A Sock Above the Rest - Girls White Socks

How do you pick a good pair of socks, white or otherwise? Most people that I've asked on the subject tell me that they like to buy comfortable socks at a good price. This is obvious, but since most of us don't get to know if our perspective socks are in-fact comfortable or good-value (as in they will last a decent amount of time) until AFTER we buy them and try them. So realistically, most people first buy socks based on branding, word of mouth or first impressions... and then AFTER they buy them, they get to know if they are really comfortable and good value...

Here are the four things to consider when buying socks:

Sock Fabrics

Socks are usually engineered with the right mixture of natural and synthetic fabrics in them:

Natural fabrics: Like wool and cotton add softness, rich fibers and comfort.

Synthetic fabrics: like nylon, polyesters and acrylics add stretch ability, flexibility, more uniform thread structure (for better aeration and dryness).

If you typically wear formal and less breathable shoes (such as leathers and latex for example) then looking for a mostly synthetic sock will give you both a thinner sock and a lighter fabric which help with keeping your feet cool and dry.

If on the other hand you need a sock for an active lifestyle then a thicker cotton based sock will give you the best compromise of coolness and comfort. Cotton does tend to trap moisture though and so even though it's a great daily sock, it doesn't perform well under extended physical activity.

So contrary to popular belief, the best performing fabric in terms of absorbing and then releasing moisture is not cotton but rather wool and wool blends.

Performance socks and special purpose socks such as hiking, biking, or race driving socks will be more complex having different regions of different fabrics such as a thicker heel, toe, or sole depending with a lighter airier top and synthetic high stretch and high grip band.

Sock Height

Sock height is a personal and fashion preference for most people. However there is one functional aspect of sock height which is friction. Socks not only help comfort your feet, provide moisture control, and promote healthy blood circulation; they also are a soft barrier between your feet and the annoying friction against your shoes or sandals.

You should always chose a sock that is high enough to prevent friction between your feet (and legs) and your shoes (or boots). This will ensure a comfortable blister free experience. So as your shoe collection grows to include multiple styles and heights of shoes (and boots), then so should your sock collection to match.

Sock Fit

Socks should fit snugly without cramping your toes or allowing extra material to fold, wrinkle, and cause friction. Your sock's heel should fit snugly around your heel. The arch area should fit snugly around your arch. Seams should be flat (especially on the toes) and should not rub or pinch any part of your foot.

Interior Construction

Most people don't look at the inside of their socks before they buy them. A good practice before buy socks is to flip them inside out and inspect the seams at the toe, the heel and the elastic top. A good sock looks almost the same inside out as it does the right way around (with no loose threads and very finely tucked seams with tight sewing). If on the other hand you find that the toe seems for example are not flat, then expect a painful future of rubbing, irritation and blisters.

In the end, of course, we all want cute socks.... But there's no reason not to have cute, comfortable, and High Performance socks.