The Different Sock Fabrics – Cotton, Wool, Silk and Cashmere Socks

The fabric used in socks can offer a uniquely different look and feel, with some socks suited to different seasons or occasions. There is an assortment of different fabrics and blends that are used in the manufacture of socks, from mercerised cotton to cashmere. At Herbert Jones we offer high quality mens socks in the premium fabrics. >>> View Socks Range

Cotton is the classic fibre used in the production of all purpose mens socks, offering a soft and breathable textile. There are various treatments applied to cotton, such as mercerising which smoothes the yarn by removing rough fibres giving a silky lustre. Most cotton socks are a blend of cotton and man made fibres such as polyester and elastene which helps improve durability.

>> Egyptian cotton Socks

Egyptian cotton is superior in quality to standard cotton due to its very soft and lustrous nature, often used in mens dress socks. Some mens socks are made from a blend, but 100% Egyptian cotton (also known as Fil d’Ecosse as described by Falke) offers the best quality. Egyptian cotton comes from Egypt where the warm conditions and rich soil permit the growth of long cotton fibres.

>> Merino wool (virgin wool) Socks

Merino wool has been described as the perfect ‘all year round fibre’ because of its excellent breathability, allowing air to pass naturally through its fibres. Falke uses merino wool in its airport sock, designed to maintain a steady temperature no matter the climate.  Merino wool is exceptionally soft, with the Merino having the softest wool of any sheep and is considered superior to lambswool. The fabric is usually blended with nylon for added durability, and can also be blended with luxury fibres such as silk and cashmere.

>>Silk Socks

A silk blend sock is the ultimate in luxury as it has a uniquely silky lustre that feels wonderfully smooth. A silk sock has a fine texture which makes it ideal as a dress sock, and is great in the Summer months as it helps keep your feet cool. Most silk socks are blended with cotton to improve durability, although silk is naturally quite strong and flexible.

>> Cashmere Socks

For many people, Cashmere is considered the most aspirational fabric in the world because of its luxuriant feel. Not only is it very soft, it is also a warm fabric that is lightweight and much less bulky than wool. This makes cashmere ideal for a luxurious Winter sock, particularly as a dress sock because it does not create too much bulk in a tight fitting shoe.