Just Sox

Sock or Smock: Material is All Important

It is important to get the right type of socks to keep your feet comfortable and well-protected.

Your feet actually produce about a cup of perspiration every day, which may be a challenge to keep them dry. Knowing different materials can help keep your feet high and dry when you slip on a pair.

Sock materials come in a wide range of natural and synthetic fibres or a combination of both. They may be made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, rayon, silk or wool. Cotton is one of the most common and popularly used materials because it is breathable, soft and cushiony. It also has the ability to resist heat and absorb moisture off the foot.

Linen is lightweight and moisture absorbent at the same time strong and durable a material as well.

Rayon, on the other hand is derived from modified cellulose that gives socks a soft feel and makes it easy to wash too.

Silk is lightweight and luxurious but can be costly while wool is taken from sheep's hair. Wool socks are very popular because they are soft and easy to care for. Wool is an excellent insulating fibre that regulates your body's temperature, thus keeping you cool or warm depending on the season. Moreover, wool socks can resist fungus and odour accumulation. Some of the most commonly used types of wool are Alpaca, Merino, Shetland and Worsted.

Another material is cashmere, which is lightweight and very luxurious. Cashmere is taken from goat's hair, which makes it expensive. To get the softest feel and enough warmth from your cashmere socks, try a 4-ply, which have about 200 grams of cashmere. To keep your cashmere socks in good condition, experts recommend that you handwash them before using it for the first time.

On the other hand, socks may also be made of synthetic materials, which include acrylic, nylon, polyester, polypropylene and spandex. Athletic socks, as well as casual and dress socks are usually made from acrylic fibers because they absorb moisture, easy to maintain and are soft.

Nylon is soft and elastic yet strong and durable and is commonly used in both novelty and men's dress socks. These kinds,and other specialty socks also use polyester, which dries easily, is easy to maintain and usually blended with other fibres.

Meanwhile, polypropylene is a soft yet strong material that is used to enhance the thermal, stretching and wicking properties. Spandex stretches up to five times its size that is commonly used as a sock top for a better and more comfortable fit. This material is also used in other support garments.

About the Author

Neil Thompson is a fashion writer who specialises in men's gifts and accessories. He has a particular interest in ties and wallets and brands such as Simon Carter and Ted Baker. Click here for more information on socks and a leather wallet range.

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