And the unknown history of where our socks came from
Socks are the notorious unsung heroes of our wardrobes and have been around for thousands of years, even dating back to ancient civilizations. They keep our toes comfortable and warm and add a splash of personality to any outfit. They even sometimes, quite often than not, mysteriously disappear in the laundry (RIP to all the lost socks out there!). We’ve all felt the relief socks give our toes, and we’ve all used socks to upgrade our outfits, but most of us probably don’t know the story behind where socks originated. Have you ever asked yourself, ‘How were socks invented?’ Well, we did, and we wanted to share the history behind our favorite wardrobe accessory. In addition to that, we found a plethora of crazy, odd, fun facts about socks as well and figured those would be fun to share too!
Without further a due, check out these 15 wild and wacky facts about how socks were initially created and some wild facts you most likely would’ve never known if it weren’t for our curiosity😉. (Trust us, these fun facts will knock your socks off! 😜) You’re welcome!
1. Ancient Egyptian Socks
Some of the earliest known socks created date back to Ancient Egypt, around 300-500 AD. They were made in a split-toe style (think early flip-flop socks) and were made from thick wool so humans could wear them with sandals.
2. Greek and Roman Style
Even before the Egyptians, ancient Greeks, and Romans used foot coverings made of animal skins, woven fabrics, or even matted human or animal hair to protect their feet. The Romans called these early socks “udones.” where wealthier Romans had finer, more decorative versions, while soldiers and workers relied on thicker, more practical ones for protection and comfort.
3. Actual Earliest Socks
The actual earliest recorded use of socks, according to ancient history books, dates back even further to around 1500 BC. This was said to be when people in Northern Europe wore felted wool or animal hides tied around their feet for typical protection and warmth during the colder months.
4. Royal Footwear
👸Queen Elizabeth I wasn’t a fan of normal, thick, knitted stockings, even though they were popular and very on trend in her days. She preferred her socks to be silkier and smoother than the average pair simply because your accessories should be as fancy as your crown if you’re The Queen of England. So, Queen Elizabeth I had silk socks made special for her, and the practice of using diverse sock materials was born.
5. A Status Symbol
Long before modern manufacturing, socks were status symbols or luxury items in communities. The higher quality or fancier your socks, the richer you looked and were therefore respected as a high-status individual. 👑 So, next time you rock some custom Spirit Sox, just remember that you’re carrying on a long-time tradition of looking stylishly elite.
6. Changed the World
In 1589, an Englishman named William Lee invented the knitting machine to make small articles of clothing, like socks, faster and more efficiently. Queen Elizabeth wasn’t personally impressed, but this invention was the sole key that laid the foundation for machine knitting and sewing that we see today.
7. The Mystery of Lost Socks
Fun Fact – An average household loses about 15 single socks per year to the laundry washing abyss. (We still have no idea where these end up, do you?!) That’s a lot of lonely singles waiting for their long-lost mates!
8. World’s Largest Sock Collection
Random Fact – A woman in Missouri holds the record for the World’s largest sock collection, containing over 10,000 pairs! We need to know: Does she wear them all? And how big is her sock drawer? Yikes!
9. Socks in Space
🚀NASA Astronauts wear socks in space that are made with real silver-coated fibers to fight off bacteria and odors. Even at zero gravity, human feet can still have a stench, so we doubt anyone wants stinky feet in a tiny space station area!
10. The Smelliest Socks Ever
Weird Fact – The world record for the smelliest socks in the world was set in 2019. This unfortunate achievement was set by a teenager named Tom Strobhar from the U.S. at the Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest in New York. (FYI, this annual contest is still running today, so feel free to enter if you dare!?)
11. Lucky Socks Are a Thing
It’s no secret that elite athletes wear lucky charms or lucky pieces of clothing like socks to appeal to their superstitious side. Even Michael Jordan wore his old “lucky” college basketball socks under his NBA uniform for years. 🏀So, if you, too, have a lucky pair of socks, keep them close and use them wisely, just like Michael!
12. Sock Therapy
Wearing comfortable socks to bed has been scientifically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Experts believe that wearing warm socks when crawling into bed can help you significantly sleep better by improving blood flow to your feet. So, if you’re a terrible sleeper, maybe try grabbing your softest pair of socks to bed tonight and see if it helps! 🛏️
13. Original Sock Name
According to historical documentation, socks weren’t actually called “socks” until much later in their career. The word “sock” comes from the Latin word “soccus,” which meant a soft, slipper-like accessory that looked more like a shoe worn by Roman comedians. Oddly enough, socks and comedy technically go way back, so keep the sock jokes rolling! 😜
14. Socks for a Good Cause
When it comes to donations or shelters, socks are one of the most (if not most) needed items of clothing for the homeless. Unfortunately, they are the least donated items at shelters across the nation, so keep that in mind next time you do your own personal Spring cleaning. (Don’t worry; Spirit Sox will forever give back to our communities and continue to try to bridge this crucial gap.)
15. Sock Fashion: Is Always Evolving
From ankle socks to knee-highs, wild prints to minimalist styles, socks are a fashion staple that is always evolving. These foot accessories will always be a fun aspect of any OOTD because life is too short for boring socks! (So, take this one step further by making your own socks with us!) 🥰
Now that you are equipped with all this fun, crazy sock knowledge, go forth and rock your favorite pair of socks with pride! Share these facts with your friends, family, or favorite barista to see if they know any of these precious gems as well.
Oh, and if you know of a business, sports team, school, or upcoming event coordinator who’s looking for some sort of fun promotional product to spice up their mission, remember us! Spirit Sox is your one-stop shop for bulk custom socks to make any special event or large gathering special with a personalized or branded item of your choice. Upgrade everyone’s sock drawer and start the fun conversation with socks today! 🧦
