Northern Rivers’ hottest winter fashion is the Big Prawn on a sock

The first 300 pairs sold out in just four days, and people are already putting their names on the waiting list for the next shipment. So how can you get your tootsies into these babies?

Prawn socks are made of 70 per cent combed-cotton, plus polyester, nylon and spandex.

Move over Fedora hats and oversized scarves ‒ this winter’s hottest and most fashionable item to wear is a prawn on your socks.

The must-have item, a blend of combed-cotton, nylon and spandex, is a rare perfect mix of comfort and kitsch that makes them irresistible.

The first 300 pairs sold out in just four days in June, and the demand for the item is so high that even without a clear date for the second shipment to arrive, the waiting list is almost 200 names long.

The socks were the idea of the Ballina Visitor Information Centre, who sells them for $8.50 a pair for adult pairs, one size fits all.

Prawn socks. Image courtesy of Ballina Visitors Centre.

The local team partnered up with Australian company Sock It Up, who did the design and took care of the overseas production.

Team leader Alicia Wallace said the idea of the socks came from what visitors and residents have asked for over the years at the centre.

“We already do T-shirts, hats, magnets and that sort of thing, but socks were one of those things that people did ask us for and we didn't already have,” she said.

“I think they were so successful because people like fancy footwear in Ballina.

“We decided to give it a go, and it turned out to be very successful.

“People just said ‘I have to get my hands on these’ and they did.

“Some people came back to buy more because they are so comfortable, but we were sold out already.

“Sock It Up designed them, and in the brief we used the brand colours for Destination Ballina Coast and Hinterland and they came out really well.

“We’ve heard stories of them being posted to France, Canada, the UK, across the globe they’ve gone.”

Ballina sporting groups are doing Funky Sock Friday and the Big Prawn socks feature often across social media.

Ms Wallace said the shop will add a new range of Ballina-branded T-shirts in four different types in early August, for those who need a Ballina-themed present soon.

The next batch of 2000 socks is set to arrive in late August, but you can add your name to the waiting list now by calling the team on 1800 777 666 and secure some pairs.

You can also visit the team in person at 6 River Street, Ballina, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, plus Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2pm.