10 BEST ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO TAKE OFF
This post is all about the best organic cotton socks!
From morning to night, our socks keep our feet warm and protect them from getting blisters in our shoes.
They also make walking more comfortable and prevent us from sweating directly in our footwear.
Unfortunately, most socks on the market aren’t the best for our feet and the environment.
They are made with unsustainable materials and short-term wear in mind, resulting in more frequent replacements.
Did you know that they may even contain toxic chemicals?
If you need to stock up on socks but want to make a more conscious choice, organic cotton is your best bet!
In this article, I have rounded up the 10 best organic cotton socks sold by sustainable brands.
Not only are these made without toxic chemicals, but they’re also eco-friendly, comfortable, and durable.
You’ll find models both for men and women and even organic cotton socks made in USA!
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Why should we buy organic cotton socks?
Most socks we can buy at the store nowadays are made very poorly and don’t last.
They get holes quickly, meaning that we need to replace them often.
Not only is this very costly, but it’s bad for the planet.
Socks are also usually made of either conventional cotton or synthetic fabrics like polyester.
One of the problems with synthetic fabrics is that they’re derived from petroleum so they’re extremely unsustainable.
They’re also not biodegradable so they sit in a landfill for hundreds of years after we throw them away.
Plus, synthetic fabrics release microplastics and are not breathable at all, which isn’t ideal for socks.
Not only that, but polyester can contain toxic chemicals we do not want on our bodies.
The Center for Environmental Health found that synthetic socks from over 100 brands contained BPA, an endocrine disruptor, at incredibly unsafe levels.
So natural fiber socks are so much better for our health!
Cotton seems to be better than polyester, but it’s not ideal either.
Conventional cotton is grown with pesticides, which negatively impact the local environment and farmers.
Thankfully, we can avoid those issues by choosing socks made from sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, sustainably sourced wool, or Tencel.
Organic cotton is grown without chemicals and is typically produced with greater attention to quality, meaning that you’ll be able to wear these socks much longer.
Read more: How to make your wardrobe more sustainable?
What to look for when shopping for organic cotton socks?
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to find 100% organic cotton socks.
Organic cotton socks often contain a small percentage of a synthetic fabric like elastane, polyamide, or nylon to make them more stretchy and durable.
Thankfully, the Center for Environmental Health hasn’t found BPA in socks that are predominantly made of cotton.
So if adding a little bit of synthetic materials (preferably recycled ones) makes them last longer, there is no harm in that.
Besides looking at the materials, make sure you’re buying from a brand that responsibly produces its products.
Check what it does to reduce its environmental footprint and whether it prioritizes the well-being of its workers.
Also, try to buy socks that are well-made and of higher quality so that they last longer.
Here are a few certifications you may want to look for if you want to get sustainable socks:
- GOTS
- Fairtrade
- B Corp
- Climate-Neutral
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Read more: 16 sustainable clothing brands for an eco-friendly wardrobe
10 best organic cotton socks you’ll never want to take off
1. Pact
For: Women & Men
Pact socks are some of the most sustainable socks you can buy!
Available in different colors and patterns (including winter-themed and nature-inspired ones), you’ll find crew, no-show, and ankle socks for both men and women.
The brand crafts them from GOTS-certified organic cotton, recycled nylon, and a small percentage of elastane for stretchiness.
They’re also produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory, so they’re made with ethical and sustainable practices.
Pact socks feature comfortable flat knit toe seams and cushioned footbeds and provide arch support.
Their fabric is very durable and shrink-resistant.
The company also ships its products using FSC-certified paper bags and offsets the carbon footprint of all its products!
SHOP PACT ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
2. MATE The Label
For: Women
MATE the Label offers clothing made with non-toxic, natural, and organic materials.
Its women’s socks are mostly made of GOTS-certified organic cotton and colored with non-toxic dyes.
You can buy them individually or in a pack of three, and you’ll be able to choose from beautiful neutral and earthy colors like sage, brown, beige, and more.
These crew socks are very cozy and comfortable, perfect for going out and lounging at home!
The brand makes them without harmful chemicals such as PFAS, pesticides, BPA, and formaldehyde and ships its products using plastic-free packaging.
MATE the Label is also Climate-Neutral and B Corp certified.
So it offsets its carbon footprint and meets some of the highest standards in terms of ethics and sustainability!
SHOP MATE THE LABEL ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
3. Allbirds
For: Women & Men
Whether you prefer hiding your socks or showing them off, Allbirds has you covered with its Anytime Sock collection.
It has everything from no-show, ankle, and classic crew-height socks.
Very breathable, they’re made from a sustainable blend of Tencel lyocell, organic cotton, and recycled nylon.
They feature reinforced wear points for improved durability and will stay put and hug your feet perfectly.
Plus, did you know these socks are all made in the USA?
Allbirds also has warmer models made of Tencel and ZQ merino wool.
These do not contain organic cotton, but they’re still a very sustainable option!
The brand is also B Corp certified, discloses the carbon footprint of each product, and has taken many steps to reduce its environmental footprint.
SHOP ALLBIRDS ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
4. Subset
For: Women & Men
Sustainable underwear brand Subset offers two different pairs of socks available in the colors black, gray, and white.
You can choose between quarter socks that hit just above the ankle and classic crew socks providing a low-calf fit.
No matter which pairs you go for, both feature a snug-fit jersey knit with rib cuffs so that they stay put all day long.
They also have a contoured construction and durable reinforced toes and heels.
Subset makes them from GOTS-certified organic cotton grown in Turkey, as well as polyamide and elastane for stretchiness and durability.
These socks are also OEKO-TEX and Fairtrade International certified, so they’re completely non-toxic and sustainable!
The brand offers carbon-neutral shipping and even takes back your worn-out undies and socks to recycle them into new materials like insulation and carpet padding.
SHOP SUBSET ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
5. Quince
For: Women, Men, Kids, Toddlers, Babies
Quince has a huge selection of socks for women and men, and even for kids and babies.
They’re made with sustainable materials such as organic cotton, cashmere, merino wool, and recycled nylon.
Its organic cotton sock collection includes all kinds of ankle, crew, quarter, no-show, and dress socks.
Made with quality and comfort in mind, they feature cushioned footbeds, seamless toe seams, Y-stitched heels, and springwave arch support.
The ankle socks also have blister tabs to protect your ankles from friction with your shoes, and some of the baby models are designed with non-skid gripper dots.
Quince makes them in BSCI-certified factories and donates a pair to a community in need for every pair of socks purchased.
SHOP QUINCE ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
6. Jungmaven
For: Women & Men
Jungmaven creates high-quality hemp clothing, including ankle and crew socks for both men and women.
Each pair is made from a breathable blend of hemp and organic cotton with a bit of polyamide and spandex.
In addition to being sustainable, these socks have antibacterial properties and are naturally resistant to mold and odors.
The classic Hemp Crew Socks are sold in 17 different colors, so they’re a great option if you like having a colorful sock drawer!
If you prefer rocking a retro look, opt for the Town and Country socks.
The stripes they have at the top give them a nice 80s vibe!
Jungmaven also has a pair of warmer socks made from a hemp-merino wool blend.
SHOP JUNGMAVEN ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
7. Seasalt
For: Women & Men
Seasalt crafts beautiful quality clothing and accessories inspired by the wild landscapes and maritime heritage of Cornwall, in the UK.
Many of its men’s and women’s socks are made of bamboo, but it also has many organic cotton styles.
The brand offers lots of crew and long socks crafted with a lightweight or thicker, textured fabric.
Besides a few plain, simple models, there are many colorful artsy designs to choose from!
For instance, you can get socks featuring cute cats or other animals, flowers, scenic landscapes, stripes, or Fair Isle patterns.
Some of these come in beautiful gift boxes so that you can gift them to your loved ones!
Seasalt is also B Corp certified and donates 20 pence to charity for every pair of socks sold.
SHOP SEASALT ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
8. Colorful Standard
For: Women & Men
Colorful Standard socks are available in up to 22 colors, so there is a shade for everyone.
The brand offers three types of crew socks designed for different purposes and made with organic cotton, polyamide, and elastane.
Its Classic Organic Socks feature a versatile, seamless design with a ribbed texture.
These are perfect whether you’re lounging at home or being active outside!
If you want a pair specifically for working out, opt for the Organic Active Socks.
They are a premium take on a classic tennis sock remastered for more support and style.
The brand also has a warmer pair of socks made from a blend of organic cotton, polyamide, and GRS-certified recycled Italian merino wool.
These socks are very soft and have great moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties.
Colorful Standard’s socks have reinforced heel and toe areas to make them more durable.
They’re also made in Portugal and dyed using OEKO-TEX-certified dyes.
Plus, the company has taken various steps to minimize material waste, and it turns its fabric scraps into furniture filling!
SHOP COLORFUL STANDARD ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
9. Eileen Fisher
For: Women
Eileen Fisher crafts high-quality, sustainable socks for women.
Most of them are made from a blend of organic cotton, nylon, and spandex, and are sold in different neutral colors.
From ankle and no-show socks to crew and trouser socks, they’re all made with non-binding cuffs and finished with hand-linked toe seams.
Some pairs also feature subtle ribbing or cool details like a chunky pointelle knit or a cozy waffle weave.
If you’re looking for something else, make sure to check out the brand’s other socks.
They’re made from sustainable materials like Tencel, recycled nylon, or cashmere.
Eileen Fisher is also a certified B Corporation, so it has implemented various ethical and sustainable practices throughout its supply chain!
SHOP EILEEN FISHER ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
10. Dedicated
For: Women & Men
If you love fun patterns, bold colors, and cool designs, check out Dedicated!
It has a huge collection of socks made of organic and Fairtrade-certified cotton, nylon, and elastane.
There are countless patterns and logos to choose from, including palm trees, cats, bikes, waves, fruits, and more.
It also has a few plain, simple socks if you prefer a more discrete look.
Dedicated has everything from ankle socks to sports models to crew socks.
Many of them are sold in a pack of three in a beautiful gift box, making them great for gifting!
I love that the brand is very transparent about where exactly its socks are produced at each stage of the production process!
It also plants trees in partnership with One Tree Planted.
SHOP DEDICATED ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS
Final thoughts on organic cotton socks
I hope you found this article helpful and that you could find organic cotton socks that you love wearing!
Buying a few of these pairs is a great way to slowly transition toward having a more durable and sustainable sock collection.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read:
- 6 best bamboo socks for eco-conscious women and men
- 12 best organic cotton underwear brands for all-day comfort
- 9 cozy, sustainable slippers to keep your feet and the planet happy
- 14 best sustainable shoe brands for an eco-friendly footprint
- 8 sustainable boots for fall & winter adventures
- Are Crocs bad for the environment? & 6 eco-friendly alternatives
What are your favorite organic cotton socks?
Please leave your recommendations in the comments!
Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find more sustainable socks too.
Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!
It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!