It can be tricky to find good organic socks, so we’ve rounded up some great options for you to check out.
Over the last few years, more and more companies have been using organic fibers in their clothing, and for good reason.
Overall, organic materials are better for the environment than traditionally produced fibers because they’re grown without the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals.
However, because most companies still haven’t adopted truly organic sourcing, it can be difficult to find organic versions of certain garments.
Socks tend to fall into this category. While many socks are made of natural materials like cotton and wool, others are made from synthetics like polyester and nylon.
Some companies have tried to combat this by using recycled synthetics, but, unfortunately, these materials still release microplastics and can have other adverse effects.
Quick Take
Here are our top two recommendations from the list:
Get the ultimate sockless style with Pact's No-Show Socks! Made from a luxurious blend of 82% GOTS-certified organic cotton, these trendy socks are the perfect choice for a seamless, fashion-forward look.
Elevate your sock game with these socks! Featuring 45% organic cotton and 9% hemp biofiber, these socks boast a unique fabric blend that also includes recycled cotton, durable polyester, stretchy Spandex, and rubber for ultimate comfort and sustainability.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
Do Completely Organic Socks Even Exist?
In short, yes, organic socks exist, but they’re few and far between.
In fact, I could only find one brand offering socks made from 100% organic materials.
Most eco-friendly brands are still using small amounts of polyester, nylon, and elastane. The reason is that socks need to be a little stretchy, and it can be hard to achieve that without using plastics.
But with that being said, there are several brands that have socks made from 90%+ organic fiber.
And while this isn’t perfect, it’s a lot better than buying socks made entirely out of plastics.
I’ve tracked down 8 of the best options for “organic” socks on the market right now.
Best Organic Sock Brands
Here’s the full list in order from most to least organic:
Harvest & Mill
Harvest & Mill consistently tops lists like these because it uses exclusively 100% USA-produced organic cotton for all of its garments, making it the only fully organic sock option on this list.
Available in ankle and crew varieties, Harvest & Mill’s well-reviewed organic socks are simple and reliable. Each of the three color options uses zero dyes — rather, the color is the actual color of the cotton.
They’re also surprisingly inexpensive considering their unique niche. A pair of ankle socks costs just $10, and a pair of crews is only a dollar more. (I should mention that theie multi-packs are discounted).
Unless you have a strong need for extremely durable socks, you really can’t go wrong with these.
Maggie’s Organics
Founded in 1992, Maggie’s is the oldest organic apparel company in the US that’s still in operation today.
While all Maggie’s socks use organic materials, there’s one standout: the Allergy Crew socks. These socks are 99.8% organic cotton with only a thin band of spandex (0.2%) at the top.
Even though these are marketed for people with sensitive skin, they’re a great organic option for everyone.
That said, if you’re after a more fitted sock, consider the Classic Crew that’s made with as much as 98% organic cotton.
Organic Basics
Organic Basics is a popular option for more sustainable essentials, and, thanks to the low-key aesthetic, you won’t have a hard time incorporating Organic Basics into your wardrobe.
The brand’s organic cotton ankle socks have the highest percentage of organic fibers, with organic cotton making up 85% of the blend. (Strangely, the crew version of the same sock is only 80% organic cotton).
These are best for guys who want to transition to more organic materials while on a budget. If you buy the multi-packs, you can get these for as little as $6 per pair.
Pact
Pact has some of the most variety of any brand on this list, so if you find yourself switching between different types of socks, Pact is probably your best bet.
These socks are also quite budget-friendly, coming in at an average of $7 per pair.
For the sockless look, check out Pact’s No-Show Socks, which are made from 82% GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Love a good ankle sock? Pact’s 85% organic cotton tabbed ankle socks have you covered.
And for the traditionalists, Pact also sells organic crew socks made from 78% organic cotton.
ARMEDANGELS
ARMEDANGELS may make clothes, but the German brand doesn’t think of itself as a fashion label. The folks at ARMEDANGELS are extremely vocal about their ethics, and sustainable production is one of their foremost values.
That’s why it’s no surprise that they offer a range of organic socks. All of these socks are made from a fabric mix that includes up to 80% organic cotton alongside organic wool and recycled synthetics.
While it’s slightly disappointing that every sock option has at least some plastic-based material, the use of mostly organic materials is still a step in the right direction (pun intended).
Thought
While UK-based label Thought has all kinds of organic socks, it stands out as one of the few brands to sell organic men’s dress socks.
Thought’s Geoffrey, Cameron, and Rodney socks are all boardroom-ready with their breathable jacquard construction. Each pair is made from 78% organic cotton and 22% recycled nylon.
And if you’re after some casual socks as well, don’t fret — you can browse Thought’s extensive catalog of organic socks for men.
Conscious Step
If you tend to stay away from plain socks, then check out Conscious Step, an environmentally and socially responsible brand with some adventurous socks.
Conscious Step’s socks are made from a blend of 75% Fair Trade organic cotton, 23% recycled polyester, and 2% elastane. While this blend still uses synthetics, it has a higher percentage of organic fibers than most socks.
Each pair of socks supports a different cause that’s usually reflected in the design. And while some of them are quite loud, others are much more subdued and could easily be worn every day.
Arvin Goods
Within the realm of organic socks, it can be especially difficult to find a pair that holds up to heavy use.
That’s the problem Arvin Goods aims to solve with its Hemp Biofiber crew socks. Despite the name, these socks are made with 45% organic cotton, with hemp biofiber comprising 9%. The fabric blend also uses polyester, recycled cotton, rubber, and Spandex.
Similarly to ARMEDANGELS, Arvin Goods is on the right path. Sadly, synthetics are usually required to make a more durable sock, so the fact that these hard-wearing socks are only 18% synthetic is actually impressive.
Final Thoughts
Even though socks don’t use that much fabric, their production still has a huge impact on the environment.
Buying organic is one way to reduce that impact, though buying fewer clothes in general is still the best option by far.
It’s likely that more brands will offer organic socks in the future, and hopefully, we’ll see more 100% organic options on the market.
But for now, these brands are hands down your best choices for buying organic socks.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
Nice article, Ian. I love my Maggie’s socks! I’d just purchased some Gap socks only to find they contained recycled plastic–yuck! Thanks for the info and links!