Bamboo socks are the footwear staple you didn’t know you needed. They’re breathable, moisture-wicking and naturally anti-fungal/anti-bacterial. They keep your feet comfortable and help to reduce foot odor, and they’re also thermo-regulating, meaning they’re good for all seasons. But what really makes them stand out is their silky-soft texture that feels amazing against your skin.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable fiber that comes from a natural plant that grows quickly without the need for pesticides. Unlike cotton, it requires less water and is easier to maintain. Viscose made from bamboo consumes nitrogen rather than releasing it, which helps alleviate soil and water pollution. And while the process of creating viscose from bamboo does involve some chemicals, those chemicals are non-toxic and eventually become inert.
As an added bonus, bamboo is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial because of a natural chemical called bamboo kun that protects it from bacteria. Although this ability is diminished when the plant is turned into textiles like bamboo viscose, it still inhibits bacterial growth more effectively than cotton or other synthetic fabrics. These anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties make bamboo socks a great choice for people who have diabetes, as it can help to reduce foot infections, which can be especially painful and serious for those with diabetes.
Several companies use bamboo to make next-to-skin clothing, including Cariloha, who offers a variety of men’s and women’s bamboo viscose socks. Their collection includes a wide range of styles, from everyday crew socks to athletic and trouser socks. Their socks are available in a variety of colors to match your style, and the company’s website features a handy sizing guide for each product that can help you find the right fit.
Movesgood is another company that specializes in bamboo socks and other clothing items, offering a full selection of ankle and slip-in no-show socks for women and men. The company uses environmentally friendly materials and partners with factories that offer fair working conditions. They also donate any unsold or returned garments to charity, recognizing that sustainability isn’t just a fashion trend but an important way of life.
Thought uses bamboo viscose and a bit of absorbent organic cotton and recycled nylon to create their stylish and cozy socks, which are certified to the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). Their Chinese manufacturing partner adheres to Thought’s environmental policy, which sets high standards for chemicals used in processing, factory discharges and energy conservation practices. They’re also members of Common Objective and Ethical Trading Initiative, so you can be sure workers are treated well.
The company Cozy Earth also uses bamboo viscose to make their socks, but they’re not 100% bamboo — their products are made in India, using OEKO-TEX and ECOCERT-certified bamboo yarn from Rajasthan, then shipped to Perundhurai, a rural district in Tamil Nadu, where they’re sewn into various sizes and styles, including knee-high and no-show options. All their workers are paid 48% above the national minimum wage, and they follow strict ethical production policies to ensure a safe work environment.