13 December 2024
Guess the brand? 2024’s “Naughty” brands round-Up
- Greenwashing
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 made in a more responsible way with organic materials!
What exactly is a sock that’s made more sustainable?
A more sustainable 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-friendlier 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. Here we explain more about the benefits of organic cotton. 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 fairer 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-friendlier 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 laundry bag catches the small plastic particles and prevents them from ending up in our rivers and oceans!
1. Zokk’n
Tired of finding solo socks in your laundry? Belgian sock brand Zokk’n has put an end to the struggle! These colourful, woollen socks are sold individually, perfect for creating your unique mix-and-match pairs. Crafted with 85% mulesing-free merino wool, these socks are made in a more ethical way in Portugal. The Zokk’n collection remains timeless, always offering timeless colours. Lost one? No worries. Simply pick up its replacement at Zokk’n!
Shop Zokk’n in their webshop, or find them at Garment in Amsterdam-Oost, Leather Be in Bruges, Inslag in Ghent and Supergoods in Mechelen en Antwerp.
2. 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 more ethical ethos, you can feel good with every stride.
You can find these amazing socks at the Colorful Standard store in Antwerp, Fonetik in Aalst, Moose in the City in Antwerp, Harvest Club in Leuven, Tally-Ho and Pek & Kleren in Amsterdam, Conscious Fashion Store in Berlin and green guerillas in Köln en Düsseldorf.
3. 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 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 the socks of Thought and amazing Xmas gift sets at Kiez in Antwerp, Kudzu in Bruges, Meer dan Mooi in Geel, De Wereldwinkel at the Groene Passage Rotterdam, Brandmission and Het Faire Oosten in Amsterdam, Sus en So in Utrecht and Hilversum, Sway in Leuven, WESEN in Berlin and green guerillas in Köln and Düsseldorf.
4. 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 socks by A‑dam in Belgium at SOFlien in Essen, Fonetik in Aalst, Harvest Club in Leuven and Brooklyn in Bruges. In the Netherlands you shop A‑dam at Sus & So in Utrecht and Hilversum, Eerlijk Waar, Het Faire Oosten, Brandmission and VEGA-LIFE in Amsterdam. In Germany you can find this brand at green guerillas in Köln and Düsseldorf, Yavana and roberta. in Düsseldorf and WESEN in Berlin.
5. Dedicated
Are you looking for nice socks for men and women 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 Antwerp and Mechelen, Harvest Club in Leuven, Freedom in Aalst and Dendermonde, Moose in the city in Antwerp, HOST in Berchem, Paplou in Hasselt, Inslag in Ghent and Fresh in Bruges. In the Netherland you can find the socks by Dedicated at Sophie Stone in Utrecht, Brandmission and Tally-Ho in Amsterdam. In Germany at HIT-IN.TV, Slow Friday and supermarché in Berlin, roberta. in Düsseldorf and Him & Laya in Hamburg.
6. 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 Mechelen and Antwerp, Kiez in Antwerp, HOST in Berchem, Inslag in Ghent, SOFlien in Essen, Brandmission, Tally-Ho and VEGA-LIFE in Amsterdam, Sophie Stone in Utrecht, roberta. in Düsseldorf en WESEN in Berlin.
7. Living Crafts
German brand Living Crafts stands out not just for its commitment to quality but also for its more 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 more ethical labour practices by partnering with the Fair Wear Foundation.
You can find Living Crafts socks at Anders Getint in Leuven, Meer dan Mooi in Geel, Sus & So in Utrecht en Hilversum and supermarché in Berlin.
8. Wolvis
Great news! In addition to their iconic scarves, Wolvis also 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 webshop, Harvest Club in Leuven, Supergoods in Antwerp and Mechelen, Inslag in Ghent, HOST in Antwerp, KNAP in Hasselt and SOFlien in Essen.
9. 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. Discover the collection of Vaude in their webshop or in their stores in Ghent or Leuven.
10. Atelier Houthuys
Seeking the perfect Ghent socks? Look no further! Atelier Houthuys in Ghent is the perfect place for you. 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.
11. Armedangels
You probably know the popular German brand Armedangels from their high-quality, timeless and yet trendy collections. Good news, because they also have an extensive collection of great socks to keep you warm this winter. Minimalist, sometimes with vibrant prints and in many different colors. The socks are mainly made of organic cotton, but are also mixed with polyamide. Given the popularity of the brand, you can find the socks in many places in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Discover all sales points for Armedangels here.
12. Merz b. Schwanen
Also at the German brand Merz b. Schwanen you’ll find great socks for the winter. Both socks with a sporty, vintage look and warm, thick wool socks made of mulesing-free merino wool in warm colors such as ochre yellow, brown and burgundy red. In addition to being animal-friendly, the socks are also made in a human-friendly way, in a small Portuguese atelier where the makers receive a fairer wage. You can buy the socks in their webshop, in the Merz b. Schwanen store in Berlin or at Sway in Leuven.
13. Albero Natur
High-quality and unisex socks, made in a fairer way in Turkey from 98% organic cotton. These are the socks of Albero Natur, which has distinguished itself since 1994 with high standards for people, environment and health. Discover the collection on the webshop of Albero Natur or in the store at Sus en So in Utrecht and Hilversum, Meer dan Mooi in Geel, Anders Getint in Leuven and supermarché in Berlin.
14. 8beaufort.Hamburg
The German brand 8beaufort.Hamburg not only makes upcycled sneakers from discarded sails, they also make cool socks from organic cotton. The ribbed socks look stylish, are very comfortable to wear and last a long time due to their good quality. What more could you want? You can buy the socks from 8beaufort.Hamburg in their own webshop.
For children’s feet
15. Bobo Choses
Bobo 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 made in a more ethical way in Spain!
Bobo Choses baby and children’s socks are available with animal prints or cool, colorful designs with stripes and texts. You can buy Bobo Choses socks at Sessa in Hasselt, The Milky Way in Bruges, Knotsknetter in Amsterdam and Greatat8 in Leuven.
16. 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.
You can find Trixie socks at Blabloom in Genk, Het Faire Oosten in Amsterdam and Kudzu in Bruges.
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.
