SIMCAN | Diabetic Socks | Sock Terminology

Sock Terminology

As in any specialized field, a lexicon of terms and phrases develops that is specific to the endeavor. The following definitions are offered to help make sense of some of the dialogue used to describe our products, their features and benefits.

Antimicrobial Agent

Any post-production agent added, generally during the scouring or wash process, that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus is an antimicrobial agent.

Breathability

This term is used to describe a sock’s ability to allow air to transfer through the fabric and maintain contact with the skin. Breathability helps dissipate moisture and enhance foot comfort.

Compression hosiery

This is a specialized hosiery that provides a greater degree of compression, on a graduated basis, throughout the leg. Compression hosiery is generally prescribed by a medical specialist to treat vascular disorders of the leg and should be fitted by an accredited fitter.

Crew length

Socks that extend beyond the ankle, but not beyond the largest part of the calf, are crew length. Crew length socks may also be known as ankle socks.

Liner Sock

This is a thin sock, with wicking properties, generally worn under another sock. A liner sock can absorb or transfer moisture away from the foot. Liner socks are useful during extreme activities that generate excessive perspiration.

Lo Rise

Lo Rise socks extend just above the ankle bone. They are also known as a footy or no-show sock.

Memory fibre

Certain fibres contain an inherent ability to revert back to their original shape and form, when not under tension. One of the most renowned fibres in this category is Lycra® by Invista.

Non-constricting

This is method of knitting a sock that permits it to be worn without binding and restricting the wearer’s vascular circulation.

O.T.C. (Over The Calf)

They are also known as knee highs. They extend beyond the wearer’s calf, but not over the knee.

Ribbing

The vertical profile of the weave is known as the rib. Socks may be knit in a variety of rib patterns for either function or styling purposes.

Terry Pile

Terry pile is the looping of the weave, generally in the sole of the sock, to produce a terry pile cushioning that helps to reduce foot fatigue.

Welt

The welt is the uppermost course of the sock leg. It may be rolled over once and sewn or simply have several strands of nylon running through the welt for additional support.

Note: The majority of Simcan® socks have eliminated this restrictive band of nylon from the welt to provide greater stretch and less restriction at this portion of the sock.

Wicking fibre

This is a fibre that promotes the migration of moisture from areas of high concentration (the skin) to areas of low concentration (the outer surface of the fabric), thus allowing it to evaporate and, in so doing, help keep the skin dry.

Yarn Descriptions

Acrylic

Acrylic is probably one of the most misunderstood fibres in use. This man-made fibre was first produced in 1950 by Du Pont and outperforms most other fibres in many categories. Among its many attributes are its ability to maintain its shape, softness, low shrinkage and rich colouration. Its major performance feature is its ability to wick moisture away from the skin to its outer surface where it can evaporate.

Bamboo

One of a new generation of natural and organic fibres, Bamboo is known for high strength and durability while providing exceptional softness and breathability. This eco-friendly and sustainable fibre is a derivative of the Bamboo pulp, which is processed into a natural fibre without petrochemical additives.

Combed cotton

This is the highest grade of cotton, having undergone a process which removes the shorter fibres from the cotton. Combing produces a yarn of superior quality and softness.

CoolMax®

CoolMax® made by Invista is a tetra-channel polyester which pulls or wicks moisture away from the skin to the outer layer of the fabric. Because of the larger surface area of the tetra-channel fibre, moisture evaporates quickly and, in so doing, helps the skin stay dry and comfortable.

Cotton

One of the oldest fibres known to man, it is believed that cotton has been in existence since 3000 BC. Its all-natural fibres are derived from the pod of the cotton plant and can be processed in a multitude of ways to form many unique varieties. These include Combed Cotton, Pima and Egyptian. Cotton can both absorb and retain moisture while providing a highly breathable environment. It is nature’s most used and most trusted fibre.

Lycra®

Lycra® is Invista’s registered trademark for its spandex fibre. It is lightweight and soft, but stronger and more durable than rubber. Lycra® is widely used for its stretch and recovery properties and results in enhanced fit and shape retention.

Merino wool

Merino wool is a special fine grade of wool that originated from the Merino sheep of Spain. It has all the same characteristics as wool, such as insulation from warmth or cold, as well as the ability to quickly absorb moisture. But what makes it unique is its exceptionally soft hand. And, best of all, it does not itch.

Micro filament acrylic

This is acrylic yarn that is produced with very fine staple fibres to enhance its ability to wick moisture.

Nylon

Nylon is a man-made fibre derived from coal, water and air. Nylon has exceptional strength and abrasion resistance. First developed in 1938, nylon is used in many areas from the military and medicine to fashion. In clothing, as well as socks, it is generally used in conjunction with other fibres to add strength and resilience.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is a sustainable grade of cotton grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Beyond its obvious benefit to the environment, organic cotton is allergy free and sympathetic to individuals with sensitive skin.

Polyester

Polyester is a fast-drying, man-made fibre that possesses good resistance to abrasion and excellent washability. Its strength and fast-drying nature have made it one of the most frequently used fibres in existence.

Rayon

A man-made fibre usually derived from regenerated cellulose, Rayon has a soft hand, high moisture absorbency and retention, good dye-ability, and washability.

Spandex

Spandex is a man-made fibre developed by Du Pont in 1959. It can be stretched over 500% without breaking yet recover its original shape. It is used where superior stretch and recovery are required.

Wool

Wool is one of nature’s oldest natural fibres. Its use in clothing dates back approximately 4000 years. Its unique composition, much like human hair, gives it amazing properties of resilience, durability, and moisture absorbency. In fact, wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight without feeling damp. Wool allows skin to breathe in a natural environment and helps keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

X-Static®

This fibre has a layer of pure silver permanently bonded to its surface through a process that allows the fibre to maintain its original tactile characteristics. The silver coating acts as an antimicrobial agent and discourages the growth of bacteria while guarding against
infection.

Sock Construction

Toe seaming methods

All socks are knit with an opening in both ends of the sock. One opening is necessary if the sock is to be worn and the other needs to be sewn or the sock becomes a leg warmer. There are many ways a sock can be seamed, all of which produce slightly different results.

Conventional

The standard in toe seaming until recently was a double-needle surger sewing machine. These machines, while fine for their time, produced a seam with a noticeable ridge at the toe of about ⅛” in diameter.

Low Profile

With advancements in toe seaming technology, newer semi-automated sewing machines can produce a micro-seam that has all the durability and strength of a conventional seam, but with a fraction of the diameter. Such seams are generally unnoticed by the average consumer.

Lin Toe®

This is a proprietary method of toe closure that produces an almost invisible micro toe seam that is located on the outside of the sock. It is all but imperceptible to the average individual.

Seamless

The ultimate in toe closure is usually referred to as hand-looped. This method produces a totally ridge-free seam that cannot be felt, even in tight fitting shoes. This type of toe closure is generally recommended for individuals that experience extreme sensitivity in their feet or those most at risk of developing ulcerations, due to lack of sensation in their feet.