Toe socksВ encases each toe individually the same way a finger is encased in a glove, while other socks have one compartment for the big toe and one for the rest, like a mitten most notably what Japanese call tabiВ while other parts of the world simply call it tabi.Д«oth of these allow one to wear flip-flopsВ with the socks. When worn by adult females, knee-high or thigh-high socks can become the object of sexual attractionВ and fetishismВ by some men.В Liner socks are socks which are worn underneath another sock with the intention being to prevent blisters. They were widely worn by children, both boys and girls, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries although, the popularity varied widely from country to country. Over-the-knee socks or socks that extend higher (thigh-high socks) are sometimes referred to as female garments in the common era. Knee-high socksВ are sometimes associated with formal dress or as being part of a uniform, such as in sports (like football and baseball) or as part of a schoolвЂ™s dress codeВ or youth groupвЂ™s uniform. No show and/or low cut socks are designed to create the look of bare feet when worn with shoes (sock not visible). No show, low cut, and ankle socks extend to the ankle or lower and are often worn casually or for athletic use. Socks are manufactured in a variety of lengths. Sock lengths vary, from ankle-high to thigh level. The town currently produces 8 billion pairs of socks each year,В a third of the worldвЂ™s sock production, effectively creating two pairs of socks for every person on the planet in 2011 SizesДЄlthough generally holding to a pattern of being divided into sizes of small-medium-large, etc., what range of shoe sizes those sock sizes correspond to carries in different markets.В Some size standards are coordinated by standard-setting bodies but others have arisen from custom. The township-level district of DatangВ in the city of ZhujiВ in ZhejiangВ Province, PeopleвЂ™s Republic of China, has become known as Sock City. Colored socks may be a key part of the uniforms for sports, allowing players teams to be distinguished when only their legs are clearly visible. Sometimes art is also put onto socks to increase their appearance. Sock вЂcoloringвЂ™ can come in a wide range of colors. The color variety of sock choices can be any color that the designers intend to make the sock upon its creation. Socks can be created from a wide variety of materials, such as cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefinsВ (such as polypropylene).В To get an increased level of softness other materials that might be used during the process can be silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, or mohair. Nylon was the start of blending two or more yarns in the production of socks, a process that still continues today. Until then socks were commonly made from silk, cottonВ and wool. The next revolution in sock production was the introduction of nylonВ in 1938. Nonetheless, knitting machines and hand knitters worked side by side until 1800. The invention of a knitting machineВ in 1589 meant that socks could be knitted six times faster than by hand. From the 16th century onwards, an ornamental design on the ankle or side of a sock has been called a clock. By 1000 AD, socks became a symbol of wealth among the nobility. When breeches became shorter, socks began to get longer (and more expensive). Since socks did not have an elastic band, garters were placed over the top of the stockings to prevent them from falling down. By the 5th century AD, socks called вЂњ putteesвЂќ were worn by holy people in EuropeВ to symbolize purity.Дuring the Middle Ages, the length of trousers was extended and the sock became a tight, brightly colored cloth covering the lower part of the leg. The RomansВ also wrapped their feet with leather or woven fabrics.ДЄround the 2nd century AD, the Romans started sewing the fabrics together making fitted socks called вЂњudonesвЂќ. These remained in use in Eastern European armies until the end of the 20th century.ДЄccording to the Greek poet Hesiod, in the 8th century BC, the Ancient GreeksВ wore socks called вЂњpiloiвЂќ, which were made from matted animal hair. The poor wore footwraps, simple cloths wrapped around the feet. Because the manufacture of socks was relatively time-consuming in pre-industrial times, they were long used only by the rich. Socks have evolved over the centuries from the earliest models, which were made from animal skins gathered up and tied around the ankles.

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