What materials are socks made of?
Jan 30, 2024| What kind of socks are better? Are there any 100% cotton socks? What kind of socks are more comfortable and durable? In response to these problems, how can we choose good quality socks? To choose a good pair of socks, first we need to understand the ingredients of socks?
1. Cotton
Generally, we give priority to cotton socks when choosing socks, but does pure cotton mean 100% cotton? Sock industry experts tell us the answer is no, that is to say, there are no 100% cotton socks. If a pair of socks is made of 100% cotton, it is not a pair of socks but a pile of cotton and has no elasticity at all. 100% cotton socks have a high shrinkage rate and are not strong enough to wear.
Usually socks with a cotton content of more than 75% can be called pure cotton socks, and socks with a cotton content of 85% are very high-end cotton socks. In addition to cotton, some functional fibers need to be added to maintain the elasticity, fastness and comfort of socks. Spandex, nylon, acrylic and polyester are very common functional fibers.
2. Carding
Combed cotton is produced by a machine called a comber, which removes the shorter fibers from the regular fibers, leaving behind long, neat cotton 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 feels smoother and more comfortable. It is a mid-to-high-end cotton product.
3.Spandex
Spandex, commonly known as spandex, has high elasticity and flexibility, and its stretch length can reach 5-7 times that of the fiber. If the socks contain spandex, they can make the socks elastic and stretchable, making them easier to wear and tighter. Just like a swimsuit, it hugs your steps tightly and won't slip off.
4. Lycra
Lycra is actually a spandex fiber, a unique man-made elastic fiber invented and produced by DuPont in 1958. Lycra differs from traditional elastane in that it can stretch up to 500% and return to its original shape. Unlike most polyurethane filaments, it has a special chemical structure and will not grow mold in a humid, hot sealed space after being wet with water.
5.Polyamide
Polyamide is the name of a synthetic fiber with Chinese characteristics. People are more familiar with its other name, nylon. Nylon, whose scientific name is polyamide fiber, is synthesized by Jinzhou Chemical Fiber Factory in my country. It is named after Jinzhou, hence the name polyamide. Polyamide and nylon have similar properties. They are strong and wear-resistant. They are the most abrasion-resistant and strongest synthetic fibers. They are also very light in weight and have good elasticity. Adding nylon to the socks can maintain high-strength elasticity.
6. Nylon
Nylon was developed by American scientist Carothers and his research team. It is the world's first synthetic fiber. The emergence of nylon has brought a new look to textiles and is a major breakthrough in the synthetic fiber industry. It is also an important milestone in polymer chemistry.
7.Polyester fiber
Compared with natural fibers, polyester fibers have good elasticity and bulk, and the woven socks are lighter. However, polyester fiber has low moisture content, poor air permeability, poor dyeability, easy pilling, and easy pollution.
8. Bamboo
The popular bamboo fiber in recent years is also viscose fiber. The raw material of bamboo fiber comes from bamboo. Since bamboo regenerates much faster than wood, bamboo fiber has better environmental properties in modern society with large-scale industrial production. Bamboo fiber fabrics also have the advantages of softness, elegance, comfort, wear resistance, moisture absorption, quick drying, and breathability. It is different from cotton and viscose fiber and has good antibacterial properties and health care functions. Bamboo fiber contains an antibacterial substance called "bamboo hair", which has natural antibacterial, anti-mite, anti-odor and other characteristics. In addition, the ultraviolet transmittance of bamboo fiber is 0.6%, which is 41.6 times that of cotton. It is a very good anti-UV fabric material.

