Discover the Top Fabrics for Men’s Socks

The fabric of your socks affects comfort, performance and how well they pair with different shoes. At Oswin Hyde, our men’s socks collection uses carefully chosen fibres and blends to suit everyday life, travel and seasonal needs. Here are the best options — and when to wear them.

Cotton — The Everyday Choice

Cotton is soft, breathable and ideal for daily wear. It’s comfortable with chinos, jeans or casual leather shoes, but look for blends with a little elastane or nylon to improve fit and durability.

• Advantages: breathable, soft, widely available

• Best for: office and casual use with casual leather shoes

Merino Wool — Performance & Comfort

Merino is fine, insulating and excellent at wicking moisture. It’s ideal for colder months and travel, offering warmth without bulk and natural odour resistance.

• Advantages: temperature-regulating, odour-resistant, soft

• Best for: winter wear, boots and longer days (pair with Chelsea boots)

Bamboo — Soft and Sustainable

Bamboo fibre feels silky, breathes well and has natural antibacterial properties. It’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone who wants a greener option.

• Advantages: very soft, breathable, eco-friendly

• Best for: summer wear and travel

Technical Blends — Durability & Performance

Blended socks (cotton/elastane, merino/nylon or performance synthetics) combine comfort with reinforced heels and toes, stretch and quick-dry properties for active days.

• Advantages: better fit, reinforced areas, quick-drying

• Best for: commuting, exercise and frequent travellers

Care Tips to Extend Life

Fabric choice matters, but so does care:

• Turn socks inside out and wash on a gentle, cool cycle

• Air dry flat where possible; avoid high heat in tumble dryers

• Rotate your pairs to reduce wear and inspect heels/toes regularly

Final thought: Choose cotton for everyday ease, merino for seasonal performance, bamboo for softness and blends for durability. Browse Oswin Hyde’s men’s socks to find the right fabric mix for your routine — because great footwear starts from the ground up.