1. The most familiar sock material and fabric: Cotton

We usually prefer to wear pure cotton socks, but is pure cotton 100% cotton? The answer from the sock expert is no. If the composition of a pair of socks is 100% cotton, then these socks are cotton. Usually, socks with a cotton content of over 75% can be called all cotton socks, while socks with a cotton content of 85% are considered very high-end cotton socks.

The drawbacks of pure cotton fabric are that it is not resistant to sunlight, is prone to yellowing, poor elasticity, is prone to wrinkling, mold and deterioration, and has wear resistance. So cotton socks also need to add some functional fibers to maintain their elasticity, fastness, and comfort. Spandex, nylon, acrylic, polyester, and other functional fibers are very common. Socks that do not contain these functional fibers are not good socks.

Combed Cotton of Cotton Socks

Combed cotton is a long and neat cotton fiber left behind by a machine called a combing machine, which removes shorter fibers from ordinary fibers. Due to the removal of short cotton fibers and other fiber impurities, the cotton yarn spun from combed cotton is more delicate, and the finished product has a smooth and comfortable feel, belonging to the better quality of cotton.

Mercerized Cotton for Cotton Socks

Mercerized cotton is a type of cotton fiber that is processed by mercerizing ordinary cotton fibers in a concentrated alkali solution. This kind of cotton fiber has better glossiness and shininess than ordinary cotton fiber without any change in other physical indicators, which is like silk, more smooth in hand and less prone to wrinkling. Usually, the material of mercerized cotton can be seen in thin socks in summer.

2. Excellent sock material for warmth preservation Fabric: wool

Wool is another common sock fabric, characterized by excellent thermal insulation but relatively expensive. It is not commonly used at work, but it is a good choice to use as home socks in rooms without heating. Wool socks have good warmth retention and good foot odor resistance, but the moisture absorption of wool socks is not unlimited, and sweaty feet are not suitable for wearing wool socks. Poor quality wool socks are also prone to pilling.

3. Essential material for socks Fabric composition: Spandex

Spandex is commonly known as Elastic fiber, which has high elasticity and strong scalability. Its stretching length can reach 5-7 times of the original fiber. Textile products added with spandex can maintain the original contour. The composition of socks must contain spandex to create elasticity and retraction, making them easier to wear and also making them more close to the feet, just like a swimsuit that can tightly wrap around the feet without slipping off. So spandex is almost an essential ingredient in all socks.

Lycra is actually a type of spandex fiber. Simply put, Lycra is spandex, and spandex is Lycra.

The difference between Lycra and traditional Elastic fiber is that its stretching degree can reach 500%, and it can slowly recover to its original state. That is to say, this type of fiber can be easily stretched, but after recovery, it can tightly adhere to the surface of the human body, with minimal binding force on the human body. Lycra fiber can be used with any fabric, including wool, linen, silk, and cotton, to enhance the fabric