The Comfort and Durability of Bamboo Socks: An Interview with Rachel, founder of Thought Clothing
Can you tell us about the process of creating bamboo and other sustainable socks at Thought?
Just like everything we produce at Thought, the process of creating our bamboo socks starts with sustainability at heart as well as making sure we offer really fun and joyful designs each season - because, while we’re serious about eco-friendly living, we really want it to be full of fun and joy, too, which our socks definitely are - perhaps that’s why they’re what we’re best known for!
When it comes to the fabric of our socks, like all our garments, each step of their journey begins and ends with ethical production. We use bamboo and organic cotton in them, which are great fabrics because, as well as being earth-kind, they’re naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal too, as well as being softer, stronger, and of great quality in general - with an invisible toe seam our customers love.
And our sustainability doesn’t stop at the materials we use: we also make sure all our packaging is plastic-free, that our producers are paid a fair wage and, in essence, do all we can to make sure our business is as low-impact on the planet as possible.
How do you approach designing new styles and patterns for your bamboo sock collection?
All our collection designs at Thought are really carefully considered - including, of course, the way people will use and wear our pieces. And our socks are no different. Our dedicated in-house designers loved coming up with ideas for our latest range - basing it around seaside walks, rides at the carnival and heading away on holiday.
Everything from the placement of the designs to the trim, and the openings of the socks (eg, rolled, frilled) are deliberately thought out to look the best they can. In addition, we always commission an artist to create our beautiful sock box designs - so when you buy one of these you truly are getting a little piece of art.
How can shoppers take a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach while staying fashionable? to sock purchases?
Even when buying a smaller item like socks, it’s really worth thinking about elements such as sustainability, quality and style: little things really can bring you joy, and making considered, conscious purchases will hopefully help you feel better about how you consume, what you wear and the way in which you spend your money generally.
Regarding Thought in particular, our socks have become one of our bestsellers for a reason: they feel good to wear and they last. We make limited-run looks not only to avoid over-production but also because it means our customer is getting something special. Whether buying for yourself or as a gift, you know when you buy a pair of socks from us, you’re genuinely getting something a little different.
In essence, by choosing socks made from sustainable yarns that last longer (because more wear = less waste) you’ll already be taking an eco-friendly approach to buying socks. And with Thought’s unrivalled designs, you can have an awful lot of fun on the way, too.