GUIDELINES
The following are general guidelines to follow when you design your own custom socks:
GRAPHICS IN THE CUFF
The cuff is the topmost area of a sock, commonly ribbed in appearance and stretchy. Because this area is prone to stretching, it is considered a poor place to put a logo. Most logos are not suitable to be placed in the cuff area (large, simple logos are the exception).
THE HEEL AND TOE
The heel and toe areas of the sock are where knitting machines perform extra sequences in order to form the pocket-like shapes. Due to this, the machines are unable to perform knit-in designs in these areas. Only use solid colors for the heel and toe areas.
DETAILED GRAPHICS
There are limitations to how detailed your sock design can get. Due to the nature of knit-in designs, very small and complex logos/designs are not suitable for custom knitted socks. Please feel free to contact us before submitting your mockup request if you think this applies to your design.
NUMBER OF COLORS
Our machines are able to accommodate up to 6 yarn colors per design ( 5+1 , 1 base colour and 5 for design ). Yarn colors are best communicated to us by using the Pantone solid color formula guide. We will use your provided pantone codes when selecting from the 100’s of yarn colors we have available.
SIZES
We offer standard sizing from infant to extra large adult sizes, and custom sizing.
Custom sizing available upon request
Size “L” is one size for men (fits 90% of men)
Size “M” is one size for women (fits 90% of women)
Size “OS” is one size for adults (fits 85% of adults)
LENGTHS
Here are the most common sock lengths we produce. Custom sock lengths are also welcomed.
NO-SHOW
Falls just below the ankle. Commonly used in athletic socks.
ANKLE
Falls just above the ankle. Commonly used in athletic socks.
QUARTER
Falls about 2 inches above the ankle. Often used in outdoor socks.
CREW
Falls just below the calf. Most common sock length.
MID-CALF
Falls on the calf. Commonly used in dress socks.
KNEE-HIGH
Falls just below the knee. Commonly used in casual socks.
TECHNOLOGY
Your designs are woven directly into the sock fabric, providing the most aesthetically pleasing and durable customized socks available. We have specialized machinery for every application.
FINE ( 14 GAUGE )
Fine gauge machinery is ideal for dress and casual socks. We use 144 & 156 & 168 & 200 needle machines for the very best graphics reproduction.
MEDIUM ( 9 GAUGE )
Medium gauge machinery is optimized for sport socks. 128 & 144 needle machines produce thicker socks with good graphic detail.
COARSE ( 6 GAUGE )
Coarse gauge machinery is suitable for specialty socks and winter socks. 96 & 108 needle machines produce thick, protective socks.
MATERIALS
Our network of textile suppliers enables you to source almost any material.
COTTON
Cotton is the most commonly used plant fiber in socks and is known for its natural feel. We offer carded and combed cotton in over 200 colors. Premium grades, like combed cotton, are more resistant to pilling and softer to the touch than carded cotton. Premium mercerized cotton has superior durability and a silk-like appearance.
WOOL
Animal fibers such as wool, angora, cashmere, and mohair are desired for their thermal regulation properties. Wool fibers have the ability to absorb and lock away high amounts of moisture, making them ideal for use in performance and winter socks. Furthermore, natural chemicals found in wool makes it odor resistant.
NYLON
Nylon is a versatile synthetic fiber found in most hosiery. Its popularity stems from its excellent stretch and shape recovery properties. In addition to this, nylon fibers are strong, soft to the touch, and light weight. We have over 200 colors available in nylon to produce the most complex knitted designs.
POLYESTER
Polyester is a synthetic fiber used for its high strength and hydrophobic properties. Polyester is frequently used in high performance sport socks for its ability to wick moisture away from the skin.
ACRYLIC
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber commonly blended with wool due to its similar feel and bulk. Acrylic has good heat retention properties and is frequently used in winter socks. Acrylic is an economical fiber for applications relating to cold weather and performance activities.
OTHER MATERIALS
We’ve used and offer a wide variety of other materials for sock knitting. These include polypropylene, rayon, spandex, and many engineered and proprietary yarns. If you have special product requirements, please do not hesitate to ask us.
PACKAGING
See packaging examples on below.
POLYBAG
Each pair is individually packed into a clear polybag. Polybags are made from plastic and have a resealable flap. Custom printing on polybags is not available for under 4000 pairs.
SOCK BAND
Band labels wrap around the middle of each folded pair of socks and are printed on cardstock.
SOCK TAG
Sock tags fold over the cuff of the sock and are printed on cardstock. Plastic hook for retail display optional.
CASCADE
We use this type of packaging for 2 pairs in a pack or more.
CARDSTOCK BOX
Boxes can be designed to hold individual or multiple pairs of socks and are printed on sturdy cardstock.