calze

Calze are a garment worn on the feet, typically covering the foot and part of the lower leg. In Italian, calze is the plural form of calza and refers to socks in general, including casual socks, athletic socks, dress socks, and stockings (with tights called collant in Italian). They are worn for comfort, warmth, hygiene, and, in some cases, medical or performance reasons.

Materials and construction vary. Common fibers include cotton, wool, silk, nylon, and elastane, often combined to balance softness, warmth, breathability, and stretch. Calze vary by length (low-cut, ankle, crew, knee-high), by thickness, and by knit structure (ribbed cuffs, reinforced heels, seamless toes). Specialized types include athletic socks with moisture-wicking properties and compression socks designed to improve circulation.

Care and sizing are important for comfort and durability. Most calze are machine washable; care instructions typically advise cold or warm water and avoiding high heat in drying to prevent shrinkage and loss of elasticity. Sizes are usually based on foot length, with additional considerations for calf or ankle circumference for longer or compression models.

History and use. Knitted hosiery emerged in Europe in the middle to late medieval period and evolved into a mass-produced item in the 18th to 19th centuries, becoming a standard part of daily dress. In modern times, calze serve everyday wear, work attire, and athletic activities, while medical compression and specialized performance designs address circulatory health and sport-related needs.

See also related terms such as stockings, tights, socks, and collant, which indicate regional and functional variations of this basic garment.