Women's Extra Large Socks

Sock Basics

• Wear the right size – Many women wear the wrong size because they don't know there is a larger size or they can't find a retailer that sells a larger size.
  • If the sock is too short - There is a strain on your toes which could lead to hammer toes or ingrown toe nails.
  • If the sock is not wide enough - You run the risk of feet becoming overheated which is uncomfortable and can lead to athlete's foot.
  • If the top of the sock is too small - It will cut into your ankle and leg, which is uncomfortable and may cause circulation problems.
• Wear socks that breathe – Feet need to breathe in order to avoid foot fungus and blisters. Foot perspiration needs to be wicked away so that feet stay dry. Read the labels and make sure that the socks contain a moisture-wicking fabrication. Some very soft, fluffy styles make great fashion accessories but they are usually made of acrylic which does not let your foot breathe.
• Wear the right style – Socks can make a big difference in the way your feet look and feel.
  • Trouser socks are great with pants and boots. They are basically knee-high nylons with patterns. They are available in sheer to opaque weaves.
  • Wool socks are terrific at regulating themselves to provide warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer. For added stretchability, look for a wool sock with nylon and Spandex. They will also make the sock more durable.
  • Athletic socks are designed for one purpose – to keep your feet cool. Look for men's athletic socks. They are usually better-made, and often less expensive than women's athletic socks.
• Wear clean socks – Socks need to be washed between each wearing in order to kill any fungus issues.

Sock Sizing

Buying socks can be really confusing unless you have "average-sized" feet, ankles and legs. The sizes printed on the labels on women's socks are sock sizes, not shoe sizes. Specifically, socks labeled:

• "Fits 9-11" are sized to fit a women's narrow or medium width foot that wears a size 6 to 11 shoe.
• "Fits 10-13" are sized to fit a woman's medium or wide foot that wears a size 8 to 12 shoe. This is usually the best size for women's extra large socks.

Men's Socks

If you need a longer, bigger or wider sock you can also consider men's socks. You usually won't find the wild colors and patterns of women's socks, but, they are widely available in solids.

Men's socks are made on the same machines as women's socks. The size 10 to 13 men's sock is slightly longer and wider than the size 10 to 13 women's socks. Men's socks can also be found in larger sock sizes 13 to 17 at stores such as Casual Male XL and Rochester Big & Tall.

Special Needs Socks

Diabetic Socks

Diabetic socks tend to be wider and stretchier at the top so they don't cut off blood circulation. They can be worn by anyone who needs a looser fitting sock to accommodate wider feet, ankles and legs. They are also terrific if your ankles and feet swell during the day.

Compression Socks

Some women need the extra support and pressure provided by compression socks. They are designed to add pressure to the leg and foot to combat health issues such as leg cramps and vein pain. They can also add to leg comfort if you have to stand on your feet for long periods of time. Be sure to measure your leg and make sure that you are wearing the correct size for the right amount of compression.

Where to Buy Women's Extra Large Socks

Larger socks can be purchased in most plus size stores and in plus size catalogs:

• Junonia – Ankle socks
• Woman Within – Ankle and trouser socks
• JMS Just My Size – Ankle and trouser socks
• Lane Bryant – Trouser socks
• Sock Dreams – Fashion-forward socks for women and men
• Socks4Life.com – Ankle and diabetic socks
• Healthyfeetstore.com – Ankle and diabetic socks
• AmesWalker.com – Ankle and diabetic socks