We will further refine the process of weaving socks to see what other characteristics an excellent pair of sports socks has
The simplest way to thicken socks is the well-known looping method, commonly known as towel socks or looped socks. Loop socks must be thicker than regular flat socks. But there are still many details about how thick it is! Let’s analyze below:
Several factors that determine the thickness of loop socks:
1 loop height
This is easy to understand. The higher the pile, the thicker the thickness. Generally, the height of the loop is 3-4 millimeters, with a few achieving 2-3 millimeters to control costs. Badminton specific or high thickness sports socks generally require a thickness of 5mm, which is commonly referred to as high loop in the factory and is labor-intensive waste, so high-quality sports socks are only used. If higher loops are needed, the sock machine usually needs to be modified to use specialized needles, which is also more time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, except for a few large brand socks with extremely high requirements and high prices, such as the NBA Elite Socks series, which may have used higher loops.
But personally, I do not recommend blindly pursuing thickness. Because anything will transition to a boundary, for example, thickness represents wear resistance, friction resistance, and shock absorption. But if it exceeds a certain level and blindly pursues thickness, it will lead to issues such as overcrowding between sneakers, lack of feedback and freedom in agile movements due to increased thickness between heels, and so on.
Of course, in the current lack of high-quality sports socks, many consumers still emphasize the importance of thickness first, which is understandable.
Number of 2 yarns
The yarn for weaving socks is like twisting hemp rope, whether two yarns are twisted into one strand or three yarns are twisted into one strand is definitely different. This consumer is not aware of it. But there is still an objective physical feel, and the three yarn looped socks are definitely more solid and heavy than the two yarn knitted ones. The most intuitive understanding is that there is a one-third difference in raw materials. But consumers cannot distinguish the difference between three yarns and two yarns without comparison.
Especially in the current online shopping environment where physical items are not even visible, but the socks of “Shutu Sports” insist on using three yarns because although better quality cannot be seen, users may feel it, although they may not know why.
3 yarn count
What is the yarn count? Simply put, it can be understood as the thickness of each yarn.
The yarn count for a typical sports sock is 32, with yarns larger than this number being thinner, such as 40, and yarns smaller than this number being thicker, such as 24.
However, it is worth noting that the smaller the count, the thicker the yarn, the better. Why?
Because the thicker the yarn, the lower grade cotton yarn is usually used. To pull out high count yarn (finer yarn), you need your raw materials to be good enough and delicate enough. So high count yarn is highly valued in the home textile industry. Because of its skin friendly properties, it provides better comfort and is more delicate.
However, Shutu has tried 40 pairs of sports socks before, which is indeed delicate, but for sports socks, the best balance point may be 32 pairs.
4. Weaving sock density
The parameter settings on the sock machine generally indicate that the higher the density value, the tighter the socks will be. However, this parameter cannot be felt, and only by touching the texture and comparing it can one have a concept. It is impossible to have a cognitive understanding when purchasing and looking at pictures online.
The thickness (density) of sports socks is mainly determined by four factors: 1. loop height, 2. number of yarns, 3. number of yarns, 4. sock density, and so on.
The above four parameters are difficult to make intuitive judgments on the actual object, so they are completely imperceptible during the shopping process.
But here we can introduce a quick technique for determining the thickness of socks:
Thickness has strong subjectivity and requires experience and comparison to make judgments
But weight is objectively labeled
So to quickly determine the thickness (density) of a sock, you can directly ask the weight (in grams). If you are shopping online, you can directly ask customer service how many grams this sock weighs.
Below is a rough reference label, please note that the following are the bare weight of a pair of socks (excluding packaging, labels, etc.):
Regular flat socks (regular socks) 20-30 grams
Half loop socks (with loop soles and flat or mesh soles) weighing around 50 grams
50 grams is basically the threshold to ensure the basic quality of a pair of looped socks. Of course, there are many other factors, such as some socks, especially some foreign trade long tube socks, which have very long socks and bare weight up to 55 grams. However, in fact, socks occupy a large proportion, and the truly effective part of the sock body is not as thick as imagined. A pair of boat socks or short tube socks that are just over the ankle at 55 grams may be very excellent
Similarly, for small-sized socks such as women’s and children’s socks, achieving a weight of 55 grams is not the same as for large-sized men’s socks, such as sports socks suitable for men over 43 grams. The thickness is also completely different.