Sock story: How these mere foot wraps became a style statement
Nowadays, socks come in various styles and patterns, from polka dots to stripes and from superheroes to unicorns. They are used for so much more than just keeping your feet warm. They are a style statement too! Did you know that socks were not always as fashionable as they are today? In fact, they started as simple foot wraps during the stone age. But how did they evolve into the fun and functional garments we know and love today? Get ready to put your best foot forward and learn all about the history of socks!
Socks from the Stone Age to the Roman Civilisation
We use socks to cover our feet and keep them warm. Our earliest ancestors in the stone age invented them for the same purpose. Cave paintings from 5000 BC reveal the sock-like footwear of the Stone Age people crafted from animal skin and plants. Later on, socks made an appearance again in the Greek poet Hesiod’s poem Works and Days, during the 8th century BC. The ancient Greeks wore socks called Piloi, made from animal hair, while the Romans wrapped their feet in leather around the same period. However, the Romans later improved the sock game by sewing fabrics such as wool and linen to create ‘udones,’ in the 2nd century AD. Yet, it was the ancient Egyptians who mastered the art of sock-making, perfecting the formula for keeping the feet warm.
Knitted socks
The credit for inventing knitted socks goes to the ancient Egyptians, who created the idea during 300–500 AD. However, their design was unique because the socks had split toes resembling a pig’s trotter (foot)! This design allowed the socks to be worn with sandals, which was quite popular at the time. During this era, the Egyptians also developed weaving and dyeing techniques. When archaeologists discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun in Egypt, they found over 47 pairs of socks!
Socks became a vital accessory for people during the Middle Ages. During this time, clothing was beginning to differentiate people by their social status. Silk socks were worn by people of royalty and aristocrats. They were tight, brightly-coloured, and held in place by ribbons, ties or garters (narrow bands of fabric tied around the leg).
Socks in the era of technology
The Middle Ages saw socks as a status symbol and a crucial part of people’s attire. It was only after the rise of technology that they became available for people from every walk of life. During the 15th century, everything changed when an English clergyman named William Lee invented the first knitting machine. This revolutionary device pushed the boundaries of sock making and impressed King Henry IV of France so much that he invited Lee to open a factory in his country. The success of Lee’s knitting machine quickly spread throughout Europe and transformed the humble sock.
Thus, socks became a part of the fashion industry, with new lengths and styles emerging, such as knee-length and mid-thigh socks. However, it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that sock production truly took off. With the introduction of looms and larger factories, socks were produced at an extraordinary rate and made available to the population. In 1938, nylon was introduced, replacing traditional materials like silk, cotton and wool. Thanks to these advancements, high-quality designer socks have become accessible to everyone worldwide.
In the modern times, socks are more than a functional item. They now have health benefits too. You can find specialised socks designed to help with diabetes and arthritis. From a symbol of wealth and status to a staple of everyday life, the story of socks is one of innovation, evolution and accessibility.