8 November 2024
The ultimate guide for more sustainable wintercoats
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Lifestyle
As the festive season approaches and our surroundings light up with festive spirit, the gift hunt begins! In this season of giving, it’s the little things that truly express how much our loved ones mean to us. Socks, though simple, not only make a stylish statement but also offer warmth and comfort. They’re a thoughtful gesture, a cosy embrace for the feet.
Are you searching for a thoughtful, affordable Christmas gift? Or would you like to surprise someone with a small present? Then a pair of good socks is the perfect gift! Or maybe you’re just in need of a warm pair for yourself! Because let’s face it, we can always use an extra pair of socks, right? At COSH! we collected the best sock brands that keep both small and big feet nice and warm! All responsibly made with organic materials!
What exactly is a responsibly made sock?
A responsibly made sock is synonymous with quality. Those bargain socks from fast fashion trends might lose their charm and fit after just a few washes – that’s hardly what we’d call responsible! So, while the festive bells jingle, why not invest a tad more in socks that not only look good but also last the seasons?
From an eco-friendly perspective, COSH! Prefers socks made from natural materials such as organic cotton. Grown without the use of harmful pesticides, it’s a gift both to our planet and its people. Do you want to read more about the advantages of organic cotton? Click here. Spot that GOTS label? It’s like finding the star atop a Christmas tree! This label ensures the cotton is organically cultivated and that those behind its harvest work under fair conditions. In addition to cotton, We’ve found some great socks made from other natural materials like responsible wool and bamboo, each offering unique benefits.
Are socks with polyester and polyamide sustainable?
Unfortunately, it is still difficult to make a sock from 100% natural materials that is comfortable to wear. Therefore, most socks contain a proportion of polyamide or elastane, derived from crude oil. These materials are not natural and also not biodegradable, which makes it difficult to recycle socks. However, this percentage of synthetic material is necessary to ensure good elasticity and comfort of the sock. Also, elastane makes your socks last longer, making them more durable and eco-friendly over time.
A synthetic material based on petroleum also means that microplastics are released during washing. Do you want to avoid this? Then we recommend using a GuppyFriend. This clever bag catches the small plastic particles and prevents them from ending up in our seas and oceans!
1. Good Wool Story
Good Wool Story’s premium wool socks are made from 100% yak wool to keep your feet snug and warm! The socks have all natural colours, no chemical dyes are used. This makes the socks completely biodegradable. The brand buys the yak down directly from the local Mongolian nomads, near the production site. Nomindari, the brand’s founder, collaborates closely with a local NGO and contributes 2% of the proceeds towards climate initiatives in Mongolia.
Shop the Good Wool Story socks in the cosy store in Ghent.
2. Zokk’n
Tired of finding solo socks in your laundry? Belgian sock brand Zokk’n has put an end to the struggle! These colourful, woolen socks are sold individually, perfect for creating your unique mix-and-match pairs. Crafted with 85% mulesing-free merino wool, these socks are ethically made in Portugal. The Zokk’n collection remains timeless, always offering the same nine colours. Lose one? No worries. Simply pick up its replacement at Zokk’n!
Shop Zokk’n online, or find them in garment in Amsterdam-Oost, Atelier Twee in Brugge, and Supergoods in both Ghent and Antwerp.
3. Colorful Standard
Colorful Standard stands out with its timeless collection of colourful clothes and accessories. Their socks, synonymous with comfort, are made with an unwavering commitment to eco-consciousness. Made in Portugal, they harmoniously blend the richness of organic cotton with the durability of recycled merino wool. Their distinct appeal? An extensive colour palette. From muted neutrals to vibrant tones, Colorful Standard has a colour for every mood. And with the brand’s ethical ethos, you can feel good with every stride. You can find these amazing socks at Colorful Standard in Antwerp, Fonetik in Aalst, Moose in the City in Antwerp, Harvest Club in Leuven, and both WhatTheF and Tally-Ho in Amsterdam.
4. Thought
Australian brand Thought socks come in a choice of festive-themed styles, a treat for the season and perfect for a Christmas gift. These socks are fun, festive themed and snug. You won’t want to take them off, even when the Christmas season is done!
Besides organic cotton socks, the brand also uses natural materials such as hemp and bamboo. When it comes to polyester, they opt for recycled materials certified by the Global Recycled Standard.
Shop Thought socks and amazing Xmas gift sets at Kiez in Antwerp, Kudzu in Bruges, Meer dan Mooi in Geel, De Wereldwinkel at ‘de Groene Passage’ in Rotterdam, Brandmission in Amsterdam, Het Faire Oosten in Amsterdam-East en WESEN in Berlin.
5. A‑dam
Looking for a colourful and warm Christmas gift? Discover the cheerful socks of the Dutch brand A‑dam. The socks are made of 84% GOTS organic cotton and 15% econyl (synthetic yarn made of fishing nets). The socks have a button made from recycled polyester that prevents loss as well as a cute embroidered detail with playful illustrations. Production takes place in a SA8000 certified factory in Turkey.
Shop the A‑Dam socks in Belgium at SOFlien in Essen, Fonetik in Aalst, Harvest Club in Leuven and at the different Brooklyn branches (Bruges, Waregem, Knokke, Oostend, Ghent, Roeselare and …).
Shop the A‑Dam socks in Amsterdam at Eerlijk Waar, Conscious Café & Store, Het Faire Oosten, Brandmission, and VEGA-LIFE.
6. Dedicated
Are you looking for nice socks for men with fun patterns? Then Dedicated is the right brand for you! This brand makes socks with GOTS certified organic cotton.
Discover these great socks with bikes, Christmas trees, Super Mario clouds and much more at Supergoods in Ghent, Antwerp and Mechelen, Harvest Club in Leuven and at Freedom in Aalst and Dendermonde, Moose in the City in Antwerp, HOST in Berchem, Paplou in Hasselt, Brandmission in Amsterdam and HIT-IN.TV in Berlin.
7. Swedish Stockings
Festive glitter socks and stockings enthusiasts are in for a treat with Swedish Stockings. This Swedish brand makes socks from recycled yarn and produces stockings with recycled nylon and elastane. Swedish Stockings makes great efforts to close the loop; return worn-out items to their recycling centres, where they are repurposed into new products for the furniture and industrial sectors.
Find the Swedish Stockings’ collection of socks and panties at these select locations: Supergoods in Mechelen, Antwerp, and Ghent; Kiez and HOST in Antwerp; Brandmission, Tally-Ho, Het Faire Oosten, Pek & Kleren, and VEGA-LIFE in Amsterdam; and WESEN in Berlin.
8. Living Crafts
German brand Living Crafts stands out not just for its commitment to quality but also for its ethical values. Their range of short and long socks designed for men, women, and children are meticulously made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Additionally, Living Crafts ensures ethical labour practices by partnering with the Fair Wear Foundation.
You can find Living Crafts socks at Meer dan Mooi in Leuven and Meer dan Mooi in Geel.
9. Wolvis
Great news! In addition to their iconic scarves, Wolvis now offers socks. They are ultra-soft and warm, made from high-quality merino wool. Wear them around the house, on the couch, or in your winter shoes. These socks are durable, stylish, and comfortable. You can find Wolvis socks at their own online store, Harvest Club in Leuven, Supergoods in Antwerp, Mechelen, and Ghent, and KNAP in Hasselt.
10. Vaude
Outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, Vaude is your go-to destination. Discover socks tailored for the most active lifestyles, with unique qualities like odor resistance and insulation. Technically designed with special knitting patterns and bolstered by terry cloth, they promise superior comfort while warding off blisters.
11. Atelier Houthuys
Seeking the perfect Ghent socks? Look no further! Showcasing iconic landmarks of Ghent – the Sint-Niklaaskerk, Belfort, and Sint Baafskathedraal – these socks are the ideal gift for Ghent enthusiasts. Produced in Europe from recycled materials, they blend style with respect for the environment.
Discover them at Atelier Houthuys!
For the kids
12. Bobo Choses
Boho Choses bring lively prints and a vintage feel to children’s attire, sprinkling youthful delight into your child’s wardrobe.
Bobo Choses’ socks for babies and children feature fun animal patterns and vibrant designs with stripes and words. Best of all, these socks are ethically made in Spain!
Find these unique socks at Sessa in Hasselt, The Milky Way in Bruges, and Knotsknetter in Amsterdam.
13. Trixie
Trixie Baby offers a broad range of products, including some amazing socks! Every kiddo will love to tiptoe around the house with these lovely socks featuring fun animal friends, their floppy ears and their cheerful dots. Made of high-quality organic cotton; combined with nylon and spandex, they are soft, comfortable to wear and have a good fit. Dive into a selection of adorable animal designs for toasty and stylish feet
Find Trixie socks at Blabloom in Genk.
14. Collégien
Collégien is a trusted French sock brand that’s been around since 1947. They’re known for impeccable quality and lots of design choices, especially in kids’ socks. From simple colours that go with anything to fun ruffles and sporty stripes, there’s something for every little foot.
While they’re big on kids’ socks, Collégien also has socks for men and women, along with tights and other cosy items. And here’s the best part: everything is made in France using comfy materials like soft Egyptian cotton, cashmere, and silk and extra soft lurex.
Looking to shop? Find the kids’ sock range at Pim Pam Poen and Lunabloom in Bruges. For grown-up socks, check out Goûts et Couleurs in Bruges or Olga Korstanje in Rotterdam.
Happy Holidays
On the hunt for an affordable yet thoughtful Christmas gift, or perhaps a little surprise to tuck under the tree? A cosy and stylish pair of socks might be just what you’re looking for.
This St. Nicholas Day and Christmas, let’s celebrate the love, warmth, and those tiny details that brighten our lives. Imagine the smiles as these comfy socks are pulled on during a chilly morning! Wishing you a heartwarming St. Nicholas Day and a jolly Christmas.
Interested in more thoughtful fashion picks from local stores around you? Be sure to check out the COSH! shopping guide.
