Fibers

Our socks are woven together from many different materials. We use cotton, camel hair, wool, silk, synthetics… Here we tell you about each of the different fabrics in our socks.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a warm, soft, light man-made fiber. Artists and sockmakers makers use acrylic because of its ability to retain bright hues.

Camel Hair

Camel hair is sheared from Bactrian camels using cruelty-free, sustainable methods. Camel hair is a major improvement over wool because it is softer, lighter, and less bulky than wool.

Cotton

Cotton, a light fabric, easily absorbs water. Added to that, it’s durable and abundant. Cotton is more grown than made: 90% of cotton is cellulose. When it comes to socks, cotton is often blended with nylon, a nonabsorbent material, to remove moisture from the foot.

Know that cotton will shrink if it is exposed to heat… beware hot water and drying machines. To preserve your socks’ original size, wash in cold water and drip dry on a line.

The following variants of cotton can be found in some our socks.

  • Organic cotton is grown from organic cultivars, not GMOs. It’s cultivated without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This chemical-free method of horticulture might benefit the environment by allowing for higher biodiveristy. It reduces the number of toxins sprayed into the ground.
  • Recycled cotton (recovered cotton) is usually spun from detritus remaining after the cutting, combing, and weaving processes.
  • Mercerized cotton is subjected to a finishing process called mercerizing that a) increases luster b) softens the yarn and c) intensifies colors
  • Combed cotton has combed short, impure hairs out of the yarn. The remaining fibers are longer, smoother, and ultimately, softer on your feet. Most of Freaker’s socks are made from combed cotton.

Elastane/Lycra/Spandex

Elastane, Lycra, and Spandex are identical; they differ in name only: all are made from polyurethane, a stretchy, synthetic fiber. Polyurethane provides elasticity and comfort. It supports the curved areas of your feet.

Elastic

Freakishly flexible, elastic is made by coating rubber (or spandex) in nylon. The result is a highly elastic fabric.

Nylon

Nylon is strong, versatile, hard-wearing. Nylon socks come in many shapes and sizes. Nylon is often blended with other fabrics to increase its elasticity or to improve durability.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic, hydrophobic fiber treasured for its durability and colorfastness.

Rayon

Rayon is made from plant cellulose. Its sheen, softness, and sweat-wicking properties are well known. The term ‘rayon’ often indicates that a fabric has been made from plant material.

Rubber

Rubber, aka rubber latex, is made from rubber trees and used to increase elasticity in socks.

Sill

Silk is exceedingly smooth. It boasts moisture absorbing and heat retaining properties. It is obtained from silkworms, a type of caterpillar!

Wool

Wool is a catchall phrase for a fiber that comes from sheep and other animals, such as rabbits, goats, and muskoxen. It boasts excellent heat- and moisture-retention.

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