A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet and often covering the ankle or some part of the calf. Some type of shoe or boot is typically worn over socks. Socks can be created from a wide variety of materials, such as cotton or cotton blends. Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber. The fiber is most often spun into yarn used to make a soft, breathable textile.
When selecting socks, keep in mind the activities that you have planned. In addition to selecting color, length, etc., you would want to put some time into selecting the best textile fiber. The choice may depend on the purpose of why you are wearing the socks. The fiber content can effect comfort, cost, stretch, etc.
Cotton is a popular fiber for making socks for several reasons. If you are not certain about the primary benefits of cotton, you may want to read the benefits of cotton blog post.
Socks can be worn for several different types of activities. This can include for sports as well as sitting around the office. Below are a few of the sock categories:
- Running socks
- Casual Socks
- Hiking Socks
- Ski & snowboarding socks
- Mountaineering socks
- Hunting socks
- Walking socks
- Dress socks
All of the above can be made from cotton or cotton blends. However, 100% cotton may not be the first choice for athletic socks. One hundred percent cotton is not recommended for active uses for one primary reason. The problem with 100% cotton socks is that they absorb sweat, saturate quickly and dry slowly, which is a perfect recipe for blisters. You will find that athletic socks are often blended fibers. In other words, the cotton fiber is mixed with other textile fibers to create a blended yarn. The reason is so that beneficial properties from the multiple fibers can work together to make a better sock. Note: blended does not always mean better. Sometimes fibers are blended with other fibers to keep cost lower. It depends on the blend percentage and fibers selected for the blend.
You may find the following links to be of interest for further research.
Are cotton socks better than wool socks? Well, you have now read our cotton socks page and have learned about some of the benefits of cotton. It is definitely a good idea to also learn about the benefits of wool. Hint: Wool is better for certain activities (and cold climates).
Ladies cotton socks come in a wide variety of sizes. You can find knee high, crew, no-show, ankle, etc.
By the way, socks are a type of hosiery. Learn more about women's cotton hosiery.
If you are interested, you are welcome to also check out the women's socks section or women's silk socks section.
