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Socks are an item of clothing that we
commonly wear on our feet. We might
wear them to keep our feet warm or to stop
them rubbing when we walk, or simply as
a fashion accessory. Today, most socks are
knitted with natural or synthetic fibres and
can often be brightly coloured or patterned.
However, humans have worn socks for
millennia and they have evolved during
this time.
The first known 'socks' are probably those
worn by the ancient Greeks, who were
wearing socks made of matted animal hair
in the 8th century B.C. By the 2nd century A.D., the Romans were wearing woven
socks that were sewn up and pulled over
the foot. Although perhaps used by only the
elite, they were used in much the same way
as we do when we put on our socks. The
oldest pair of knitted socks reported was
found in Denmark as is thought to be from
1500 B.C. However, the oldest pair that still
exists, dates back to the 3rd - 6th century A.D. and was found in Egypt. This pair of
socks has an unusual division so that the
toes could be separated, and the socks worn
with sandals. Today, most socks keep the
toes together, but some designed specially
to separate toes. These toe-separating socks
are popular amongst long distance runners
as they can prevent blisters forming easily
and allow more area to circulate around
the toes.
Long socks, which are also called stockings,
became popular in the 12th century across
Europe. These were tied up at the top
around the knee area. However, in the 16th
century the knitting machine was invented
and the fabric that was knitted could have
a denser weave, meaning that these garters
were no longer required. Generally, these
would have been worn by men and not
women. They can be seen wearing them
in portraits of the time whereas women
would wear floor length dresses. As time
passed and fashions changed, these long
socks became more commonly worn by
women. It was only when men's trousers
became long, and their socks shortened, that
socks became socks and were no longer
referred to as stockings. The invention in
America of nylon in 1938 made it possible
to make socks that were more stretchy and
comfortable, so now, socks are often made
with a nylon blend.
Depending on where you live in the world,
socks may be more or less popular to wear.
This might be related to the climate, or the
fashion. Their design and length also vary
from place to place. In Japan, decorated
socks adorned with cartoon characters are
popular and sold in shops dedicated to
selling socks and only socks. There are
also ways to modernise your sock wearing
and sock buying. Now, you can have a
constant supply of new socks selected
for you and delivered to your home. This
'sockscription' is for those with busy
lifestyles and not enough time to waste
on sock buying.
Socks are popular ___________.
A because they are easy to buy
B only in cold places
C with young modern people
D all around the world