From prehistoric times to Fusakle: a fascinating sock history
Socks, now a very common part of our wardrobe, have a fascinating history that surprisingly dates to the Stone Age. Who would have guessed that their story would begin to be written there, even though they were nothing like today's ones, with pretty motifs and in different variations.
The history of socks began around 5000 BC, when people in what we now know as Europe and Asia began bandaging their feet with pieces of leather or plant material to protect them from the cold and harsh terrain.
The evolution of socks continued in ancient Greece and Rome, where the original makeshift bandages became more sophisticated pieces sewn from pieces of cloth. Roman soldiers used them for protection in cold weather. This evolution continued into ancient Egypt, where around 300-500 AD, knitted socks with split toes began to be produced and worn with sandals. This design allowed sandals to be worn comfortably while providing protection and warmth.
By the Middle Ages, socks had become not only practical but also an important fashion accessory. At that time, dyes began to be used to accentuate style and status. It was a time when socks became a status symbol among the nobility and the wealthy. The development of industrial production in the 19th century made their mass production possible, making socks available to a wider range of the population.
An important milestone in the history of socks was the invention of the knitting machine in 1589, which greatly accelerated and streamlined their production. This machine made it possible to produce smoother and more comfortable socks that fit the foot better and increased overall wearing comfort. With the advent of new materials, such as nylon introduced in 1938, and the development of new technologies, the quality and functionality of socks improved even further.
Today's socks come in a variety of styles and materials, from classic cotton socks to modern technical versions designed for sporting activities. Modern technology allows socks to not only look great, but also be functional, providing sufficient comfort, support, and protection. In this way, socks, which once served only as protection or as a status symbol, have become an integral part of our everyday lives and, frankly, we can no longer imagine that they do not exist.
Similarly, we are very happy that the sock industry is also working in Slovakia, where Fusakle has been lovingly dedicated to it since 2014 - a brand that is proof that quality and original design can go hand in hand with local production and community support. We are therefore thrilled to have been given a sneak peek with Made in Slovakia into their family-run workshop in the small village of Váhovce.
Fusakle was founded with the idea of restoring good old Slovak craftsmanship combined with modern design and approach. Hard work and innovative thinking have led to the development of original and high-quality socks that feature unique patterns and colours. Each pattern is meticulously programmed into the knitting machines considering the size and complexity of the design. During the manufacturing process, each sock is carefully inspected to ensure it meets high quality standards. Fusakle is constantly striving to innovate and push boundaries in the textile industry, with an emphasis on local production and community support.
In our reportage video you will learn, among other things, that they make their design pieces from scratch, like to create motifs reflecting our cultural heritage and are happy to make socks according to your design and wishes.