One Quality sock, it's several things. In order for a sock to be of good quality, we will prioritize this set of things:

  • Quality materials, carefully selected.
  • Sophisticated manufacturing processes
  • More and more, an ethical and eco-responsible approach
  • A company and its employees to "combine" the 3 previous parameters

Let's review together the specifications of a good quality sock, without forgetting a list of brands from which you can buy your socks with confidence.

How to recognize a good quality sock ?

Several factors determine the quality of a sock: We will provide you with the important criteria so that you can make an informed choice !

Comfort, a quality factor for your socks

"Une" translates to "one" in English. A quality sock is one that provides comfort for everyday wear.. A sock that protects you from frictions and the bulbs. After all, the sock plays the role of an interface between your foot and your shoe !

Socks are also supposed to protect you from cold and the excessive heat. But this is only possible ifwith quality materials. If you are looking to protect yourself from the cold, for example, it is recommended to... a pair of woolen socks: They will retain the heat emitted by your body, while... Evacuating the moisture it emits. Warm and dry: that's the secret to the feeling of warmth.

Wool has the advantage of offering antibacterial properties and a very soft touch, very soft, which one easily gets used to.

On the contrary, for some socks worn in warm weather, linen or cotton are preferred (for urban use) and synthetic materials such as polyamide, polyester, and elastane (for sports use).

We have drafted An in-depth article on the best materials to prioritize for your socks, depending on the use... And even the weather !

The choice of the materials It is important. The choice of quality of the materials It's even more. You can find wool socks starting from 5€ per pair (especially in packs of 2, 3, or more), but don't be mistaken, They have neither the benefits nor the comfort that quality socks provide. Furthermore, at this price, you will find socks with a low percentage of wool (often less than 20%). Combined with low-quality wool, "budget" wool socks may have much lower thermal regulation qualities (meaning "warmth").

"Pour" translates to "for" in English. A quality wool sock, the real price is around 15€ to 25€. about (for city socks). At that price, you will get a wool percentage equal to or greater than 40%, high-quality wool (such as merino wool which is considered a high-quality wool) and animal welfare as a bonus !

Unfortunately, brands are quite opaque about the quality of the materials chosen, mainly because it is difficult to measure this quality on a common scale. However, we do have some indicators to provide you:

  • A French brand: these are often more likely to prioritize quality and display traceability.
  • Organic raw materials: organic cotton and organic linen for example
  • Labels: Origine France Garantie, GOTS, or Œko-Tex
  • Respectful use of animal wool: in the absence of guarantees regarding animal welfare, sheep and other wool-bearing animals may be mistreated to speed up the wool collection process. A common malicious practice involving sheep is mulesing, which consists of tearing the skin around the perianal area of the sheep to reduce the incidence of myiasis on the animal. This is an inhumane and painful practice for which there are now alternative methods available.

At Monnet's, Our cotton is organic. This allows toTo have environmentally friendly cotton crops., without monocultures and with controlled water and energy consumption.
Our wool is certified "no mulesing"We have banned this degrading and disrespectful practice."

Sustainability, the most tangible quality driver

A toe poking out of the sock, a sock sliding down the heel, or holes... A sock that lasts a year is usually a low-quality sock. A good quality sock is supposed to be able to double this duration. (at least).

But what determines the lifespan of a sock? Here are the factors that affect the durability of a sock:

  • The choice of materials, once again. There are different levels of quality in textile fibers. High-quality brands only use high-quality fibers. They are generally more difficult to work with, but more durable in the long run.
  • Dyeing: in its natural state, cotton is beige. Therefore, all cotton clothes that are not beige have been dyed. The quality of the dye will determine if the color will last over time. Only high-quality dyes endure and resist daily washings without fading.

The company's expertise: knitting methods are essential.

By demonstrating expertise, brands are able to make the most of a materials first. In other words, a materials Quality materials are nothing if they are not "sublimated" by quality knitting. Here is an overview of the main techniques used by top-quality sock manufacturers:

Shoe sizes in size order: The smaller the size range (for example, by 2), the more precise the fit will be. For example: if you wear a size 41 shoe, a sock in size 41-42 will be closer to your foot. Whereas a sock in size 40-43 will have a more... random fit.

A hemispherical heel: a heel that is "truly" round. Unlike "flat" heels that stretch when putting on the sock.

Left foot / right foot differentiated: Feet have an asymmetric shape, which justifies why the left foot and the right foot have different shapes. The sock will be closer to your foot and will be less stretched and less strained.

Absence of stitching on the toes: Low-end weaving machines require the finishing of the toe seams by hand, creating an uncomfortable seam at a sensitive spot. High-quality brands have weaving machines that allow the toes to be finished seamlessly !

Sock maintenance: This support is ensured by the presence of elastane. Quality sock manufacturers do not hesitate to increase the percentage of elastane for better durability.

High-quality raw materials: A selection of quality materials ensures a product that will age well and provide more comfort.

Quality control of products: When entry-level brands offer automatic quality controls, high-quality sock brands often provide two quality checks, done by hand.

Moreover, we have written A full article on the sustainability of socks Socks are a wardrobe staple for many people around the world, but have you ever stopped to think about their sustainability? In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, and socks are no exception. From the materials used to make them to the way they are produced and disposed of, there are many factors to consider when it comes to the sustainability of socks. One of the key aspects of sustainable socks is the materials used in their production. Traditional socks are often made from materials like cotton, which can have a significant environmental impact due to the water, pesticides, and energy required for its cultivation. However, there are now many sustainable alternatives available, such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled materials. These materials are often grown and produced in a more environmentally friendly way, reducing the carbon footprint of the socks. In addition to the materials used, the production process of socks can also impact their sustainability. Factors such as energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation all play a role in determining how sustainable a pair of socks is. Sock manufacturers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly production practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption, and implementing recycling programs to minimize waste. Furthermore, the lifespan of socks is an important consideration when it comes to their sustainability. Fast fashion has led to a culture of disposable clothing, where items are worn only a few times before being discarded. By investing in high-quality, durable socks, you can reduce the frequency at which you need to replace them, ultimately reducing your overall environmental impact. Finally, the end of life of socks is another factor to consider. Many socks end up in landfills at the end of their use, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste. To improve the sustainability of socks, it is important to properly dispose of them by recycling or upcycling them whenever possible. In conclusion, the sustainability of socks is a multifaceted issue that encompasses the materials used, production processes, lifespan, and end-of-life considerations. By choosing socks made from sustainable materials, produced in an environmentally friendly way, and disposed of responsibly, you can make a positive impact on the planet and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry., he will give you all the answers on this topic !

A high-quality sock = an ethical sock ?

It is increasingly true: consumers are turning to socks made in France. This brings many virtuous aspects:

  • A contribution to the French economy: we support local jobs., paid properly and who work in decent conditions. Traceability is very easy when producing in France.. This is not always the case with outsourced production.
  • Less transport: Generally, socks labeled "Made in France" are manufactured in France "from the yarn stage". This means that the yarn is imported from Europe, or elsewhere.
  • French socks are systematically of better quality. This is a fair trade-off for their higher price. They will last longer for you. and you will need to renew your purchase less frequently.

But let's not be Manichean, there are quality socks from a multitude of countries. France is not the birthplace of socks !

What are the brands of good quality socks ?

In the panel of major sock brands, we have chosen to present some of them to you! This list is not exhaustive. We have done our best to remain objective and sincere. But in all honesty, we have a bias here: We are part of this list !

Here are the high-quality sock brands and their origins:

Monnet:

We are a French brand that produces sports and city socks, with headquarters and production based in Montceau-les-Mines, in Burgundy. Monnet was founded in 1930 by Mr. François Monnet. Our reputation was built in the late 1900s and was accelerated by partnerships with French ski teams and top French athletes. We are the official supplier of the French Nordic skiing teams.

We have recently made a significant shift: Leveraging our 100-year-old expertise, we now produce a range of everyday socks !

I'm sorry, but "UYN" does not have a meaning in French. It seems like an acronym or abbreviation. If you provide more context or information, I may be able to help you further.

Originally specialized in production for other brands, the Italian company Trere has launched its own brand, UYN. Their collection includes not only socks but also shoes and clothing.

Therm-IC:

An Austrian brand of heating products (heated socks and gloves in particular) originally. Its range has recently been expanded to include sports socks produced in part in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

SIDAS:

SIDAS is world-renowned for its insoles in the world of sports and among orthopedists and professionals. It is also a brand of sports socks !

X-Socks:

The brand X-Socks has its headquarters in Switzerland in Wollerau on the shores of Lake Zurich. The production of the socks is carried out by the Italian sock subcontracting company Intersocks.

"Rywan" is a first name.

A family brand based in the Paris region. Its production comes entirely from various sock factories in Italy.

It seems like there was a typo in your message. Could you please provide more context or clarify what you meant by "Thyo"?

As part of the Kindy group, the brand Thyo offers part of its production from the Kindy factory, based in Oise (in Moliens). The rest comes from sock manufacturers abroad.

Archduchess:

Since 2009, this brand has been built around a unique sock model, but available in several colors. Made in France, the brand has now developed a wide range of colorful and sometimes quirky models.

"Falke" translates to "Falcon" in English.

The German company Falke has been offering city socks, tights, and stockings since 1895. It later expanded its range to include sports socks. Its production comes from several European countries, including Germany.

Smartwool:

Smartwool is an American brand specializing in the production of sportswear, particularly merino wool socks. The majority of its production comes from the United States.

Le Slip Français:

Since 2011, Le Slip Français has taken on the challenge of producing a range of underwear within 250km of its customers. This challenge has been successful as they now have 33 French workshops producing clothing and underwear.

High-quality socks for men

Quality socks for men come in various shapes:

  • Knee-high socks, which reach below the knee (or mid-calf). Ideal to wear with a suit.
  • The mid-calf socks, which reach below the middle of the calf. A perfect in-between, typically worn with pants, although some enthusiasts may fully show them off with shorts.
  • Low-cut socks, reaching above the ankle. These socks are worn with sneakers (high-top or low-top) and shorts, typically.
  • The invisible ones, which go below the ankle. These are made to be... invisible when worn with low-cut shoes. They are therefore very minimalist.

The brands that we mentioned above all produce High-quality socks for men.

Quality cotton socks

Cotton socks The most common ones: They are suitable for a wide variety of uses. They are generally mixed with spandex to provide elasticity to the sock: This is how they can maintain their shape for longer.

You will also find polyamide in cotton socks: Its function is to reinforce the sock and make it more durable against daily abrasion.