Should you have socks printed or knitted?
We have the answer
When it comes to personalizing socks and adding a logo or design, the question arises as to which method is the better choice: should you have socks printed or should you go for real knitted products? Our answer is very clear: Knitting!
We offer knitted socks with individual designs, exactly according to your ideas
Advantages of our knitted socks
✔ Environmentally friendly knitted socks with high-quality materials according to OEKOTEX-100 standard.
✔ Breathable and comfortable thanks to 80% cotton content.
✔ Durable and long durable
✔ Colorfast, does not fade quickly
✔ Made especially for you in practically any size
✔ An unusual and creative promotional gift or giveaway for companies as well as for employees and clubs
Guide
Read about the advantages and disadvantages of both production processes in our detailed guide. Answer the question for yourself whether printed socks or knitted socks will better serve the intended purpose.
To the guide
Knitted socks are in no way inferior to printed socks – on the contrary
Printed socks are available in beautiful designs, no question about it. But genuine knitted socks are in no way inferior to them in terms of appearance. On the contrary: in addition to bright colors, a wide range of design options and a pleasant wearing comfort, they also impress as a high-quality and environmentally friendly alternative. Convince yourself of the variety and appearance of our products through the references of our customers: Knitted socks are the benchmark and the better alternative to printed socks – for optimal durability and color fastness.
Design ideas for socks
Here you can see some examples of socks that we have already produced for customers as inspiration for your own socks.
Have high-quality knitting instead of printing socks – these are your advantages
In addition to high-quality materials according to the OEKOTEX-100 standard, we at Schlauesocke.de attach great importance to an all-round satisfactory experience – from placing the order to unpacking and wearing the finished product.
✔ Our socks are knitted from yarn and not prefabricated, printed socks made from synthetic fibers.
✔ The motifs are woven from high-quality yarns with strong colors instead of being printed on the socks.
✔ The socks are colorfast, breathable and almost entirely made of cotton.
✔ Knitted socks feel significantly higher quality than “plastic socks” with prints.
What happens next? It’s that easy to get your individually designed socks
Requesting a quote via our website is easy, because with just a few details you will immediately receive a binding price and a quote as a PDF file. Free design suggestions from our team will follow shortly afterwards and make your ideas a reality.
By adjusting the shaft lengths, sizes and sock type, there is the right model for every project. The material is colorfast and breathable. The real knitted socks are the best alternative to socks for printing and are knitted almost entirely from cotton, which makes them very comfortable to wear.
In addition to the socks, you can also customize the packaging – for an all-round harmonious giveaway.
We produce your socks in the EU and also produce small runs starting from 40 pairs. Free shipping within Europe and packaging is always included. Sounds good? Try it!
1. Step
First, simply send us an inquiry with your desired logo, as well as any other information and comments on the desired design.
2. Step
Receive a free design preview. If this meets your requirements, the production template and then a label draft will follow to approve the order.
3rd step
Now it’s our turn: We create the knitting pattern and produce your real knitted socks in the best quality. Delivery is free.
Ordering printed socks is quick? We’re faster!
We turn print-on-demand socks into knit-on-demand socks – quickly and individually made and shipped upon your request.
Print runs of 50 to 10,000 possible in just a few weeks!
Printed socks are quick to produce, but knitted socks can also produce large runs of several thousand pairs in just a few weeks.
Individual socks are an extremely popular and creative promotional gift or giveaway for companies, clubs, communities, churches and other organizations. We create socks that are perfectly suited to your occasion.
Socks with lettering or logo in sneaker, quarter and regular length
The choice is yours! We produce socks with logo and design in the desired length.
Regular
Quarter
Sneakers
With our wide range of sock lengths, you’ll always find a model that suits both your style and your activity, without having to give up your favorite design. This way, company or club logos can be worn subtly or extra conspicuously, depending on your taste.
The regular socks reach almost to the calf and are ideal for cooler days. They go perfectly with formal clothing or boots. Worn deliberately visibly, they are a striking eye-catcher.
Our quarter socks end just above the ankle and are a great option for everyday use or sporting activities.
Sneaker socks are extra short so they remain almost invisible in low-cut shoes – perfect for hot days or light shoes.
Choose the ideal packaging
For smaller events or clubs, simple, practical packaging such as a banderol or labels is often sufficient for individual socks (whether printed or knitted like ours). This is not only cost-effective, but also a good way to present individualized sports socks in an appealing way. Such options make it easier to organize and provide a professional look at a low cost.
Banderole
Labels
Folding box
In the area of marketing or employer branding, the packaging of knitted or printed socks plays a more important role. If companies want to put their own logo on socks, the use of individually printed folding boxes can not only increase the perceived value of the socks, but also contribute to a uniform brand identity. Sophisticated packaging also visually highlights the quality of the knitted, individual socks and has a positive effect on the customer experience right from the start.
Already over 1,500 satisfied customers
READ OUR CUSTOMERS’ EXPERIENCES
With over 200 reviews on Trustpilot, Schlauesocke.de is one of the best companies in the promotional products provider category.
Your advantages
Sizes
Our personalized socks are available in children’s sizes from 23 to 26, through 27-30 and 31-35, up to the common adult sizes 36-43 and 42-46. In order to accommodate even the largest feet, we also offer sizes 46-50.
Material
Our products are made of 80% cotton, 17% polyamide and 3% elastane. For sports socks we use 17% polyamide and 5% elastane to ensure elasticity and an improved fit. In contrast to inferior printed socks, our models offer excellent wearing comfort.
Delivery time
From design to delivery we need an average of 5 weeks.
Shipping
Our personalized socks are delivered via UPS, FedEx Express or courier and are already included in the offer price within the EU and Switzerland.
Print socks with a logo? That’s why our knitted socks are better
There are various ways to add a logo to socks. While we rely on real knitted models, other providers only use a print. However, there is a big difference here: the quality of the print can vary greatly and inferior materials mean that patterns and logos quickly fade or even come off. Such prints are often not long-lasting, especially on stretchy fabric. Knitted motifs, on the other hand, have no losses here and offer you a long-term advertising space. There are also limitations in the design: When you have socks printed individually, the base is usually a white blank with a black waistband, heel and toe. These areas must be left out of the design process to avoid problems with printing. Conversely, the knittable resolution is lower with knitted socks, but the most successful brands all rely on knitted socks because they are simply more comfortable and durable. Printed socks are more likely to be found in the area of joke and fun items.
Knitted socks instead of printed ones – because the material makes a difference
In addition to the fit, the material plays a crucial role in making sure that socks are comfortable to wear. When printing socks, the options for materials are limited to those that are compatible with the respective printing process. Synthetic materials are often used, which reduces the variety compared to knitted socks. In particular, low-quality synthetic fibers in printed socks offer little comfort and breathability. Heat build-up, sweaty feet, etc. – all of this is inevitable and ensures that the socks are not worn. That is why we offer you knitted socks made of breathable cotton that are very comfortable to wear.
Printing socks vs. knitting socks: our clear winner
Advantages of individual cotton socks
As an experienced sock manufacturer, we would like to introduce you to the advantages and design options for knitted socks and explain why they are in no way inferior to printed socks:
1. Optimal comfort and Fit:
Our cotton socks are specially designed to meet the demands of everyday life. They offer an excellent fit, are durable, minimize friction and blisters and give the foot a good grip.
2. Moisture management:
Our high-quality socks are made of breathable materials such as cotton, which efficiently wicks sweat away from the skin. This keeps your feet dry and does not cause an unpleasant odor, unlike many printed, inferior socks.
3. A variety of shaft lengths:
Cotton socks are available in a variety of shaft lengths, including sneaker, quarter, regular and even knee-highs. This variety allows you to adapt the socks to your specific requirements and preferences.
4. Individual design:
The design of socks offers numerous possibilities. Logos, patterns or even texts and motifs on the sole are common elements. But unusual designs and creative design ideas are also possible. Send us your ideas and concepts. We produce individual socks according to your ideas.
Guide: Have socks printed with a logo and design or would you rather have knitted socks produced?
Would you like to have individual socks made with your logo and design? Then you have come to the right place. First, however, we would like to explain two production processes for individually designed socks.
1. Have socks printed
2. Have socks knitted with woven motifs
Printing socks and knitting socks with motifs are two different production processes for socks.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages for both options:
Have socks printed
Advantages:
Diverse designs:
When printing socks, there are almost unlimited possibilities in terms of designs, patterns and colors. For example, color gradients are possible and the number of colors is practically unlimited.
Fine details:
Printed socks allow for fine details and complex graphics to be reproduced accurately, which is more difficult with knitted socks, as the smallest image unit is made up of knitted stitches.
Fast production:
The process of printing socks is usually faster than knitting custom socks, as the design is applied to an already finished sock through sublimation. This could translate into a shorter delivery time, especially for very small runs, but this ultimately depends on the available production capacity.
Disadvantages:
Quality differences:
The quality of the print can vary depending on the manufacturing process and materials used. A poor quality print can cause the design to fade or peel quickly.
Limited choice of materials:
With printed socks, you are limited to the existing materials that are suitable for the printing process. This can limit the choice of materials compared to knitting. Synthetic fibers are usually used.
Limited comfort:
As the socks are made of synthetic fibers, they may be very warm and not breathable. This causes sweat to collect and unpleasant odors to develop.
Limited Size Options:
Printed socks are often only available in standard sizes, which may not fit every foot perfectly.
Limited Design:
Most blanks (unprinted socks) are white with a black cuff, heel and toe. These areas cannot therefore be part of the sock design. This is to prevent print fits from looking off.
Environmental Impact:
The printing process can be made more environmentally friendly, but some printing methods may use chemical substances that may be harmful to the environment. Likewise, the sock blanks usually come from Asia, while knitted socks can be produced in Europe.
Have socks knitted
Advantages:
Environmentally friendly:
Knitted socks can be more environmentally friendly, especially when high-quality yarns without harmful substances are used.
The yarns used by Schlauesocke.de all comply with the OEKOTEX-100 standard.
The production takes place in Poland and the yarns also come from Italy or Poland. This means that the transport routes are significantly shorter than for socks produced in Asia, for example.
High-quality material:
Knitted socks are usually made of 80% cotton.
Circular knitting machines enable the use of various high-quality materials, including cotton. This makes the socks comfortable and breathable, as they should be for everyday use.
Better fit:
Production on circular knitting machines enables precise adjustment to the shape of the foot, resulting in a better fit. This helps to ensure that the socks do not slip and sit comfortably on the foot.
High durability:
Knitted socks can have a high durability due to the knitted construction and the use of high-quality yarns. They are often more resistant to wear and tear and can last longer than printed socks.
Color fastness:
Since colorful yarns are used to weave the motifs from woven stitches, the colors are more durable compared to printed socks and do not fade as quickly or can not be removed by friction.
Many size options:
Knitted socks can be made in practically any size. A design is adapted for each size. Schlauesocke.de produces socks from size 23 to 50 in six sizes.
Very comfortable to wear:
As the socks are made of cotton, they are breathable. This means that no sweat collects and no unpleasant odors develop. With sports socks, the additional terry structure on the inside ensures better grip and comfort during sport.
Large runs also possible: While small runs are possible for printed socks, the minimum for knitted socks is 40 pairs. However, the efficiency is reversed for large runs. Competent sock manufacturers can also deliver 2000, 5000 or 10000 pairs of socks in just 5 to 8 weeks.
Disadvantages:
Limited design variety:
Socks made on circular knitting machines can be more limited in terms of design variety. For example, the resolution for graphics is limited by the number of stitches and colors are limited to the number of yarns and cannot be mixed.
Less fine details:
Socks knitted on circular knitting machines may not be able to represent fine details and complex patterns as precisely as printed socks. The knitting process has its limitations in terms of representing small, detailed elements.
Longer production times for custom orders:
If you order custom knitted socks, production may take longer as preparing a knitting pattern and knitting them may take more time compared to printing small runs. sockvision.com also delivers knitted socks with short delivery times of 3-4 weeks.
Higher costs for small quantities:
Custom production of knitted socks on circular knitting machines can potentially be more expensive than printing socks for small quantities per pair, especially when specific designs are involved. However, from 100 pairs onwards, the price should be about the same. Schlauesocke.de offers knitted socks in runs of 40 pairs or more. For under 40 pairs, printed socks may be an option.
Which production method is the right one?
We have now looked at some of the advantages and disadvantages of knitted socks and printed socks. Basically, you can simply ask yourself which type of socks you have in your closet, would buy and wear every day.
How many pairs of printed synthetic socks do you have in your closet?
How often do you wear the printed socks, if you have any?
If you have any, do you prefer wearing them to the cotton socks?
If you wear cotton socks every day and the design can be adapted for cotton socks, knitted socks are probably the better method for your purpose. The vast majority of socks are cotton socks for a good reason. Socks from various well-known brands are also knitted cotton socks.
We produce your socks: socks with individual logos, patterns and colors. Excellent comfort and quality.
Would you like to have individual socks produced with your logo? Then you have come to the right place! We produce individual socks quickly and reliably from runs of 50 pairs!
Design options and customization
The possibilities for designing socks are almost unlimited. When choosing the basic colors, there are over 200 different cotton yarns available. In addition, the waistband, heel and toe can be designed in different colors to make the socks even more individual. In addition, up to five colors can be used for motifs. This opens up the possibility of creating socks with unique patterns, logos or designs.
Request a quote now in under 2 minutes
Use our quotation calculator and immediately receive a non-binding offer as well as free custom design suggestions!