British Wool Boot Socks | The British Boot Sock Company
From British sheep to everyday adventures, why good socks deserve a little more attention
When you think about building a more versatile wardrobe, socks probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But as the weather gets colder and my 90-Day Wool Habit continues, I’m discovering that the smaller details can make a surprisingly big difference.
After all, wearing the same navy wool dress for 90 days means adapting it to everything from business meetings and evenings out to dog walks and ordinary everyday life. And for those less glamorous moments, a good pair of wool socks is rather essential! Which brings me to The British Boot Sock Company, another member of the 90-Day Wool Habit Collective, and a business that’s putting British wool to work from the ground up.
Meet The British Boot Sock Company
Based in the Leicestershire countryside, The British Boot Sock Company has a long history in the world of socks and hosiery. Its roots go back to Leicester in 1970, when the business began developing its expertise in designing and manufacturing premium socks. Although its original British factory no longer operates, the knowledge gained from decades of sock production continues to shape the business today.
And with the rolling countryside and sheep farms of Leicestershire on its doorstep, championing British wool feels like a natural part of its story. The company has chosen to focus on creating quality boot socks and Wellington boot socks using British wool, combining traditional manufacturing knowledge with the practical benefits of a natural fibre.
It’s a reminder that supporting British wool doesn’t always have to mean buying a jumper or a coat. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as the socks on your feet.
A little colour for the 90-Day Wool Habit
For the challenge, The British Boot Sock Company has contributed its wool boot socks in the rather lovely Secret Blush heritage colourway. The soft pink tones add a subtle splash of colour, while remaining easy to wear with different outfits. And I particularly like the idea that even something as practical as a pair of boot socks can have a little personality.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed about the 90-Day Wool Habit is discovering how much the same dress can change with different layers, colours and accessories. Sometimes it’s a dramatic transformation for a special occasion. Other times, it’s simply about making an outfit comfortable and practical for whatever the day has in store. And there’s definitely a place for cosy wool socks in that!
British wool, Portuguese craftsmanship
The British Boot Sock Company’s socks are made using British wool, with a small amount of elastane added for stretch. The precise composition is 97% British wool and 3% elastane, helping the socks fit comfortably across the available sizes. It’s a useful distinction because although they’re described as British wool socks, the finished product isn’t quite 100% wool.
The socks are manufactured in Portugal by a small family business with which the company has worked for many years. Interestingly, some of the knitting machinery used is similar to the equipment once employed when large-scale sock manufacturing was still viable in Britain. The company values this longstanding partnership for its craftsmanship, experience and commitment to quality.
So while the wool comes from British sheep, the finished socks are made in Portugal. For a project exploring the stories behind the clothes we wear, I think it’s important to be clear about both.
Why wool makes such good socks
Wool has some rather wonderful qualities, and many of them are particularly useful when it comes to our feet. It’s naturally breathable, helps regulate temperature and can absorb moisture vapour, making it comfortable across a range of conditions. And because wool fibres are naturally resilient, well-made wool socks can be a practical choice for regular wear.
Of course, as with any clothing, how long they last depends on how they’re made, how often they’re worn and how well they’re cared for. But the principle is familiar. Choose something well made, look after it and enjoy wearing it for as long as possible.
The British Boot Sock Company sums up its approach rather neatly:
“In this era of ‘fast fashion’, quick isn’t always better — and that definitely applies to socks.”
It’s easy to think of socks as disposable essentials. Perhaps they deserve a little more consideration.
Supporting British sheep farmers, one pair at a time
One of the reasons The British Boot Sock Company chose to work with British wool is its commitment to supporting British sheep farming. The business regularly hears about the financial pressures facing farmers and believes that creating demand for British wool is one way to help support the industry. And that’s something particularly close to my heart.
Through Little Beau Sheep and the 90-Day Wool Habit, I’m keen to help people appreciate wool
