View source for Sock

{{other uses|Sock (disambiguation)}}
{{pp-semi|small=yes}}
{{short description|Item of clothing for the feet}}
[[File:HandKnittedWhiteLaceSock.jpg|thumb|A hand-[[knitting|knitted]] sock]]
[[File:Argyle (PSF).png|thumb|[[Argyle (pattern)|Argyle]] socks]]
A '''sock''' is a piece of [[clothing]] worn on the feet and often covering the [[ankle]] or some part of the [[Calf (leg)|calf]]. Some types of [[shoe]]s or [[boot]]s are typically worn over socks. In ancient times, socks were made from leather or matted animal hair. In the late 16th century, machine-knit socks were first produced. Until the 1800s, both hand-made and machine-knit socks were manufactured, with the latter technique becoming more common in the 19th century, and continuing until the modern day.

One of the roles of socks is absorbing perspiration. The [[foot]] is among the heaviest producers of [[sweat]] in the body, it can produce over {{convert|0.25|USpt|L}} of perspiration per day;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://health.howstuffworks.com/question514.htm |title=Howstuffworks "Why do feet stink?" |newspaper=Howstuffworks |date=16 November 2000 |publisher=Health.howstuffworks.com |access-date=2010-03-05 |archive-date=2009-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830122329/http://health.howstuffworks.com/question514.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. They also protect [[shoe]]s, a more expensive, durable, and frequently reworn foot covering, from perspiration, extending their life. 

In cold environments, socks made from cotton or wool help warm up cold feet which in turn helps decrease the risk of getting [[frostbite]]. Thin socks are most commonly worn in the summer months to keep feet cool. 

In men's fashion, light-colored socks are typically worn with sports shoes and dark colored socks with dress shoes (often black or navy blue dress socks). Fanciful sock designs are becoming more common.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/trudeau-socks-holland-shoes-canadian-leaders-quirky-styles|title=Trudeau's socks, Holland's shoes: A look at Canadian leaders and their quirky styles|work=National Post|date=2 February 2024}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The modern English word ''sock'' is derived from the [[Old English]] word ''socc'', meaning "light slipper". This comes from the [[Latin]] ''soccus'', a term to describe a "light, low-heeled shoe" worn by Roman comic actors,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Soccus.html |title=LacusCurtius – Roman Shoes – Soccus |publisher=Penelope.uchicago.edu |access-date=2010-03-19 |archive-date=2022-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930004936/https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA%2A/Soccus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and deriving from the [[Ancient Greek]] word ''sykchos''.<ref name="online_etymology_dictionary">{{cite web|title=Sock.|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=sock&searchmode=none|publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary]|access-date=August 28, 2012|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223013/http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=sock&searchmode=none|url-status=live}}</ref>

== History ==
[[File:Mawangdui Han Socks (10113150686).jpg|thumb|left|Silk woven socks from the [[Mawangdui]] tomb, [[Han Dynasty|Western Han]], 2nd century BCE. Ancient Chinese socks are loose fitting and were tied with strings at the back.]]
[[File:BLW Pair of socks.jpg|thumb|left|Egyptian socks created by [[naalbinding]]. Dating from 300–500, these were excavated from [[Oxyrhynchus]] on the Nile in Egypt. The split toes were designed for use with sandals. On display in the [[Victoria and Albert museum]], reference 2085&A-1900.]]
[[File:Islamic sock.jpg|thumb|12th-century cotton sock, found in Egypt. The knitter of this sock started work at the toe and then worked up towards the leg. The heel was made last and then attached to loops formed while knitting the leg. This practice allowed the heel to be easily replaced when it wore out.]]

Socks have evolved over the centuries from the earliest models, which were made from animal skins gathered up and tied around the ankles in the manner of the later Greek and Roman [[carbatinae]] shoes. Because the manufacture of socks was relatively time-consuming in preindustrial times, they were long used only by the rich. The poor wore [[footwraps]], simple cloths wrapped around the feet. These remained in use in Eastern European armies until the end of the 20th century.

According to the Greek poet [[Hesiod]], in the 8th century BC, the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greek]]s wore socks called "''piloi''", which were made from matted animal hair.<ref>{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Take Me Back |location=New York, New York |publisher=Dorling Kindersley Limited |page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780756640903/page/292 292] |date=2008 |isbn=978-0-7566-4090-3 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780756640903/page/292 }}</ref><ref>[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0132%3Acard%3D536 Hesiod, Works and Days, 542]</ref>
The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] also wrapped their feet with leather or woven fabrics. Around the 2nd century AD, the Romans started sewing the fabrics together making fitted socks called "''udones''". By the 5th century AD, socks called "''[[puttee]]s''" were worn by holy people in Europe to symbolize purity.

During the Middle Ages, the length of trousers was extended and the sock became a tight, brightly colored cloth covering the lower part of the leg. Since socks did not have an elastic band, garters were placed over the top of the stockings to prevent them from falling down. When breeches became shorter, socks began to get longer (and more expensive). By 1000 AD, socks became a symbol of wealth among the nobility. From the 16th century onwards, an ornamental design on the ankle or side of a sock has been called a "clock".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clock%5B3%5D |title=clock3 |publisher=Merriam-webster.com |date=2007-04-25 |access-date=2010-03-05 |archive-date=2011-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116014230/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clock%5B3%5D |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blacksocks.com/historyofsocksus.htm|title=historyofsocksus|publisher=www.blacksocks.com|access-date=2015-01-03|archive-date=2015-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409203445/http://www.blacksocks.com/historyofsocksus.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelysock.com/SockHistory.html|title=Sock History|publisher=archive of www.lonelysock.com|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929210600/https://www.lonelysock.com/SockHistory.html|archive-date=2016-09-29}}</ref>

The invention of a [[knitting machine]] in 1589 meant that socks could be knitted six times faster than by hand. Nonetheless, knitting machines and hand knitters worked side by side until 1800.

The next revolution in sock production was the introduction of [[nylon]] in 1938. Until then socks were commonly made from [[silk]], [[cotton]] and [[wool]]. Nylon was the start of blending two or more yarns in the production of socks, a process that still continues today.

In recent history, scientific evidence has suggested that wearing socks to sleep can be beneficial in that it helps the individual to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. <ref>[https://www.cnet.com/health/sleep/wearing-socks-to-bed/ Struggling to Sleep? Try This Easy Trick and Unlock Better Rest Tonight]</ref>

== Fabrication ==
Socks can be created from a wide variety of materials, such as [[cotton]], [[wool]], [[nylon]], [[acrylic fiber|acrylic]], [[polyester]], [[olefin fiber|olefins]] (such as [[polypropylene]]).<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |url=http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5544.html |title=Site &#124; Ohioline |access-date=2002-09-17 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20020917234421/http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/5544.html |archive-date=2002-09-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  To get an increased level of softness other materials that might be used during the process can be [[silk]], [[bamboo]], [[linen]], [[cashmere wool|cashmere]], or [[mohair]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/> [[Merino wool]] is a popular fabric choice that offers warmth and comfort to socks, and retains its shape better when blended with other materials.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Running footwear: triathlon and duathlon|pages=223–256|first=Kirk|last=Herring|editor1-first=Matthew B.|editor1-last=Ward|editor2-first=E. Leslie|editor2-last=Knight|editor3-first=Paul R.|editor3-last=Langer|title=Athletic Footwear and Orthoses in Sports Medicine|publisher=Springer|year=2010|oclc=640142234}}</ref>{{rp|242}} The color variety of socks can be any color that the designers intend to make the sock upon its creation. Sometimes art is also put onto socks to improve their appearance. Colored socks may be a key part of the uniforms for sports, allowing players teams to be distinguished when only their legs are clearly visible.

[[Fort Payne, Alabama|Fort Payne]], [[Alabama]], is regarded as the "sock capital of the world" due to nearly half of socks manufactured in the early 21st century were made here. The Fort Payne sock industry employed about 7000 workers at its peak around the year 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fort Payne landmarks|date=15 March 2016|url=http://www.landmarksdekalbal.org/communities/FortPayne4.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 February 2022|archive-date=19 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419015315/http://www.landmarksdekalbal.org/communities/FortPayne4.html}}</ref> Fort Payne, while still one of the largest producers of socks, only produces only a quarter of all socks, and has lost that title to Datang, China.

The township-level district of [[Datang, Zhuji|Datang]] in the city of [[Zhuji]] in [[Zhejiang]] Province, [[People's Republic of China]], has become known as Sock City. The town currently produces 8 billion pairs of socks each year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.cri.cn/4026/2008/05/25/1721@361743.htm|title=Largest Sock Production Town in China|publisher=cri.cn|date=2008-05-25|access-date=8 September 2012|archive-date=2012-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719045608/http://english.cri.cn/4026/2008/05/25/1721@361743.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> a third of the world's sock production, effectively creating two pairs of socks for every person on the planet in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/sep/09/sock-city-decline-china-economy|title=Sock City's decline may reveal an unraveling in China's economy|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=8 September 2012|access-date=8 September 2012|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105233750/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/sep/09/sock-city-decline-china-economy|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Styles ==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2016}}
[[File:Yellow-green toe socks.jpg|thumb|[[Toe socks]]]]
[[Image:Flip-Flops socks.jpg|thumb|[[Flip-flops]] socks]]

Socks are manufactured in a variety of lengths. No show, low cut, and ankle socks extend to the ankle or lower and are often worn casually or for athletic use. No show and low-cut socks are designed to create the look of bare feet when worn with shoes (sock not visible). [[Knee highs|Knee-high socks]] are sometimes associated with formal dress or as being part of a uniform, such as in sports (like football and baseball) or as part of a school's [[dress code]] or youth group's uniform. Over-the-knee socks or socks that extend higher (thigh-high socks) are sometimes referred to as female garments in the [[common era]]. They were widely worn by children, both boys and girls, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries; although, the popularity varied widely from country to country.<ref>{{cite web|title=End of an era: knee high socks face defeat|url=http://www.easier.com/117407-end-of-an-era-knee-high-socks-face-defeat.html|date=August 19, 2013|access-date=January 3, 2015|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302142943/https://www.easier.com/117407-end-of-an-era-knee-high-socks-face-defeat.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Knee-high or thigh-high socks are sometimes the object of [[sexual attraction]] and [[underwear fetishism]].<ref>Boothby, Richard. ''Sex on the Couch: What Freud Still Has To Teach Us About Sex and Gender''. Routledge. 2014. P. 225.</ref> Liner socks are socks which are worn underneath another sock with the intention being to prevent blisters.

[[Toe sock]]s encases each toe individually the same way a finger is encased in a [[glove]], while other socks have one compartment for the big toe and one for the rest, like a [[mitten]]; most notably what Japanese call ''[[tabi]]'' while other parts of the world simply call it [[split toe socks]]. Both of these allow one to wear [[flip-flops]] with the socks.<ref>{{cite book|last=Marshall|first=John|title=Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear.|year=1988|publisher=Kodansha International, Ltd.|location=[[Tokyo]]|isbn=0-87011-865-X|pages=108–114|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ljOuuy0OO0UC&q=japanese+tabi&pg=PA108|access-date=2020-10-20|archive-date=2022-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130152259/https://books.google.com/books?id=ljOuuy0OO0UC&q=japanese+tabi&pg=PA108|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Leg warmer]]s, which are not typically socks, may be replaced with socks in cold climates and are similar to [[leggings]] due to the fact that they typically only keep legs warm in cold weather but not the entire foot.

A business sock or dress sock is a term for a dark-colored sock (typically black or navy blue) for formal or casual footwear. It is often loosely referred to as a work sock or a formal sock for formal occasions, for example, weddings, funerals, graduation ceremonies, prom, church, or work.

Crew socks are short and thick or thin everyday socks. Those socks are usually ribbed at the top of the [[ankle]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=crew sock|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/crew+sock|website=Dictionary.com|publisher=Dictionary.com, LLC|access-date=4 September 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705042244/http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/crew+sock|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crew%20sock |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125005032/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crew%20sock |archivedate=2016-01-25 |website=www.merriam-webster.com|title=Crew Sock &#124; Definition of Crew sock by Merriam-Webster }}</ref> They can be used in a way to warm legs if pulled all the way up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crew+sock |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225113914/http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crew+sock |archivedate=2015-12-25 |website=www.thefreedictionary.com|title=Crew sock }}</ref>{{Clarify|date=September 2015}} The first familiar practice of crew socks{{Clarify|date=September 2015}} was in 1948.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}} Crew socks are usually unisex.<ref>{{cite book|title=Oxford Picture Dictionary |edition=second |first1=Jayme Adelson |last1=Goldstein |first2=Norma |last2=Shapiro |date=6 March 2008 |publisher=OUP Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-436976-3}}</ref>

A low cut sock is a kind of sock that describe in a way to be cut below the [[ankle]]. Low cut socks are formed to cover the contours of a person's feet. Although low cut socks are unisex, women and girls commonly use them. Low cut socks are normally worn with shoes such as [[boat shoe]]s, [[Oxford (shoe)|Oxford]]s, [[moccasin]]s and [[loafer]]s.{{Citation needed|date=February 2015}}

The Ancient Egyptian style of sock is a blend between modern Western socks and Japanese tabi, both of which it predates. Like tabi, Egyptian socks have one compartment for the big toe and another for the rest, permitting their use with sandals. Like Western socks, they fit snugly to the foot and do not use fasteners like tabi.

== Sizes ==
{{See also|Shoe size}}
[[File:Kneehighschooluniformsocks-tokyoarea-jan182020.jpg|thumb|Knee-high white socks, often worn as part of a [[school uniform]] or for [[fashion]]]]

Although generally holding to a pattern of being divided into sizes of small-medium-large, etc., what range of shoe sizes those sock sizes correspond to carries in different markets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sizing|url=http://www.bridgedale.com/sock-sizing|website=Sock Info|publisher=Bridgedale|access-date=28 March 2018|archive-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329054209/http://www.bridgedale.com/sock-sizing|url-status=live}}</ref>  Some size standards are coordinated by standard-setting bodies but others have arisen from custom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Foot Size Chart|url=https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html|website=Yarn Standards|publisher=Craft Yarn Council|access-date=28 March 2018|archive-date=29 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329121033/https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sock lengths vary, from ankle-high to thigh level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.p2d.co.uk/acatalog/sock_size_chart.html|title=sock_size_chart|publisher=.co.uk/acatalog|access-date=2015-01-03|archive-date=2015-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103205408/http://www.p2d.co.uk/acatalog/sock_size_chart.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{see also|Baseball uniform#Stockings and pants|Rugby socks}}

Most sports require some sort of sock, usually a knee length or mid-calf sock to protect one's legs from being scraped while participating in sport activities. In basketball, tube socks are worn, and in lacrosse, mid-calf socks are required.{{citation needed|date=September 2010}} In football, knee socks are used. They are mostly to stop grass burns.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-08-29/sports/29941646_1_pants-socks-cuffs |title=Baseball and socks appeal |access-date=2015-01-03 |archive-date=2012-09-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911102521/http://articles.philly.com/2011-08-29/sports/29941646_1_pants-socks-cuffs |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Other uses of the word ==
The layer of leather or other material covering the insole of a shoe is also referred to as a sock. When only part of the insole is covered, leaving the forepart visible, this is known as a half-sock.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6044497.html |title=Half sock: Patent 6044497 |publisher=Freepatentsonline.com |date=1998-08-17 |access-date=2010-03-05 |archive-date=2011-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614050947/http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6044497.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Footwraps==
[[File:FootClothFromFinnishDefenceForces.JPG|thumb|Footwraps used by the [[Finnish Army]] until the 1990s]]
[[Footwraps]], pieces of [[cloth]] that are worn wrapped around the feet, were worn with [[boot]]s before socks became widely available. They remained in use by armies in Eastern Europe until the beginning of the 21st century.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130114/178772451/Russian_Army_Footwraps_Are_Out_Socks_Are_In.html|title=Russian Army: Footwraps are Out, Socks are in|date=January 14, 2013|access-date=January 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116232931/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130114/178772451/Russian_Army_Footwraps_Are_Out_Socks_Are_In.html|archive-date=16 January 2013|url-status=dead|publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]}}</ref>

==Thermal socks==
For use in cold environments, thermal socks are thicker. They are commonly worn for skiing, skating, and other winter sports. They provide not only insulation, but also greater padding due to their thickness.

Diabetic socks are a kind of thermal sock made from an acrylic, cotton, nylon, and elastic. These are made to improve comfort while at the same time keeping feet cool and dry. However, there is no solid evidence that they are helpful.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/Diabetic%20Socks.htm |title=Are Diabetic Socks Better Than Generic Socks? |access-date=2018-08-27 |archive-date=2017-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229202951/http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/diabetic%20Socks.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Holiday items ==
{{Globalize|section|date=July 2014}}

A sock is also used as a holiday item during [[Christmas]]. Children hang a large ceremonial sock called a [[Christmas stocking]] by a nail or hook on Christmas Eve, and then their parents fill it with small presents while the recipients are asleep. According to tradition, [[Santa Claus]] brings these presents to well-behaved children, while naughty kids instead receive coal.<ref>{{cite book|last=Bowler|first=Gerry|title=The World Encyclopedia of Christmas|year=2000|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|location=Toronto|isbn=0-7710-1531-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/worldencyclopedi00gerr/page/156 156]|url=https://archive.org/details/worldencyclopedi00gerr/page/156}}</ref>

===Religion===
Among [[Islam|Muslims]], socks have initiated a discussion about the intricacies of [[wudhu]], the formal washing carried out before prayer. Some [[Muslim]] clerics, mindful of possible hardship among Muslims in inhospitable circumstances, have issued Muslim edicts permitting practicing Muslims to wipe water over their sock or sprinkle their sock.<ref>{{cite book|title=Personal Security: A Guide for International Travelers |page=25 |first=Tanya |last=Spencer |year=2013}}</ref> This would allow prayer where there are no seating facilities, or if there is a queue. This is the stated opinion especially of [[Maliki]] [[Sunni]]s.<ref>Al-Muwatta Of Iman Malik Ibn Ana – Page 14, 2013 Anas</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Ira Roe Foster#Appealing for socks|American Civil War sock campaign]]
* [[Beoseon]] (traditional Korean socks)
* [[Hospital socks]]
* [[Leg warmer]]
* [[Leggings]]
* [[Loose sock]]
* [[Missing sock]]
* [[Puttee]]
* [[Sock puppet]]
* [[Socks and sandals]]
* [[Smelly socks]]
* [[Stocking]]
* [[Tabi]]
* [[Tights]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|socks}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.sockmuseum.com/historical-socks |title=Sockmuseum, Historical socks |website=Sock Museum}}

{{hosiery}}
{{Clothing}}
{{Footwear}}
{{Men's undergarments}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Socks| ]]
[[Category:Footwear accessories]]
[[Category:Hosiery]]
[[Category:History of clothing]]