When you’re discussing logoed apparel with clients, don’t forget their feet. A custom sock with a fun logo or bold design could be the perfect way to make a lasting impression. And don’t worry about the message getting lost under a pant leg. “These days, the youth market like to wear shorts with higher socks,” says Gustavo Serrano, brand developer at Vapor Apparel (asi/79707). “When the sock has a funny logo or team that they love to support, the wearer loves to show them off.”

Decorated socks are particularly popular with athletes. Kelsey Phillips, an account executive with Strideline (asi/89926), says her company’s NFL collection is worn by football players. Pittsburgh Steeler Antonio Brown, for example, wore a pair of Strideline socks bearing his own likeness, during a preseason NFL game against the New York Giants in August.

But don’t limit yourself to the athletic market. Strideline has done custom, logoed socks for brands like Google and McDonald’s as well, according to Phillips. Custom socks are being used for events, branding, college giveaways and more, says Chris Ferriter, a sales representative for Pro Feet (asi/79707). He added that his company is currently working on a wool sock in corporate colors for a wood distributor. “Socks are great to get the message to the person wearing them,” Ferriter says. “People pay a lot more attention, and have a lot more to choose from to what goes on their feet now.”

When it comes to decoration methods for socks, there are a couple of options. Several companies offer custom knit-in decoration, where the design is incorporated into the construction. For example, Strideline’s premium compression sock, its most popular, includes a customizable window at the top where Pantone color-matched logos, trademarks and other designs can be dropped in.

Another popular option is dye sublimation, where a custom design is digitally printed onto paper, then transferred onto the sock using heat and pressure. It’s a fun customization, Serrano says, “because you can turn a white sock into an amazing photograph or print a repeat logo for a client.”

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