7 Facts You Didn't Know About Socks

7 Facts You Didn't Know About Socks



If you’re like most people, you probably have several different pair of socks that you rotate through every week. However, how many times have you stopped to think about your favorite socks and what makes them so great? In this article, we’ll cover seven fun facts that will make you appreciate your socks even more than you do now!



Why did we start wearing socks?

Contrary to popular belief, socks did not begin as a way to keep feet warm. Archaeologists found that socks have been around since at least 1000 B.C., and uncovered examples of them made of silk, leather, and fur. One prominent theory is that sock-like garments were first worn by archers, to protect their feet while kneeling on cold ground while they fired arrows in battle. Instead of building or buying a different pair for each foot (and thus risk losing a shoe), early warriors wore identical pairs with one sock reverse-turned so it could be used on either foot. They would also need a way to avoid shooting an arrow through both socks—which may explain why some ancient drawings depict archers using two bows instead of one!



How do you prevent foot odour?

Odour can be caused by bacteria or fungus that enter through small cracks in your skin. To prevent odour, you need to keep your feet clean and dry. After a long day, take off your shoes and socks and let them air out overnight. Wash your feet every night in warm water with soap and dry them thoroughly before putting on fresh cotton socks. Wear sandals around water to avoid wet feet, but also make sure they’re breathable; anything synthetic will hold moisture against your skin, which can lead to a smelly environment for bacteria or fungus growth.



Why are some socks white, others black?

While socks have only been around for a few hundred years, they haven’t always been white or black. In fact, it was common for people to dye their socks a fun color and mix patterns up until about 100 years ago when sock companies began marketing them as plain items to wear with business attire. And even after that shift, colorful versions of socks continued to be produced for children and women’s footwear. Today, you can buy novelty socks in any color under the sun – from tie-dye to argyle and everything in between! What’s more: There is no scientific evidence behind claims that colored or patterned socks are bad luck or harmful to your health.



Do all socks have elastic?

Some socks have elastic in them and some don’t. Some of us love that little elastic band around our ankles, but there are plenty of people who find them to be constricting and not very comfortable. If you don’t like tight elastic on your ankles, pick socks that aren’t designed with them. Elastic might seem like a little detail, but it can make or break your day!



What would happen if your sock was too tight?

When your socks are too tight, they can cause discomfort, blisters and even blood clots. They also restrict circulation, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD refers to blockages in arteries that carry blood to your legs. It can be caused by a buildup of plaque or fat deposits in those arteries. If you have diabetes or PAD, wearing socks that are too tight is one of many ways to increase your risk of complications such as amputation and foot ulcers. When it comes to socks, size matters—when you’re choosing new pairs every day or so, buying them big enough is much easier than having to go out and buy new ones later because they were too small.



Which type of sock is best for running?

Not all socks are equal. The type of sock you need really depends on your feet and running needs. Running socks are usually made from synthetic materials to wick moisture away from your feet. If you run regularly, these specialized socks can help prevent blisters and sweaty, smelly feet by keeping moisture at bay. For everyday wear, try cotton socks with rubber or silicone grips on the bottom to make them slip-resistant and keep you comfortable while you go about your day. These might be a good option if you hate wearing shoes in wet weather or walking across slick tile floors as they keep water out as well as aid traction so that your toes don’t slide around inside your shoes.



Did you know that there are even invisible socks?

Invisible socks, also known as invisible hose, are socks that come in a beige color and give your legs a seamless appearance. That's right, there is such a thing as invisible hosiery. In fact, it's on trend now; many women wear these to work during summer months because they offer them an air of sophistication and make them feel more polished. Plus, you can't see their black stiletto heel peeking out from underneath! These aren't just for looks, though—they offer comfort (obviously) but they also protect you from UV rays. Invisible hose typically have SPF protection built into them.