Socko (recycled yarn socks from Leicestershire)

There are two brands offering 100% natural cotton socks (but only in a few styles). If you choose other brands, nearly all will contain a little elastane, so launder in a microfibre filter, to stop microplastics releasing from washing machines and going out to sea). 

Babies should not wear socks in warmer temperatures (including in cars), to help reduce risk of SIDS (same with hats). Read more at The Lullaby Trust.

Socko is a Leicestershire brand that blends recycled cotton with a few synthetics (including recycled fishing waste). But at least these are made from end-of-line yarns.

Keep socks away from pets. They smell lovely to animal friends, but could cause constipation, choking or intestinal blockage.  Signs of sock ingestion are lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, a tender abdomen and difficulty pooping.

Each pair includes instructions (with colour-matched yarn) on how to darn socks in 10 minutes, to help stop the thousands of pairs of socks thrown away.

Sold in grey, pink or blue, you can buy separate or mixed sets (in cardboard packaging). These socks feature reinforced heels and toes, and are hand-finished and inspected for quality.

How to Make Your Socks Last Longer

• Keep your toenails trimmed!
• Store socks flat (don’t ‘cuff into one another’).
• Launder with gentle unscented detergent. Never use fabric conditioner or bleach, nor tumble-dry. Unless higher temperatures needed for immunity (babies, medical issues), wash in cold or lukewarm water.
• Wear with well-fitted quality vegan shoes or sneakers. Visit a shoe shop before buying, to get your feet measured, as too-tight shoes will end up destroying your socks!

You can recycle natural fibre socks at textile banks. For others containing elastane, collectively (community, school, office) invest in a TerraCycle Fabric & Clothing Box. Fill with socks, fabrics, textiles and hosiery, then send off using the prepaid label, to be made into other things.