Although many people still prefer 100% cotton socks, finding them is becoming more difficult. Typically, this involves spending extra money or time searching.
7 Reasons Why It’s Difficult to Find 100% Cotton Socks
1. Global shift to man-made fabrics
2. Blends of polyester and cotton, or other blends, can produce better results for less money.
3. Incorporating flexible fibers such as spandex or polyamide makes it easier for socks to adapt, while 100% cotton does not hold its shape.
4. Polyester-cotton blends (or blends with other synthetic fibers) do not shrink as much as cotton, so the production of 100% cotton socks requires more planning.
5. Increased durability justifies the use of synthetic fibers in socks.
6. Cotton retains moisture, while polyester dries more quickly.
7. The evolution of polyester yarn has improved the material’s appearance and performance.
The Global Shift from Cotton to Man-Made Fabrics
The transition to man-made fibers has accelerated in the last decade, and this trend extends to socks.
Cotton, as a natural fabric, is losing market share as the global demand for textiles rises. Because synthetic fiber manufacturers have nearly limitless production capacity, polyester now makes up a higher proportion of total global textile production. Cotton’s fiber market share losses have accelerated since the early 1990s, particularly since the 2000s.
Polyester’s use in the textile industry in general has become more common and convenient. Finding 100% cotton socks and clothing seems to be more challenging, and the primary cause of this is the global switch from cotton to polyester as the most widely used material. Given the current trajectory, it can be interesting to consider the potential outcomes that could result from a global cotton shortage.
Fabric Blend: Better Results for Less Money
Different factors have an impact on cotton and polyester prices, and their prices can occasionally be interdependent.
Cotton staple prices are usually higher than polyester staple prices, but this isn’t always the case. Polyester and cotton are both considered low-cost fabrics in general, but their prices are directly related to the quality of specific fabrics.
However, with textile blends, achieving a balance of economy and good physical properties is easier since cheaper fibers with different properties can be combined for better results. As a result, this could be a significant reason for the predominance of poly cotton or other blends in socks.
Stretchy
Stretchy materials in socks, such as polyamide, spandex, or acrylic, allow for the creation of socks that conform better to the shape of your feet. This type of sock may also be marketed as a “perfect fit.”
This can also help to cover a wider range of sizes, contributing to lower production costs.
When the tension is released, all of these materials tend to return to their original dimensions.
However, 100% cotton socks do not retain their shape well, and without other fibers in the blend, they may be saggy.
Durability
Some studies indicate that the use of elastic yarn (like polyamide) in the tested socks increases the abrasion resistance by almost 80 percent.
Therefore, higher durability is easier to achieve in the case of textile blends. Manufacturers are simply meeting this demand because many customers prefer durable socks.
Shrinking
It is common knowledge that 100% cotton shrinks significantly.
Cotton shrinks significantly more than poly cotton. This means that manufacturers must put in extra effort to predict how the 100% cotton socks will shrink and how to properly design them.
To meet consumer needs in today’s competitive markets where quality is expected at a low price, apparel companies require low shrinkage from their suppliers. Shrinkage must also be consistent for the same product.
Evolution of Man-Made Materials Used in Socks
The polyester yarn has evolved, making it more appealing and comfortable in general. Some of the new “high-tech” socks are made with polyester, nylon, and lycra. These materials have been blended in such a way that they wick moisture away from your skin and even reduce the risk of blisters. Depending on what you require from a pair of socks, this can be useful.
100% Cotton Socks Don’t Dry Quickly
Polyester dries faster than cotton, which is why it is commonly used in swimwear.
There are several types of data to consider here. For example, the water ring radius on the surface of the sock can be smaller in 100% cotton socks than in 100% polypropylene socks with a large wetted surface. Some people may prefer a larger wetted surface that dries quicker.
The specific model of socks you are wearing, as well as the style of shoes you are wearing, have an impact on your perception of moisture.
Why do People Still Love 100% Cotton Socks?
Cotton is a soft, hypoallergenic material that is ideal for sensitive skin, while polyester can irritate the skin.
Socks made of 100% cotton are also completely biodegradable.
Socks produced from a cotton-polyester or polyamide blend are not biodegradable. These socks also release microplastics.
Poly cotton blend socks tend to feel warmer than 100% cotton socks since polyester is thought to be less breathable.
Natural polyamides such as wool and silk are breathable. However, synthetic polyamides such as nylon are not. The term “polyamide” normally refers to synthetic polyamides such as nylon. Keep in mind that polyester dries faster than polyamide in general.
Although polyester dries rapidly, it can make you feel hotter and sweat more.
Despite the fact that it absorbs moisture, cotton does not significantly increase sweat.
However, this might vary substantially depending on the knit structure, fabric thickness, or cotton polyester ratio in the case of blends. Due to advancements in technology, some socks made from poly cotton blend can be very pleasant.
Given that socks and other small articles of clothing can be filled with BPA and that BPA can be absorbed via the skin, some studies even suggest that wearing socks predominantly made from polyester or spandex may be harmful.
Although manufacturers promote casual socks manufactured from cotton-polyester blends or other synthetic fabrics, many people still prefer 100% cotton socks. Furthermore, the percentage of polyester used in socks looks to be increasing.
100% Cotton Socks Shopping Challenges
Socks are typically purchased at supermarkets or convenience stores. It may take some time to manually determine the composition of socks if there is no one to direct you or if there is no special sign. Consequently, people seeking socks made entirely of cotton are likely to initiate their search through online shopping platforms.
It is probably simpler to locate them in the group of items made from organic cotton, and this could have an impact on the cost.
How do I Know if my Socks are 100% Cotton?
Without a label, it is very difficult to reliably establish the content of socks. There is a guideline to do a burn test to determine if a cloth is composed of 100% cotton. The test can be performed on a small piece of fabric, but using it on completed garments will ruin them.
Socks made entirely from cotton feel softer than those made with polyester and polyamide, although this is a subjective impression.
You may also attempt to discover whether socks contain stretchable materials such as spandex or nylon. This method is highly subjective, inaccurate, and requires skill. You should assess the length of the sock’s stretchability.
Nonetheless, 100% cotton can also be stretched, but to a smaller degree than cotton polyamide or spandex blends. Stretchiness depends on knit structure, fabric thickness, and fabric composition.
Socks containing a portion of elastic synthetic fibers should always stretch more than socks made entirely of cotton. You can first examine the elasticity of a sock with a known composition for a better understanding of the precise difference. Also, they should be the same size, or more specifically, the same length (and preferably the same knit), and you should stretch them with roughly the same force. This method is obviously extremely imprecise.
Are White 100% Cotton Socks Better?
If you prefer 100% cotton socks, white socks may be a better option. White socks are typically washed at a higher temperature. Hot water has the most cleaning power and effectively kills germs. Another reason is that socks do not contain dye. However, commercial cotton is usually bleached (truly organic cotton is not).