My name is Hiroki and I am a new staff member at OLENO.
Today, I would like to summarize what I have researched and heard about the yarn used in socks.
When I joined the company, I had the opportunity to see the production process of OLENO socks, and for the first time I learned that various threads are attached to the machine to make a pair of socks. I heard that the threads are skillfully combined to give them various properties, and that depending on the combination, the possibilities are endless.
The official reason is that I will be able to learn about the characteristics of each thread, as I will be involved in the development of new OLENO products in the future. (The hidden reason is that I feel like I will have to study within this month or else I will be in trouble.)
The "usage" and "best usage scenarios" vary depending on the material, so if you have never paid attention to materials before, we hope you will take a look and learn with us.
wool
Wool is a "breathing fiber" famous for its high performance. It has a temperature regulating function, absorbing and releasing moisture according to the humidity of the outside air to provide comfort . Because wool has high heat retention, it is often thought to be only for winter clothing, but it is actually suitable for summer . Wool is also characterized by its sweat releasing ability and low thermal conductivity, so it is difficult to transmit not only cold but also heat . Although it has many attractive features, it also has disadvantages such as being vulnerable to damage from friction and washing in water and being prone to shrinkage .
I've written a lot about wool, so if you're interested, please take a look. ( Click here for wool fabrics)
| Elasticity | ○ |
| Durability |
× |
| Thermal insulation | ◎ |
| Moisture absorption | ◎ |
Commonly used items: sweaters, suits, coats, scarves, gloves, etc.
Angola
Angora is a type of animal fiber made from the hair of Angora goats. It has a silky luster and a soft feel . It has excellent insulation and sweat absorption properties , and is said to have about three times the heat retention of regular wool . However, because it is a very delicate material , it is often blended with wool and nylon.
| Elasticity | × |
| Durability |
× |
| Thermal insulation | ◎ |
| Moisture absorption | ◎ |
Commonly used items: sweaters, blankets, scarves, etc.
cashmere
Cashmere is an animal fiber obtained from cashmere goats. It has extremely high heat retention and moisture control properties and is said to be the best in the animal fiber world, but it is also one of the most difficult to handle . It often loses its shape and pills , and is prone to stains when wet . To avoid damage, it may be best to use it when you want to splurge, such as when going out or on special occasions, rather than for everyday use.
| Elasticity | ◎ |
| Durability |
× |
| Thermal insulation | ◎ |
| Moisture absorption | ◎ |
Popular items: Winter clothing such as knitted sweaters, coats, and scarves
Cotton
Cotton is a plant fiber that is often used for summer socks. It feels good against the skin , and its hollow structure makes it highly absorbent and breathable . Therefore, it absorbs sweat well and feels cool to wear, making it ideal for clothing that comes into contact with the skin, such as innerwear. However, on the other hand, it does not dry quickly and is difficult to dry . Be careful, as it can become stuffy and damp if worn for a long time. It is also prone to wrinkling and shrinking.
| Elasticity | × |
| Durability |
○ |
| Thermal insulation | ○ |
| Moisture absorption | ○ |
Commonly used items: underwear, towels, sheets, etc.
Silk
Known as the queen of fibers, this plant fiber is made from the cocoons produced by silkworm moth pupas. It is characterized by its glossy texture and smooth feel that glides easily through the hands. It is actually similar to human skin and has a high water retention capacity, so it blends well with the skin and has excellent cosmetic properties. It also has natural bacteriostatic properties, making it an easy material to wear for people with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis . However, it does have some drawbacks, such as being prone to staining and turning yellow when exposed to sunlight (due to its low friction and ability to absorb around 90% of UV rays).
| Elasticity | × |
| Durability |
× |
| Thermal insulation | ○ |
| Moisture absorption | ◎ |
Commonly used items: Underwear, pajamas, pillows, duvet covers, etc.
polyester
Polyester is the most widely used synthetic fiber in Japan. It is a strong fiber that does not shrink or lose its shape easily , and is said to be resistant to impacts. (Nylon is resistant to pulling.) It is not that resistant to heat, so it is best to avoid high-temperature ironing and using a dryer . Also, it dries quickly, so it feels smooth to the touch and does not wrinkle easily, but it is prone to generating static electricity in dry seasons.
| Elasticity | × |
| Durability |
○ |
| Thermal insulation | △ |
| Moisture absorption | × |
Commonly used items: A wide range of clothing, including shirts, pants, dresses, jackets, bedding, curtains, carpets, bags, and tents.
acrylic
A synthetic fiber made from petroleum. It is similar to wool, and is elastic and soft to the touch , so it is often used for winter clothing such as fleece. Unlike wool, which is an animal fiber, it is resistant to insect damage , but it has low water absorption and does not absorb sweat, so wool is more suitable for socks, etc.
| Elasticity | △ |
| Durability |
○ |
| Thermal insulation | ◎ |
| Moisture absorption | × |
Commonly used items: knitwear such as cut and sewn items, underwear, sweaters, blankets, carpets, etc.
nylon
In fact, nylon was first used for women's stockings. It is a very strong fiber and is said to be resistant to repeated deformation such as folding, oil, mold, and external heating. However, like cockroaches, it is very sensitive to heat , so it is best to avoid using a dryer for nylon socks. Needless to say, you should also use a low temperature iron.
| Elasticity | ◎ |
| Durability |
◎ |
| Thermal insulation | × |
| Moisture absorption | × |
Commonly used items: stockings, outerwear, rain gear, sportswear, etc.
linen
Among all natural materials, linen is unmatched in durability . It is said that if you take good care of it, it can last for 100 years, and it is resistant to repeated washing , and the more you use it, the softer it becomes, and the more it feels and feels on your skin . However, it has the disadvantages of wrinkling easily, which is common among plant fibers, and shrinking at temperatures above 30 degrees . However, it also has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties, and because the fibers have cavities, it has excellent heat retention and breathability, so it may be the best of all the materials we have introduced.
| Elasticity | × |
| Durability |
◎ |
| Thermal insulation | ○ |
| Moisture absorption | ◎ |
Commonly used items: Clothes such as blouses and shirts, bedding such as sheets and pillowcases, tablecloths, napkins, etc.
We have looked at various fibers used in socks and clothing (there are probably many more).
I think that even now, textile companies are searching for the perfect combination that makes use of the strengths of each fiber while compensating for their weaknesses.
Each fiber has its advantages and disadvantages, and I felt that it was our industry's responsibility to figure out how to utilize them in the complex human world, which is even more complex than the plant or animal kingdoms.
I don't think that what I've introduced today is necessary knowledge in your daily life, but using the right thing in the right situation may be a factor in increasing your happiness, so I hope you will find it useful!
