{"id":944,"date":"2021-10-27T12:37:38","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T16:37:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.luxtiques.com\/blogs\/?p=944"},"modified":"2023-06-15T14:16:59","modified_gmt":"2023-06-15T18:16:59","slug":"when-were-socks-invented","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/","title":{"rendered":"When Were Socks Invented? A History of Socks"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/#Who_Invented_Socks\" title=\"Who Invented Socks\">Who Invented Socks<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/#Why_Were_Socks_Invented\" title=\"Why Were Socks Invented?\">Why Were Socks Invented?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/#What_Are_Socks_Made_Of\" title=\"What Are Socks Made Of?\">What Are Socks Made Of?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/#Why_Are_Socks_Called_Socks\" title=\"Why Are Socks Called Socks?\">Why Are Socks Called Socks?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/when-were-socks-invented\/#Why_Wear_Socks\" title=\"Why Wear Socks?\">Why Wear Socks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Socks are a staple in any person\u2019s wardrobe. Try to imagine your life without a pair of socks\u2026 Hard, right? So isn\u2019t it a little strange that most of us know absolutely nothing about them? We know that socks keep our feet warm; we know socks come in different styles and lengths to match every shoe\/pant combination.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But when were socks invented? What are they made of? And, most importantly,&nbsp;<em>why&nbsp;<\/em>are they called socks and not something different, like feet gloves?&nbsp;<strong>If you\u2019re curious about the mysterious history of socks, keep reading.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Invented_Socks\"><\/span><strong>Who Invented Socks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks have a bit of a complex history. Their purpose, design and production varied depending on the era they belonged to.&nbsp;<strong>Although first derived in Ancient Greece, socks have spanned the test of time, being used in many different centuries<\/strong>. The question of who invented socks is a complex one, but we\u2019ve done our best to provide a timeline based that revolves around extensive research.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>When Were Socks Invented<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To no one\u2019s surprise, the first pair of socks created during the ancient civilizations were nothing like the socks we are familiar with today. The fabrics, fit, and even the skin they covered varied drastically from the soft cotton socks we know and love.&nbsp;<strong>So, when were socks invented?&nbsp;<\/strong>Their beginning lies in Greece (also the origin of democracy and philosophy\u2014they were some pretty smart people, those Ancient Greeks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Ancient Greece<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks first came into existence in the 8th century BC. According to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/details\/isbn_9780756640903\/page\/292\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Internet Archive<\/a>, they were made out of matted animal hair and actually called&nbsp;<em>piloi<\/em>. Making socks from animals was a common theme back then. The Romans wrapped their feet in animal skins and tied it around their ankles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Ancient Rome<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t until the 2nd century (AD) that the way socks were created began to shift. Animal skin was traded in for knitted fabrics, creating a sock more similar to the ones we wear today. The Romans were the first to sew fabrics together to make socks, called&nbsp;<em>udones<\/em>. These socks were both softer and more fitted, a big step-up from their successors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Europe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By the 5th century (AD), socks had made their way up to Europe. However, they were only being worn by people who were holy, meaning widely associated with the Church. These socks were called&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevintagenews.com\/2017\/11\/24\/the-history-of-socks\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><em>puttees<\/em><\/a>&nbsp;and were considered a symbol of purity. These \u2018puttees\u2019 were made from cloth and wrapped around the ankle to the knee, similar to a bandage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Were_Socks_Invented\"><\/span><strong>Why Were Socks Invented?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not so shockingly, socks were first invented with the simple intention to keep people\u2019s feet warm. As the way socks were created and the fabrics involved began to change, so did the purpose socks served. Socks evolved from being a garment to protect feet into a symbol of wealth, worn only by nobility.&nbsp;<strong>Why were socks invented?&nbsp;<\/strong>Here are some of the many reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks were first invented with people\u2019s health in mind. Their feet needed some sort of coverage to ensure people remained comfortable and safe in any season, in response to historical mortality rates. The following are the two key reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Protection<\/li><li>Warmth&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Peasants were constantly working outside and needed to&nbsp;<strong>protect their feet from the elements<\/strong>, like snow and rain. Since indoor heating was yet to be invented yet, socks had to keep people\u2019s feet warm while they were inside, too. And in the winter,&nbsp;<strong>socks were crucial to protecting feet from frostbite<\/strong>. In fact, without modern medicine, frostbite could actually lead to death back then. Hence why stitching holes in socks was so important!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Fashion Statement<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the Middle Ages, socks were ditched for their practicality and instead worn as an accessory. Brightly coloured socks were the newest craze, which we at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Soxy<\/a>&nbsp;approve of. Instead of socks ending at the ankle, they got higher and higher as pants got shorter\u2014socks went as high as covering the person\u2019s knee back then.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Status Symbol<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As the demand for socks began to rise, so did their prices. Socks became so expensive that they were mostly worn amongst noble families who were able to afford them. An individual spotted wearing a pair of socks was immediately associated with the upper class.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fabrics used to create socks were also a symbol of the person\u2019s wealth.&nbsp;<strong>While silk socks equaled wealth, socks made of wool were associated with poverty<\/strong>. Wool socks were worn mostly by peasants, as they were cheap to buy and kept their feet warm. Silk socks were more expensive and worn exclusively by nobles and other families with extra money to spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Socks_Made_Of\"><\/span><strong>What Are Socks Made Of?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Going off what we just learned, socks were made of various materials as they evolved throughout the past centuries.&nbsp;<strong>It\u2019s no surprise socks were first made from animal materials,&nbsp;<\/strong>since animals were heavily relied upon for food&nbsp;<em>and&nbsp;<\/em>clothing way back when.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 5th century Europe, the next major change in the sock was tied to the knitting machine, invented in 1589. Socks could be made way faster than weaving them by hand, almost&nbsp;<strong>six times more quickly<\/strong>. Socks were made from these three most common fabrics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Silk<\/li><li>Cotton<\/li><li>Wool<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>After the knitting machine, things stayed pretty static for a few more centuries. In 1938, things got&nbsp;<em>really&nbsp;<\/em>crazy when&nbsp;<strong>nylon<\/strong>&nbsp;was invented. Nylon and synthetic fabrics became the frontrunner in sock creation. They were stretchy, easy to make, and socks could now be made up of a&nbsp;<strong>blend of fabrics<\/strong>&nbsp;instead of just one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some other fabrics that socks can be made from and some of the benefits and downfalls of each:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fabric<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Pro<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Acrylic<\/td><td>Acrylic socks are breathable and do not absorb moisture.<\/td><td>Not very comfortable and not eco-friendly.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Polyester<\/td><td>Polyester socks are durable, strong and will keep your feet dry.<\/td><td>Polyester does not break down, making it bad for the planet. It is also not breathable.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spandex<\/td><td>Spandex socks are comfortable, very stretchy and breathable.<\/td><td>Will not keep your feet warm. Less comfortable when your feet are hot.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silk<\/td><td>Silk socks warm your feet and do not absorb moisture.<\/td><td>Slightly more expensive than other fabrics and not as durable.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bamboo<\/td><td>Bamboo is soft, comfortable, breathable, naturally anti-bacterial and eco-friendly.<\/td><td>None.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cashmere<\/td><td>Cashmere socks are soft, comfortable and guaranteed to keep your feet warm.<\/td><td>Cashmere is a very expensive fabric.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_Socks_Called_Socks\"><\/span><strong>Why Are Socks Called Socks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks were originally called&nbsp;<em>stockings&nbsp;<\/em>until the 17th century, when the term&nbsp;<em>sock&nbsp;<\/em>was derived from the Old English word&nbsp;<em>socc<\/em>,&nbsp;which&nbsp;meant \u201clight slipper.\u201d&nbsp;<strong>Both of these terms derived from the Latin root word&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/penelope.uchicago.edu\/Thayer\/E\/Roman\/Texts\/secondary\/SMIGRA*\/Soccus.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong><em>soccus<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, which was used to describe a low-heeled shoe the actors used to wear in Ancient Rome.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Wear_Socks\"><\/span><strong>Why Wear Socks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best thing about socks is the many purposes they serve. Socks do way more than keep our feet warm or let us easily slide across the floor. In fact, there are many different&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/blogs\/guide\/types-of-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">types of socks<\/a>, and every single one of them serves its own purpose.&nbsp;<strong>Why do we wear socks?<\/strong>&nbsp;Here are some of the key reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Practicality<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We love socks for how darn practical they are.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/wool-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Wool socks<\/a>&nbsp;keep our feet warm in the winter. Cotton socks keep our feet cool and breathable in summer. We wear socks around our house because they keep our feet clean. And when your dog or roommate makes a spill? Socks keep our feet dry. The wonderful part of socks is that they are there for us, 24\/7. They always have our back.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefit that socks can have on our health is probably their most underrated purpose. Here, we\u2019re talking strictly about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/blogs\/guide\/what-are-compression-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>compression socks<\/strong><\/a>. The application of pressure on your surface veins and muscles leads to increased blood flow. These socks are suitable for the following people:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>People struggling with low blood pressure<\/li><li>People with diabetes<\/li><li>Athletes<\/li><li>People with desk jobs (spending a large portion of the day sitting)<\/li><li>Frequent travelers<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you fit into any of these categories? If so, check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/compression-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">compression socks<\/a>&nbsp;to find a pair for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Sports<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/mens-athletic-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Athletic socks<\/a>&nbsp;are specially tailored for those living an active lifestyle. These socks are designed with sports-related features in mind to make sure your feet are well protected while you\u2019re active. Some key features may be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A cushioned footbed gives extra comfort and absorbs ground-shock for runners.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Moisture-management and breathable fabric ensures your feet stay cool and odor-free at all times.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Higher socks that hit mid-calf are perfect to prevent chafing for hikers wearing taller boots.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Self-Expression<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks come in hundreds of colours and designs that are perfect for anyone\u2019s unique style. Whether you\u2019re rocking&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/mens-striped-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">stripes<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/mens-polka-dot-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">polka-dots<\/a>, as soon as your pant leg rides up the slightest, your fun socks are there to show a little bit if your personality with any onlooker. Whether you\u2019re aiming for a more casual or quirky sock, there are pairs out there to express whatever it is you want to communicate through fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Shoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Socks can be worn alone but chances are you\u2019re wearing your socks under a pair of shoes. Socks are the perfect barrier between your shoe and your foot. Why? Here are some of the most important reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Socks prevent blisters.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Socks keep our feet clean and minimize moisture<\/li><li>Socks help our feet stay odor-free no matter what shoe they are being worn with.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Before reading this article, your sock knowledge probably began and ended with the words&nbsp;<em>cotton&nbsp;<\/em>or&nbsp;<em>crew.&nbsp;<\/em>Now, your sock knowledge surpasses that of the typical person. Still, perhaps it\u2019s best to be wary before breaking out some sock facts at the next party you go to or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/blogs\/what-to-wear\/what-to-wear-on-a-first-date\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">on a date<\/a>&#8230;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for killer socks to fit your style and that are sure to be a conversation starter, check out our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.soxy.com\/collections\/crazy-socks\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">crazy socks<\/a>. We definitely have a pair to help express your individual style. There\u2019s no time like the present to up your sock game.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Who Invented SocksWhy Were Socks Invented?What Are Socks Made Of?Why Are Socks Called Socks?Why Wear Socks? Socks are a staple in any person\u2019s wardrobe. Try to imagine your life without a pair of socks\u2026 Hard, right? So isn\u2019t it a little strange that most of us know absolutely nothing about them? We [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":null,"featured_image_src_square":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"Stephanie Patterson","author_link":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/author\/stephanie_p\/"},"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/944"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=944"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/944\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32632,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/944\/revisions\/32632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/soxy.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}