The Sock Snob Glossary

Socks made from bamboo set themselves apart from other socks. They have antibacterial and anti-sweat qualities, meaning bamboo socks absorb moisture faster than other fibres, keeping your feet dry throughout the whole day. This allows your feet to be happier and healthier, as bamboo retracts potentially harmful bacteria from infecting your feet.

Their absorption abilities are due to the micro-holed structure of bamboo fibre. But this fibre construction also promotes effective temperature control, helping to keep your feet cool in warmer conditions and warm in cold winter weather.

Bamboo is also known for being super soft, as bamboo fibres have round surfaces. This also reduces foot irritation making bamboo socks ideal for anyone with any skin sensitive allergies.

A technique intended to remove moisture away from your feet. This helps keep your feet dry and cool, meaning no more sweaty feet. You will be able to find coolmax technology in the work socks that we stock.

Cotton is the most desired fibre where socks are concerned and are popular for their natural softness.

Cotton socks also absorb moisture effectively, especially in sports or work socks where more strenuous work is being carried out. They are also easily washed and naturally durable.

Denier is a measurement of the weight and thickness of each sheer of yarn. Simply put: the lower the denier, the thinner the garment. For instance, our 80 denier tights are durable and warm whilst our 40 denier tights are ideal for summer.

Thermal socks are specifically designed to keep your feet warm. They can be made from wool, cotton and acrylic. The knitting process of a long thermal loop and a brushed inner are the main determinants of a classic thermal sock.

Wool is a great insulator, making wool socks ideal for colder climates. Wool socks are especially helpful when hiking or working in cold conditions as they absorb moisture, reducing the chance of sweaty feet. Wool fibres are also naturally anti-bacterial and odour resistant.

Modal cotton is a blend of cotton and modal, which is a type of rayon made from beech tree fibres. The modal element enhances the moisture wicking ability of pure cotton and it’s also less prone to shrinking.

A reliable scientific method that measures the thermal properties of a certain fabric. The higher the tog rating, the more effective a fabric can contain the warmth. For instance, Heat Holders socks have a 2.34 tog rating meaning it is 7x warmer than an average cotton sock. You will also find a tog rating attached to thermal underwear, blankets, hats, gloves and neck warmers on our website.

A method that loosens the top of the sock. These types of socks have no constriction rings around your legs, meaning they are much more comfortable for everyday wear. This property also promotes blood circulation and is ideal for those who suffer from diabetes.

A knitting method found around the top of a sock, designed specially for extra comfort.

A type of compression that helps upwards circulation. Compression is tighter at the bottom of the sock and looser at the top to encourage blood to flow upward. This is the case with our flight socks and our IOMI energizing socks.

A trade agreement that ensures fair prices are paid to producers in less developed countries by companies in developed countries.

Graduated compression socks that help rejuvenate tired and fatigued legs. This is done by promoting upward blood circulation in the legs.