TOKYO - 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.
On May 13th in Harajuku, Tokyo, several people could be seen wearing the iconic slouchy white socks, now reinterpreted and embraced by a new generation.
A woman in her twenties wearing loose socks said, "A lot of my friends wear them too. Regular socks feel boring. These add volume and serve as an accent. They're cute and lift my mood—I look forward to each day."
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.
"There’s a wide range of color options too, which is another reason they're popular. Customers enjoy picking out their favorites," Nagai added.
Why are loose socks drawing attention now? Makiko Tanabe, a trend researcher at SHIBUYA109lab., points to the resurgence of "Heisei retro" as one key factor. The current boom in fashion inspired by the Heisei-era gyaru style is reviving interest in iconic items from that time.
During Golden Week in Shibuya, young women dressed in 1990s-inspired gyaru outfits were a common sight, highlighting how the nostalgic style is being revived.
Loose socks have also become more accessible, now sold at major retailers like Uniqlo. The comeback is also supported by a broader trend of using socks as playful fashion items.
"Socks are relatively easy to incorporate into everyday outfits," Tanabe noted. "There’s more room now to enjoy loose socks as a fashion choice, and the trend seems likely to continue steadily."
Source: FNN
