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Socks may seem like the least important part of your wardrobe, but they can make a huge difference in your comfort throughout the day. If colorful synthetic socks make your feet itchy, choose socks made with natural fibers and skin-safe dyes.
Plastic-based socks don’t just leave a smell on your shoes. In addition to trapping odors, azobenzene disperse dyes used in polyester are known skin sensitizers and may be carcinogenic if absorbed through the skin (even more quickly if you sweat). This is particularly problematic with socks, as it migrates into the skin). they. )
But don’t worry. Switching to socks that are proven to be safe doesn’t necessarily mean you have to lose out on fun patterns. Our list of non-toxic socks includes both undyed and colorful options to suit every level of sensitivity (and style).
Natural materials: If you are sensitive to synthetic fibers or have skin problems, the best thing you can do for your feet is to wear socks made from 100% natural fibers. Most socks contain at least some elastane to increase their stretch, so finding socks that aren’t made with synthetic fibers is very rare and difficult to find. However, there are a few brands on this list that do just that (Cottonique and Arms of Andes). It’s safe to assume that socks outside of these brands contain at least a small amount of synthetic fibers that won’t cause irritation, but I was wary of anything that contained more than 20%.
Merino wool and alpaca wool make great socks because they are naturally odor resistant and moisture wicking. Check the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) label. Mulesing is a painful technique in which the sheep’s skin is cut away to protect the sheep from black flies that lay their eggs in the sheep’s skin, ensuring that the sheep were harvested without mulesing. Organic cotton, Tencel, linen, and bamboo viscose are also comfortable and breathable choices. If you’re not sensitive to synthetic fibers, you can choose blends that include recycled materials like nylon or polyester, but it’s still best to choose one made from mostly natural fibers.
Non-toxic dyes and finishes: If you’re sensitive to dyes, you’ve come to the right place. Several brands on this list offer undyed socks that incorporate the natural colors of the fibers. For dyed socks, look for Oeko-Tex certification and bluesign labels to ensure that the dyes and finishes used are free of harmful substances. Also look out for brands with restricted substances lists, which show that they are careful about chemical management.
Traceable and ethical supply chain: Examine supply chain transparency to see if your brand is manufacturing ethically. If you don’t share your supply chain partner’s location, you can also look for Fair Trade, WRAP, or B Corp certification.
Sustainable packaging: Although socks are relatively small items and don’t need much protection, some brands still use heaps of plastic in their packaging. To reduce waste with your new socks, look for brands that use compostable, biodegradable, or recycled packaging. Recyclable material. You can also check for certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that the paper or cardboard used was responsibly sourced.
What we like: Harvest & Mill makes dye-free organic cotton socks in natural colors. Non-toxic, unbleached cotton is grown, spun and knitted in the United States to shorten supply chains and support domestic farmers. We reuse or recycle all excess fabric and use compostable packaging.
Our Review: Our sensitive skin testers love that the dye-free socks come in a natural color and are extremely comfortable and breathable. Crew-style socks are long enough to protect your ankles when you wear boots and don’t add pressure around the cuffs. Although it is made of thick cotton, it is lightweight and comfortable.
Price range: $11-$12 for single pairs, $33-$66 for packs.
Available in: Most countries.
What we like: Subset, formerly known as Knickey, is a Brooklyn-based PFAS-free brand that makes Fair Trade and Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton socks. The cotton is grown on organic farms in India, and the ginning, spinning, dyeing and sewing is also done in India.
Our Review: Our sensitive skin testers were a little surprised at how thin these socks were. She hasn’t worn it for a full day yet, but I can already tell it’s not something she would normally wear. However, she said they’re perfect for pairing with tight-fitting shoes and feel more like dressy socks. Luckily she didn’t react to the cuffs. The rubber is so embedded in the fabric that it doesn’t seem to reach the skin.
Note: Subset socks contain 24% synthetic fibers.
Price range: $12.
Available in: United States, Australia, Canada, and most countries in Europe.
What we like: Paka is a certified B Corp that uses mostly alpaca wool and Tencel to make durable yet lightweight socks. The moisture-wicking and odor-resistant socks are dyed with Oeko-Tex certified dyes and spun by artisans in Peru. We use biodegradable and compostable packaging.
Our Review: Our sensitive skin testers absolutely love these socks. They are very thick and keep her chronically cold feet warm no matter the weather. It’s also great for hiking long trails in the winter. It does feel a little itchy after a while, but she thinks it’s due to the physical properties of the alpaca’s fur, rather than some kind of reaction. She recommends them for places with harsh winters.
Please note: Paka socks contain up to 50% recycled synthetic fibers.
Price range: $20-24 for single pairs, $48-96 for bundles.
Availability: Worldwide.
What we love: Arms of Andes is one of the only brands that makes socks without any synthetic fibers. Our 100% alpaca fiber slipper socks are sourced from free-range alpacas. Oeko-Tex certified socks are lightweight, insulating, soft and moisture-wicking. The brand designs and manufactures its garments by working closely with cooperative farmers in the Andes, from sourcing to sewing. Your order will be shipped in compostable packaging.
Price range: $20-25 for a single pair, $65 for a pack.
Available in: US, EU, UK.
Our favorite: One of the only brands that makes socks that are completely synthetic-free, Cottonique specializes in 100% cotton, allergy-free apparel. Its socks are latex-free, bleach-free, hypoallergenic, and have covered seams to prevent chafing. This brand works closely with dermatologists to ensure that its products are truly safe for sensitive skin. We source organic cotton from farms in India, manufacture in the Philippines, and use compostable packaging.
Price range: Thigh-high pants alone for $16, packs from $16 to $21.
Available in: Most countries.
Our favorite: Boody is a Sydney-based brand that makes socks in a variety of thicknesses, from relaxing to work. We use Oeko-Tex certified organic bamboo viscose from India, as well as organic cotton and recycled nylon. The brand adheres to a code of conduct and works with WRAP-certified facilities in China, Vietnam, and India.
Price range: $9.95-$17.95 for singles, $54 for bundles.
Availability: United States and Canada.
What we like: Kotn is a certified B Corp that has lasting relationships with local Egyptian cotton farmers and works directly with them to maintain fair prices. The socks are made with organic cotton and Oeko-Tex certified dyes. Our supply chain is fully traceable and we use recycled and recyclable packaging.
Please note: Some pairs contain up to 20% synthetic fibers.
Our review: These socks are great. Not only are they comfortable to wear, they complete the outfit nicely and look very professional.
Price range: $10 to $18 per pair.
Available in: Most countries.
What we love: Quinn clothing is designed for people with eczema and is built to last. Our selection of organic cotton non-toxic socks includes dye-free, lightweight, and medium weight options. Its socks are designed in Canada and ethically manufactured in Oeko-Tex certified factories in Portugal and Sri Lanka.
Please note: Its cotton is GOTS certified, but it’s unclear where it’s sourced from. Some pairs contain up to 20% synthetic fibers.
Our review: Our testers tried the undyed cotton ankle socks and the midweight merino wool ankle socks. Both pairs were very comfortable and breathable, although the ankle socks tended to ride down a bit. Merino wool socks with extra thick heels keep you warm and comfortable whether you’re hiking or relaxing at home.
Price range: Singles from $15 to packs at $75.
Available in: Most countries.
What we like: This certified B Corp makes hypoallergenic socks from bamboo viscose and organic cotton. Oeko-Tex and Fair Trade certified bamboo is sourced from China, and the packaging is FSC certified paper.
Note: We do not know where it is manufactured.
Price range: $10-$15 for singles, $30-$45 for bundles.
Available in: USA, Australia, Canada.
Our favorite: Dedicated makes fair trade organic cotton socks in bold patterns. Our cotton suppliers are WRAP certified and you can see where each pair is made on the product page.
CAUTION: Socks contain up to 25% elastane.
Price range: $9-$59
Availability: Worldwide.
What we love: Darn Tough socks are made in a family-run factory in Vermont, designed to be comfortable and durable, and made with RWS-certified merino wool for fun. Made in colorful style. We use Oeko-Tex certified materials and regularly test for hazardous substances according to the restricted substances list. Packaging is made from FSC-certified recycled paper, compostable bags, and plant-based inks.
Please note: socks contain up to 50% synthetic fibers.
Price range: $15-$35 for singles, up to $84 for packs.
Available in: US, UK, EU.
Our favorite: This brand makes antimicrobial merino wool and polyester socks in a variety of patterns. RWS and bluesign approved socks are specially designed to be thick and supportive to keep you comfortable while hiking.
Please note: We do not know where the materials are sourced or manufactured. Socks contain more than 50% synthetic fibers.
Price range: $20 to $50.
Available in: Most countries.
What we like: Nisolo is a B Corp-certified company known for its high-quality leather shoes, but they also have a line of cute and comfy socks to go with it. These socks are made in a family-owned factory in North Carolina using upcycled cotton, linen, wool, and recycled polyester. The company tracks its supply chain and seeks to pay a living wage to everyone in the supply chain. The packaging is made from recycled materials.
Please note: socks contain up to 70% synthetic fibers.
Price range: $15-$20 per pair.
Available in: United States, Australia, Canada, and most countries in Europe.
Our favorite: Swedish Stockings makes knee-high and ankle socks in classic, supportive, colorful, and patterned options. Manufactured in Italy using Oeko-Tex certified materials including bamboo viscose, organic cotton, organic wool, recycled polyester, and virgin and recycled elastane.
Please note: Some socks are completely synthetic.
Price range: Ankle sock bundles are $19, single knee-high bundles are $22-45, and knee-high bundles are $50-90.
Available in: Most countries.
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