Sock Philosockphy: The Best Material for Socks
How many socks do you go through in a year? At the very least, you’re replacing the pair you’ve worn out with new socks, but then there are all the socks that you bought but never quite got around to wearing—they sit in your sock drawer taking up space and gathering dust until they find their way to Goodwill or to the trash. Do you ever think about what makes an ideal sock? A lot of people don’t think about this at all, but there are actually some serious questions that sock-buyers should ask themselves before they put down their money and buy socks.
Natural fibers are more comfortable
Cool socks are a great way to show off your style, but some men find that natural fibers are more comfortable and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Cotton, new wool and cashmere are all natural fibers, so if you want something that is going to be soft and not irritable on your skin, these are the best materials for socks.
People with sensitive skin or allergies may want to look into natural fibers for their sock needs because they tend to be more breathable as well. Cotton is also perfect for people who live in warmer climates because it's naturally cooling.
The best sock subscription service will offer both cotton and wool options because each material has its own distinct advantages.
Artificial fibers can be cooler in the summer
The most important factor in determining the best sock material is your climate. Synthetic fibers are cooler than natural fibers and so they may be a better choice if you live in a hot or humid climate. Wool socks also tend to be warmer, so if you have cold feet, wool might be the way to go. To make sure you get the right socks for your needs, we offer ankle socks, crew socks and dress socks in cotton, cotton-wool blend and cashmere blends. For those of you who prefer more casual style ankle sock there are also fun patterned ankle socks (such as our popular fun men's ankle sock pattern) that will still keep your feet warm during the winter months.
Polypropylene and acrylic yarns are strong but stiff
They are great for anything that needs to be resistant to moisture and cold, like socks. They work well in the winter when you want your feet warm and dry. Polypropylene and acrylic yarns are also strong but stiff which means they will be less likely to stretch out of shape. When you wash them, they won't shrink and lose their shape like cotton or wool. Acrylic will have a lot of fuzz on it because it's made from petroleum products, but polypropylene doesn't have any so it is usually smoother than acrylic.
Wool absorbs odor
Wool is a great choice because it absorbs odor and sweat while cotton does not. This means that if you have sweaty feet, wool will be the best material for your socks because they will not smell after being worn all day long. Plus, wool socks are naturally antibacterial so they will not become smelly when bacteria starts to grow in them. Another advantage is that wool doesn't itch like some materials can which makes it a great choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies. One of the biggest benefits of wool is that it's naturally moisture-wicking which helps keep your feet dry by drawing moisture away from the skin. With just one set of quality socks, you can have a good night sleep knowing they won't leave an odor in your bed like other fabrics might do!
Cashmere doesn’t absorb odor but is expensive
Wool and cashmere are expensive, but they are durable. Wool is a natural fiber that wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable, while cashmere is made from the wool of the arctic goat and has a luxurious feel to it. Cotton socks are cheaper, but they're also less durable. They can't handle moisture as well as wool or cashmere, so they can lead to blisters or worse if you sweat in them too much. That's why we recommend wool or cashmere socks if you have the money - because even though they cost more up front, they'll last longer than cotton ones will.
Socks add up to a lot of wear over time. Expensive items can last longer.
Socks are a small but important part of your wardrobe. If you want to keep your feet comfortable and dry, there are many different materials to choose from. Cotton is the most popular material for socks because it's affordable, soft and comfortable. New wool will last longer than cotton, although it can be more expensive than cotton. Cashmere socks are the best choice if you're looking to invest in something that lasts a long time and stays comfortable.