Choosing a few pairs of comfortable and breathable socks is an essential need that people tend to overlook in summer. Although socks may seem small, it’s not easy to buy a suitable pair. So what material socks should I wear in summer?
Choose fewer wool socks. This type of sock material has poor sweat absorption effect, which can easily leave the feet in a damp state and cause blisters. In general, it is best to choose cotton socks, but if you are going to exercise, it is recommended to purchase socks made of corduroy material for better sweat absorption.
Pure cotton socks are the best choice for daily wear, and 100% cotton material is usually not used to make socks for outdoor activities. Cotton absorbs sweat and is not easy to dry. Once the fabric gets wet, it has no temperature insulation and is also uncomfortable, which can easily cause blisters on the feet.
100% of cotton socks do not exist! Socks themselves are elastic, indicating that the ingredients of the socks themselves contain other materials. For example: spandex, polyester, nylon, etc. The main function of spandex is to increase elasticity, as it has high ductility and high elastic recovery rate. Therefore, socks mixed with spandex will have elasticity and are not easy to shrink. Nylon and polyester have high strength and wear resistance, and socks mixed with these ingredients are more wear-resistant and durable. Socks with a cotton content of around 80% can be called all cotton socks. Socks cannot be said to be 100% cotton, as they must contain auxiliary ingredients in order for them to have good breathability, wear resistance, and sweat absorption.
When choosing socks, it is important to distinguish between synthetic fibers that have a smoother feel and cotton that is relatively rough; Open the socks and observe the surface. There are no small brown dots or relatively few, but they are combed cotton. Generally, cotton socks are added with an appropriate amount of acrylic to increase their elasticity. Socks with more cotton and less acrylic have a soft hand feel and good moisture absorption, making them more comfortable to wear.
Socks have good elasticity. Socks with good elasticity are snug and not easy to slip. Poor quality socks will deform and clump fibers after washing, resulting in uneven distribution of various parts, and people will feel their feet rubbing during exercise. When choosing socks, it is important to check if the elastic fibers at the collar of the socks are broken. If they are, they should never be purchased.
In fact, among all natural materials, hemp has the best breathability. Hemp has natural antibacterial and antibacterial functions, and its moisture absorption and sweat wicking properties are superior to cotton and synthetic fibers, giving people a feeling of “dry” and “cool”. But socks containing more than 55% hemp are not commonly seen in China.
Additionally, fit and size are very important. Socks should fit perfectly and should not be too tight or too loose. If the socks are too large, the extra fibers will increase friction and damage the skin of the feet. When buying socks, attention should be paid to the fiber density, and it is not recommended to buy socks that are too loose. In addition, each person should also prepare a few pairs of high-quality socks such as toe separated socks and arch tied socks.
For friends who experience symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is recommended to choose five fingered socks that can separate the toes. This can reduce the risk of fungal infections and also help keep the toes dry and breathable.
The criteria for selecting socks
1. Remember the six word mnemonic of “tight, loose, bright, and clear”. The tightness of the sock cuffs and thighs should be appropriate, the sole should be loose, the heel of the sock should be large, the surface of the sock should be smooth, the collar should be flat without any skewness, the needle pattern organization should be clear, and there should be no exposed needles in the pattern, toe, and heel of the sock.
2. Try to match the color of the shoes as much as possible. When purchasing children’s socks, prioritize choosing light colors. The brighter the color, the more chemical components will be added inside.
3. Priority should be given to socks that are primarily made of cotton fiber and supplemented with an appropriate amount of elastic fiber.
4. Consider its purpose and target audience, such as comfortable and breathable clothing for daily wear, and soft and wear-resistant clothing for sports wear; People with sweaty feet should choose cotton socks that are both breathable and moisture absorbing, while those with dry and cracked feet should choose polyester and nylon socks with poor moisture absorption; Children’s socks should try to choose socks with a simple organizational structure, light colors, and a smooth surface. Do not choose socks with dotted lines exposed outside.