Step Towards Sustainability With These 6 Recycled Socks
There are many ways to reduce your footprint (pun intended!) – wearing socks made of recycled materials is one of them. Take a step in the right direction and consider purchasing a pair of socks made from recycled materials. Below, we’ve created a list of the best sustainable sock brands on the market to help you get started. Let’s take a closer look.
What are Recycled Socks? Why Get Them?
Recycled socks are socks that are made out of recycled materials. In some cases, these recycled materials may include plastic and polyester.
Sustainable socks are more than just a fun play on alliteration! In a market increasingly defined by sustainability, brands are putting eco-conscious decisions and responsible production practices at the forefront of their mission.
Socks made from recycled materials help minimize textile waste and have a minimal impact on the environment. They’re a great investment, too, as many are made with materials that last longer than cheap alternatives.
The 6 Best Recycled Socks: How We Chose
While creating this list, we evaluated and compared the best socks from the most reputable sustainable brands available. Our hope is to bring more attention to brands that are making a positive impact. We only selected socks made from recycled materials from companies we trust. Each pick is a fine choice – now it’s up to you to decide which is for you!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Tentree Ankle Socks
| Materials | Hemp, TENCEL, recycled polyester, organic cotton |
| Product Care | Wash cold, tumble low |
The perfect minimalist sock, Tentree’s Ankle Socks are perfect for the office, the gym, and everywhere in between. They’re offered in black and white, which makes them perfect for integrating eco-friendly fashion choices into your everyday wardrobe.
Highlights
These socks are created with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled polyester as one of their main materials. Thanks to the addition of hemp yarn and organic cotton, these socks are eco-conscious and comfortable!
Things to Consider
Tentree takes its dedication to sustainability very seriously, and the company does more than just make sustainable socks. Join the Climate+ program to Tentree then grow more trees to reduce carbon emissions!
2. Conscious Step Socks That Protect Oceans
| Materials | 80% Fair Trade-Certified organic cotton, 18% recycled polyester, 2% elastane |
| Product Care | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
Conscious Step is a unique brand with many great initiatives in the works. Their socks come in many unique colors and fun patterns. Additionally, each pair of recycled socks supports a different cause, including empowering women, protecting national parks, conserving rainforests, and more.
Highlights
These socks are Fair Trade and GOTS-certified, which means they meet international standards for organic products and are made with fair business practices. They’re also vegan!
Things to Consider
These socks could make a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. Because the variety of causes Conscious Step supports range far and wide, finding a philanthropic cause your gift recipient cares about and buying them a matching pair of socks makes for a feel-good, memorable present!
3. Swaggr Sustainable Performance Ankle Socks
| Materials | 91.7% recycled polyester, 5.38% nylon, 2.92% spandex |
| Product Care | Wash cold/warm, tumble dry low |
Swaggr’s Performance Socks are made of recycled materials and are built for performance. In addition to being moisture-wicking, these socks feature a ventilation weave across the top to ensure maximum comfort and promote cool feet while you work hard.
Highlights
Swaggr socks are constructed from recycled plastic bottles. As a matter of fact, up to three recycled plastic water bottles are in one pair of socks. They are one size fits all (including children up to grown men!) and stretch to comfortably hug the shape of your foot.
Things to Consider
These socks are best for those looking for a versatile workout sock that can handle some sweat and tears. They’re not necessarily the most stylish choice. Still, you can take your Swaggr socks for a run, to the gym, and on the go!
4. Merge4 Repreve® White Crew Socks
| Materials | 75% Repreve® fiber, 22% nylon, 3% elastane |
| Product Care | Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, tumble dry on low |
These recycled socks from Merge4 are made using Repreve®, a textile made from recycled plastic bottles. Each pair of socks repurposes several plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Highlights
If you want a classic pair of socks that works as a staple piece, these are a great find. They feature moisture-wicking soles and elastic arch support to keep you comfortable and secure all day long.
Things to Consider
These socks come in several sizes, so be sure to select the option that’s best for you. Merge4 also offers other styles and colors in its Repreve® line. So, if these socks aren’t your top pick, don’t be afraid to branch out!
5. Next Best Thing: Bombas Women’s Marl Ankle Sock
| Materials | 67-76% cotton, polyester, nylon, elastane |
| Product Care | Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, tumble dry low |
Bombas has long been lauded for their major emphasis on making the world a better place. The company is dedicated to putting sustainability at the forefront of its efforts; it also donates one pair of socks for every purchase to those experiencing homelessness.
Highlights
Bombas uses between 67 and 76% cotton in these sustainable socks. While the socks themselves aren’t made with recycled fabrics, every package is shipped using 100% recycled materials! With a wide variety of colors, patterns, and cuts available, Bombas is sure to have a pair to suit your needs.
Things to Consider
Bombas socks fall on the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to price. While they are a purchase going towards a greater good, consider your options before investing in a pair.
How to Find the Right Recycled Socks for You
With so many great brands to pick from, how can you determine which type of sustainable socks are right for you? To help make your decision a little easier, consider the following:
- Needs: Are these socks the correct choice for how I plan to wear them (lounging, hiking, running, working, etc.)?
- Price Point: Are these socks an affordable purchase for me? Does the company offer a lifetime warranty or repair policy?
- Sustainability Initiatives: Does this brand embody environmentally conscious production efforts? Do their pairs of socks utilize more recycled materials than others?
We hope this list helps you find the best socks made from recycled materials to incorporate into your wardrobe!
