Anatomy of a Sock: Fiber Content

Cotton, wool, acrylic, polyester, olefin, nylon and spandex are the most commonly used fibers in socks today and each fiber provides its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Cotton and other natural fibers are more absorbent, which helps tremendously with perspiration. Though wool socks often provide wearers with warmth in winter months, they may feel cold and uncomfortable for the wearer should they become wet or saturated.

Synthetic fibers such as spandex and nylon have been increasingly used in socks over the past several years and provide the wearer with extra reinforcement or support (particularly at the heel or toe). These fibers also provide shrink resistence to the sock and are a good choice for any sock that will receive hard wear (such as work socks).

The term "natural blend cotton" is often used with synthetic fibercotton hybrids and indicate that the socks have at least a 60% composition of cotton along with a smaller amount of synthetic fibers.

Stretchier fibers such as elastic, spandex or even rubber are also used in a variety of sock types. These fibers are most often used to help socks stay up and hug the leg. Sport socks make use of spandex to provide additional support where athletes need it most: in their ankles, calfs and arch areas. Elastic and rubber yarns tend to deteriorate with repeated exposure to body oils and, thus, don't have the staying power of spandex yarns.

Acrylic fibers tend to be long wearing, cushy and comfortable and are a common fiber used in casual socks. Along with olefin, acrylic fiber socks have "wicking" ability which allows for perspiration to be wicked away from the body. These fibers are being used for outdoor sport socks more and more. Sometimes acrylic or olefin socks are worn next to the skin with a wool or cotton sock over them to absorb moisture.

Luxury fibers such as cashmere, silk and linen are also sometimes used with socks, though these socks tend to not have much of the functionality of their cotton or synthetic fiber counterparts. Linen is a surprisingly durable fiber and can add to a sock's durability, absorbency and comfort. Silk socks can be both very comfortable and absorbent, but they lack durability.