It’s really strange that something that almost every one of us wears every day gets so little attention. Yes, we are talking about socks! 

From the prehistoric era to the modern era, socks have evolved in many ways to become a garment we can’t imagine our lives without. A perfectly made pair of socks can make all the difference to your day providing comfort and protection for your feet.

However, the majority of people don’t know how to choose the right socks. Choosing the right pair of socks especially becomes more important during winters when staying warm and cozy is the key. Thankfully socks are made from a wide variety of materials and styles to suit different tastes and needs which means there’s a pair for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the wealth of knowledge about socks and share some tips and tricks on how to choose the right socks for winter. Let’s get started!

 

Understanding The Socks Materials

Our feet are the sweatiest parts of our body covered with almost 250,000 sweat glands. Socks are made from a blend of fabrics, each of which serves a different purpose.  You must have enough knowledge about the different socks materials while choosing one. Here are some of the most common materials used in the socks:

 

Cotton

Cotton is the most commonly used material used to make socks. Cotton socks are breathable and absorb moisture really well. They are most comfortable against the skin, best for everyday use, and especially for those with skin allergies. Cotton when combined with polyester makes one of the best combinations of socks fabrics. 

 

Merino Wool

Merino wool, which comes from the Merino sheep is known as miracle fiber for its amazing qualities. It regulates the body temperature, wicks sweat, and deodorizes, leaving a soft and comfortable feeling behind. The fine, and itch-free fibers are good for sensitive skin. 

 

Cashmere

Cashmere is often seen as similar to wool but, it actually comes from a different source. Wool is made from the goat’s coat while cashmere is made from the sheep. It is incredibly soft and silky to touch and keeps you warm like wool. 

 

Tencel

Tencel is another cellulose fiber made from the pulp of the tree. It is lightweight, breathable, and comfortable and does not irritate the skin making it one of the best socks materials in winters. 

 

Bamboo 

Bamboo is another natural material made from the pulp of bamboo grass. Bamboo socks are made from bamboo fibers tightly woven together. Bamboo socks are not comfortable to wear but also have antibacterial properties. Bamboo socks are completely non-allergenic and perfect for people with diabetes and skin irritation.

 

Polyester

Polyester is a man-made synthetic material produced by a chemical reaction between alcohol and acid. It is one of the most durable and stain-resistant materials to use in socks. 

 

So, What’s The Ideal Socks Material?

Well, there’s no single material or pair of socks that work for everyone. Always try out different materials and styles to see what suits you best. The most important thing is to focus on what you want. If your socks are sagging, it’s better to choose longer and elastic socks, but if you have sweaty feet, you need to go with socks with moisture-wicking properties. 

 

What To Look For When Buying Socks? 

Here are some top things to look for while buying socks: 

 

Socks Fit 

Make sure that the socks have a nice snuggly fit without cramping your toes or letting extra fabric fold and wrinkle over your toes making your shoe feel tight.  Always pay attention to how the socks fit in the toes and heel and how it fits around your arch. 

 

Socks Height

Socks height is equally important while choosing winter socks. Ankle socks are the shortest, quarter socks are a little taller ideal for running, and crew and over-the-calf socks are great for hiking, and backpacking as they provide protection against boot tops and friction while waring mid or high-cut boots. 

 

Sock Thickness

Most people think the thicker the socks, the greater the warmth and cushioning you’ll get, which is true for winters when you can easily go with midweight or heavyweight. But in summers it's best to go as light as you can or you’ll end up getting blisters. 

 

Padding

Your sock should have padding on the heel and ball of the foot for cushioning and protection. The extra padding provides great protection against hard trips over rough terrain. Make sure there aren’t any cushioning loops inside the socks as they can lead to irritation, and friction creating blisters. 

 

How To Choose The Right Socks? 

Buying socks is an art that everyone can master by following the simple tips below: 

 

Think Of It As A Luxury, Not Necessity

Most of you consider socks as an essential piece of garment that you have to wear on daily basis without realizing their true value. Think about the socks as a luxury that is capable of elevating your look as well as a mood rather than a necessity. 

 

Recognize The True Value Of Socks

Don’t think about socks just as a functional piece of garment that is meant to keep your feet warm and protected. Look for the additional features we have mentioned above to get the best out of your purchase.

 

Don’t Get Impressed By Design

Learn to look past the aesthetics and pay attention to the material the socks are made from. The best socks material is cotton and other performance materials which are not only durable but also possess all the qualities a great sock should have. 

 

Know That Quality Comes At A Price

You must understand that you get what you pay for. Great-quality socks don’t always come at a cheap price. However, if you get the right pair of socks, the price won’t seem like a problem anymore. After all, you can’t put a price on the luxurious feel and comfort you get in return.