Socks are an essential part of our everyday wear. Firstly it prevents your perspiration from coming in contact with your shoes and also add to the aesthetics of your fashion. Today we will talk about what are socks and how is it made and lastly what are the future of socks.
Well, socks are really be definition "garments for your foot and/or lower part of leg". They are basically fashion for your legs be for function or for design purposes. Hence there are many areas that we can explore here.
In terms of functions, there are many types of materials that socks are made of different materials and have different type of properties.
Some socks are made of blend of cotton and other materials which made it more elastic, softer and durable. So, in reality 100% cotton socks do not actually exist. Cotton socks are thought to be breathable and moisture wicking.
Some are made of wool. Wool socks are expensive and insulates heat really well hence they are really good for winter seasons!!
Some socks are made of polyester which is cheap to produce. But the downsides is that it is not breathable and does not absorb moisture well. Hence leaving your socks feeling sweaty and soggy. Not smelling good yeah.
Here in Generic Socks Company, we use bamboo fibre socks with a mix of other materials to make elastic, breathable and mositure wicking. The upside as well is that bamboo is naturally, anti-microbial as well. But rest assured here is that the material we use only enhances the function of the socks and not to replace bamboo as the base material.
Now lets take about the manufacturing process of the socks.
The first step of manufacturing socks is knitting and weaving the socks. The density and quality of the socks will depend greatly on the number of needles in a cylinder that the socks are weaved in. The more needles in the cylinder, the finer and more dense the socks but it will be more expensive. Of course it also it depends on the cylinder. Different cylinder sizes are for different size of socks.
The next step is the sewing of the different component of the socks 1) Leg 2) The Heel 3) The Foot 4)The Sole 5) The Toe. The different component of socks are then knitted together to form the basic skeleton the sock. At the this part, part of the job is manual. Hence the quality of the socks will depend on the skill and experience of the worker.
After sewing the socks together, the socks will be dyed according to the colour required. At this stage, fidelity to the original sock colour will be important.
The fourth step will be the shaping of the sock. At this stage, the sock will be subjected to the pressure and high temperature to ensure that the shape of well the "sock" is materialized.
And lastly the sock will package in saleable packages for sale.
Well, it seems quite alot for something as insignificant as a sock. Alot goes into the making of the sock.
What is the future of sock making when alot has already been done?
It is said that we can start to manufacture socks using 3D printers, this would allow for highly detailed and precise sock designs. And because of that innovations has allowed for customization of socks which means that you can print photo of your dogs or loved ones on your socks!!
All these innovations will be something for another day.
Lets see, today you have discovered the different materials and intricate process of manufacturing socks and even found out the future of socks. Thats alot for a short post.
So long now and Happy Shopping!!