At thegreenlist.nl we love good socks. Preferably in a striking colour, because yes, socks really can finish off an outfit. But finding sustainable socks? That turns out to be trickier than you think. Many socks are made of synthetic materials and wear out faster than you would like. Such a shame. Fortunately, there are brands doing things differently. With more sustainable materials and a fairer production process. And no, you certainly won't end up with woolly mammoth socks. These pairs fit right into a stylish, more sustainable wardrobe. That way, you've thought about your outfit down to the very smallest details.
How sustainable are socks?
A dusty question? Hmm yes, perhaps a little. But if you want to make conscious choices in your wardrobe more often, it is useful to know what makes socks more or less sustainable. Because honestly: we often buy them thoughtlessly. Three pairs for a tenner, straight into the basket. Until they lose their shape after a few months or a hole appears near your big toe. Many socks are made from regular cotton or synthetic fibres. That sounds harmless, but cotton is often grown with plenty of pesticides and synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum and release microplastics in the wash.
Fortunately, things can be different. A growing number of brands are choosing organic cotton with a GOTS label. This means the cotton has been grown without harmful pesticides and that standards apply to working conditions and environmental impact throughout the entire production chain. You also see socks made from recycled materials with a GRS certification. That label checks whether the recycled material is genuinely recycled and whether the production process is transparent and responsible. Add fair production to that and suddenly you no longer have a disposable sock, but a pair you put on with a clearer conscience.
Sock list: the best sustainable socks!
Looking for sustainable socks that are not only better for the planet, but also just look great? We get it. Fortunately, there are more and more brands showing that sustainable socks are anything but boring. We’ve put together a list of the nicest sustainable socks for you, so you don't have to search. Choose your favourite!
A-dam
This Amsterdam sock brand, set up by three guys, does things just a little differently. A-dam works with GOTS-certified cotton and recycled materials with GRS certification. Their dyeing process also uses less water and energy, and their sustainability goals are externally audited. Brilliant! In the collection of A-dam you'll find great basics, but also socks with bold prints. Extra fun for the sock enthusiasts: their collaborations with the Rijksmuseum, among others, make for special, often limited-edition designs.
Zokk'n
Zokk'n simply turns the world of socks completely upside down. This Belgian brand sells its unisex socks individually, so you can mix and match endlessly. Brilliant idea! Wearing two different socks? That is precisely the point here. At thegreenlist.nl we love it too. We call wearing two different pairs ‘disco socks’. The socks are made of merino wool, a natural material that is warm, breathable and stays looking good for a long time. And if you do happen to get a hole, Zokk’n will send a piece of yarn on request so you can mend them. How that works, we explain step by step in our article on darning socks. Zokk'n works exclusively with European suppliers and gives each sock its own name, subtly embroidered on the inside of the label. The devil is in the detail!
Qnoop
At Qnoop, they understand one of the greatest sock frustrations all too well: that single sock that always vanishes without a trace. Their solution is as simple as it is clever. Every sock features a small button and loop, so you fasten them together in the wash and they end up together in your drawer afterwards, too. No more rummaging through a tub of loose pairs. The socks are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and are produced in Portugal under fair working conditions. They feel soft, are sturdy enough for everyday wear and simply look good. From quiet basics to subtle stripes. Qnoop is a great tip if you are done with sock mysteries and just want a tidy drawer.
Vodde
The name gives it away, but at Vodde It’s all about rags. This Dutch brand makes socks from 100% recycled yarn, spun from textile scraps and old clothes. Even discarded police uniforms are given a new lease of life here. New fibres are made from this textile waste, which are then spun into sturdy rag yarn. The socks are then knitted in southern Europe. The result is socks in muted shades and fresh colours, without the need for new cotton or new plastic.
Forebel x WWF
With the Forebel x WWF collection, you contribute directly to nature conservation. These socks are made partly from – yes – seaweed, partly from recycled fishing nets and other ocean waste, supplemented with sustainable organic BCI cotton and ECONYL® regenerated nylon. The prints are also nicely eco-friendly and complete your outfit: socks with fun jungle and ocean prints. An extra nice touch is the unique sock by sock concept. Each pack consists of three socks: two that match and one with a different print. This allows you to mix, alternate and still always wear a matching pair. In addition, the entire proceeds of this collection go to WWF. The socks are for sale at the Wereldwinkel and via WWF.
Bamboo Basics
Bamboo Basics cannot be missing from this list, because these socks are, surprisingly enough, made of bamboo. The socks are made of bamboo fibre and carry the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label. Bamboo grows quickly and requires less agricultural land than regular cotton, which makes it an interesting raw material. You understand why we are fans, because oh boy are they soft.
Happy Socks
Good news for sock fans: Happy Socks is proof that sustainability doesn't have to be boring. Bright colours, outspoken prints and socks that spontaneously put you in a good mood. Behind that cheerful chaos, the brand is also taking steps towards more sustainable production. They use cotton with an OCS, RCS or Better Cotton certification and also make socks from TENCEL, a soft fibre based on wood pulp. As far as we're concerned, belongs Happy Socks definitely on the greener list.
ArmedAngels
The German fashion brand ArmedAngels wants to make more sustainable fashion accessible to a large audience, and you can see that in their socks too. Alongside a wide clothing collection for the whole wardrobe, they also make lovely basics for your feet. Think of sturdy sports socks in calm tones and bright colours, made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. What is more, they are PETA-approved vegan and produced transparently. This means you can see exactly which workshop they were made in, often right here in Europe (Portugal). So, fair socks with a smaller footprint, nice wordplay.
Your favourite sustainable sock brand?
Whether you go for quiet basics, cheerful prints or a clever sock concept, this selection makes choosing more sustainable socks a lot easier and more fun. Do you miss a brand in this list that you think really shouldn't be left out? Let us know. We are always looking for new discoveries for our greener list.
Photo credits: the sock brands mentioned. Main image: Happy Socks.
