The history of men's socks

We rarely think about the origins of our everyday clothing. The shirt around your body, for example, or your jeans... Who decided that our clothes should look like this and not otherwise? How has this developed over time? Men's socks are also such a remarkable piece of clothing. And what a journey they have made! From animal skin to the wonderful cotton and wool socks that we have on our feet today. Will you read along?

The origin of socks

Socks have been around for centuries. Around the 8th century BC, people wore socks made from animal skins. Then came socks made from braided animal hair, mainly for warmth. These were tied around the ankle and were even one of the first garments that people made for themselves! The word 'socks' is derived from the Latin word 'soccus'.

The Roman sock

It was not until ancient Rome that we saw an evolution in socks. The socks, known as 'udones', were made of leather or cloth and decorated with patterns. This garment was especially popular among the upper classes and symbolized status.

The knitted sock

Another major change occurred in the 16th century with the invention of the knitting machine, which was a major breakthrough. Socks could now be made more quickly and were more accessible to a wider audience. As a result, socks became an integral part of European clothing. They were usually decorated with lace or embroidery. The length of socks varied considerably, depending on the prevailing fashion. They were almost always worn with garters to keep them in place. By 1800, socks were being machine-made from wool, cotton and silk.

The 20th century

The role of men's socks remained functional, of course, but their appearance also began to play a greater role. The introduction of nylon made men's socks more elastic and easy to dye. Various materials were available in colorful and striking colors.

A fashion item

Nowadays, men's socks have become an important part of our wardrobe. They come in a plethora of styles, colors, and patterns, and people often choose socks based on their outfit or mood. From classic plain socks to bold, patterned socks, the possibilities are endless. Nowadays, you can choose high-quality men's socks that offer optimum comfort. At least, you can at Carlo Lanza. Order them here !