You’ll find a lot of different socks out there on the market. It can be difficult to know which ones are environmentally friendly and which ones aren’t, but it doesn’t have to be! In this guide, we will explore what sustainable means for your clothing choices, as well as the top brands that make eco-friendly socks.
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What are sustainable socks made of?
Sustainable socks are made of a variety of materials. These include organic cotton, bamboo, wool, or recycled plastics (otherwise known as polyester). Alternative to using animals in the production process is vegan sock options. Some sustainable companies use natural rubber harvested from trees for their socks instead of plastic-based synthetics that can impact the environment by polluting water systems and contributing to greenhouse gases. Recycled sustainable materials also help reduce waste in landfills which harm the planet’s ecosystems. Socks should be purchased according to purpose, with some being more durable than others depending on what you need them for, whether it’s walking around town during your daily errands or hiking through mud while camping all night long.
The best brands of sustainable socks
In addition to the environmental impact of producing a pair of socks, you also need to consider where that sock is going. Are they being donated? Then it’s good for your soul and the world! Are they getting thrown away? It’s still better than buying cheap disposable ones from a fast-fashion brand, but if we can find sustainable alternatives, why wouldn’t we want those instead?! We’ve compiled our favorite options in this list below:
Harvest & Mill
Harvest & Mill is a sustainable basics brand that uses organic heirloom cotton for comfy essentials, like crew-length and ankle-length socks. While these seemingly dyed with earthy colors, in reality, come completely dye-free thanks to all the natural dyeing abilities of this versatile fiber! Their domestically grown fabric can also be found in other hues besides white – it’s pretty amazing, right?! Organic fibers such as those used by Harvest&Mill are grown using environmentally friendly practices which ensures quality ingredients at every stage: from planting seeds to harvesting them onto processing your final product into something you’ll love wearing every day (or maybe just on special occasions!).
Women’s and men’s sizes of Harvest & Mill Socks are available here.
MenoMieux
MenoMieux is the go-to store for eco-friendly, sustainable clothing. With their affordable and stylish selection of socks made from recycled or Oeko Tex Certified material, you can be sure to find something perfect! Not only that customer satisfaction is guaranteed with Menomieu’s take-back recycling program, which gives people more flexibility in terms of what they want from their old clothes when buying new ones; it also helps reduce waste by providing an alternative use rather than sending them through landfill sites where these materials would eventually end up anyway – who knows maybe one day even at home?
MenoMieux’s eco-friendly socks are available:
Teddy Locks
Teddy Locks is an eco-minded sock brand that uses Unifi Repreve, a fiber produced from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. This sustainable material goes through all of its production steps in North Carolina and doesn’t travel more than 250 miles throughout the entire supply chain! TeddyLocks also recycles their shipping materials for use on clothes — so not only do you get your favorite socks with less environmental impact, but they come wrapped up nice too.
Girlfriend
Girlfriend’s socks are designed with circularity in mind! The company is committed to making the world a better place by providing fashionable, high-quality recycled items. With their Girlfriend program, you can send back your old Girlfriend’s Crew or Quarter Crew 95% Recycled Plastic Water Bottle Socks (or any other style) for recycling at no cost when sending new ones out too – all while continuing support towards important environmental initiatives such as water bottle pollution prevention and gender equality advocacy.
Conscious Step
Conscious Step has created the perfect socks for those who care about making a positive difference in our world. Conscious crafted sustainable, fair trade, and organic cotton from ethical factories to make these high-quality pieces of footwear that will have you feeling great while doing well! Every purchase also helps support one cause per design which is so sweet–and with each pair costing just $1 as well? It’s no wonder why I’m hooked on Conscious Step socks 🙂
Pact
PACT is a sustainable fashion brand that does its best to use organic cotton and fair trade-certified materials for all of the socks it sells. The company has several different styles, including crew sock options and knee-high or ankle-length ones in various colors/prints with no-show versions available too! With these great deals, you can try out some new designs while getting your Kentucky 🙂
Allbirds
Have you ever heard of Allbirds? They’re a sneaker company that makes socks! Their styles range from no-show to crew and include wool, Tencel (a sustainable, eco-friendly fabric), recycled nylon, or polyester mixed with some virgin synthetics.
The best part is how they donate 1% profits from every pair sold in addition to their current production volume towards supporting organizations dedicated to helping preserve the environment through recycling initiatives like ending single-use plastic bags at checkout counters across America because we all know how bad these hurt our oceans planet Earth right?!
Traverse Allbirds’ Socks:
Organic Basics
Organic Basics has all the essentials to complete your casual outfit. Their organic cotton leggings are perfect for wearing around the house or on days when you’re feeling more laid-back, while their eco-friendly shoes will be a great addition to any wardrobe at work! For active lifestyles, there are also sustainable athletic socks made with SilverTech™ yarn that not only prevents odors but provides increased breathability thanks in part from its silver ion technology, which helps keep feet cool during warmer weather without compromising comfort levels.”
Men’s and women’s sizes of Organic Basics socks are available:
Nisolo
Nisolo has naturally expanded into socks! Nisols’ crew socks are made from 50% recycled materials like upcycled wool, cotton, and RPET (fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles). The brand’s men’s shoe sizes provide a range of options for fans who want to wear their favorite shoes all day long or need some extra cushioning around the house. Ladies can also find mid-length styles as well as lusciously soft silk options perfect if you’re looking to treat yourself before hitting Central Park this summer.”
Patagonia
Patagonia is a company that specializes in outdoorsy gear and clothing. They have socks for all occasions – from hiking the mountains to running around town, Pato-socks are perfect! All their materials are sourced locally or produced overseas with American labor, so you know your dollars go towards something good too; not just some cheap product made by slave wages abroad who don’t give half as much care because they need it less than us here at home do our customers deserve better quality products like this one right?
Most of these items come sewn together by hand (even through automated processes) before being shipped off into production lines elsewhere, where workers sew them up again using sheep’s wool blendings construction methods developed during World War II.
People Tree (UK)
It’s not easy to find eco-friendly socks, but People Tree has you covered! Their 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane are perfect for those seeking the highest percentage of natural fibers. I can’t speak about how they feel when on your feet; however, if 100% biodegradable clothing is within your priorities, then this might be a brand worth checking into first because all their products recycle or use sustainable materials as much as possible — including these great looking pairs from up top.
Thought (UK)
Thought is an eco-fashion brand based in the UK that has hemp socks (made with a partnership between green and organic cotton) and ones made from bamboo. Some people might enjoy these types, but I suggest staying away – not only because they’re chemical-intensive to produce; also, think about where your clothing ends after you wear them.
Pansy
Pansy’s tube socks come in colors that match the bras and underwear they’re paired with. This makes for a cute presentation of fashion accessories, making it easier to find your matching outfit! The 85% organic cotton 15% polyester blend also allows them more comfort while wearing through all seasons–a win-win.
Kind Socks
Do you have a favorite pair of socks? If so, we want to hear about it! KIND Socks is collaborating with us on our latest post, and they’re a perfect choice. They are a Black-owned sustainable brand that uses GOTS-certified organic cotton in their vibrant collection for prints like monster leaves or watermelons – which will give any outfit some whimsy (not too much, though!)
Maggie’s Organics
Maggie’s Organics is a sock company that knits their socks in the United States from GOTS Certified organic cotton. The brand joined Fair Trade Federation, Domestic Fair Trade Association, and Free2Work to support workers worldwide through equitable trade practices and sustainable fashion options while also being eco-friendly.
Boody
Boody is a brand that takes care in creating socks that are perfect for all occasions. Boody understands the true meaning of comfort and luxury in a sock, from cool moisture-wicking socks to warm winter comforts. Find your neutral favorite in this carefully curated collection of men’s, women’s, and baby socks with an elasticized cuff or seam finish at the ankle height of your liking. Choose between low cut (No show) designs with ultra-sheer material for no visible lines beneath shoes; classic styles like basic crew cut; taller ankle height; or sport height – up to you! The material variety ranges from cotton-rich to bamboo finished products with eco highlights like FSC certified timber sourced materials, WRA EcoP Rating System, and organic cotton.
Qnoop
Qnoops are the answer to your missing sock blues. No more finding socks stuck between furniture months after they’ve been worn- Qnoops button each pair together for easy pulling out of the wash! See all the virtues that make a perfect, little gift for mom or yourself: GOTS certified organic cotton yarns to prevent allergies and asthma, charming buttons that keep socks from slipping into the abyss of clothes hamper with ease. You can even feel good about buying these due to their eco-consciousness- Qnoop is based in Amsterdam and ships internationally. So whether you find the weakness in your resistance against bright colors or need them for nursing wear at work where nylons aren’t permitted, please don’t give up hope to it, and order you’re Qnoops.
Ably
Built to keep your feet dry and comfortable in any environment, Ably activewear socks are made of performance cotton/nylon. Made for the all-day athlete, these socks will quickly absorb sweat and dry faster than other brands. This is the sock to purchase for those trying to pack light or want an extra pair of shoes on hand as a backup at the gym!
Conclusion
When you’re looking for the best sustainable socks, you want to make sure that they are made of a material that is not harmful or toxic. You also need them to be durable and comfortable. That’s why we give you our top list of brands and styles which meet these criteria! Please do your research before shopping so that when it comes time to buy, all you have to do is choose from one of the five recommended brands with our help.
