Blog: Fashion: Socks

Socks

Earlier this afternoon, I was outside playing Frisbee with my brother and he was playing in just his socks - no shoes! So it got me thinking, that this kid is just ruining his socks and getting them all dirty. Then I began to think about where did socks come from and why were they invented. Upon researching, I discovered that in early medieval times, people who wore socks were considered part of the noble classes. Socks were woven or sewn by hand. In the 16th century, the knitting machine was invented by William Lee, an English clergyman. The knitting machine allowed people to make tighter woven socks. Socks were made of wool for the general population like the lower classes and silk or cotton for the upper classes. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that nylon socks were getting in style. Nylon provided strength and elasticity. In the middle age, socks became a tight fabric that covered the lower leg. Men wore stockings like women but they were called hose. The hose that men wore were knee length and tied at the top, usually with some type of embroidery as well. Another fun fact that I came across was that in 1560, Elizabeth I, received her very first pair of knit silk stockings which were knee high length. From that point on she continued to collect many in bright colors and designs. Bright colors and designs are still something that I myself and other people find appealing when choosing socks. We tend to go for a cute design that has an effect on us like things that interest us or a cartoon design. We don't really know who invented socks however experts suggest that socks go way back into the stone. Back in that time period, socks were made out of animal fur and skin. Now we see that socks have ranged from different fabrics based on the inspiration and designs of other countries. There are now socks that people can wear that are perfect for whatever type of shoe they plan on wearing. Socks are made to keep your feet nice and warm, so that we are comfortable.