What to look for in a new pair of socks
Short answer: Three things decide whether a pair of socks gets worn: the cuff, the toe seam and the size. The material decides how dry your feet stay through the day, and the length should suit the shoe.
The cuff
A soft, wide rib keeps the sock up without leaving marks on the ankle or calf. A narrow, tight cuff may hold well at first, but it presses after a few hours and often goes slack first. Pull the cuff gently before buying more, and see if it springs back. Read more in socks that do not squeeze.
The toe seam
A thick seam across the toes creates a pressure point in closed shoes, especially when you walk a lot. A flat or hand-linked seam is barely felt. Turn the sock inside out and feel it. If your toes are sensitive, this can make a clear difference. See also bamboo socks without a seam.
Size
Socks are often sold in size ranges. Choose the range your shoe size sits in the middle of. At the top of a range the sock can get tight over the toes, and at the bottom the heel can end up on the ankle. Read more in sock sizes.
Material
A fabric that moves moisture away from the skin reduces odour and rubbing, because the foot stays drier in the shoe. You notice it most on long days and in closed shoes. Check the label to see what the sock is made of. See all bamboo socks for men.
Length
Choose the length by the shoe. Footies suit low shoes, ankle socks suit everyday wear and trainers, and longer socks suit boots and trousers that can ride up. If you wear several kinds of shoe, two lengths can make sense. See all bamboo socks for women.
Buy several of the same
If you buy several identical pairs, they all match, and you do not have to hunt for the partner after washing. If one goes missing, the other is still usable. The whole stack is also the same age and can be replaced together when the heels wear thin.
Washing
Wash at 40 degrees without fabric softener and let the socks air dry. Softener coats the fibres so they absorb less, and heat from a tumble dryer wears the elastic in the cuff. Read more about temperature and detergent in the washing guide.
Cushioning
If the socks are for long days on your feet, for sport or for walks, a cushioned sole makes a noticeable difference. It softens the pressure under heel and forefoot and protects against rubbing. For everyday wear in soft shoes, a thin sock is often enough. See bamboo tennis socks for men.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most in a sock?
The cuff. It decides whether the sock stays up without pressing, and whether it still gets worn after many washes once the elastic has been through a lot.
How do I choose sock size?
Choose the range your shoe size sits in the middle of. At the top or bottom of a range, the sock can get tight over the toes or the heel can sit wrong.
Why should I avoid fabric softener?
Softener coats the fibres, so the sock absorbs moisture less well. That can mean more odour and damp feet, especially in closed shoes worn for a whole day.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
