Emma’s dream of Socko began when searching for meaning in her work. She saw that her job satisfaction came when she was able to connect what she’d done with her working day with its positive impact upon others. Through combining her talent for craft with her love of people and planet, she identified her business idea: Sustainable socks.
Sustainable starts with designing something that’s built to last. Making something that’s built to last relies on principles that are built to last. At Socko, we have a clear sense of purpose. Our principles are:
COUNTERACTING DISPOSABLE FASHION
WITH CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION
At the heart of our sock company is a fundamentally great pair of socks. Designed, sourced and made in the UK, from Kelly the knitter, to Caroline the linker, to Liz the woodturner, we know all of our producers personally and can ensure that they are paid properly for their skills. We craft yarn that is no longer serving a purpose into socks to be worn for years.
EXTENDING THE ACTIVE LIFE OF CLOTHING
BY RE-TEACHING THE LOST ART OF DARNING
In a world that is facing a lot of environmental problems, there seem to be a lot of solutions in the way we did things in the past. When it comes to fashion, the most sustainable thing that you can do is to wear your clothes for longer. We’ve made a robust product and are here to equip you with the skills to mend with pride. We call it Wear & Care.
TRANSPARENCY
Every decision we make as a business is evaluated in terms of its ethics and duty to sustainability. As much as we want to make a 100% cotton sock free of manmade fibres, adding nylon is in fact a more sustainable option in terms of creating socks that are made to last. Nylon makes for a stronger sock. We’re in talks to make our next range with a recycled elastane in the cuff. For now, we’re proud to be 90% good.
Made from waste
Material that would otherwise have gone to landfill
Sourced from mills around the UK
Repurposed, recycled
Repurposed merino wool that would otherwise have gone to landfill
Pre-consumer cutting floor cotton offcuts, post-consumer plastic bottles
Plated for durability
Each stitch has a nylon component for added durability
This is doubled at the heel and toe, which get the most wear
Made in the UK
We support local business and recognise and pay fairly for the skills of our British craftspeople
We know every member of the team personally
Family-owned business
The Leicestershire factory where our socks are made has been in the business since the 19th century
Run by the 4th generation
Hand finished
Our woollen socks have a hand-linked toe seam for added comfort
The quality of each pair is inspected by hand
ETHOS
Made to last
The most sustainable thing you can do is wear your clothes for longer
All our socks are machine washable at 30ºC for ease of care
Free mending kit with every pair
We're on a mission to re-teach the lost art of darning
We do this by embracing visible mending
Recycled and recyclable packaging
Every aspect of our business has been assessed for its environmental and social impact
Compostable postage
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