5 Reasons Knitting Socks Is Better than Buying Socks
“You know you can just buy socks, right?” We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had someone ask us this while we’re knitting socks in public. Yes, we’re aware you can buy socks at the store. However, hand-knit socks are so much better than store-bought socks. Here are five reasons why.
1. They Fit
If you’re making socks for your feet specifically, they’re going to fit so much better than anything you buy at the store. Store-bought socks are made to fit an “average” foot. An average fit means it will generally fit onto your foot and usually won’t fall off; it’s a pretty low bar. However, most of us don’t have “average” feet.
We have high arches, square toes, shapely calves, narrow heels, different-sized feet, etc. Why settle for socks made for generic feet when you can have socks custom-made for your own lovely feet?
Related: How a Sock Is Supposed to Fit
2. They’re Comfy
Like so much ready-to-wear, socks are rarely made with natural fibers anymore. There are a handful of wool- or cotton-blend socks out there, but they’re mostly made out of nylon, polyester, or acrylic, which don’t breathe at all. It’s basically like wrapping your feet in plastic wrap. If your feet sweat at all, they get all gross and stinky.
On the other hand, if you knit your socks, you can choose the fiber mix that works for you. Wool is antimicrobial, which means less smelly socks. There are cotton blends for those who like your feet to be a little cooler. You can even get cashmere-blend yarns for a little extra luxury. Whatever your foot needs, you can find a yarn to suit.
Related: Sock Knitting Expert Kate Atherley’s 5 Favorite Sock Yarns
3. They’re Fancy
Things that are ridiculously hard to find: a pair of nice black dress socks. It seems like most stores carry novelty socks and athletic socks, and that’s it. What are you supposed to wear with your wingtips? I’m not judging if you want to wear poop-emoji socks to your wedding, but there are other options!
You can make a lovely pair for formal occasions—knit socks that perfectly match your suit or tie. It just adds a classy touch to your footwear.
4. They’re Any Color You Want
Not into black or white socks? Good news, everyone! Sock yarn comes in all the colors. No, really: all the colors. If you need some sedate brown socks to wear with loafers, you’re covered. If you need rainbow-explosion socks to wear to a summerconcert, you can find them.
If striped socks make your heart sing, there are self-striping yarns that do all the work for you. No matter what color you’re into, there is a yarn to match.
Related: Our Favorite Self-Striping Yarns
5. They Don’t Have to Match
If you’re buying socks, you’re pretty much stuck with a matching pair. You’ll always have identical socks unless you work out an epic single sock swap (or have an exceptionally greedy washing machine). However, there’s no reason socks have to match. Have fun with your feet! You can use the same yarn and two different sock patterns for a pair of “coordinating” socks. Use the same pattern with a solid and a handpainted yarn and see how the latter pools. Or forgo matching entirely! You can’t fall victim to Second Sock Syndrome if you never make a matching sock.
Do you prefer knitting socks or buying them?
Originally published on July 10, 2018; updated September 25, 2024.
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My boss used to always use that line on me, “You know you can just buy socks at the store, right?” Then one time he was talking a lot about a big hunting trip he was taking to Canada, buying lots of gear for hunting in really cold conditions, etc., and I said, “You know you can just buy meat at the grocery store, right?” I think he finally kind of understood then 🙂
That is hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
The best thing about hand-knit socks = They don’t have a seams. If they are made toe-up or Kitchener stitched, you don’t get that seam where your toes begin or where your toes end. The bad part = if you finish your socks by gathering the remaining stitches…then you have a tiny hole (that can often times get bigger).
“The bad part = if you finish your socks by gathering the remaining stitches…then you have a tiny hole (that can often times get bigger).” To answer you statement, that is not true. I have been knitting socks since I was 10 yrs old and am now in my 80’s. I never, but never had a hole in the top of my toes. I finish my socks in what you are calling the stars finish. I gather the last 12 or 15 stiches and tighten them and weave the end thru the remaining stiches this pass over the “hole” and it stay close, no matter how many wash the socks get.