Teardown: what is inside an expensive sock
We cut open a pair for £40 and looked at what the buyer actually pays for. Spoiler: for engineering, not for the brand.
Method
We took three pairs: budget (£4), mid-range (£12) and premium (£40). Each was cut lengthwise and across, weighed, density measured and the stitches in the heel zone counted.
What the cut showed
The expensive pair has the heel and toe reinforced with an extra layer - noticeable by touch and by weight. The mid-range pair had reinforcement only in the heel. The budget pair had the same fabric along the whole length.
Knit density
The premium pair had 20 per cent more stitches per square centimetre. That means less stretching, a clearer fit and longer shape retention.
Composition vs marketing
The composition of all three pairs was honest (which is pleasing). The difference is in the geometry of the knit and the distribution of reinforcements, which you cannot see on the label.
Verdict
Paying extra for an expensive pair is justified if you wear it 200+ days a year: it will last twice as long. If socks are a three-month consumable for you, the mid-range is the most reasonable option.