6 things to consider when you create your custom socks

So, you’ve decided to get onto the custom socks bandwagon - welcome aboard!

Whether you want to order socks for your promotional events, as custom swags, or want to retail them as merch on your online store, creating and ordering your custom socks from Gumtoo is super easy and fun. Once you understand a few basics, creating the socks is a cakewalk.

So, let’s get you started with the top 6 things you need to consider before ordering your custom socks from Gumtoo. 

1. Custom Socks Fabrication Type:

Do you want your socks to have your brand logo on them? Or your brand mascot? Or do you want festival-themed custom socks?

Fabrication determines how your design will be created on your custom socks. Based on your design, we can help you choose the right fabrication type. All socks come in the following three fabrication methods:

1. Knitted/Jacquard Socks

Have you seen beautifully knitted socks with repeated designs and patterns? They are Jacquard Knit socks; they are knitted with a traditional process that weaves your designs into the sock fabric. 

When to pick: If you have a clean, simple design or a repeating pattern, this is the sock to pick. Knitted socks offer a classic look, and come in a wide selection of sock lengths. You can choose from yarn options to include antimicrobial and moisture control knitted socks. These socks make a great choice for active sports. 

2. 180-Degree Dye-Sublimated Socks

The dye sublimation process involves creating a deep print of your design onto the sock’s fabric with heat transfer. Using this process, you can get socks with rich details of your design and long-lasting images with vibrant colors. 

Dye-sublimation works best on synthetic sock fabric such as polyester.

In 180-degree dye sublimation, the design can be printed onto the front of the socks or back or both. If you want the design on the side of the socks, it will stagger and you will be able to see the side seams. 

When to pick: If you have a design that can’t be knitted directly onto the sock fabric, or have complex, colorful designs-pick this sock. They have a sleeker feel, due to less fuzz and yarn. 

CHECK VIDEO TUTORIAL ON 180-DEGREE DYE SUBLIMATED SOCKS

3. 360-Degree Printed Socks

360-degree printing is an upgrade to the dye-sublimation process. It allows you to design a sock that has the graphics covered almost seamlessly.

It enables greater color permeability, and even when the socks are stretched, the image looks great. There are no ‘white gaps’ in the socks when you use this method.

360-degree printed socks offer immense freedom in the choice of colors and patterns -you can choose any color, design, and pattern! Even a photograph can be printed on socks using this technology. 

When to pick: With their vibrant images, and unlimited design flexibility, these socks make great gifts for festivals and holidays and corporate swag. 

CHECK HOW SOCKS ARE PRINTED USING 360-DEGREE DYE SUBLIMATION

Please Note: 

1. When you send us a design for your socks, make sure to send a high-quality image (min 300dpi) in any of these formats: .AI, .PSD, .TIF, .JPG, .EPS.

2. Knitted socks can have a maximum of 5 colors. If there are more than 5 colors, we recommend reducing the number of colors or opting for printed socks instead of knitted socks.

3. The gradient effect doesn’t look good on knitted socks. We recommend either removing that effect or convert to printed socks.

4. If you need help with designing, please drop us an email at sales@gumtooStickers.com.

2. Custom Socks Material 

What purpose are you going to use the custom socks for? As a giveaway? For a sports team or adventure camp? You need to consider the purpose of your socks to narrow down on the material. 

At Gumtoo, the main yarn we use is cotton with a blend of polyester, spandex, and sometimes nylon.  The material composition varies as per design and sock styles.  For example, for crew socks, we use 75% cotton, 20% polyester, and 5% spandex.

Most socks are made with a blend of materials for getting great designs, wearability, comfort, and elasticity.

For greater comfort, we offer full/half terry cushioning for socks. It is a technique in which the sock area is knitted with a secondary loop in order to create extra cushioning. Terry is great for sports socks, winter socks, and adventure socks.

3. Custom Socks Length/style:

The length of the socks is important both for aesthetic and practical reasons. Formal socks have a different length as compared to socks used while doing yoga. Moreover, different sports require socks of different lengths.

We offer socks in the following standard lengths: 

Knee-High: Knee Height socks ride all the way up to the knee. These are the longest socks. You can optimize your designs for this one, as it offers max coverage. Preferred by athletes and fashionistas alike.

1. Crew: Slightly smaller than Knee High, these are calf-length socks, often opted for formal settings. Crew socks are the most popular socks size of them all. Your custom designs can be clearly visible on this size.

2. Quarter: Reaching up to the ankle and also known as Ankle Length socks, are smaller in length than Crew Socks. These make a great pair with sneakers and are most common for sporting events.

3. Low cut: These socks reach up to just below the ankle. They are smaller in length than quarter socks.

4. No Show: They usually stop at the middle of the ankle bone and are designed to be invisible when the shoes are worn. These are perfect for flats and low-top shoes.

If you need socks with custom lengths, we can do it for you; you don’t need to stick to these standard sizes. Just let us know your preferred socks length.

4. Custom Socks size

For whom are your socks intended?

Men’s sock size differs from women’s socks.

We offer three standard sizes for men as well as women: Small, Medium, and Large.

If you are going to retail the socks on your e-store, you can stock up on multiple sizes (S, M, L) for both genders of your custom socks. If your socks are going to be worn by a men’s cricket team, it may be safe to choose a standard large size. If you plan to give the socks as swag, you can choose the size depending on your average audience.

We also offer custom kid sizes for children.

Confused about picking the right size for your custom socks? Write to us at sales@gumtooStickers.com, and our product specialists will guide you.

5. Custom Socks Packaging

In today’s world of unboxing videos and social media shares, if you intend to make your socks popular, visuals are important.

Make your custom socks stand out with vibrant packaging that resonates with your brand. Use your brand logo, colors, and designs to customize socks packaging.

 1. Hang Tag Socks Packaging

Create stunning hang tags with custom backer paper. Attract attention to your socks with a quirky slogan, event details, or doodles.

2. Sleeve Packaging for socks

Protect your socks with sleeve packaging. You can customize the sleeve with artwork or your brand logo

3. Gift Box Packaging:

Colorful boxes with your brand colors or special promotional themes make for eye-catching packaging for your custom socks.

Happy Socks created this vibrant packaging for their Snack Pack sock collection

Image via Instagram

6. Your Budget

This may seem like a no-brainer, but your custom sock choices depend on your budget.

For example, if a customer is on a tight budget, we recommend opting for a lower sock length to reduce the cost.

Sock materials also influence the cost- polyester socks are cheaper than socks with a higher percentage of organic cotton.

Knitted socks are cheaper than dye-sublimated socks. Embroidered patterns are also more expensive.

Whatever be your budget, our product specialists understand customer requirements and will help you get the right custom socks.

Reached so far? Now, you are all set to get your own fabulous custom socks.

Just write to us at sales@gumtoo.ca for a quote today!