History of socks

What is the history of socks? Today we delve into the Besocks archive and analyse the journey that has taken socks from being a mere commodity to being one of the most essential fashion accessories.

History of socks: the great forgotten items of the outfit

Let's not kid ourselves, socks are the great forgotten part of the outfit. Since their birth in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago until the 1950s, they have always been seen simply as another utilitarian item of underwear.

The first socks, which were usually made of leather or wool, gave the human foot the safety, hygiene and practicality it needed. And years later they gave humans more options when it came to expressing their creativity through clothing.

They often come apart and are not invited to sexual intercourse, but you couldn't live without them. For this reason, we are going to take a historical tour that justifies the importance of this garment in everyone's life.

The first socks

We have to go back to 500 AD to find the first sock design made from woven wool, and it was in ancient Egypt. In Rome, socks were called udones and their purpose was none other than to protect the foot inside the sandals of warriors.

These early socks were made of leather or wool and were simple and functional. They were designed to provide two things, comfort and protection, regardless of the design. This rudimentary design was due to two reasons.

Firstly, the limited technological progress that existed did not allow for personalisation; in fact, at that time it was not even something that was considered.

Secondly, the simplicity and lack of sophistication of this type of socks was a very faithful reflection of the practical needs of the societies of that time, which were limited to livestock and agriculture.

The Renaissance and Socks

The next significant historical stage for socks was the Renaissance. During this stage, the view of the sock slowly began to transform, and some attention began to be paid to design.

The methods of manufacture were still very rudimentary, but some embroidery and lace were already being incorporated into the stockings of the time. These socks were only available to nobles and aristocrats.

Just as a watch now reflects status, during the Renaissance, socks were a symbol of status and wealth that distinguished a person of lower social status from someone with status.

Vibrant colours and various embellishments and embroidery became one of the most common ways to display the good taste and social class of the nobles of the time. Socks were today's handbags or watches.

Socks and the Industrial Revolution

The next stage completely changed the role not only of socks, but of humanity as a whole. The Industrial Revolution had a brutal impact on technological and human progress, and socks also benefited from it.

The new sewing machines developed during this period revolutionized the production of socks, making them much more economical and accessible to the entire population, regardless of their economy or status.

William Lee invented the sock knitting machine in 1589 and socks began to be mass produced and distributed. They went from being a decorative accessory exclusive to the upper echelons to a commodity for everyone.

Cotton and synthetic fibers became popular for their superior qualities in terms of comfort, durability and ability to support new sock designs that would suit all audiences.

Socks today

The history of socks is, to say the least, curious. They were born as something very basic to satisfy the needs of the working class, then they became a status symbol in the Renaissance and an accessory within the reach of only a few.

With the industrial revolution, the aura of luxury and symbolism of the sock was lost. It became a mass-produced product and reached a large number of people, making its use popular.

Today, this underrated garment has found its place not only in the world of urban fashion, but also in haute couture, being one of the most used accessories by fashion fans and non-fans alike.

From antiquity to haute couture

Nowadays, it is common to see well-known designers and brands collaborating with different sock brands, creating exclusive collections made with different designs and quality materials. Take a look at our Besocks x Snoopy collection here.

The evolution of this garment is a living example of technological and cultural changes and their impact on fashion throughout history. They have transformed and gone from being simple utilitarian garments to being an essential part of your outfit.

Socks and Pop Culture

Another example of the importance of socks in fashion is how they have been used by the most famous artists in pop culture, music icons such as Michael Jackson with his white socks in Billy Jean.

At that time it was normal to see the trendiest music groups making a reference to socks, such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, who appeared on the cover of one of their albums naked with socks on.

The art of film and TV shows has also left us with memorable moments involving socks. From Chandler's socks in Friends to Marty MacFly's futuristic socks in Back to the Future.

Socks are not just an item of underwear, but are also a new avenue for self-expression and a key ally when it comes to finding your personal style. Leave your comments if you agree with us.