Why is a sock called a sock?
From split toes to funky out-there designs, let's have a quick look into the history of socks.
Q: Why is a sock called a sock?
A: The name comes from soccus, what the Roman wore on their feet.
In the late 17th century cotton became a popular choice for many garments including socks. As trousers became longer and socks became shorter, the term ‘socks’ actually started being used to refer to what was previously known as stockings.
The earliest known surviving pair of socks, created by naalbinding. Dating from 300–500, these were excavated from Oxyrhynchus on the Nile in Egypt. The split toes were designed for use with sandals. On display in the Victoria and Albert museum, reference 2085&A-1900.