Sock of the Month Club: Which Material is Best for Socks? Cotton, New Wool, or Cashmere?

 

One of the more popular sock of the month clubs on the market, sock of the month Club offers you monthly shipments of new pairs of socks based off your personal preferences and sock preferences. But which material should you choose? Each fabric has its advantages and disadvantages, so here’s what you need to know about cashmere socks, wool socks, and cotton socks if you are considering joining a sock of the month club or trying out some new kinds from your favorite brand.

The origins and properties of cotton

Cotton's origins date back to 5000 BC. It's fibers come from a variety of plants within the family Gossypium. The most common varieties are Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense. These plants have long fibrous leaves and grow in warm climates around the world including in Africa, Central America, India and other parts of Asia. Cotton fibers are actually made up of two different substances - cellulose and pectin.

Properties of new wool

New wool socks are not just warm, they're also itch-free. With a mix of merino wool and nylon, these socks are breathable and comfortable. The material is also less susceptible to pilling than cotton-- meaning they won't look old after wearing them a few times! Plus new wool socks can take up to 20% more dye than cotton with no color bleeding when washed.
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Properties of cashmere

Cashmere has a luxurious feel and look. It's warmer than wool and it's easier to care for than cotton. It's also lighter weight and more comfortable against the skin. The downside is that cashmere isn't as durable as wool and can pill easily so you want to handle it with care.
If you're not careful with cashmere, you could end up with a lot of lint around your house too because it sheds more than other fabrics.

The costs and benefits of each material

Cotton is best for everyday wear. It can be a little warmer in winter and cooler in summer than wool. The downside to cotton socks is that they don't last as long because they are more likely to get holes and shrink when you wash them. The upside to cotton socks is that they are usually less expensive than wool or cashmere socks.
New wool has great temperature regulating properties and it's also very breathable so you'll be less likely to have sweaty feet. One downside though is that new wool can have a smell when you first buy it which may bother some people.
Cashmere has beautiful softness, warmth and durability but it's also one of the most expensive types of material for socks.