Last updated: August 2024
It’s time for another sustainable fashion guide! This time, I’m showcasing the best sustainable socks in my sock drawer, as well as the best socks brands operating in a fair and eco-friendly way here in the UK.
I love a good pair of comfy socks that last and last, and even more so when they come from brands who ensure their workers are treated and paid fairly. The cherry on top is when they use eco-friendly materials, while still making them as comfy as can be.
Unlike shoes, socks are a relatively easy item of clothing to make. It’s why there’s so many brands out there making ethical socks – but this list will showcase my favourites, both in terms of design, materials, and ethics.
What To Look For In Ethical Socks
When it comes to finding socks that have positive credentials, I recommend looking for the following:
- Transparent supply chains. It’s good to know who is making your socks, and that they are being treated well and paid a living wage. After all, people make up one third of the ‘people, planet, profit’ mantra!
- Sustainable materials. In my guide to sustainable fabrics, I shared 15 different textiles I consider better for the planet (and much, much better than polyester, which is the fashion industry’s #1 textile). For socks, I recommend organic cotton, recycled cotton, and low-impact cashmere in particular. You may also find these materials are mixed with polyester – this actually helps to reinforce the sock, and increase its longevity. However, it is possible to find socks made from wholly natural materials.
- Slow production. Nobody needs a new pair of socks every week, which is why I recommend buying your socks from small brands that work against the fast fashion business model.
- Circular design. Socks are a fantastic example of a garment that can be made from just one material, so I recommend choosing socks made from a mono-material. This means that they have a much higher chance of being recycled at the end of their life, rather than sent to landfill.
What’s In My Sock Drawer…
I have a whole range of different socks and tights in my sock drawer. They’re items I wear over and over again, and their longevity means that even though I only shop at ethical brands, there are some not-so-ethical hanger-oners still in there!
Socks-wise, I am most loyal to Peper Harow, a socks brand local to Brighton making all of their socks in their one factory here. I discovered their super sumptuous bed socks back in 2022 and since then have only bought from them. I’ve been lucky enough to tour their factory, and work with them on a special curation of my favourite styles* from their range!
Next, I have to give a special mention to Kind Socks, a brand created by a friend of mine and her partner. I helped to fund their Kickstarter years and years ago, and have been the proud owner of the blue, white and red striped socks, and a sexy pair of red and black leopard print socks ever since. They’re basically Happy Socks, but made with genuine happiness across their supply chain.
And finally, while I’ve written about my favourite tights from Swedish Stockings before, I haven’t yet shared about their socks! The ones pictured above are like glitzy pop-socks, and I love wearing both these and my pair of fishnet socks* with heels. They’re both high quality, high style, and made from recycled materials too.
13 Of The Best Ethical Socks Brands In The UK
Alongside these three, there are lots of other great ethical brands making socks out there. Here are my favourites:
Critically Endangered Socks: Range of socks that protect endangered species around the world.
Denim Star: The perfect accompaniment to jeans, these denim-blue socks are made with organic cotton.
Kind Socks: Sustainable GOTS-certified organic cotton unisex socks made in bright, happy colours.
Le Bon Shoppe: L.A.-based brand creating retro socks in pops of colour, manufactured in Korea.
Leiho*: Smiley-face socks that support homeless charities.
MAiK London*: Ethically and sustainably made socks in a range of quiet and loud designs.
Organic Basics*: Organic cotton socks made in ethical factories in Turkey and Portugal.
Peper Harow*: Luxury socks made under one roof in West Sussex, England. Get 20% off with code: BESMA
PerTin Textiles*: Independent organic cotton socks handmade in the UK.
Stand4: Donating one pair of socks to homeless shelters for every pair bought.
Swedish Stockings*: Socks and pop socks all made from sustainable and recycled materials.
Thought Clothing*: Consciously made socks made in a range of sustainable fabrics and designs.
Thunders Love*: Textile waste hand-spun into charming socks in a small family workshop in Spain.
What do you look for in your socks? Let me know below!
