Put simply, the sock—the product itself—is what makes a sock brand great.

Most types of apparel have famous brands that set the standard for quality. For athletic wear, it’s Nike. For denim jeans, it’s Levi’s, etc.…

Socks, on the other hand, are currently dominated by a number of small emerging brands—with no clear dominant winner. However, as socks become more of a fashion statement, people will become more discerning about which types and brands of socks they want to accessorize their wardrobes with. Their selection may very well come down to a few sock design elements.

Based on sock brands gaining some notoriety, these are three crucial product elements successful sock brands have considered:

Colors and designs. Trends these days seem to favor bolder designs. The days of blending socks in with one’s attire are fading. Socks are now an accessory. They reveal personality and individuality without being perceived as audacious. Sock brands, therefore, continue to push the envelope and offer bold and novel sock designs.

Length and Fit. Like all clothing, people have a tendency to select socks that fit right. A great sock shouldn’t make the wearer feel uncomfortable—in other words, it needs to be sized correctly, and the length must be suitable for the activity. Great sock brands offer excellent fitting socks in a variety of lengths.

Durability. The best socks are meant to last through multiple wearings and washings. Durability allows consumers to enjoy their favorite pair of socks for years without having to worry about replacement. Brands that keep an eye on the material construction of their socks gain the advantage of brand loyalty over the long term.

Get these three crucial elements right, and you may just be on your way to creating the next great sock brand.

About the author

EVERSOX is a worldwide supplier of custom branded socks for businesses, retailers, and promotional products distributors — with over 10,000 designs manufactured & 100 major brands served since 2010.