WhyNot?

100% Cotton Socks

Category: Fashion
Responses: 20 (18 in support, 0 neutral, 2 in opposition)
Number of views: 35865
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Why in the world have 100% cotton socks fallen completely off the map?The sweat and fungus that accumulates in a person’s feet because of the polyester and other plastic-ish material contained in today’s socks is completely gross. Why not create 100% cotton socks that may not prevent sweaty feet, but that will certainly decrease odor and be more comfortable to wear with sneakers and shoes?

Why Not?! :o)

keksa23, Dec 14 2004

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Comments from other members:

Add your comment

Well, some people ARE like, allergic to cotton. But i agree. Knit socks are also a possiblitiy

SoccerChick, Dec 21 2004

I dont know what happened to them either. I still look for them when in a dept store. I know others who also cling to what is left of their old cotton socks. There is definetly a market here!

RobinS, Dec 23 2004

A couple of seconds with a search engine shows that there are numerous sources of 100% cotton socks: colored, white, crew length, ankle length, no elastic, etc., etc.

Am I missing something?

why?, Jan 04 2005

Hi. In Italy, where I live, from spring to autunm everyone wears only 100% cottons socks. Thus this idea is nice, but already used since 1800s'.Ciao

stopworking, Jan 07 2005

I try to only wear 100% cotton socks and they are fairly hard to find. The poly stuff certainly helps with the elasticity, therefore the ability for socks to 'stay up', but I also use sock garters (I'm not kidding) to do that job for me.

I suspect they are easily available, but probably with a significant premium.

DaveCampbell, Jan 13 2005

Cotton for casual wear, sure. But for more formal (as in dress) shoes? Please, NO! I've found, with the influx of US-based big box stores into Canada, cotton dress socks have been replacing wool - yes, wool dress socks. And they are TERRIBLE! Cotton socks belong in gym shoes, not as part of one's dress wardrobe. If you want real dress socks, try wool - although I'd bet you won't find (m)any in the US!

Albertan, Feb 22 2005

Cotton is a horrible material during sweating. Many types of synthetic materials "wick" the sweat. They pull the sweat away from your skin.

I know a lot about this because I exercise outdoors year-round. In the winter I want to be dry, so the fabrics I use pull the sweat away from my skin. In the summer I want the sweat to evaporate, so I also want the sweat to be pulled away from my skin. When I've bought my clothing I researched what kinds of clothes worked best to protect me. All of the sources said to avoid cotton because it just hangs on to the wet stuff.

Cotton feels good on dry feet, yes, but if you sweat a lot it won't.

mikeslattery, Feb 24 2005

Also, there are anti-bacterial socks that have been in the market for a year or more. They last through many washings and help control foot odor/issues.

Pojken, Jun 23 2005

I agree totally , I can purchase cotton briefs , Cotton T shirts but no 100% cotton socks , Lots of ads for 100% cotton socks on the web but heres the clue 100% cotton socks do NOT come in strech sizes 10-13 ect. While I am at it why no pocket on Polo shirts . Where is a guy to put his "stuff" Pens & business cards ect . Will someone clue in the Chinese . No pocket No sale !!!

lt1, Dec 31 2005

I can't speak for others experiences with cotton, sweating or not, but if i wear anything other than cotton my feet get blisters and begin to crack. I cannot wear synthetics of any kind. And as for the search engines giving numerous locations, those sites may comeup in the search but if you continue to read you'll find that they are not truly 100% cotton. So if anyone has located a source for 100% cotton socks would you please post it.

dave1direct, Apr 06 2006

Try Wigwam's 650, King Cotton or Master socks for 100% cotton. Check www.wigwam.com for more details and references to local and on-line retailers.

ZipK, Jan 31 2007

wow this post has been goin for a long time. Here's the thing imo. Some synthetic socks may pull the sweat away from your feet, not all do. Where does the wetness go? I work in construction, and have foot issues w/ eczema related rashing. Cotton socks seem to be the only thing i can wear, as soon as my feet sit in plastic they freak out. I'm not sure how socks are supposed to help moisture evaporate when they're stuck inside a shoe or boot. There's a max saturation point the sock takes the wet away from the foot, it ends up in the shoe, the shoe saturates, the sock saturates, then the foot is still surrounded by moisture eventually. Most doctors will tend to recommend cotton socks, but they'll also recommend changing them a couple times through the day. If it's practical in your situation. Several pairs of shoes in rotation through the week is optimum. Work boots are a bit expensive, so it tends not to be my priority to buy several pairs. Something i've found though is something for skiers, boot driers work well. Get home from work toss em in my boots, they're electric, usually b4 bed i take em out, and shoes are dry again for every morning.

mrgibby91, May 11 2008

Fellow thinkers: I have at least one answer for you to consider that applies not only to the cotton sock issue, but all product manufacturing for our human use and consumption.

It's all about the Benjamins, baby!

Do you really believe that all the fancy "new tech cotton", "super sweat wisk-away" blends are for your greater benefit and health? For your savings? I don't think so. ALL synthetic materials used in our clothing, foods, etc. are CHEAP!!! End of story. You can figure it out from there. www.askalliechee.com

cali, Aug 09 2008

My kingdom for real old fashion 100% cotton socks. elastic in the ankle section is OK. My last few pair are treated like old friends. I'm NOT fond of synthetics. They feel uncomfortable. I love the feel of the old fashion cotton socks. I do not exercise in these. I live in them. Sweat is not an issue. Comfort IS.

blister, Dec 09 2008

I suffer from a rare problem called Aquagenic Pruritus, and I cannot stand any synthetics against my skin, particularly on my ankles. I used to be able to buy Buster Brown 100% cotton socks, and they were great. However, I believe the US labeling regulations have changed, and now they can call socks "100% cotton" when they actually aren't.

I got some new Buster Browns, washed them, and they came out of the dryer with static! Cotton does not get staticky. My old socks are almost all worn out, and I am getting desperate!

Query, Feb 05 2009

Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't they shrink in the wash?

gblaster7, Jul 03 2009

Yes, cotton does shrink, but not repeatedly. After the first washing, cotton socks (or jeans or shirts) will be slightly smaller than when first new; but they do not continue to get smaller with each washing.

Query, Jul 04 2009

i bought viccel socks and i got them 2 days ago and these are PERFECT i found my socks source :)i suggest you these socks

thank you

gordion, Jul 10 2009

Thanks whynot, you helped me to get excellent socks.The socks seem very nice to the touch. Colors very vibrant. A thinner cotton sock, which is what I am looking for.

TxLawyer, Jul 31 2009

Vermont Country Store always has 100% cotton Buster Brown socks, has carried them for years, and still has them, along with a selection of other cotton and wool socks. Their web site can be a little out of date, but you can always use the phone number at the bottom of the page. I've ordered from them, and their customer service is excellent, a really great company.

harmo, Aug 22 2009

I agree with TxLawyer. Viccel socks are perfect especially in hot days they keep really cool,extremely breathable. I think I wont wear synthetic blended socks.

DocLa65, Oct 17 2009

i think there is some kind of monopoly issue, especially in canada, it is almost impossible to find them and if you do its calvin klein, and other "brands" that charge $10-20 for a pair of socks

teslas_nephew, Nov 21 2009

Viccel Socks start from 4.90 US and I did not pay any shipping.

TxLawyer, Dec 05 2009

I received this note from the people at Cottonique:

"We have received numerous requests from you and other customers for socks with Cottonique features. We are please to inform you that we have recently added socks to our Cottonique range. These socks are made from 100% organic cotton and completely free of latex, spandex, bleaches, dyes, and formadehyde. If you wish to purchase Cottonique socks or learn more please visit: http://cottonique2.myshopify.com/collections/nothing-but-cotton-new-styles/products/unisex-toe-socks"

Unfortunately, all of their products are dye free, which means they are only white. I haven't ordered any yet, but I plan to.

Query, Dec 05 2009