Who Invented Socks and Why?

Have you ever tried to ask yourself how socks came into existence, or when people started to wear socks? It is one of the simplest pieces of clothing that we own. Socks were originally called stockings in the early ages up to about 17th century the name was derived from an old English word “socc” that meant “light slipper”. The two words are also derived from the Latin root word “socc” that was used in Ancient Rome. Socks keep our feet warm, nice, and toasty as well as keep our heals dry.

In addition, socks can also be used for many other purposes, such as preventing us from sliding on the floor, preventing blisters, and keeping our feet clean. They come in different colours and varieties, such as ankle, non-show, and tube socks. Their purpose, design, and production varied depending on the generation. Therefore, socks have a complex history of evolution from their invention to their current state.

Socks were first derived from Ancient Greece and have spanned a few ancient civilisations. This first sock was recorded in about the 8th Century BC and has been used over many centuries. This sock was known as “piloi” whose main function was to was to protect the feet and keep their feet warm. These socks were worn with sandals and stockings made from animal hair. Making socks from animal hair or skin was common in this era. For example, Romans used animal skin to tie and wrap their feet around their ankles. Ancient Egypt also recorded a grafted first actual knit socks, which was a unique design in the early ages at about 300-500 AD. They may have been seen as a status symbol just like any other piece of clothing were.

The second generation of the history of socks came into existence in the 2nd century AD when there was a shift in how socks were created. This was evident in Ancient Rome, where the Romans started creating socks from sewed fabric materials. These fabrics were traded in exchange for animal skins. These socks, which were then called “udones “were a greater achievement and a big step from the earlier generation. The socks were fitter and softer like the ones we wear today. The only difference is that the current socks we use today are mostly made of cotton.

By the 5th century, there was a greater evolution of socks as they were evidenced in Europe worn by holy people in churches as they were expensive to purchase. Due to the limited access and high prices, the European working class started producing their version of socks. By about the 15th century, Italians and French became the first leaders that had finished hand-knit silk stockings. These socks found in Europe were a symbol of purity for the Holy people and were called “puttees”. They were made from cloth, which was another step up from the earlier generation. They used to wrap the socks around the ankle to the knee, a bit like over the knee socks. Another big change in socks was brought about by the invention of the knitting machine in 1589 by an English man called William Lee. This machine improved the production of socks faster and quickly as compared to weaving them by hand at an earlier time, which was slow and took time.

The machine used fabric materials such as silk, cotton, and wool in the production of clothes. In 1938, nylon was introduced, which was used with the fabrics as a frontrunner in the production of socks. This is because they were stretchy and easy to make, which resulted in mass production of high-quality socks. In addition, I also produce socks with different colours and varieties according to the customer’s desire. In the current century, many materials have come along to become popular for making socks. This has made socks come in numerous colours and designs that are perfect for everyone’s unique style. Nowadays, there are also more benefits to socks that have led to increased production and usage.

An example of such benefits is in the health sector, where compression socks are used by patients with low blood pressure, diabetes, people with desk jobs, and frequent travellers. There is also increased usage of socks in the sports sector, especially in athletes and other games like football, etc. These functionalities make socks an ideal part of our clothes that you cannot afford to miss.