Ribbed Socks
Posted on 25. Apr, 2010 by admin.
Ribbed socks have their history in hand knitting. When knitters would make socks out of pure wool (which normally has very little stretch), they found it pretty difficult to make a sock that would fit comfortably, without slipping down, but also be large enough to get onto the foot.
The rib stitch is perfect. It provides a natural stretch and helps the sock to last longer as it is more heavily textured and better able to withstand the normal daily wear and tear of the sock wearing foot. Rib stitch also insulates the foot. The uneven texture creates small air pockets that allow cool air to circulate when the foot is hot and is warmed by body heat when the weather turns cold.
Today, ribbed socks are still heavily in favor. Adding the modern fabrics made of spandex to the innate supple nature of the rib stitch means that modern-day ribbed socks are a cut above their peers.
They have also entered the world of the fashionista. High socks (to the knee or above) are made in rib stitch, to add a touch of the school girl to a daring outfit. Ribbed socks, while thick, tend to be flattering to the leg. The discreet lines draw the eye upward, rather than across, which gives the illusion of a longer, leaner leg.
Ribbed socks are used pretty extensively by those who suffer from foot, leg or back pain. The ribbing adds and extra layer of cushioning effect, a godsend to those who are on their feet all day.
With the comeback of knitting into popular culture, ribbed socks are coming into their own once more. Taking advantage of the inbuilt striped pattern, knitters are incorporating multi-colored stripes, sparkly yarns and other fun decorations to their knits. Almost makes you want to ask your grandmother to teach you how to knit doesn’t it!
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Men Socks
Posted on 21. Apr, 2010 by admin.
Men socks are basically categorized in two ways. There are socks for dressing well (think office, weddings, and other special occasions) and socks for leisure.
In either case, as anyone ‘lucky’ enough to wash socks knows, there is a very real danger of the daily grind turning a fresh sock into a wet horror of bacteria that is reminiscent of sweaty teenage locker rooms.
Choosing men socks is much the same as choosing socks for women. They need to fit comfortably, work well with the outfit in mind, and be long lasting. In the case of men socks though, there is the extra factor of foot odor. We’re not trying to pick on men here, it’s just the mystery of smelly feet can often be traced to the boys.
The causes of smelly feet are varied, but when no particular foot ailment (like athlete’s foot) is present, a lot of it can be explained by testosterone. Testosterone, the masculine chemical, is present in both men and women, but is obviously more predominant in men – and in men socks.
Because of that, choosing men socks needs to factor in the extra amount of sweat and hormonal secretions that leads to bacteria buildup, and the poor guy being banished to the spare room. Try to buy socks that have a high level of natural fibers. Although a little polyester and spandex will help the sock to fit comfortably, plenty of cotton or wool will provide breathability, allowing the air to circulate freely and prevent odor buildup. Although cotton and wool will keep the foot aired, it will not keep it dry. Natural fibers do not have a strong ‘wicking’ (meaning that moisture is drawn away from the foot. This means that socks need t be changed regularly and the foot kept extra-clean (and well-dried after showering, a commonly overlooked area of foot care).
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Diabetic Socks
Posted on 15. Apr, 2010 by admin.
Yes, there is such a thing as a diabetic sock, and its not a foot covering that needs to watch its blood sugar level.
A diabetic circulatory system needs more careful monitoring than others. Because there tends to be a higher level of blood sugar, a diabetic is at risk of ulcers of the foot. This nasty and painful condition involves the development of open, acidic sores on the skin of the foot. It is difficult to treat, and the best method of treatment is often prevention.
This means keeping the foot as dry and clean as possible, keeping it free of friction and unnecessary pressure, and allowing the blood to circulate as freely as possible, to keep sugars, nutrients and oxygen moving throughout the body.
All of these things should weigh heavily in the decisions made when choosing a diabetic sock. For instance, heavily elasticated socks are a no-no, particularly those that end halfway up the calf. Elastic constricts blood flow and as the calf is the widest point of the leg, any socks that end here are stretched (and trying to contract) at maximum rates. This is not only uncomfortable, it is also dangerous for a diabetic, so choose socks with a minimum of elastic.
Also, avoid socks that have toe seams. When compressed in a shoe, a toe seam will produce pressure and friction. Even a small amount of this can irritate the skin into multiple tiny tears, allowing moisture and bacteria to enter the skin, quickly leading to sores and ulcers.
Finally, try to choose socks that are well-shaped for the individual’s foot. This will allow maximum space and comfort (tube socks are definitely out, as no-one’s foot is actually shaped like a tube!).
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Sock Sale
Posted on 10. Apr, 2010 by admin.
When you think of buying socks, a socks sale is not necessarily the first thing that springs to mind. But there are big savings to be had in this occasionally dull but necessary part of your personal wardrobe.
End of season sock sales are a great way to pick up bargains for next year. Just like outerwear, socks also have an appropriate time of year. Colorful but flimsy high socks will be drastically discounted in the end of summer sock sales, and prices of thick winter socks will be slashed at the end of the season.
If you are an athlete, or an outdoors person, you are probably already painfully aware of the price of a good sock. The end of season sock sales apply particularly to you in this case. Keep your eyes peeled for sales by leading outlets (Northern Exposure, Colorado, and Timberland are just a few).
You don’t only have to be into the outdoors to benefit. Designer labels offer end of season and end of tax year discounts just as often as their less expensive counterparts. And end of year socks sale may be rolled into a sale on other designer gear, meaning you can splash your cash on a complete ensemble from the ankles up!
The best socks sale is to be found in the virtual world. Competition is fierce for your dollar and online retailers will do everything possible to grab your customer loyalty. They are also able to negotiate more easily than their bricks and mortar cousins, so if you are looking to buy ten pairs in a socks sale, ask if you can have an extra pair for free. All you can hear is no, right?
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Socks Online
Posted on 03. Apr, 2010 by admin.
Of all of the products available for sale on the internet, it is arguable the easiest and most sensible to buy socks online.
Not only are they cheap, plentiful and varied, they are also guaranteed not to break in the post!
Buying socks online is a snap if you remember a few tips:
Socks online are not always pictured as-is. Read the product descriptions carefully to fully understand the cut of the sock and the fabric they are made from
A good sock is worth its weight in gold. While we all have cheap, disposable socks in our drawer, everyone should have at least one pair of good dress socks, one pair of good athletic socks and one snuggy pair of bedsocks. These are worth paying a little extra for, as they will last a lot longer than the kind that are a stretched-out baggy mess after one wash.
A good brand is worth its weight in gold. They same way that we often neglect our mattresses (we spend a third of our lives in bed and should have a good mattress), we also neglect our poor feet. They hold us up uncomplainingly and always take us where we want to go, so if you find a brand of sock that gives your feet a little extra comfort, stick with it.
Buy multiple pairs in basic colors. If you have a few pairs of black socks, all in the same style, and the same in white, you will never be at a loss for a pair again.
You can buy designer socks online. While you may not be able to afford Gucci for your outerwear, you or your beloved can still get the designer-label thrill by buying a pair of designer socks. They will still cost you a week’s groceries, but oh the luxury!
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Smartwool Socks
Posted on 31. Mar, 2010 by admin.
Sheep may have a reputation for being dumb, but their wool doesn’t. At least, not when it is in the hands of Peter and Patti Duke.
These two enterprising ski instructors from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, came up with the perfect sock for snow-sport enthusiasts and generally outdoorsy folk in 1994. Spun from Merino wool, the light, breathable, Smartwool socks became so popular with hikers and skiers that Colorado (the clothing and equipment company, not the State) bought out Smartwool in 2005.
Merino wool is a little like a natural wool-Lycra blend. This is the Rolls Royce of natural fibers and wearing a pair of Smartwool socks feels like wearing a second skin – a skin that is a better version of your on.
The secret of Merino wool is it’s fine fiber. Sheep wool is measured in microns, and Merino wool is usually less than 24 microns in diameter, with the superfine variety getting as low as 13 microns. This means that instead of pricking against the skin, the wool bends with it, cushioning the foot, reducing friction (the number one foot ailment among outdoor sportspeople) and wicking moisture away from the skin. Merino wool is also naturally stretchy, and as soft to the touch as cashmere without the finicky maintenance issues (Merino can be washed in the machine on a gentle setting).
The piece de resistance in the Smartwool sock is the crimped look of the fibers. This can only be seen under a microscope, but individual strands definitely look like they are corrugated. This creates hundreds of thousands of tiny air pockets, effectively providing insulation that heat the skin of your foot when it is cold and cooling it when the weather turns hot.
Every seen a flustered looking Merino sheep? Probably not – they’re wearing Smartwool socks after all.
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Ladies Socks
Posted on 27. Mar, 2010 by admin.
Ladies socks are a completely different breed to mens socks.
While mens socks are easily divisible into Office and Leisure, ladies socks run a gamut of styles, colors, textures and fabrics. From the sparkly high sock to the discreet sporting ankle sock, the ladies sock is often a barometer of mood and location.
The office is a time for discreet and understated ladies socks, in a thin yet warm polycotton blend. The exception to this is if the workplace is a fashion house, and then anything goes. The high sock is a popular choice for fashionistas, coming as it does in a range of styles to suit any leg and any outfit.
Buying ladies socks can be a bewildering experience and is not one to be entered into lightly. Once it was a simple matter of popping down to the shops and picking out a pair. Now there is fabric, height, elasticity, color and in the case of Technical socks for the serious sportswoman even the exact size and shape of individual left and right feet.
Ladies socks are best worn when they flatter the leg. Thin legs look best in a knee-high sock in a bright color that accentuates the calf, giving more shape. Thicker legs suit darker colors and either a thigh-high or ankle length sock, to streamline the leg.
The resurgence of knitting has seen ladies socks being sported in traditional wool. Not only are they warm and comfortable, they are great fun to make if you are craftily inclined. While most are inexpensive to produce, some sock yarns rank as collectors items, with one particular ball of vintage Opel wool selling for US$500!
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Coloured Socks
Posted on 22. Mar, 2010 by admin.
The minute the first person decided to put a cartoon penguin on a sock an entire industry was born. Not only are there countless of different styles of socks you can buy, there are also countless colours and patterns to choose from.
Every parent dresses their toddler in outfits that include matching socks. A red and white dress, a red and white hat, white shoes and red socks is an outfit that has been worn by every little girl at some point. No toddler sailor outfit is completed with white and navy blue socks to peak out from above the polished black shoes.
This habit does not die as the toddler grows into a teenager. Rather than throwing off the embarrassingly coordinated socks as soon as they get the chance, teenagers embrace this style, incorporating crazy socks into their already crazy outfits. Today it is not only acceptable, but considered stylish, to wear brightly coloured socks that not only do not match the outfit, but do not match each other either.
Coloured socks are not always used so disastorusly, however. Every girl has her favorite pair of socks. Whether it is a favorite pattern or a hilariously lazy cat sleeping on the toe, it is because of the colour of the sock that it is her favorite.
Every style of sock comes in all colours. Thick socks used solely for hiking come in every colour from neon orange to magenta. There is no practical value to a sea-blue hiking sock as opposed to a navy-blue hiking sock. The different colours are sold because people will spend more money on buying the exact same product four times so they can be sure to match a part of their outfit that will never be seen with the entire ensemble.
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Buy Socks
Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by admin.
Socks are one of the easiest items to buy. They are sold everywhere, from your local pharmacy to the supermarket down the road, to every store in the mall and, of course, online. The reason for this is simple: everyone needs socks.
The general rule of economics is that when supply outweighs demand the value of the product decreases. Socks are happily immune to this rule because they already have a low value and because they will always be in high demand. Socks are not a once in a lifetime buy like a car or a house. They are things that wear out quickly and must be replaced on a regular basis.
Because of this fact socks are available everywhere. In basically any commercial store you will be able to find socks. The only factor determining your purchase is how much you are willing to spend on socks. Prices can vary from mere dollars for a pack of six pairs to forty dollars per pair if you want to have designer socks.
For those that cannot afford socks, do not worry, socks are one of the most donated items to non-charity organizations. Because of how important they are to keeping warm during winter, they are one of the easiest items of clothing to acquire from a GoodWill or similar organization.
Sock shopping is fun, not only because it is inexpensive, but because there are so many styles to choose from. It is especially enjoyable to go sock shopping for gag gifts. Because of the ridiculous patterns and styles you can buy, walking up and down the sock aisle is always fun. Whether you get your brother neon orange thigh highs or your dad toe socks with penguins doing the chicken dance, you are sure to have fun while shopping.
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Women’s Socks
Posted on 08. Mar, 2010 by admin.
Women operate differently than men on all levels. This fact is no different when it comes to their socks. While men are extremely straightforward about their socks: dress socks and athletic socks plus the occasional slipper, women are more complicated, wanting many different types of women’s socks.
Unlike the typical male’s rather bland and organized sock drawer, the average woman will have a sock drawer filled with innumerable socks. This is not because they all serve their own unique function and are useful in and of themselves; it is because the woman wants different types of socks.
In the defense of women, they do need more types of socks than men. They need tights for certain types of dresses and shoes, they need leggings for the winter and tights for autumn. Much of the diversity of their sock drawer is born from the fact that they do need different types of socks. The need athletic socks for when they go to the gym or have to take the kids to soccer and they need dress socks for their important business meetings.
There are two major differences between the sock habits of men and women. First, the variety of women’s shoes necessitates many different types of socks. Second, women like cute socks. This is a universal truth that all men need to accept. If it is a fun color, or if it has toes, or if it has frog pattern, she wants it. A woman’s sock drawer is just as brightly colored and has just as many cute animals as a baby’s room.
So, despite the woman’s plausible excuse for having countless socks (the need for them based on countless types of shoes), she has outworn the excuse by abusing it and having too many colors of each sock.
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