- Did you know the first color of socks wasn't white?
Do you know these sock facts? Did you know that socks were worn with sandals way before our time?
Men and Cashmere
Men began wearing cashmere socks in 1905 when men’s dress socks were made out of the material. Cashmeres were isothermal and not cheap back then. However, these socks create great warmth and help prevent against frostbite. What do you think about this as part of the sock facts?
Socks With Sandals
It turns out the trend of sandals and socks may have started with the Egyptians. The wool socks found in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt were worn with sandals.
White Socks Of The 1960s
White socks weren’t mainstream until the 1960s. It would make sense to think the first socks that were around were black and white. Back then, the detergent and cleaning wasn’t what it is today, so having white socks that were easily dirtied without cleaning solutions makes sense as to why the first of the socks weren’t white. Is this one of the most interesting of the sock facts?
Roman Fitted Socks
Romans were the first ones to make fitted socks. They looked similar to what they look like today though they were made by sewing pieces of fabric together. They called them “udones.”
Lycra and Socks
When Lycra (spandex) came out in the 1950s, it changed socks. The synthetic, stretchy material invented by chemist Joseph Shivers replaced rubber in the socks, creating a stretchy and fitted sock. Can you imagine a sock without stretch? This is such an upgrade for when it comes to sock facts.
Tall Socks
The largest sock is about 10 meters tall. It was seen at the Rhode Island Convention Center in 2011. But tall socks became a thing in the 1950s. Then, tall socks were considered socks that were over-the-calf. It’s thought that these socks became more popular at the time because people were wearing more shorts.
Russian Soldiers Without Socks
It wasn’t until 2013 that Russian soldiers began to wear socks. Before that, they wore foot cloths until they were required to start wearing socks. Some of the soldiers don’t like to wear socks because they say portyanki are better as they dry more quickly and are more comfortable.
Knitting For Socks
The first knitting machine was made to make socks. The first knitting machine was invented in 1589 by William Lee. He created the knitting machine to save the time it took to knit socks by hand. These sock facts make sense because who would want to knit socks by hand?
Long Socks
Long socks were still worn in the 1950s but ankle socks were becoming more trendy at the time. Long socks were mainly worn during the summertime with loafers.
Status Symbol Socks
That is, socks were once a status symbol. Back in 1000 AD, socks had evolved and demand was on the rise and in turn, the prices. Socks therefore became “expensive” clothing and anyone wearing socks were seen as someone related to nobility.
“Hair” Socks
Greeks wore “hair” socks made out of animal hair and fur that was matted. This was popular among the Greeks in the 8th century. These socks were hot and seriously warm socks.
Cavemen And Socks?
Did you know that cavemen wore socks? Even the first cave dwellers were known to wear socks not that they looked or in any way compared to the knit or wool socks you have in your dresser drawer. Cavemen socks were made out of animal skin that was wrapped around your foot and tied at the ankles. They would sometimes add fur to the animal skin socks for additional warmth.
Socks Changed In 1929
Lastex was introduced to socks in 1929 allowing for people to finally have stretchy socks. After this, there was no need for sock garters.
Split-Toe Socks
These were the first in socks. Split toe socks were made from red wool when they came out. If you want to see the first socks made you can see them at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
So what do you think about these sock facts? Let me know if you would wear the socks made out of hair in the comments!