Socks – An Interesting and Vital Part of Your Outfit

 People always try to protect their feet from all injuries or hard weather, as these are the parts which bear the total burden of their bodies. From ancient time, humans started the practice of tying some animal hides or strong barks of the tree around their ankles, so that their feet remained covered and protected while walking the jungles and mountains. Thus, started the custom of wearing socks on the feet, which is now too much popular among the people of all societies and of all ages.

 

Origin and reformation of socks down the history: The word “socks” is derived from the Latin word ‘Soccus’, which means loose-fitting slipper. The use of socks date long back to ancient man, as far as the 8^th century B.C., when mainly Greeks and Romans were known to put on socks, made from thick animal fur. Later socks became a status symbol among the richer class of the society or worn by the religious people in some European countries. Socks were generally knitted by hand till 1589, until knitting machine was invented by William Lee for making loads of socks in much shorter time. But this dress code became more popular among all common people when nylon socks were introduced in 1938, until when only wool or cotton were used in making socks.

 

Different uses of socks: Though initially socks were mainly worn to protect the feet from the heat of summer by absorbing the sweat and keep them cooler; or to prevent the pain caused by frostbites during winter. The socks also make the wearer look smarter and more confident, whether worn with formal or informal dress. Different types of stylish socks add to the accessories of fashionable people, both men and women who want to make them appear different from others. Even the old and apparently useless socks are put into various other uses, other than their usual job of covering the feet of people. Clever masters are seen to use them as covers of mobiles or other possessions, or to pack things for keeping them secure. Sometimes torn socks are used to wipe the dirt off the cars, or other important household tools; even the mosaic floors can be cleaned with rejected nylon socks. The stockings or socks are used by the children for collecting Christmas gifts from Santa Claus during Christmas, which are usually kept secret by the parents.

 

Various kinds of socks: In modern days, socks are found in numerous colors and designs in the market. The school uniforms of the kids usually comprise of white cotton or linen socks, except for very cold countries where children need to wear wool socks or stockings during winter. Official dresses of men and women complete only by wearing dark colored socks, which is preferably a shade lighter than their shoes. But informal socks can be different bright colors, containing funny designs or words on them, usually matching or contrasting the color of the outfit worn by that person. Sports people wear different types of socks, made of thicker material which can provide strength to their feet while playing.

 

“One can never have enough socks – Albus Dumbledore” is a quotation from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, written by renowned writer J.K. Rowling; it is correctly said as truly a person never gets over-stocked with socks. Socks are considered to be a very important part of one’s dress; thus they are mentioned in many English story books, where the characters are found to mention their socks in various types of situations, which show the interest of every person in this specific item of their attire.