History of Socks

A sock is a piece of clothing worn on the feet, often covering the ankle or part of the calf. Some types of shoes or boots are typically worn over socks. In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. In the late 16th century, machine-knit socks were first produced. Until the 1800s, both man-made and machine-knit socks were manufactured. Still, the latter technique became more common in the 19th century.

One of the roles of socks is absorbing perspiration. As the foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, it can produce over 0.25 US pints (0.12 l) of perspiration per day; socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks made from cotton or wool help warm up cold feet, which in turn, helps decrease the risk of getting frostbite. Thin socks are most commonly worn in summer to keep feet cool. Light-coloured socks are typically worn with sports shoes, and dark-coloured socks with dress shoes (often black or navy blue dress socks). In addition, dark-coloured socks absorb heat which helps keep the foot warm, while light-coloured socks reflect heat which helps the feet stay cool.

Etymology

The modern English word sock is derived from the Old English word socc, meaning "light slipper". The word comes from the Latin soccus, a term to describe a "light, low-heeled shoe" worn by Roman comic actors and deriving from the Ancient Greek word sykchos.

History

Socks have evolved over the centuries from the earliest models, made from animal skins gathered up and tied around the ankles. Because the manufacture of socks was relatively time-consuming in pre-industrial times, they were long used only by the rich. The poor wore footwraps, simple cloths wrapped around the feet. These remained in use in Eastern European armies until the end of the 20th century.

According to the Greek poet Hesiod, in the 8th century BC, the Ancient Greeks wore socks called "piloi", made from matted animal hair. The Romans also wrapped their feet with leather or woven fabrics. Around the 2nd century AD, the Romans started sewing the fabrics together, making fitted socks called "udones". By the 5th century AD, socks called "puttees" were worn by holy people in Europe to symbolize purity.

During the Middle Ages, the length of trousers was extended, and the sock became a tight, brightly coloured cloth covering the lower part of the leg. Since socks did not have an elastic band, garters were placed over the top of the stockings to prevent them from falling down. When breeches became shorter, socks began to get longer (and more expensive). By 1000 AD, socks became a symbol of wealth among the nobility. From the 16th century onwards, an ornamental design on the ankle or side of a sock has been called a clock.
The invention of the knitting machine in 1589 meant that socks could be knitted six times faster than by hand. Nonetheless, knitting machines and hand knitters worked side by side until 1800.

The next revolution in sock production was the introduction of nylon in 1938. Until then, socks were commonly made from silk, cotton and wool. Nylon was the start of blending two or more yarns in the production of socks, a process that continues today.

The earliest known surviving pair of socks, created by naalbinding. Dating from 300–500, these were excavated from Oxyrhynchus on the Nile in Egypt. The split toes were designed for use with sandals, on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum, reference 2085&A-1900.

Fabrication