Philosockphy: Which material is best for socks? Cotton, new wool or cashmere?

This season's hottest trends in socks come in the form of cashmere, cotton and new wool blends. So which material is the best for socks? Philosockphy, the sock of the month club, gives us some insight into the three most common materials used to make socks and what you should look for when purchasing them.



What are the benefits of Cashmere Wool?

Cashmere wool socks are luxuriously soft and provide warmth in any season. There are so many benefits of wearing a pair of these socks; they're comfortable to wear all day, they don't retain odor like cotton and synthetic fibers do, they keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to their breathability, they look great with formal shoes or sneakers. The only downside to wearing these socks is that they can be expensive because of the high quality materials that go into making them.



What about Merino Wool?

There are many different types of materials that are suitable for socks. One such type is merino wool which is known to be an excellent choice. Merino wools are made from sheep's fleece and are typically not treated with any chemicals. This makes them a popular choice among those who want to avoid the use of synthetics in their clothing. These socks can keep you cool and dry during warmer months by regulating the temperature and absorbing moisture. They also have anti-microbial properties to help prevent foot odor, which is a huge plus! So while cotton may be your favorite fabric because it's soft and cozy, it might not be the best option when it comes to what you wear on your feet.



How do I take care of them all?

Cotton socks are the softest of all three materials. They can also be machine washed and dried. New wool socks are great in winter but not as breathable as cotton. Cashmere socks are the most expensive and warmest of all three materials. If you're looking for a really high quality sock that will last a long time and keep your feet warm in winter, then go with cashmere socks.

Wool socks should be hand washed only to avoid shrinkage and color bleeding.



Where do I shop for these materials?

A good place to shop for cotton socks is at Costco. Wool socks are typically found at Target. When you're looking for a sock subscription box, the best ones are from Sock Drawer. You can also find colorful socks and fun dress socks at Gap's online store and Macy's online store respectively.



What about Prices?

Socks are a relatively inexpensive clothing item which makes them a good gift idea. One can purchase a pair of cool colorful socks for under $10.00 US. Best sock subscription services offer higher quality and more durable pairs of socks that come with other benefits as well like free shipping, free returns and even exclusive designs made just for the service. There are also beautiful high-end designers who make luxury cashmere or wool socks available at prices starting at $14.95 US per pair which include brands like Bruno Magli, Ermenegildo Zegna and Burberry London.