Hockey sock
{{short description|Sportswear}}
File:Cornell hockey sock with tape.jpg socks, with athletic tape]]
File:Phil flyers socks.jpg (light-colored socks) and away (dark-colored socks) of the Philadelphia Flyers]]
Hockey socks are ankle-to-thigh garments worn over protective gear by ice hockey players. They are form-fitting, and traditionally made of a cotton or synthetic rib-knit fabric.
Experiments have been made with a lightweight fabric sock, of material similar to that used in hockey jerseys, and most recently (mid-2000s) with a streamlined lightweight sock used by the U.S. Olympic and other international teams. Hockey socks should not be confused with hockey skate socks which are thin, traditional-style socks worn over the foot (inside the skate).[https://www.purehockey.com/c/what-socks-should-I-wear-with-hockey-skates WHAT SOCKS SHOULD I WEAR WITH HOCKEY SKATES?] on PureHockey.com
Wearing
Hockey socks are held up either by a garter (old style) or attached to undershorts with Velcro tabs. Players usually keep their socks inside the upper ankle area of their skates.{{Cite web |title=How to Put on Hockey Gear, Socks & More |url=https://www.hockeymonkey.com/learn/how-to-put-on-hockey-gear |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=www.hockeymonkey.com |language=en}}
Athletic tape is generally used below the knee to hold the sock in place, and sometimes at the ankle as well. Hockey socks, along with a jersey, are considered part of a team uniform under USA Hockey's rule 304(a) (2005–06 season) and are required as coverage for protective equipment (shinguards).{{Cite web |last=paulwestwood |date=2021-12-09 |title=Kinesio Tape, Athletic Performance and Self Belief - Physio Network |url=https://www.physio-network.com/blog/kinesio-tape-negatives/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=www.physio-network.com |language=en-US}} Organized teams wear hockey socks in designated team colors, complementary to the team jersey.