socks with miniskirts and shorts.

newsonjapan.com

I'm waiting for the return of the ganguro.

Thread 'Ganguro girls'

22 Jul 2007

Well. I'm about to prepare an article concerning the Ganguro style (which is very kute ) .
But I have some problems finding information about them .
Could someone give me some resources about this ?

• Kujiro
• Replies: 34
• Forum: All Things Japanese

 

[salyavin]

In case you did not know you glued (with sock glue) the socks to your skin.

Slouch sock - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[thomas]

I never knew this started as a remedy against what is sometimes colloquially described as "daikonashi."

Loose socks were adopted as a fashion which flattered plump calves and also expressed rebellious deviation from Japan's strict dress code for school uniforms.[3]​ They have been used as an inspiration for photography by Akira Gomi. They are also used in Japanese street fashions such as kogal and fairy kei.

 

[nice gaijin]

I never knew this started as a remedy against what is sometimes colloquially described as "daikonashi."

I wonder if daikon ashi would be the Japanese equivalent of "cankles"

 

[thomas]

"Pale and pudgy"

 

[JT303]

Did that happen naturally or is it like the watermelons (cubed watermelon)? Either way, that is one interesting daikon. Cute.