Bamboo viscose versus nylon in socks

Short answer: Nylon brings durability and elasticity, bamboo viscose brings softness and moisture transport. The best socks contain both.

Why socks are always blends

A sock in pure bamboo viscose would feel wonderful and wear through in a few weeks. Nylon is worked into heel and toe to take the abrasion, and elastane holds the shape. The bamboo share provides the comfort against the skin.

What the percentages tell you

With seventy percent bamboo viscose or more, the sock feels soft and moves moisture well. Below fifty percent nylon dominates, and the sock becomes more hard wearing but less comfortable. See bamboo socks for men.

Where the nylon sits

In good socks the nylon is concentrated in heel and toe, where the wear happens. That gives you durability where it counts and bamboo against the rest of the foot. See bamboo socks for women.

Odour and comfort

Nylon holds oils and smells sooner than cellulose fibres. A sock with a high bamboo share smells less after a long day. See all bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

Are there socks without nylon

Rarely, and they last less time. A little nylon is an advantage rather than a compromise.

How much elastane should there be

Two to five percent is enough to hold the shape without pinching.

Are nylon and polyamide the same

Yes. Polyamide is the technical term, nylon the common name.