Do you know how socks are made? While socks are a relatively simple garment, it takes a combination of design, skill, and good quality yarn to make a long-lasting pair. I went along to Peper Harow’s factory to go behind the scenes and find out just how they make their socks, and all under one roof here in the UK.
Behind The Scenes at Peper Harow
Peper Harow is a UK-based luxury sock brand, who makes all of their socks here in the UK, in their one factory in West Sussex. I was so excited to discover them last year, and have gone on to not only model their bed socks, but also become one of their Brand Ambassadors. They embody everything I want to see in fashion: local production, sustainable materials, and designs that last.
I touched base with the team this month to see if I could show how their socks were made, and also hear from the people making their socks. Here are a few quotes from their staff:
“Our team at Peper Harow is great. It’s super casual, we all work very closely together, and we all have a good laugh.”
– Kiana
“Peper Harow is a fantastic place to work! Working within such a fun and enthusiastic team is really motivating. Learning about all the different cotton types and seeing how all the socks are made is fascinating.”
– Kyle
“Peper Harow is a great place to work, the team is lovely and it’s nice working as part of a small group where everyone supports each other.”
– Harry
“Peper Harow is an amazing company to work in. The team is very supportive; we all are creative enthusiastic specialists doing our best and having a great laugh.”
– Katya
“I’m incredibly proud to work alongside such talented people in a company that is not only dedicated to achieving success but is also proactive in its efforts toward sustainability. It’s inspiring to see our team come together to lower our impact on the environment while creating some of the most amazing socks I’ve seen.”
– Matthew
I also learned this month that Peper Harow is making a considerable effort to continue improving their sustainability. They are currently investing in calculating and reducing their CO2 emissions to ensure they reach net zero by 2030. It’s another string in their bow, and considering their small geographical footprint and efficient production line, I can imagine this will be easily achievable.
How Are Socks Made: 8 Steps
1. Design
Peper Harow’s socks all start with a design. The team employs a sock designer to develop a combination of classic and contemporary designs for them, in a range of colours, weights, and styles. Peper Harow offers both men’s and women’s socks, as well as bed socks and gifts.
2. Knit
Once the designs have been developed, they are uploaded onto electronic knitting machines (pictured above). On these clever machines, they are able to run small batches of socks, primarily using organic cotton and recycled cotton yarn. The machines can knit socks in just a matter of minutes, and deposit these into crates to be taken to the next stage of production.
3. Wash
From here, the socks are washed. This is done without any detergent, as the wash is to stabilise the garment, rather than clean it. Socks go in a little too big and baggy, and come out in a neat, uniform shape. This also helps to reduce the chance of shrinkage when you wash your socks at home.
4. Board
The next step is to have the socks boarded. Boarding is a process where the socks are pulled over metal foot-shaped templates and steam pressed to achieve their final form. In the video below, you can see a batch of their Men’s Dash Socks being boarded and steamed.
5. Pair
The socks then roll down a conveyor belt, and paired by hand. This process also includes a careful quality check, to ensure the socks match, and do not have any other faults. Due to the efficient technology that Peper Harow uses, they do not experience many faults, which also helps them to reduce on waste.
6. Stamp
Finally, the socks are folded together, and hand stamped with the Peper Harow logo using a pneumatic heat press machine. As Peper Harow produces their socks in small batches, they have just one machine, which is operated by hand.
7. Label
Now, the socks are labelled, using one cotton stitch and a cardboard tag. This keeps them presentable when being sent to customers, as well as stocked at their local stockists.
8. Sort
Finally, the socks are assorted into crates, ready to be sold and worn. However, I got to take my pair of socks home with me!
Watch: How Are Socks Made at Peper Harow
Get 20% Off At Peper Harow
Thank you to Peper Harow for the tour – it was magical seeing how their socks are made, all under one roof!
If you’d like to purchase a pair of Peper Harow socks, made in the same way as shown above,
you can receive 20% off using my code: BESMA
