Every year on March 21, people around the world put on their most colorful, mismatched socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. But why socks? Because under a microscope, chromosomes look like little pairs of socks—and people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21.That’s why this special day falls on 3/21—to honor the three copies of the 21st chromosome that define Down syndrome.
At John’s Crazy Socks, this day is extra special. Our co-founder, John Cronin, has Down syndrome and he is a man on a mission to spread happiness and show what people with Down syndrome can achieve. John has taken that message to the United Nations (twice!) and testified before Congress (twice!). And what better way to celebrate inclusion and joy than with fun, crazy socks? John has created a collection of Down Syndrome-themed socks to wear on World Down Syndrome Day.
We are not alone. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day on December 19, 2011.
Why Wear Crazy Socks on World Down Syndrome Day?
Wearing crazy socks isn’t just about having fun—it’s about starting conversations, raising awareness, and celebrating differences. Down Syndrome International started a campaign to encourage people to wear crazy socks to symbolize that our differences make the world a brighter, better place. Here’s why people take part:
✅ The colorful and fun socks, often worn as mismatched socks, represent the extra chromosome in Down syndrome.
✅ Colorful, fun socks attract attention and spark conversations.
✅ They send a message of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance.
John always says that his extra chromosome means extra love—and what better way to spread that love than by wearing socks that celebrate this amazing community?
How People Celebrate World Down Syndrome
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated worldwide with events that bring people together. Some of the most popular activities include:
🎉 Crazy Sock Parties – Schools, workplaces, and communities encourage everyone to wear wild socks and share photos on social media using #LotsOfSocks.
🏃 Awareness Walks & Fun Runs – Families, advocates, and organizations come together to walk or run in honor of people with Down syndrome.
📣 Advocacy Events – Leaders and self-advocates (like John!) speak at events, including at the United Nations, to push for policies that support inclusion.
💙 Fundraisers for Down Syndrome Organizations – Businesses and individuals raise money for causes that help support people with Down syndrome, like the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) and ACDS.
John’s Crazy Socks: The Best Socks for World Down Syndrome Day
At John’s Crazy Socks, we love this day!That’s why we make Down Syndrome Awareness Socks—perfect for celebrating inclusion and spreading joy. But these aren’t just any socks.
🧦 Designed by John Himself – Our Down Syndrome Awareness Socks were inspired by John’s love for fun, bright designs.
🎗 Giving Back – We donate 10% of every pair sold to the National Down Syndrome Society and ACDS, an organization that provides support services for people with Down syndrome.
🏃Hiring – More than half our colleagues have a differing ability.
🏆 A Symbol of Inclusion – Every sock we sell supports jobs for people with differing abilities—like more than half of our team at John’s Crazy Socks.
How You Can Join the Celebration
You can be part of the World Down Syndrome Day movement in three simple ways:
👣 Wear Crazy Socks – Put on your most colorful, mismatched socks on March 21!
📸 Share on Social Media – Post a picture using #WDSD2025 and tag @johnscrazysocks to spread the message.
🛍 Buy a Pair of Down Syndrome Awareness Socks – Visit John’s Crazy Socks to grab a pair and support the cause!
Every sock you wear and every pair you buy helps spread awareness, create jobs, and make the world a more inclusive place. Let’s celebrate extra love, extra joy, and extra chromosomes—one sock at a time!
Join the fun. Make a difference. Wear your crazy socks on March 21!
Explore our Down Syndrome Awareness Socks and other fun designs at John’s Crazy Socks, and help us make the world a more inclusive, happier place—one pair of socks at a time!
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with the mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 sock varieties, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half of their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $800,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, we are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account, TikTok or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
