How to choose the best sock material
If you buy the right ones, socks can be so much more than the final step in your daily ritual of getting dressed. Apart from adding a dose of style and completing your look, a quality sock can add some serious comfort. And whilst a good sock is a great starting point, if you know your knit from your weave and your hydrophobic from your hydrophilic, you can take it a step further than that.
Socks come in many different materials, and while we wouldn’t say that one material reigns supreme when it comes to socks, some do perform better than others. Depending on what you intend to use them for (e.g. sports, office, hiking, city, travel), your comfort and sock experience will differ based on the material you choose. So here we have a look at the different materials, what their characteristics are (and what this means for socks), and when to wear one or the other.
We prefer working with natural materials as much as possible, as they have certain beneficial properties that synthetic fibres lack.
Wool
Wool is great at keeping your feet warm and dry, thanks to its excellent thermal insulation and its hygroscopic and hydrophobic fibres, which allows them to draw moisture to their centre and leave the surface dry. This same capacity to absorb water makes wool odour resistant as well - it keeps the skin dry and prevents the build up of sweat and bacteria, and so prevents any unpleasant smells from developing.
What does this mean for a wool sock? The natural thermoregulation makes it a great sock for cooler days, as it will keep your feet warm. And because it will also keep your feet dry, wool socks make excellent hiking and even running socks (use thinner wool socks in this case, and look for ones with some added synthetic material for increased strength).
Does wool keep you cool in summer? We haven’t experienced it, however because it absorbs moisture so well it does keep your feet comfortably dry, which can add to a cool feeling.
Cotton
Cotton is a great choice for everyday socks - it’s very comfortable, versatile, and it is moisture absorbent, though less so than wool. In contrast to wool though, it does develop odours and so while cotton socks are great for most everyday scenarios, we wouldn’t recommend using them for exercise.
In our thicker, breathable cotton knit they are wonderful for cooler days, and when mixed with other materials like our cotton and washi (Japanese paper) blend, it makes for a great lightweight sock with excellent moisture wicking, perfect for warmer weather.
Hemp
We love hemp as it is exceedingly durable, superb at moisture wicking, antibacterial and very quick-drying, which means it’ll keep your feet cool, dry and free from odours. Ideal for warmer days as well as strenuous activities like long hikes and city walks.
Hemp socks may feel a little rougher at first, however they will get more and more comfortable with each wear and wash.
Silk
Silk is a highly favoured textile because of its properties such as softness, wearer comfort and biodegradability, and it is renowned and highly coveted for its lustre and shine. Silk is a wonderful thermal insulator when worn in close contact with the skin as you do with socks, and it is exceedingly comfortable, making it a great choice for cooler days.
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Stories vary as to where this quote originated, some attribute it to a famous adventurer, others claim it was one of the Scandinavian countries, but ultimately who said it first doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts! And what goes for clothing in general definitely goes for socks, the last line of defence between your foot and all sorts of unwelcome situations like odours and blisters.
Regardless of the weather, you always want to keep your feet dry. This gives the most comfort, least odours and prevents a plethora of issues ranging from blisters to sores and fungus. It starts with the material, but the right knit can make a big difference too. Being knit on low gauge machines, our socks are very breathable, which helps keep your feet fresh and dry, as well as very well cushioned, which helps alleviate foot fatigue and prevent blisters.
Choosing between materials and thickness comes down to the environment you find yourself in, mainly determined by the ambient temperature. Outdoors this is known as the weather, indoors it is ideally in the pleasant not-too-hot-and-not-too-cold range, although it isn’t guaranteed.
Socks for warm weather
On warmer days, you want your socks to not suffocate your feet; an airy, breathable knit in a fabric that is suited to warmer environments. Linen and hemp socks are marvellous at wicking away moisture (the aforementioned hydrophobic property, as opposed to hydrophilic materials which absorb moisture) keeping your feet dry and cool. And because these materials keeps odours at bay thanks to their natural antibacterial quality, you won’t need to worry about olfactory mishaps. Our thinner cotton socks perform well in warmer conditions due to their open knit, making them exceedingly breathable.
Socks for cool weather
When the weather turns colder, reach for warmer materials like wool and silk. Wool fibres are both hygroscopic and hydrophobic, which allows them to draw moisture to their centre and leave the surface dry. This is how a wool sock keeps your feet dry and warm. Silk too is a natural insulator; it retains body heat well, making silk socks comfortably warm on cooler days. Our thicker cotton socks also do a great job of keeping your feet warm and dry in cooler conditions; their breathability (courtesy of the low gauge knit) keeps the cotton dry and preserves its insulating qualities.
Hopefully this can help you to choose the best socks for any kind of weather, and to feel good regardless of what nature throws at you. There’s really no "best material" when it comes to socks, but make sure you’re choosing the right material for your intended use.
