Sole Mates You Can Bank On

Not many articles of clothing have been used as a way to warm the body and as a bank to hide money, but that’s what socks have been.

The word’s history began with the Greek sukchis, meaning “sole of the foot.” The Romans, however, are credited with weaving the first socks as a way to keep the feet of elite soldiers warm on cold-weather campaigns.

These goat hair stockings were eventually woven with longer and longer legs until they covered and warmed the thighs.

These leggings evolved into cotton tights, which were worn by wealthy men instead of trousers at chic parties in the 14th Century.

Similar to a ballet dancer’s outfit, these tights made every part of the lower anatomy visible, and the clergy declared them immodest.

Like today’s rebellious teens, the youth of Venice began wearing forbidden tights in wild colors just because their parents hated them.

As pants became more of a fashion statement, leg wear for men became smaller until it finally receded to its original length in the 19th Century, just below the knee. Men without money belts often kept their paper money in the heels of their socks when visiting the big city to ward off pickpockets and highwaymen.

Women started wearing long socks about the same time as men, but it wasn’t until hemlines began creeping up in the 20th Century that socks developed into hosiery that showed off their legs.

Today’s socks come in multiple colors and varying lengths. The most popular is the white cotton crew-length--which extends to the calf--but probably the most comfortable is made of soft cashmere.

Nylon and wool are commonly seen in dress socks, but goat hair, fortunately, has gone out of style.