Socks
are no longer used only for protecting feet, they are now a popular
men's fashion accessory, available in numerous designs and color
combinations.History
Socks were first used in 8th century B.C. by Greeks. They were made of rough skin and matted animal hair and were used for protecting feet. The word is a derivation of Latin word 'Soccus'. During latter half of the 5th century A.D., socks known as 'puttees' at that time were worn by Europeans.
With the invention of the knitting machine during the 15th century, socks were manufactured on a large scale and and this lead to an increase in its trade.
Types of Socks
There are different types of socks available in the market depending on the occasion they will be worn at. Some of the major categories are:
- Casual socks: These socks are made from thick cotton or
spandex and are meant for wearing on day to day basis and with
casual clothing.
- Formal socks: These socks are worn with formal wear like
suits and tuxedos and are made from dressy materials.
- Sports socks: These socks are worn by sport persons during various sports. They are made from highly durable, soft and absorbent fabric to ensure maximum comfort to sportsmen.
Datang City, also known as the 'sock city' in China is the largest producer of high quality socks and manufactures 1/3rd of the total worldwide socks sales figures. There are a cluster of nearly 9000 factories being assisted by the government to manufacture close 10 billion pairs annually.
Buying Tips
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Socks are manufactured from various fabrics depending on the end use and also the season it will be worn in. Some of the major materials used are:
- Wool
- Spandex
- Polypropylene
- Cotton
- Silk
- Nylon
This men's accessory is worn for various purposes and is thus available in different styles. Some of the prevalent styles in the international market are:
- Ankle length socks
- Knee length socks
- Just below the knee
- Extra long socks
- Crew socks
- Mid calf socks
- Bare socks