| Types of fabric and material for socks | |||
| Materials | Overview | Pros | Cons |
| Cotton | versatile, durable and an excellent material for your everyday socks. | Durable and natural material Lightweight and breathable Quick-drying and machine-washable Holds colours well – great for variety Good for cushioning |
Absorbs moisture easily and can shrink if heated too much Keeps your feet colder if they get wet… Weigh more if they get wet Can be expensive if you go fully organic |
| Wool | Wool socks are the second most commonly utilised material for sock production,it comes from sheep. | Great for colder weather, insulation, and comfort when lounging at home Holds its shape well and difficult to wrinkle Wide variety of dyes, while colour remains bleed-resistant Excellent moisture absorber, while remaining breathable Extremely soft Natural material |
Low quality wool can become itchy and uncomfortable Not recommended for machine-washing (though it is possible) Can be prone to developing holes if severely distressed Not very lightweight (especially when wet) Bad for warmer weather Animal product |
| Merino wool | Merino sheep wool is some of the softest and finest quality wool going. The individual fibres of Merino wool socks are much finer than most standard types of wool, leading to this softer texture that minimises on itch and maximises on sustainable comfort. | high quality wool that should never become itchy Wicks sweat and keeps your feet feeling fresh Wrinkle resistant Temperature regulating and lighter weight than other wools Biodegradable natural product Repels sweaty odours |
Animal product Not recommended for machine-washing More resilient than most wools, but can still develop holes |
| Nylon | durable and highly elastic | VERY stretchy, durable, and lightweight Pretty cheap and widely available No animals harmed Not bad for keeping in the heat |
Susceptible for pilling (little balls on the surface of the sock) Better when blended Man-made and not biodegradable Not very breathable |
| Polyester | Polyester is excellent when blended with other materials and is particularly useful for creating athletic socks and garments due to its durable qualities. | Resilient and durable Holds its shape very well Cheap and easy to add colour Quick drying, machine-washable, and stain-resistant |
Liable for cultivating fungi and bacteria if they get too wet too often or go unwashed – so make sure you wash them regularly! Not very moisture absorbent and can cause sweaty feet to smell Not very breathable Man-made and not biodegradable Better when blended |
| Polypropylene | very moisture resistant as it contains traces of plastic within. This makes them dependable and durable without sacrificing comfort. | Very resistant to water Stretchy, lightweight, and breathable Easy to clean and stain-resistant Soft |
Man-made and not biodegradable Susceptible to pilling Don’t heat them too much – the plastic component can melt |
| Spandex | polyurethane-based sock that is very elastic and resilient. | Elastic, resilient, lightweight, and durable A snug, form-fitting appearance Holds its shape well and wicks moisture Breathable Great for sports |
Man-made and not biodegradable Poor heat retention so no good for winter |
| Bamboo | The pulp is pulled from bamboo stems and refined into a very soft and durable material for your socks. Bamboo is a bit of a wonder plant as well, as it grows very quickly and requires very little water. This makes bamboo socks an incredibly environmentally friendly, sustainable, and increasingly popular material for socks. | Durable, lightweight, soft, and absorbent Wicks moisture and highly breathable Has a natural stretch and keeps its shape well Surprisingly good at thermal regulation – so great for cold and warm days alike Hypoallergenic and contains an antimicrobial, which helps keep your socks and your feet smelling great for longer Kind to the environment |
Can be prone to pilling Bamboo is an all-round excellent material for socks, suitable for almost any occasion or need, and with very few downsides. |
| Cashmere | Much like wool, cashmere is extremely soft | Soft, comfortable, and cushioning Lightweight Great for colder weather |
Hand-washing only! Animal product They are definitely not suitable for strenuous activity |
| Suggestions: For all-round goodness, At Pants and Sockswe would suggest either cotton or bamboo. They’re durable, comfortable, and will see you through everyday use without issue.
Cotton and bamboo are also excellent for warmer or cooler weather. They also come in many fashionable styles, so are easy to recommend to almost anyone! |
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Post time: May-21-2022