Core fiber material of sock yarn

The performance of sock yarn is mainly determined by its fiber material, which can be divided into three categories: natural fiber, chemical fiber and blended fiber.

1. Natural Fiber

100% cotton

* Advantages: good moisture absorption, breathable, soft and comfortable, non-allergenic.

* Disadvantages: Inelastic, wrinkle-prone, average abrasion resistance, slow to dry after absorbing moisture.

* Applications: Everyday casual socks, sports socks (usually blended). Combed cotton is high-quality cotton that has been specially treated to remove short fibers, resulting in smoother, more durable, and less prone to pilling socks.

* wool

* Advantages: Excellent warmth, good moisture wicking ability (will keep you warm even when wet), good stretch.

* Disadvantages: May be itchy, shrink (needs shrink-proof treatment), and difficult to care for.

* Applications: Hiking socks, ski socks, winter warm socks. Merino wool is the finest quality, with finer fibers and no itching, and is highly favored by high-end brands.

* Silk

* Advantages: Extremely smooth, strong gloss, skin-friendly, and light.

* Disadvantages: poor strength, not wear-resistant, and expensive.

* Application: High-end women's stockings, luxury brand hosiery.

2. Chemical fiber

* Nylon

* Advantages: Extremely high strength and wear resistance, good elasticity.

* Disadvantages: poor moisture absorption and not breathable.

* Application: Almost all socks are blended with a certain proportion of nylon (usually 10%-25%) to greatly improve wear resistance and life. It is the "skeleton" of the socks.

* Polyester

* Advantages: Strong, quick drying, wrinkle resistant, low cost.

* Disadvantages: poor hygroscopicity and prone to static electricity.

* Application: Commonly used in low-end hosiery or specific functional areas as a supplement to nylon.

* Spandex

* Advantages: Excellent elasticity (up to 500%-800%) and recovery.

* Disadvantages: Low strength, not suitable for use alone.

* Application: The soul ingredient of socks. Usually only 2%-5% is needed to make the socks fit the foot tightly, prevent slipping, and provide a continuous wrapping feeling.

* Acrylic fiber

* Advantages: Wool-like feel, lightweight, warm, bright colors.

* Disadvantages: Easy to pill, average abrasion resistance, and not as hygroscopic as wool.

* Application: A cheap substitute for wool, commonly used in mid- and low-end thermal socks.

3. Functional fiber

* Coolmax®: Developed by DuPont, this polyester fiber has a cross-shaped cross-section that quickly draws sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate and keep you dry. Widely used in athletic socks.

* Acrylic: Usually refers to modified acrylic, such as Outlast®, which is a phase change material that absorbs, stores and releases heat, dynamically regulating temperature, and is used in high-end outdoor socks and constant temperature socks.

* Antibacterial fiber: By adding silver ions, copper ions or other antibacterial agents to the fiber, it inhibits bacterial growth and prevents foot odor.

* Modal/Lyocell: A regenerated cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp. It has a silky feel, drapes well, absorbs moisture better than cotton, and is more environmentally friendly (especially Lyocell). It's often blended with cotton for added comfort.