Sock Materials: All About Fabric Content
If you’re a regular cotton-sock-wearer you may not understand the importance of the material you’re wearing on your feet and how each material can benefit you in different ways. Luckily, we’ve done the work for you by gathering everything there is to know about the fabric content of our socks. Find out which fabric would be best at keeping your feet happy!
Sock Materials: Most Common Sock Fabrics
Acrylic is a synthetic fabric that has excellent wicking properties. It’s lightweight, soft, warm and quick-drying. An acrylic/wool blend is good for outdoor activities in cold weather.
Alpaca is a soft, durable, and silky natural fiber. Similar to merino sheep’s wool, as it keeps you warm and is hypoallergenic, alpaca fibers are water-repellent, and vary from light to heavy in weight depending on how they are spun.
Bamboo is a durable, hypoallergenic, and naturally microbial fiber. It’s also softer, silkier, and more breathable than cotton, making it a great choice for premium socks!
Coolmax is a moisture-wicking technical fabric developed by DuPont in 1986. It is fade and shrink-resistant and is often combined with cotton, wool, or Spandex. Best used during extreme physical exertion and in combination with other materials to provide warmth.
Cotton is a strong, soft fiber that retains heat when dry and is comfortable to wear in all types of weather. Because cotton fibers stretch and bag easily (which can lead to blisters), socks made of 100% Cotton are best for dress or light casual wear. Manufacturers of cotton socks often blend some synthetic fibers into the weave so you can have the best of both worlds; the softness and durability of cotton, along with the elasticity and high tech moisture management of synthetics.
Merino Wool is an exceptionally soft, durable natural fiber that keeps the body at an even temperature by insulating instead of trapping heat. Merino wool keeps you cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. Superior breathability and wicking properties prevent clamminess. The natural elasticity of the fine fibers allows garments to stretch and then return to their original shape, preventing sagging and bagging. Merino wool is super absorbent so it dries slowly but retains heat even when wet. It is also naturally fire resistant.
Nylon is a lightweight polymer fabric that is extremely strong and absorbs more water than other synthetics. It is best used in garments that undergo a lot of stretching and pulling, like tights and it’s super easy to clean.
Olefin (or Polypropylene) is a light, “super” waterproof fiber with extreme moisture-wicking capabilities. It is strong, stain-resistant, and rivals wool as an insulator. Also quick-drying, easy to clean, and comfortable to wear!
Polyester is a strong, wrinkle-resistant synthetic fabric that is quick-drying and easy to clean. It is also more breathable and absorbent than nylon.
Rayon is an all natural cellulose filament fiber known for its soft feel and high moisture absorption properties.
Silk is the strongest natural fiber. It is elastic, light, dirt-resistant, absorbent and has top-notch insulating properties, similar to wool. Silk is comfortable to wear year round, however, it is sweat-sensitive and requires regular care and cleaning.
Thermolite Polyester is an insulating material specially engineered to provide warmth and comfort without weight.
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