When Were Socks Invented & Who Invented Socks? - FITS®

January 05, 2023

Wearing socks can often be overlooked; however, there is much more to this common clothing item than meets the eye. Not only are socks functional for keeping your feet warm and stylish for the ever-current sock fashion trend, but they also come in various materials with unique qualities. 


Cotton socks are breathable and help keep you cool in the summertime, while wool socks are perfect for colder temperatures as they insulate warmth. Similarly, athletic-wear socks are equipped with cushioning and arch support that makes staying comfortable while engaging in physical activities easier. 


As any seasoned sock aficionado would note, socks are one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe! But when were socks invented? Keep reading to learn who invented socks and when these cozy counterparts came to be. 

Who Invented Socks?

The invention of socks dates back centuries. Although they may not have been quite like the ones we wear today, the first sock-like garments were made from leather and matted animal hair and served a purpose similar to modern-day socks–to provide warmth and protection for the wearer's feet. 


But who invented socks? Who was the mastermind behind this modern-day staple? Those are hard questions to answer since it depends on which culture you are looking at. However, it’s most likely that Ancient Greeks and Romans used them along with sandals to keep their feet warm. While tracking who invented socks is difficult, we do know that socks have been around for a long time and have significantly evolved over the years. 

When Were Socks Invented?

The invention of socks is shrouded in mystery, but some theories have been put forward as to when people started wearing them. It's commonly accepted that socks were first invented between the 8th and 15th century BC, during a period of significant change for civilization, when early forms of knitting allowed for the production of fabrics like wool and linen. 


Similar to today, socks back then served both practical and decorative purposes; they'd help keep a person's feet warm during cold winter but also be a fashion statement and show off an individual's wealth. Today, the use of socks has spread everywhere around the world.


Why Were Socks Invented?

Socks are one of humankind's oldest inventions, first appearing as pieces of animal skin or fur used to protect the feet and legs. Over time, people began to realize that these simple foot coverings could also be used to make an outfit look stylish, eventually leading to the modern sock. 


Today, socks are widely accepted as an essential piece of clothing, offering both practical and fashionable benefits. In addition to preventing blisters and keeping our feet warm in the winter months, socks can help make any ensemble unique with a pair of funky printed knee-highs for a night out on the town or some low-cut ankle socks for work. Of course, we've come a long way since those prehistoric days, but one thing remains true: socks aren't just a small detail but an essential part of fashion and day-to-day life.

Socks In the Modern World

The sock has come a long way since its invention, and FITS is proud to be at the leading edge of the modern sock revolution. Our commitment to providing the best-fitting, best-feeling socks reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional customer quality. Our advanced technology and innovative design solutions are unparalleled in the industry; when you wear a FITS sock, you can trust that it was designed with comfort, quality, fit, and style in mind. 


Whether you’re shopping for performance comfort while working out, sleek style while going out, or relaxed and cozy while lounging at home, FITS has the perfect fit for you! With such an incredible selection of cozy, stylish, and functional socks out there, one thing’s certain: there's no excuse not to have a sock drawer filled with your favorite FITS socks. 


Not sure where to start? Try our men's wool socks and women's wool socks for every occasion. From casual designs to dress socks to athletic styles that wick away sweat and keep your feet fresh while hiking, biking, or running, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect pair of FITS. Shop today!


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Sock Sizing
women and men size chart

The Perfect Fit Starts With the Right Size.

Your sock size shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our socks range from small to double XL, but the best way to know the perfect fit for you is to match your shoe size to the chart on the left. That way, you’ll know the size you select will give you the fit and feel you expect.

Between sizes? Go with your gut, but rest assured that your socks will still fit great. If you receive your order and find yourself wishing you’d gone up or down a size, just let us know. We’ll happily send you replacements for your preferred size.

Concerned about laundry mix-ups? All FITS® socks are coordinated by color and size, based on the colors you see on the size chart. So, you won’t have to worry about mixing up your sizes with the other FITS® wearers in your home. (But stray socks mysteriously going missing in the dryer? Unfortunately, we can’t help with that.)

 

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How Do You Determine Sock Size?

Sock sizes are typically measured in inches, not by your shoe size. So, a sock size 6-8 will comfortably fit someone whose feet are between six and eight inches long. However, at FITS®, we make it easy for you to choose the ideal sock size without having to measure your foot. Simply use our sock size conversion chart based on your shoe size to select the right fit for you. 

How Do You Measure Your Foot for Socks?

To measure your foot for socks, measure the length from the heel of your foot to the tip of your longest toe. The measurement in inches correlates to your sock size. For example, if your foot is 10 inches long, a sock size 9-11 should fit you comfortably. At FITS®, you can skip this step and find your sock size based on your shoe size using our conversion chart. 

What Is the Sock Size Conversion?

The sock size conversion refers to sock size compared to shoe size. While all companies may vary slightly on which size socks to purchase based on your shoe size, you can always measure your foot to find the right fit for you. 

What is Sock Size to Shoe Size?

Because sock sizes are determined by the length of your foot in inches vs. your shoe size, shoe and sock sizes differ. The FITS® sock size to shoe size conversion is as follows:

Knowing this makes it easy to choose the ideal sock size based on your shoe size without measuring your foot. 

What Age is Sock Size 9-12?

Sock sizes typically don’t correlate with age. For kids, age can be a general indicator of what size sock they’ll need, but everyone is different. An adult sock size 9-12 fits anyone whose feet are approximately nine to twelve inches long. For kids’ sock sizing, check with the company to find exact details to ensure your little one gets the perfect fit. 

Got more questions about finding the perfect sock size for you? Let’s talk.

 

 

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