If you think it’s because of the holiday season, then the answer might not be accurate.
According to the Instagram account databutmakeitfashion, which specializes in fashion data, searches for the color “Cherry Red” surged by nearly 300% in 2023. This information is not surprising, considering that we’ve likely come across numerous items in this color on Instagram and TikTok feeds.
Data from Google also confirms that the search for “red stockings” has consistently spiked in December 2023, showing a notable difference. In the UK, both keywords “red stockings” and “red thigh-highs” recorded high search volumes in December 2023, with Google Trends noting an 82% increase in searches for “red stockings” compared to December 2022. The keyword “red thigh-highs” in December 2023 also saw a 120% increase compared to the previous year.
And this trend is not exclusive to the UK. According to Pinterest, searches for “outfits with red stockings” increased by 614% since September, and “red stockings” also saw a 355% rise in the United States.
The resurgence of colorful hosiery after the Spring/Summer 2024 fashion season has made red stockings and thigh-highs particularly prominent, flooding social media. Besides December being the holiday season and red being the most suitable color to wear, there are other reasons why this vibrant color is gradually taking over our wardrobes.
According to color expert Emily McCarthy from WGSN, “The popularity of red signifies passion, allure, and a bold feminine spirit.” She adds, “After years of bold and expressive fashion, consumers are returning to neutral styles to maintain timeless elegance.” In 2022, the company predicted this trend by naming the color “Fiery Red” as the main color for 2024, describing it as “stimulating” and “emotionally rich.”
In addition to the energetic yet simple aura that red clothing brings, attracting “main character energy” through fashion continues to gain popularity. Emily points to the trending hashtag #APopofRed on Instagram and TikTok as a way to elevate the Modern Academia trend, endorsed by brands like Givenchy, Tibi, and Attico on the fashion runways.
Furthermore, Emily McCarthy believes that the increasing cost-of-living crisis has influenced this trend. She adds, “Red stockings and thigh-highs offer a surprising and affordable way for women to refresh their style… Youthful and optimistic, the brilliance of red serves as motivation, giving us the energy to keep pushing forward. Simply put, #APopofRed says, ‘We can do it.'”
Oscar Lund-Hansen, Co-founder and Creative Director of Socksss, a Swedish sock brand highly favored by Gen Z, shares, “Red is a color that makes you stand out and adds energy. What you wear can boost your confidence, and people may be seeking a bit of self-love energy, something everyone needs now more than ever to boost confidence in life.”
Currently, the trend of red hosiery has gained strong support from IT Girls like Hailey Bieber, Dua Lipa, and Kendall Jenner. It has also appeared in the Pre-Fall and SS24 collections of renowned brands such as Victoria Beckham, Proenza Schouler, Vivienne Westwood, Gucci, and POSTER GIRL.
If you’re feeling inspired, check out how to style these items with outfit suggestions below!
