A Comparative Study of Some Comfort-related Properties of Socks of Different Fiber Types

Socks need to perform better in comfort properties than other garments, as less air circulation occurs in socks in shoes than in garments on other parts of the body. In this paper, we studied the comfort properties of socks made from new fibers, such as modal, micro modal, bamboo, soybean, and chitosan. In order to compare their properties with conventional fibers such as cotton and viscose, these fibers were also included in the study. Water vapor transfer, air permeability, wicking, wetting and heat transfer — properties which are related to comfort — were evaluated. In order to conduct thermal conductivity measurements, a special experimental setup was designed according to the hot plate method (ISO 8302). The results suggested that the fiber type, together with regain and fabric properties such as thickness, appears to affect some comfort-related properties of the fabrics. It is suggested that for certain end uses, various combinations of fiber blends can be used.