A quick spot of research into the basic history and variety of socks available in terms of style, colour, materials, and so on- just to get the concept development building and consideration for the styles of sock which I hope to visually represent in my final design outcome- information sourced from the specific 'sock' wikipedia page- sourced link written below.
A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is
among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, as it is able to
produce over 1 US pint (0.47 l) of perspiration per day.
Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can
evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease the
risk of frostbite. Its name is derived from the loose-fitting slipper, called a soccus in Latin, worn by Roman comic actors.
History
Socks have evolved over the centuries from the earliest models which
were made from animal skins gathered up and tied around the ankles. In
the 8th century BC, the Ancient Greeks wore socks from matted animal hair for warmth. The Romans
also wrapped their feet with leather or woven fabrics. By the 5th
century AD, socks called "puttees" were worn by holy people in Europe
to symbolise purity. By 1000 AD, socks became a symbol of wealth among
the nobility. From the 16th century onwards, an ornamental design on the
ankle or side of a sock has been called a clock.
The invention of a knitting machine
in 1589 meant that socks could be knitted six times faster than by
hand. Nonetheless, knitting machines and hand knitters worked side by
side until 1800.
The next revolution in sock production was the introduction of nylon in 1938. Until then socks were commonly made from silk, cotton and wool. Nylon was the start of blending two or more yarns in the production of socks, a process that still continues.
Fabrication
Socks can be created from a wide variety of materials. Some of these materials are cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins, (such as polypropylene), or spandex. To get an increased level of softness other materials that might be used during the process can be silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, or mohair.
The color variety of sock choices can be any color that the designers
intend to make the sock upon its creation. Sock 'coloring' can come in a
wide range of colors. Sometimes art is also put onto socks to increase
their appearance. Colored socks may be a key part of the uniforms for
sports, allowing players teams to be distinguished when only their legs
are clearly visible.
Styles
Socks are manufactured in a variety of lengths. Bare or ankle socks
extend to the ankle or lower and are often worn casually or for athletic
use. Bare socks are designed to create the look of "bare feet" when
worn with shoes. Knee-high socks
are sometimes associated with formal dress or as being part of a
uniform, such as in sports (like football and baseball) or as part of a
school's dress code
or youth group uniform. Over-the-knee socks or socks that extend higher
(thigh-high socks) are today considered female garments. They were
widely worn by children, both boys and girls, during the late-19th and
early-20th centuries., although the popularity varied widely from
country to country.
A toe sock encases each toe individually the same way a finger is encased in a glove, while other socks have one compartment for the big toe and one for the rest, like a mitten; most notably Japanese tabi. Both of these allow one to wear flip-flops with the socks. Leg warmers, which are not typically socks, may be replaced with socks in cold climate.
Sizes
In the United Kingdom,
a sock's size is similar to the person's shoe size; for example, a foot
that has a shoe size of 9 would require a sock sized 8-10.
In some other parts of the world socks are sized differently than
shoes. In the U.S. numerical sock size is the length of the foot in
inches, whereas shoe size is not.
Sock lengths vary, from ankle-high to thigh level.
Sports
Most sports will require some sort of sock, usually a tube sock to
protect one's legs from being scraped while participating in sport
activities. In basketball, tube socks are worn, and in lacrosse,
mid-calf socks are required. In football, knee socks are used. They are mostly to stop grass burns.
Other uses
The layer of leather or other material covering the insole of a shoe
is also referred to as a sock. When only part of the insole is covered,
leaving the forepart visible, this is known as a half-sock.
Footwraps
Footwraps, pieces of cloth that are worn wrapped around the feet, were worn with boots
before socks became widely available. They remained in use by armies in
Eastern Europe up until the beginning of the 21st century.
Holiday items
A sock is also used as a holiday item for the seasonal event Christmas, a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. The sock, or Christmas stocking, is usually hung by a nail and filled with small presents that Santa brings while the recipients are asleep.
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