How Are Socks Made?
Posted by SOCTUARY SOCKS
How Socks Are Made
In 2022 the majority of socks found in stores and online are manufactured overseas in mass production facilities. These socks are made with industrial circular knitting machines that differ depending on the type of sock that is being produced.
So how are socks made? As we mentioned above the majority of socks are made by circular knitting machines, which reduce the number of seams required to make each sock. These circular knitting machines use thin needles to knit each pair by creating multiple loops that form a circular shape.
These are then weaved together to create an open cylindrical tube which forms the base of the sock. After the sock tube is completed a seam is then used to close the end.
Modern circular knitting machines use coding to create and follow a pattern. This ensures that the colors and shapes of each sock are consistent. To make different types of socks the code needs to be altered depending upon a number of factors such as; material, color, length, and type of sock.
While some socks are still made by hand, machine knitting is typically how socks are made and mass produced. With that being said, you can still find hand knit socks in retail stores and online from websites like Etsy.
Where Are Socks Made?
Socks, like most clothes, are manufactured all over the world. However, the most common place where socks are made is the Datang area of Zhuji, China, is one of the most prolific cities in the sock manufacturing industry. This area is known as Sock City because it produces so many socks. Datang was formerly responsible for nearly a third of the world's sock output.
However, Zhuji isn't the only site where socks are produced. Many socks today are produced in countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, India, South Korea and Taiwan. While you can definitely find socks that are made in North America, the production and manufacturing costs are often too pricey. Too keep the end costs down many socks are imported from the countries listed above.
Types of Socks
Socks come in a variety of styles that are ideal for various occasions. Dress socks, for example, are inappropriate for the gym. Let's look at some different types of socks, what they're used for, and why you should try them out:
Dress socks are ideal for both formal and professional contexts, and have recently become fashionable in bright colors and eccentric designs. With the exception of some types of dress shoes, dress socks can be worn on any occasion. They are also available in a variety of forms and sizes, ranging from basic white or black to polka-dots, stripes, or even more unusual colors or patterns. They even come in various designs such as food pattern socks, space socks or animal socks.
Compression socks target leg circulation, allowing blood and fluids to circulate more efficiently. They can also be used to treat spider veins, varicose veins, as well as more serious circulation problems. Compression socks are frequently worn on long flights, long car trips, and are very common among people who are at risk for blood clots or other circulatory issues.
Athletic socks are used while exercising, going to the gym, participating in sports, hiking, and other outdoor activities. They frequently have a higher percentage of spandex or other elastic material to help improve your range of motion. Athletic socks are also made with ingredients that help sweat dissipate faster. Compression socks are frequently worn by competitive athletes to aid with post-workout recuperation.
You may not always want your socks to be seen. When you want your socks to be more modest, no-show socks are the way to go. No-show socks can be hidden beneath the tops of your shoes, allowing your ankles to breathe more freely. No-slip technology is used in many no-show socks to keep them from slipping down beneath your feet and causing blisters.
What Are Socks Made Of?
Today’s socks come in all different sizes, colors, and uses. With so many different socks available you may wonder what are socks made out of?
Cotton
The most common fabric for socks is cotton. Cotton is soft and breathable, which makes it a good choice for summer. However, it's not as durable as wool or nylon and may shrink when washed.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber that has been used to make socks for centuries. It's warm in the winter but can be too hot in the summer months.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable fabric that can be worn year-round, but it doesn't provide much insulation from the cold or warmth from the heat.
Polyester
Polyester is inexpensive and often used to make athletic socks because it wicks away sweat and dries quickly.
Nylon
Nylon provides high levels of durability but does not breathe well and can cause skin irritation over time. These fabrics are some of the most common materials when looking for the answer to what material are socks made of.
Now that you know what socks are made of you can feel confident the next time you are shopping for a pair of socks.
How Are Soctuary Socks Made?
Soctuary sock designs are dreamed up by our in-house team and are made with the customer and animals in mind.
Our animal socks consist of a blend of 55% premium cotton, 43% polyester, and 2% spandex. This mixture ensures that our fun and colorful socks are not only comfortable but also built to last.
Our ethical manufacturer uses machines that knit the socks at a 200 needle count. This needle count is needed to guarantee that our detailed designs remain true to the look of each animal we support.
Our socks are also pre-washed and pre-ironed, which is crucial as it results in minimal shrinkage when our customers first wash and dry our socks.
While this isn't typically how socks are made we strive for quality and want to make sure that our customers are able to enjoy their socks for years to come.
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