1. The most familiar sock material and fabric: cotton
Usually we like to wear pure cotton socks, but is pure cotton 100% cotton? The answer of the sock expert is no. If the composition of a pair of socks is 100% cotton, then this pair of socks is cotton. Generally, socks with a cotton content of more than 75% can be called cotton socks. Generally, socks with a cotton content of 85% are very high-grade cotton socks.
The disadvantages of pure cotton fabric are not resistant to sunlight, easy to yellowing, poor elasticity, easy to wrinkle, mildew and deterioration, and wear resistance. Therefore, cotton socks also need to add some functional fibers to maintain the elasticity, fastness and comfort of socks. Spandex, nylon, acrylic and polyester are very common functional fibers. Socks that do not contain these functional fibers are not good socks.
Combed Cotton
Combed cotton is a long and neat cotton fiber left after the shorter fibers in common fibers are removed by a machine called comber. Due to the removal of short cotton fibers and other fiber impurities, the cotton yarn spun from combed cotton is more delicate, and the handle of the finished product is smooth and comfortable, which belongs to the better quality of cotton.
Mercerized Cotton
Mercerized cotton refers to the cotton fiber after mercerizing ordinary cotton fiber in concentrated alkali solution. On the premise that other physical indicators do not change, this kind of cotton fiber has better glossiness and shininess than ordinary cotton fiber. It looks like silk, has a smoother feel and is less prone to wrinkling. Mercerized cotton is often seen in thin socks in summer.
2. Excellent warm sock material Fabric: wool
Wool is another common sock fabric. Wool socks are characterized by excellent thermal insulation, but relatively expensive. It is not usually used in work, but it is a good choice to use it as household socks in the room without heating. Wool socks have good thermal insulation and good deodorant effect, but the moisture absorption of wool socks is not unlimited, and sweaty feet are not suitable for wearing wool socks. Poor wool socks are also easy to pilling.
3. Essential material for socks Fabric composition: Spandex
Spandex is commonly known as elastic fiber. It has high elasticity and strong flexibility. Its stretching length can reach 5-7 times of the original fiber. The textile products added with spandex can maintain the original contour. The composition of socks must contain spandex to make the socks elastic and retractable, easier to wear, and also make the socks more close to the feet. Like swimming suits, they can tightly wrap the feet without slipping. So spandex is an essential component of almost all socks.
Lycra is actually a kind of spandex fiber. Generally speaking, Lycra is spandex, and spandex is Lycra.
The difference between Lycra and traditional elastic fiber is that it can stretch up to 500% and slowly recover to its original shape. That is to say, this kind of fiber can be stretched very easily, but it can cling to the surface of the human body after recovery, with little binding force on the human body. Lycra fiber can be used with any fabric, including wool, hemp, silk and cotton, to increase the close-fitting, elasticity and loose natural characteristics of the fabric, making it more flexible when moving. Besides, Lycra is different from most spandex fibers in that it has a special chemical structure and will not grow mold in a humid and hot sealed space after wet water.
Lycra is known as “friendly” fiber, not only because it can completely integrate with natural and artificial fibers, but also can increase the comfort, body feel, freedom of movement and service life of fabrics or clothing.
4. Silk stockings and cotton stockings are inseparable from the material and fabric: Jinlun/Polyamide
Nylon is the name of a synthetic fiber with Chinese characteristics. People are more familiar with another name – nylon. The scientific name of nylon is polyamide fiber. Nylon has the same properties as nylon. It is strong and wear-resistant. It is the most wear-resistant and strongest of synthetic fibers. The weight is very light and the elasticity is good. Adding nylon in the sock can maintain the high strength elasticity. Nylon is the main material of almost all thin leg socks (or varicose elastic socks). Note that D in skinny socks refers to the textile density. Generally, the greater the number, the greater the thickness and pressure. For the sake of health, thin leg socks with high D number should not be worn for a long time.