Let’s set the scene: it’s a weekend night. You go home with someone and begin to hook up. It’s dark. It was fun! When you’re done, the light is flipped on. And you see your partner, entirely naked, except for… a pair of socks? Huh. You hadn’t even noticed! Or maybe that’s what you felt brush up against your leg and ignored? Either way, this image of someone entirely naked except for their socks is surprising (and maybe unsettling). Or maybe it’s not? So what’s the deal with keeping your socks on during sex?

Keeping your socks on during sex is a topic that has been thoroughly discussed in sex columns and magazines alike. This idea is, upon first glance, entirely trivial. However, a quick Google search drew 18,400,000 results. This debate, as surface-level as it may seem, has clearly sparked significant discourse. As unconventional as it may seem, there is an element of practicality that must be discussed. Reaching down to take your socks off during foreplay isn’t always the most practical thing, and can kind of ruin the moment. Also, given that its -30 for most of the school year, it is really important to protect you extremities!

So what are the benefits? According to a 2012 study, 80 percent of those who kept their socks on during sex had an orgasm, while typically only 50 percent of those who go barefooted do. This has to do with blood flow keeping your feet warm helps your blood vessels dilate, which can lead to orgasm.

Many sources like

Huffington Post

,

Men’s Health

, and

Elite Daily

have written about these benefits. Furthermore, you won’t be distracted by you or your partner’s cold feet. And some people find this just plain attractive! Sometimes this can even add to the appeal of hooking up with someone. Studies have also found that wearing socks can help people feel safer and more comfortable, in turn leading to a more enjoyable sexual experience.

Are there downsides to this? Definitely. Some could find the socks distracting in texture, having a negative impact on their sexual experience. It can feel strange to feel something other than someone else’s skin against you during sex. Also, this may not be the most attractive thing in the world to you! Many articles have conducted surveys where the resounding response is that sock-wearing in bed is “unsexy.” Also, socks can smell from a long day of wear, which can definitely ruin the mood. If any of this bothers you, just politely ask if they would be willing to take them off!

All in all, keeping your socks on during sex doesn’t have to have significant ramifications for your personal life. But this (somewhat silly) topic can provide some entertainment when talking with friends. A friend of mine even said, “If you’re in a relationship and you both wear socks, that’s adorable.” So remember: keep your feet warm as the winter settles in, and if you find wearing socks during sex disturbing, tell your partner!