13 Random, Fun, and Useless Facts About Socks
Socks can add a fun pop of color and variety to your wardrobe, all while helping to keep your feet protected and dry throughout the day. Yet, how much do you really know about this fun and functional article of clothing? If you are like most people, you have probably not given much thought to where your socks come from or their fascinating history. To help catch you up, here are thirteen fun, random, and useless things you likely never knew about socks.
The first socks were made in Egypt, over 5,000 years ago. They were made from woven materials, such as wool and linen, and were used to protect the feet from sand and rocks.
In ancient Greece, athletes used to wear socks called "petasis" to help protect their feet during competitions.
During World War II, American soldiers were given "saddle socks" to help prevent blisters and other foot injuries. These socks were made from heavy-duty wool and were designed to be worn inside their boots.
Socks can be used as a DIY cleaning tool. Wetting a sock and tying it around the end of a broom can help you clean hard-to-reach places, such as high corners or baseboards.
There are many different variations of socks, including ankle socks, knee-high socks, crew socks, and thigh-high socks. Some socks even have special features, such as compression to help improve circulation or extra padding to protect the feet.
To keep socks from slipping down, you can use a simple DIY trick: tie a knot in the top of each sock before putting them on.
Socks were once used as currency in some parts of the world. In medieval Europe, socks were traded for goods and services, and in some African cultures, socks were used as a form of payment for bride-prices.
To prevent socks from getting lost in the wash, you can sew a button on one sock and a corresponding buttonhole on the other. When you put your socks in the laundry, simply button them together, and you'll never have to worry about mismatched socks again!
In some cultures, socks are seen as lucky. For example, in Japan, it's considered lucky to wear mismatched socks on New Year's Day, and in Italy, it's believed that if you wear red socks on your wedding day, you'll have a long and happy marriage.
Socks are used for more than just keeping your feet warm. Some people use socks as dust cloths, to help protect delicate items during storage, and even as makeshift oven mitts!
Knee-high socks became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the mod fashion trend.
Toeless socks, also known as "footies," were invented for those who wear flip-flops or sandals.
Socks are also used for medical purposes, such as compression socks for circulation and anti-fatigue socks for people who stand for long periods of time.