Crew or ankle? A sock war is afoot between Millennials and Gen Z

A pedestrian wears bright socks in New York in May 2024. Young people have declared a preference for crew socks, and it is sparking a huge debate on social media. Photo: The New York Times

Like many members of Gen Z, Kalissa Persaud is not about to be spotted in a pair of too-short socks.

Persaud, 22, who lives in New York City, almost exclusively wears crew socks that reach her calves: “I’ve gotten so used to not seeing my ankles that it would be really jarring if I did.”