Make Stirrups From Socks: Baseball Style Guide

Baseball stirrups, also known as stirrup socks, are a type of sock that is part of the traditional baseball uniform. They are usually worn over long white socks, also known as sanitary socks, to protect the player's legs and to display team colours. To create this look with normal socks, you will need to cut off the toes and ankles of the coloured socks, forming a loop that fits within the arch of the foot. The white sanitary socks can be pulled over the hem of the pants to prevent the stirrups from slipping down and to make it easier to fit stirrups and cleats. The stirrups should be pulled up to just under the knee to avoid constricting movement.

Cut out the toes and ankles of the sock

To make stirrups out of normal socks, you'll need to cut out the toes and ankles of the sock. This might seem counterintuitive, but it's an important step in creating the distinctive look and functionality of baseball stirrups. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, lay the sock flat on a clean surface. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut a straight line across the toe area of the sock, about 2 inches (5 cm) from the toe seam. Be sure to cut through both layers of fabric for the sock. Then, cut along the ankle area on both sides of the sock, starting from the toe cut and moving up towards the cuff. Cut a curve along the ankle that removes the ankle fabric but leaves the cuff intact. This will create a stirrup-like shape with a loop at the bottom. You can adjust the height of the loop by cutting higher or lower on the ankle. The loop should be large enough to fit comfortably around the arch of your foot.

It's important to note that the size of the sock and the placement of your cuts will depend on your foot size and the desired length of the stirrups. You may want to measure your foot and mark the cut lines with a fabric pen or chalk before cutting to ensure a precise fit. Additionally, you can finish the edges of the cuts with a sewing machine or by hand to prevent fraying and ensure a neat appearance.

Once you've cut out the toes and ankles, you should be left with a stirrup-shaped piece with a loop at the bottom. This loop is a defining feature of baseball stirrups and serves an important purpose. When worn, the loop sits under the arch of the foot, keeping the stirrup in place while allowing the player to wear a second pair of socks, known as "sanitary socks," underneath. This two-sock system was originally designed to protect players' feet from the dye in coloured socks, which was believed to pose health risks.

By cutting out the toes and ankles of the sock, you've transformed a regular sock into a functional stirrup that can be worn over another pair of socks. This unique design not only showcases team colours and logos but also provides comfort, support, and protection for baseball players during the game.

Cut a thin strap that goes around the foot

To make stirrups out of normal socks for baseball, you'll need to start by cutting a thin strap that goes around the foot. This is a crucial step as it transforms your regular sock into a stirrup sock. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, lay your sock flat on a clean surface, ensuring it is smooth and free of any bumps or wrinkles. Using a pair of sharp scissors, begin cutting from the toe area of the sock, carefully slicing through the fabric. Cut a thin and straight line across the width of the sock, removing the toe section completely. Be sure to cut close to the toe seam to retain as much of the sock's length as possible.

Next, move to the heel area of the sock. Cut along the heel seam, removing the entire heel section. You may need to adjust the scissors' angle as you cut to follow the curve of the heel. The goal is to create a smooth and even edge along the back of the sock. Again, cut as close to the heel seam as possible to maximise the length of the remaining sock tube.

At this point, you should be left with a sock tube with two open ends and a thin strip of fabric connecting the front and back sections. This thin strip will serve as the strap that goes around the arch of your foot. To ensure a comfortable fit, carefully stretch the fabric and adjust the strap's length by trimming any excess material. A snug fit is ideal, but be cautious not to cut the strap too short, as you want to avoid any constriction or discomfort when wearing your stirrups.

Now, you can refine the edges of your cuts to create a neat and polished look. Fold over the edges of the toe and heel openings, as well as the thin strap, to create a clean finish. This step is optional but will enhance the overall appearance of your DIY stirrup sock.

Finally, try on your newly crafted stirrup sock to ensure a proper fit. The thin strap should fit snugly and securely around your foot, with the main body of the sock covering your calf and leg. Adjust as needed by gently stretching the fabric or making small trims to the openings and strap. Remember, it's better to cut off small amounts at a time rather than cutting off too much at once.

By following these steps, you can effectively cut a thin strap that goes around the foot, creating a functional and stylish baseball stirrup from a regular sock.

Wear a white sock underneath

To make stirrups out of normal socks for baseball, you'll first want to wear a white sock underneath. These are known as "sanitary socks" and are designed to be worn under stirrup socks to protect the player's skin from the dye of the coloured sock. They can also be worn to protect the skin from staining.

You'll want to pull the white socks up high and tight, so they're above the knee and pulled up tighter than you might normally wear them. This will prevent the fabric from bunching up and make it easier to fit the stirrups and cleats on.

The stirrups should then be placed over the white sock, with the top of the stirrups sitting just under the knee. The stirrups can be pulled up to any height you like, but be careful not to pull them up too high, as this will restrict movement.

The stirrups should fit snugly and not sag. If they do start to sag, it's time to get a new pair. If they fall down, throw them away, as they may get caught in your splint and cause you to trip.

Pull the stirrups up to just under your knee

Pulling the stirrups up to just under your knee is an important step in the process of putting on baseball stirrups. This is done to ensure that the stirrups don't hinder movement by constricting the knee. It's important that the stirrups are snug and don't sag, as this can affect performance and create an untidy appearance.

The stirrups should be pulled up tight so that they stay in place around the calves. This prevents them from dropping while playing baseball. If the stirrups do start to sag, it's an indication that the elastic is failing and they need to be replaced. If they fall down during a game, they should be discarded to avoid tripping over them.

The stirrups can be pulled up to any height to show more or less of the sock underneath. However, it's important not to pull them over the knees as this will restrict movement. If the stirrups are too high, they can always be rolled down.

The stirrups should be worn over another pair of socks, typically thin white "sanitary socks". These socks are called "sanitary" because they protect the skin from the dye of the coloured stirrup socks, which was believed to pose health issues in the past. The white socks can also be changed more frequently, ensuring better hygiene.

The stirrups should be pulled up tight and secured if needed to ensure they don't slip down during play. This can be done by taping them in place or using the "inside-out" method, where the pants are initially worn inside out and then rolled up to secure the stirrups.

Wear baseball knicker pants over the socks

Baseball knicker pants, or knickerbockers, were introduced as part of the baseball uniform in the late 19th century and remained popular until the 1980s. They are shorter than full-length pants, with an elastic hem that sits at or just below the knee. Players can adjust the length by pulling them up or pushing them down the calf.

When wearing baseball knicker pants, it is important to wear over-the-calf or over-the-knee baseball socks to protect the legs when sliding. The traditional approach is to wear socks over the pants, a style often referred to as "stirrups". This style has been a staple in baseball fashion for decades, initially serving the purpose of protecting players' legs from the spikes of their cleats.

To wear stirrups with baseball knicker pants, start by rolling the long pants up to your knee. Then, put on your regular white athletic socks, followed by the stirrups. The stirrups should be pulled up to just under the knee to allow for a full range of motion. Make sure the stirrups are tight and secure to prevent them from slipping down during play.

Some players tape the stirrups in place or put their pants on inside out to secure the socks under the cuffed-up pants. Adjust the roll of the pants at the knee to complete the classic baseball look.

Frequently asked questions