Here are some tips when looking for athletic sock manufacturers to produce customized athletic socks and customized cycling socks.
What are the different types of athletic socks? When to wear them?
According to different types of exercise, the needs for choosing the socks that fit could vary from muscle part, weather, environment, medical usage…etc.
For instance, the below types of socks can provide enough protection and boost team morale.
- Running Socks
- Cycling Socks (Bike Socks)
- Basketball Socks
- Soccer Socks (Football socks)
- Snow Sports Socks (Skiing socks)
For Cycling Sock
When it comes to cycling socks, there’s a great amount of heat created when pushing your feet towards the pedals. That’s why breathable, strong-wicking and quick-dry properties are so important! Many bikers wear thin and snugly fit socks to fit into most bike shoes.
For Running Socks
For running, people often forget about running socks but only look at the sneakers. Well, do your bottom feet feel stiff and achy even in your great running shoes? It is because running socks are needed for their functions of support and cushion. It will boost your comfort when running over bumpy roads.
Overall, athletic socks wick moisture away and keep your feet dry and without odor. Extra comfort and specific functions are provided depending on the types of sports. Athletic sock manufacturers can provide a wide range of custom performance socks.
Basic Functions of sports socks
★ Compression
Compression socks provide a certain amount of pressure to the desired body parts. Extra support for parts like the ankle, arch, and Achilles tendon will reduce the possibility of sports injuries. When arch support socks come with compression, it reduces the arch pain and increases blood flow around the feet.
Studies have indicated several positivities in wearing compression socks for sport and activities. Runners can wear them during the exercising process and also aftward for better recovery. So wearing the right size correctly, you’ll be fine to wear your compression socks all day and see the positive changes. Learn more about compression socks here.
★ Moisture-resistance and anti-odor sports socks
Selecting appropriate fabric for exercising is crucial. Cotton socks cannot cope with all kinds of sports. It retains moisture and causes blisters, smelly feet, and increases the chance of fungal infections in nails and skin.
Synthetics, including acrylic, nylon, and polyester (that all wick moisture), are the most suitable for quick-drying and even odor control (some recycled polyester yarn can make it to some extent). Natural material like wool is also ideal for both moisture wicking and temperature-regulating properties.
Polyester vs. merino wool
So here comes the question. Polyester vs. merino wool, which is a better option for sports socks? Obviously, both.
Polyester is more durable, less expensive, and dries faster than wool. However, wool is more comfortable to the touch (hand feel) and provides better odor control and breathability. If you are looking for Polyester for odor control, recycled Polyester is strongly recommended. Refer to here for more sustainable yarn choices.
For lengthy activities (Outdoor) like multi-days hiking, backpacking, wool is highly recommended for odor control and comfort properties. A more economic alternative is to use wool and acrylic blend socks.
For daily exercises like running, going to gym, polyester is great for its durability and cost-effective prices. Well, athletic sock manufacturers provide both! The best option is to get both for different usages.
★ Water-resistant / Blister-proof/ Cushion
Waterproof protection prevents your feet from being wetted by the environment that causes discomfort. Socks with Waterproof function can be used for cycling, kayaking, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, trekking and other sports. Even recently MX/Off-Road socks have begun to show this property.
Blister-proof socks are usually moisture-wicking and low in friction on the primary contact points like the ball of foot, heel, and welt of the socks. It protects the skin that has been exercising for a long time, staying dry and comfy.
Lowering impact is important in sport socks. That’s why athletic sock manufacturers often make the soles of the feet terry lining or of honeycomb structure to provide enough cushion during sports.
★ Cool /warmth
We all want socks that can adjust the temperature in different seasons. That’s why athletic sock manufacturers add cooling fibers or thermal materials (such as polyester, wool, graphene for example) to meet our needs. Maybe you are thinking to wear two pairs of socks to keep your feet warm. If the fit is getting too tight, it will block the circulation and makes the feet still cold. One good pair of socks is definitely worth the investment if selecting the suitable one made of functional yarn.
★ UV protection
Most outdoor sports, such as bicycles, may have the risk of long exposure to the sun. Therefore, the function of UV protection is added to protect the skin.
If you go exercising on a regular basis during summer, you sure know about the risk of getting sunburnt during sports. A good pair of socks and sleeves for upper leg or arm could save you from severe sunburn even in wet or stretched condition.
The making process inside athletic sock manufacturers
1. Define what sport to focus on
First, you will focus on a specific sport like running or hiking for making OEM sports socks.
2. Functional material for athlete
Then choose the materials used for the sports socks. Athletic sock manufacturers may apply different ratios of multiple yarns for the best outcome according to design.
3. Structural functions for athlete
Terry lining could lower the impact for running. Ankle protection can reduce the incidence of acute ankle injuries. Add the functions on a specific area by different knitting techniques that are needed for your sports socks.
4. Choose socks’ size and length
Choose the suitable type that corresponds to the activity.
5. Customized packing
For a good finish and gift option, there are choices like hangtag, wrapper, box, and bag. Putting a little effort in designing the packaging always work like charm for customers.
6. Upload your artwork and tech pack with the above requests and logo
Uploading the design in files like Illustrator (ai file) or editable PDF could be the most accurate. Or you can just share pictures and ideas with your athletic sock manufacturers.
7. Mockup and sample
The athletic sock manufacturers will make and send a sample before mass production. If you are pleased with what’s in your hand, all that’s left is waiting for the custom socks to arrive!
If you are looking for a sports socks supplier, please feel more than welcome to contact us @ Paultex. We have the capability to offer a variety of options that could tailor to your special needs.
If you wish to know how to work with socks factories or the steps to making custom socks, kindly click the links to learn more!
