Socks All Start from Fibers

Fibers come first at Swiftwick. They define how we make socks. We carefully select high-performance fibers that inherently move moisture rather than treating fibers with chemicals. We call this approach Fiber First™ Moisture Wicking and it is one of our core principles.

We’re proud to announce that as of 2023, 100% of our socks are made using recycled, responsible, or renewable fibers. So, let’s take a look at the fibers we use!

OLEFIN

This fiber is an ideal ingredient for making socks. Its hydrophobic properties are especially important and help comprise our Fiber First™ Moisture Wicking products.

Olefin is used in a number of consumer products other than socks due to its incredibly beneficial properties. Not only is Olefin an extremely light fiber, it is stain, mildew, perspiration, and abrasion resistant. Most importantly, it displays exceptional wicking abilities.

Just as important as its performance properties, Olefin aligns well with our sustainability objectives. Olefin production requires less energy and produces fewer waste products than other common sock materials. Olefin also utilizes far less water in the production process than other textile fibers.

POLYESTER

Polyester is a high-volume fiber typically used to create a plush feel. Swiftwick uses structurally modi­fied derivatives of polyester to achieve various performance benefits like the maximum cushioning in our MAXUS™ socks.

NYLON

Nylon is a synthetic fiber that’s got a well-earned reputation for being one of the toughest materials available. That’s exactly why we use nylon to reinforce our socks and make them incredibly durable. Carefully optimizing the amount and placement of nylon in our socks to match their intended use helps us walk the fine line of delivering a product that is both rugged and high performing.

MERINO WOOL - NATURE'S ORIGINAL TECHNICAL FIBER

One of nature’s finest fibers for making socks, or really any next-to-skin apparel, is Merino wool. Wool has long been regarded for its warmth, but until Merino gained popularity, it was largely pigeon holed as the coarse yarn used by your grandmother to knit heavy, winter sweaters.

Merino breaks that stereotype because of its many unique properties. First, its fibers are much thinner than traditional wool. This makes it softer and wearable directly against the skin without scratching or causing irritation.

Worn against the skin, Merino traps air very efficiently. This is what gives it excellent thermal properties. Beyond that, it also moves moisture very well. This natural wicking ability keeps your skin dry and comfortable, which is important in the cold, but Merino wool isn’t just a great option for the colder months.

Merino is also exceptional at keeping you cool in the summer. It is able to move a large amount of moisture relative to its own weight before feeling saturated.

This helps keep you comfortably dry. And when that moisture is transported away from the skin and to the surface of the garment, evaporation cools you off. Pretty neat, huh?

Did we mention that Merino’s ability to ward off odor-causing bacteria means that it doesn’t get all smelly? Bonus!

Check out our Merino wool collections, PURSUIT™, and  FLITE XT® TRAIL.

GRIPDRY™

Used in our FLITE XT® and FLITE XT® TRAIL socks, this proprietary fiber blends a polyester nanofiber with our responsible Olefin fiber providing excellent moisture wicking and a slight grip for added stability.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

Recycled Polyester is used in our MAXUS™ socks and transforms recycled water bottles into high-performance fiber. Using these fibers helps us keep more waste out of landfills and gives plastic bottles a second life while keeping the same technology, durability, and comfort we pride ourselves on. Every pair of MAXUS™ socks is made with 1 recycled water bottle.

IS THERE A PERFECT MIX OF FIBERS?

Not all socks are meant to perform under the same conditions. That’s why we knit our socks using varying combinations and proportions of fibers. Again, like a tasty meal, every recipe is going to be different depending on the dish you want to create.

We’ve come up with a whole line of sock recipes using our favorite fiber ingredients. We’re confident that our socks are the best you will ever wear no matter your preferred activity, and that’s why we back them with our Best Sock Guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Find your favorite new socks!