Are cotton or polyester socks better for sweaty feet?
Polyester can make your body sweat tremendously, because it's a great insulator. Your skin will not breathe nearly as much as with cotton. You'll sweat more than you would wearing cotton. Polyester isn't the best choice of fabric during the summer, since you'll perspire quite easily.
Synthetic fabrics that use modern moisture wicking technology are a great option for people with sweaty feet. Polyester is quick to dry, durable, and easy to clean. It's breathable compared to other synthetic fabrics like nylon. Polyester is even better at handling sweat when mixed with other synthetic fabrics.
“Moisture-wicking fabrics include polyester, merino wool, and nylon [and they] allow the sweat to evaporate so the socks can dry faster.” Other moisture-wicking materials include lycra and CoolMax technology fabrics, which are a combination of spandex, wool, or cotton.
Some Synthetic Fabrics
You'll want to steer clear of socks made from polyester, nylon, or plastic as these materials can make your feet hotter and will trap sweat in your socks.
Because of polyester's dependability, polyester socks are longer lasting and retain their shape better than socks made from other materials. Not only can you depend on polyester socks to keep going for a long time, the colour remains truer to its original shade and pattern for much longer than cotton or wool.
While some people tend to be a tad apprehensive about having synthetic materials in their clothing, there are actually many benefits of using polyester that make it a really great choice for socks. Polyester is unique in that it's soft and warm, yet still lightweight with significant moisture-wicking properties.
Cotton: The Reason Everyone Has Wet Stinky Feet
Even though cotton feels like a light and comfortable material, moisture absorbed by cotton fibers doesn't evaporate back into the air outside the sock! Cotton fibers retain heat, instead of insulating (like wool) and that heat creates bacteria and odor.
Cotton socks often provide good cushioning for sports and quick errands, but cotton can also retain moisture—which is obviously bad when it comes to preventing foot odor. It's better to seek out synthetic materials.
Copper compression socks are the best socks for athlete's foot and also against other fungal and bacterial infections.
Yes, socks made from materials that are not breathable or moisture-wicking make your feet stink. Such materials include cotton and synthetic fibers like nylon, plastic, and polyester.
How can I stop my feet from sweating?
Wash your feet daily with an antibacterial soap; be sure to wash between the toes. Dry the feet thoroughly, then apply cornstarch, foot powder, or an antifungal powder to your feet. Wear wicking socks made of natural or acrylic fiber blends that draw the moisture away from your feet instead of trapping it.
Wearing several pairs of socks can keep your feet warm and toasty, but it also seals the sweat in, causing foot odor. Wearing two or more pairs of socks can cause friction, which can cause corns or calluses to develop, resulting in excessive sweating and odor.
Breathable fabrics also repel water and allow sweat to quickly evaporate. Cotton is the most breathable fabric, but it also retains heat, which can accelerate sweating. Merino wool is another popular material for socks due to its breathability, cushion and moisture-wicking functions.
Polyester is advertised as being wrinkle-free, but due to the harsh chemicals that go into making these clothes, polyester is not only hard but can be disastrous on sensitive skin. The chemicals can be rough on skin and lead to rashes.
Cotton is more breathable than polyester and also extremely hypoallergenic. Those with sensitive skin tolerate 100 per cent cotton better than polyester. With organic products becoming increasingly popular, you can find cotton fabric made with very little chemical processing.
Cotton socks can cause blisters, because of the friction of the material against the foot. It also holds in moisture. This can lead to fungus and bacterial infections. Cotton also doesn't hold its shape.
You also can help keep your feet dry by choosing socks made of cotton, and shoes made of natural materials such as cotton or leather. These natural materials allow the moisture on your feet to evaporate. Man-made materials such as nylon or plastic trap moisture.
| Need | Best sock material |
|---|---|
| Comfort and cushioning | Cotton, Wool, Merino, Cashmere, Bamboo |
| Durability | Cotton, Bamboo, Polyester, Spandex, Nylon, Polypropylene |
| Sweat and wick moisture | Bamboo, Cotton, (some) Polyester, Polypropylene |
| Insulation and warmth | Wool, Merino, Cashmere, Cotton |
Breathable fabrics also repel water and allow sweat to quickly evaporate. Cotton is the most breathable fabric, but it also retains heat, which can accelerate sweating. Merino wool is another popular material for socks due to its breathability, cushion and moisture-wicking functions.
Yes, socks made from materials that are not breathable or moisture-wicking make your feet stink. Such materials include cotton and synthetic fibers like nylon, plastic, and polyester.
Do cotton socks prevent smelly feet?
Cotton socks often provide good cushioning for sports and quick errands, but cotton can also retain moisture—which is obviously bad when it comes to preventing foot odor. It's better to seek out synthetic materials.
Polyester is a non-polar fibre-meaning it repels water-which is why it dries quickly, but that also means it naturally attracts oil from our skin, which can lead to body odour, Abdul-Bari said.
