Exposing your ankles might have been seen as a faux pas in the past, with people laughing at the way the pants cut above the ankle. But today, it definitely has a strong standing in the men fashion scene — guys at every corner of the street are deliberately folding their jeans to expose their ankles. In fact, the term ‘mankle’ was even coined for this public display of ankles.

While it is tempting to hop on the mankle-wagon and start rolling up the hems of all your pants, it is helpful to note when are some instances when ankle exposure is justified, and some instances when you should deviate from the mainstream and pull up your socks. Here are some guiding questions in helping you determine the high and low of the socks situation.

1. Are you starting on the right foot(wear)?
I’m sure you’ll want to show off that brand new pair of Nike you’ve just brought, and rolling up the hem of your pants is the perfect way to draw attention to your footwear. There’s no doubt that people will certainly notice your shoes more, so make this work in your favour. Don’t go about showing your ankles when you’re in crocs or flip flops. Conversely, you’ll want to flaunt those new kicks and make your friends notice that stylish (and expensive) new investment you’ve made. Classic footwear that complement the mankles include loafers and sneakers.

2. Is it a fitting occasion?
It comes as no surprise that certain situations will benefit from some covered up ankles. Your potential employer will most probably not want to see your hairy legs peeking through your pants. In some cases, your lack of socks could be more jarring and distracting than one with a screaming print. Regardless of the case, it pays to assess the situation and match your socks length accordingly.

3. What are the material considerations?
The type of fabric is also important when it comes to determining if your ankles see the light of day. Folding the hem of your pants are best suited for lighter materials like tapered smart pants. Not only do they fold easier, but they also help lend a streamlined silhouette and work well with most footwear like sandals and sneakers.

But that does not mean that heavier fabrics should never be folded. Denim jeans, for instance, is a staple in many of our wardrobe and rolling or folding it up can really help lighten a look. This heavier and rugged fabric is best complemented by chunkier and more structured shoes such as desert boots and loafers.

4. Is it the right fit?
The sad thing is, pants bought off-the-rack will almost never fit us properly. Rather than being a lazy person and ignore the fit issues, take the effort to taper your pants before attempting the hem fold/ roll. A loose cut of a pair of pants, when folded, fits weird and looks even weirder. They border on looking like ill-fitting bell-bottomed pants. Keep the hem slim and tapered, and the final look will also follow suit.

Are you a mankle supporter? Let us know in the comments section below!