Who Invented Socks

Socks help keep our feet warm, dry and help to absorb the sweat that our body loses through the feet. Amazingly the body can lose over half a litre of sweat a day through the feet alone and socks help to draw this moisture away from the feet. They protect against dangerous conditions such as frostbite and disease from insect bites. Socks are generally made out of cotton, wool, acrylic, nylon or polyester and come in a variety of styles and colors. But, you might be wondering who invented socks? This article will take a look at the history of socks as well as some interesting facts about these everyday items.

Who invented socks

The actual person who invented socks is unknown because they have been around for such a long time. The earliest socks were created by tying animal skins around the feet and ankles. As far back as the 8th century BC socks made from animal hair were worn by the ancient Greeks .

By the 5th century AD socks were worn by Holy people throughout Europe as a symbol of purity and about 400 years later they became a symbol of wealth among the nobles. Mass production took off with the invention of the knitting machine in 1589. The modern socks we know today became more common after the introduction of the material Nylon in 1938.

Interesting facts about socks

• The name for socks may have come from shoes worn by comic actors in Rome called soccus in Latin.
• The design on the side or ankle of a sock is called a clock.
• The invention of the knitting machine meant that socks could be knitted six times faster than by hand.