Baseball Stirrups: Why They're Always In Fashion April 08 2021 0 Comments
Baseball players have worn stirrups since 1905. This sock style was originally paired with short knickers, though many players now wear baseball stirrups with pants. In addition to being a nod to the history of the sport, stirrups serve the practical purposes of keeping socks in place and protecting players’ legs. See how stirrups continue to look fashionable on the field today.
Why Stirrups Look Stylish on the Field
Stirrups have a unique design that differs from athletic socks. These socks are intended to be layered over sanitaries, which are either plain white tube socks or athletic socks of another color. Many stirrups are striped at mid-calf, though solid-color stirrups are also available.
The stirrup is named for a strap of fabric that runs under the arch of the foot that keeps socks in place and gives stirrups a distinctive look. This footwear has an upper length that covers the calf and ends just below the knee. The color and design of stirrups can complement other parts of a uniform such as shirts, pants and knickers.
The Sports Fashion Legacy of Stirrups
The Cincinnati Red Stockings were the first baseball team to expose their socks on the field for style in 1868. Stirrups were introduced in 1905, when it was suspected that the dye then used to color socks might be toxic to players. White sanitary socks were covered with colored socks cut out around the ankle.
Today, the materials used to make modern socks and stirrups are safe. The style has stuck around for over a century on account of its distinctive look and association with the history of baseball. Baseball and softball players may both wear stirrups to put a finishing touch on team uniforms.
Stirrups and Sanitaries vs Baseball Socks
Some teams prefer the look of stirrups worn with white or colored sanitaries to standard athletic socks. Any socks worn while playing baseball should be fast-drying, offer compression at the ankle and cushioning at the heel and toe and have antimicrobial properties.
While it is possible to wear any athletic socks under stirrups, many players prefer to put on traditional white stirrups. For this reason, sanitaries are an optional add-on for most styles of custom stirrups. You can also order basic white sanitary socks in bulk, which are tube socks made of a cotton and nylon blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I custom order baseball stirrup socks?
What are sanitary socks?
Can I get socks for baseball?
How do I size stirrups?
How do I put on stirrups?
Baseball stirrups may be worn with uniform pants or knickers. Stirrups should be sized to provide a snug fit under each player’s knee. Replace sagging stirrups with a bulk order of new custom stirrups to keep your team looking sharp.
