Socks are an essential item of everyday clothing, and therefore, it is crucial that they are comfortable, long-lasting and affordable. In the study, five different cotton type socks were analyzed based on their raw material composition and structure. Samples of right-left knitted fabrics from the foot, heel and toes were used (on which the basic characteristics were checked: linear density yarn, density loop, loop length, surface mass, thickness, etc.), which were subjected to measurements of air permeability and abrasion resistance using methods in accordance with ISO and EN ISO standards. The results showed that the air permeability is higher in sock samples with a lower percentage of cotton fibers, as well as samples with lower densities and thicknesses compared to the others. In terms of abrasion resistance, samples with a lower percentage of cotton and a higher percentage of Lycra exhibited greater changes in appearance (after 5000 cycles, the rating was 1-2). The samples of socks with polyamide fibers proved to be more resistant, as well as those with higher densities (rating 2-3). This research can be beneficial for companies and researchers involved in the design and production of socks, as it investigates key factors in enhancing sock performance and provides additional information for potential future improvements. Introduction Textile materials and textile products play an important role in the daily life of people. Depending on their purpose, they are subjected to increasingly high requirements for functional properties and comfort. More and more products are made from fibers of different origins, so one must know which fiber will provide the required properties. Durability , good appearance and comfort (the edge of the sock does not constrict the leg, a pleasant feeling) are important factors when wearing socks. Another important feature is that they let air and sweat through. Resistance to abrasion and pressure due to wear and maintenance (washing) is also an important characteristic because first the deformation of the surface and then the internal structure occurs, the shape is lost, the fibers are pulled out, and piles are formed.

Socks are included in the group of everyday (indispensable) items of clothing. They should absolutely be comfortable, long-lasting and affordable. In this research were analyzed three types of socks that differ in raw material composition (mixture of Co, PA and Lycra fibers) and structure (loop density). All socks are made of knitwear in right-left interlacing. The basic characteristics of knitwear from feet, heels and toes were checked: longitudinal mass of yarn, density, loop length, surface mass, thickness. The samples were then subjected to measurements of air permeability and resistance to friction (abrasion) using methods according to ISO and EN ISO standards. After the friction process, the air permeability decreased thanks to the felting, i.e. rubbing the fibers in the structure of the knitwear, making it denser (regardless of the fact that protruding fibers fall out, they create piles of them). The visual assessment of appearance in the sock sections also changed with increasing number of friction cycles