Get ready for the term “sock hop” to take on a whole new meaning: According to recent research, women who wear socks during sex not only enjoy the benefits of a higher libido, but also are able to climax more than those who do the dirty deed barefoot.
It may sound unbelievable, but a study at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands shows that the key to unbelievable sex isn’t in some libido-boosting magic bean or gorging on aphrodisiacs like oysters and chocolate, bur rather in donning a pair of socks. Researchers found that when the women involved in the study wore the wardrobe basic during intimacy, 80 percent were able to achieve ultimate arousal and orgasm, compared with only 50 percent for those sans socks.
Why Socks Can Boost Your Libido: The Frisky Facts
According to Gert Hostege, the leader of the study, socks are able to boost libido because of the safety and security they help a woman feel while getting it on. Both the amygdala and prefrontal cortex — the regions of the brain responsible for fear and anxiety — need to be somewhat deactivated in order for a woman to reach climax. And wearing socks helps a woman feel cozy, relaxed and warm (the latter of which keeps things super steamy).
“A pleasant environment, which includes the room temperature, is an important part of making her feel safe, secure and comfortable,” he explains.
That’s all fine and dandy, but many would argue that wearing socks during sex is about as hot as erectile dysfunction. Luckily, there are ways to make the nerdy closet staple somewhat sexy, as foot fetishists everywhere already know. Try putting on a pair of girly, lacy socks before getting frisky. Or better yet, try the naughty schoolgirl look by pairing a knee high sock style with scandalous stilettos. When it comes to which socks to wear during sex, your thigh, er, the sky is the limit!