Are Wool Socks Breathable? The Science Behind Moisture-Wicking Wool

Are Wool Socks Breathable? 

Wool socks in summer? Many people hesitate, imagining thick wool trapping heat and sweat. It's a common concern that anything made of wool will be too warm or stuffy for hot weather. Are wool socks breathable, or will they leave your feet sweaty? The surprising answer is yes – high-quality wool socks are very breathable and can keep your feet dry and comfortable even in warm conditions. In fact, wool’s natural fiber structure gives it remarkable abilities to allow airflow and manage moisture. This article explores the science of wool fibers, how they support ventilation and moisture control, and why wool socks (from classic Merino hikers to cozy Angora or Alpaca pairs) excel at breathability. We’ll also compare wool to cotton and synthetic socks and highlight expert findings and studies that back up wool’s reputation as a year-round performance material. By the end, you'll see why a pair of wool socks can be a smart choice for any season, not just winter.

How Wool Fibers Let Feet Breathe

Wool has evolved in nature to protect animals through a wide range of temperatures and conditions. The secret to wool’s breathability lies in the structure of its fibers. Each wool fiber is made of keratin (the same protein in human hair) and has a complex hydrophilic (water-attracting) core surrounded by a hydrophobic (water-repelling) exterior coating of lanolin. In simple terms, the inside of a wool fiber loves water, while the outside resists it. This unique dual nature means wool can absorb perspiration vapor from your skin into the fiber’s core, yet repel liquid water on the surface. As a result, sweat doesn’t pool on your skin – it gets pulled into the fibers and held away from your foot, where it can gradually evaporate. The fiber’s lanolin-rich outer layer also helps water evaporate rather than saturating the fabric. This contributes to a drier, less clammy feeling inside a wool sock, even as you sweat.

Beyond moisture-handling, wool’s physical configuration encourages airflow. Wool fibers are naturally crimped (wavy) and springy, which means when they are spun into yarn and knit into socks, they don’t pack perfectly tightly. Tiny air pockets form between fibers and yarn loops. These microscopic gaps allow air to circulate through the material, carrying away heat and humidity. Moreover, certain types of wool fiber (like Merino and Alpaca) are partially hollow or have insulating cores. This creates channels for air exchange and makes the fabric breathable while still providing insulation. Outdoor Life magazine notes that both Merino sheep wool and Alpaca wool have fine fibers with natural hollow air pockets that let air flow, preventing your socks from feeling stuffy even in warm weather. In essence, a wool sock acts like a temperature-regulating air cushion around your foot: the material traps enough air to insulate, but also allows excess heat and moisture to escape. This is very different from an old-fashioned rubber or fully synthetic sock that might trap sweat. With wool, your feet can “breathe” – meaning air and water vapor can move through the sock freely – which is key to staying comfortable.

Moisture-Wicking and Thermal Regulation

One of wool’s star qualities is its moisture-wicking ability. “Wicking” means drawing moisture away from the skin and releasing it for evaporation. Wool fibers excel at this because of their absorbent cores and breathable structure. Merino wool, for example, can absorb up to about 30% of its dry weight in water vapor before it even starts to feel damp. This is far beyond what cotton can handle (cotton saturates at around 7–8% of its weight and then feels wet). When your feet sweat, wool fiber cores actively soak up the moisture, keeping it away from your skin. Then, as air circulates, that moisture gradually evaporates out of the fiber into the environment once humidity drops. This process means your feet stay drier and the socks themselves dry out relatively quickly. In practical terms, if you work up a sweat hiking or walking, wool socks will wick perspiration off your skin and allow it to evaporate, whereas a cotton sock would just hold onto the sweat and feel soggy.

Wool’s relationship with moisture also gives it the rare ability to regulate temperature dynamically. When wool absorbs moisture, an exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction occurs at the molecular level – the fiber actually releases a small amount of heat as it binds water. In cold conditions, this helps warm the feet slightly. Conversely, when the surroundings are warmer and the wool is dryer, it stops releasing heat. In fact, wool will stop insulating as much when you’re hot, preventing overheating. This creates an adaptive thermal buffer for your skin. A scientific study on “stop-go” outdoor sports (with alternating exertion and rest) confirmed that wool garments keep the body in a more stable temperature range than other fabrics, thanks to this moisture absorption and slow release phenomenon. As Angus Ireland of the Woolmark Company explains of the findings: wool’s ability to absorb and slowly release moisture through its breathable fiber structure prevents the rapid cooling that happens with sweat in other materials. In practice, this means wool socks help your feet stay warm when it’s cold out, but also cool when it’s hot – an effect often described as “thermoregulation.” Your feet are less likely to overheat in warm weather with wool socks than with non-breathable synthetics, because the wool is constantly wicking and dissipating excess heat.

Another benefit of wool’s moisture management is odour control. Wool is naturally antimicrobial: it inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause foot odor. The lanolin in sheep’s wool has antibacterial properties, and the fact that wool quickly wicks away sweat means bacteria have less wet environment to thrive in. Merino wool socks, for instance, are famously able to be worn for multiple days of hiking with minimal odor. In contrast, synthetic socks often get smelly fast because they trap oils and sweat, breeding bacteria. This is a side perk of breathability – by keeping feet drier and letting moisture escape, wool reduces the conditions that generate bad smells. (If you’ve ever noticed your polyester gym socks retaining odor even after washing, you’ll appreciate how wool’s natural fiber can stay odor-free longer.)

Bottom line: Wool works like a high-performance climate control system for your feet. It pulls sweat off the skin, ventilates excess heat, and even neutralizes odors. That’s why you’ll find wool (especially Merino wool) in premium hiking, running, and skiing socks – it keeps feet dry and blister-free by continuously wicking moisture. Even a lightweight pair of wool socks can be comfortable on a hot day because of these properties. For example, a thin cashmere-wool blend sock is a great choice for daily wear in summer, as it leverages wool’s breathability to keep feet cool and dry. A pair of lightweight cashmere wool socks by AMO & Oak (made with a soft cashmere–sheep wool blend) illustrates this principle: they’re designed to breathe and wick moisture, preventing sweaty feet even in warmer weather. On the flip side, thicker wool socks made for winter use the same wicking effect to avoid clamminess; they insulate you when active outdoors but won’t leave your feet soaked. (In fact, heavy alpaca wool socks can keep your feet toasty in freezing temperatures while still allowing moisture to escape – so your feet stay warm and dry.) The ability of wool to maintain a comfortable, dry microclimate next to the skin is unmatched by most other materials.

Merino, Alpaca, Angora: Breathability of Different Wools

Not all “wool” is the same. The term wool can refer to the fleece of various animals – from sheep to goats, rabbits, and camelids – and each type of wool fiber has its own characteristics. Socks can be made from Merino sheep wool, Alpaca wool, Angora rabbit wool, cashmere goat wool, or blends of these. The good news is that all these natural fibers are breathable and moisture-wicking, though there are some differences worth noting:

• Merino Wool: Merino is a breed of sheep famed for its ultra-fine, soft wool fibers. Merino wool is the superstar of performance socks and base-layers because it is extremely breathable and moisture-wicking. The fibers are fine (often 17 microns or less) which makes the fabric smooth against the skin and allows dense knits that still transport vapor. Merino wool contains lanolin like other sheep wool, giving it natural odor resistance and water-repellency on the outside. It can absorb a lot of moisture internally – up to about one-third of its weight – without feeling wet. That makes Merino socks ideal for active wear: they handle sweat efficiently and dry reasonably fast. Many summer hiking socks use lightweight Merino wool because it regulates temperature so well. One outdoor expert comparison noted that merino wool manages moisture better than almost any other wool: it soaks up sweat vapor readily (preventing that swampy shoe feeling). If you’ve ever worn Merino hiking socks or liners, you’ll know they remain comfortable across a range of temperatures. In warm weather, merino wool’s breathability keeps feet cooler than cotton socks would. And in cold weather, merino still insulates when damp, avoiding the chill that comes with wet cotton. Overall, Merino is often considered the gold standard for year-round sock comfort due to its soft feel, breathability, and moisture control.

• Alpaca Wool: Alpaca fiber comes from alpacas (relatives of llamas native to the Andes). Alpaca wool is hollow-core and incredibly warm for its weight. It contains no lanolin, which makes it naturally hypoallergenic for people who are sensitive to sheep wool. In terms of breathability, alpaca fibers are a bit more water-repellent and less moisture-absorbent than sheep wool. Alpaca will wick sweat, but interestingly it absorbs only around 8–11% of its weight in moisture, compared to ~30% for merino. This means alpaca wool doesn’t hold as much water internally – any excess moisture tends to move out of the fiber more quickly. The result is that alpaca socks dry faster when wet, and the fiber provides insulation even when a bit damp (the hollow fibers trap warmth). However, because alpaca doesn’t absorb quite as much vapor internally, extremely sweaty feet might not have all their moisture soaked up by the fiber – merino could feel a bit drier in those cases. In everyday use, though, alpaca socks are very breathable and comfortable. They are often knit a bit thicker or looser due to the fiber’s lofty nature, which further enhances airflow. Many wearers find alpaca wool feels drier because it is so water-resistant – sweat evaporates quickly from the surface. Also, alpaca’s lack of lanolin means it won’t irritate skin or carry a “woolly” odor. Alpaca is a great choice for very cold conditions or for those who find sheep wool itchy or allergenic. Even with its superb warmth, alpaca wool still allows moisture to escape and air to circulate, preventing overheating. (This is why alpaca socks can be heavy-duty cozy yet still not suffocating to your feet.)

• Angora Wool: Angora wool is harvested from Angora rabbits. It is an exceptionally fluffy, fine fiber known for being luxuriously soft and seven times warmer than sheep’s wool by weight (it has the highest heat retention of any natural fiber). Angora is often used in blend with other wools for socks, because pure angora yarn is very delicate and very warm. When you see angora socks, they typically contain a percentage of angora fiber (for softness and warmth) mixed with sheep wool and some nylon for strength. Despite its supreme warmth, Angora is indeed breathable and moisture-wicking like other animal fibers. The Angora hair has a smooth, fine structure with a hollow core that helps regulate temperature. According to textile experts, Angora’s natural fibers allow excellent breathability and reduce moisture buildup on the skin. The absence of lanolin in Angora (rabbits don’t produce lanolin) also means the fiber stays dry to the touch and is less likely to cause irritation. Angora socks will feel light and very warm, but they won’t make your feet sweat excessively – the fibers still transport vapor away and permit air exchange. That said, because Angora is so insulating, these socks are usually intended for lounging or low-activity use in cold weather (think cozy bed socks). The high warmth can actually be too effective for intense activity, but for gentle wear your feet remain comfortably warm without overheating. In short, angora wool adds warmth while maintaining breathability. It’s a great example of how even the warmest wools still allow your skin to breathe. (Just remember that due to Angora’s fineness, such socks need a bit of care – and they’re often a luxury treat for your feet!)

• Cashmere and Others: Cashmere is the ultra-soft wool from cashmere goats. It shares many properties with Merino – very fine fibers that are breathable, moisture-wicking, and insulating. Cashmere socks, like AMO & Oak’s thin Cashmere blend socks, are prized for everyday wear because they provide lightweight warmth without trapping sweat. Usually cashmere is blended with sheep wool (and a bit of nylon) to give a balance of softness, breathability, and durability. Other animal wools like mohair (from Angora goats) or camel hair are less common in socks but also offer breathability and moisture management. Mohair in particular is known for wicking well and resisting odor, similar to Merino. The key takeaway is that all natural wools have a degree of breathable performance that outshines cotton or purely synthetic fibers. Each type – Merino, Alpaca, Angora, Cashmere – brings its own blend of softness, warmth, and moisture control. For example, an alpaca or angora sock might be best for cold nights at home, while merino or cashmere-wool dress socks excel during an active day – but none of these will smother your feet the way a non-breathable fabric might. They’ll keep you comfortably warm and dry.

Finally, it’s worth noting that most quality wool socks use blends of fibers, including a bit of synthetic (nylon or elastane) for stretch and longevity. A common blend might be 70-90% natural wool with 10-30% nylon/spandex. This small addition of synthetic helps the socks hold their shape and endure abrasion. Importantly, as long as the majority is wool, the sock’s breathability remains high. Sock manufacturers caution that too much synthetic content can reduce breathability by blocking the wool’s natural wicking action. High-end brands therefore keep wool as the primary ingredient for performance. When shopping, look at the materials: a sock with over 50% wool (whether merino, alpaca, etc.) will generally breathe well, whereas a sock that is mostly polyester or acrylic may not. In the case of AMO & Oak’s collections, for instance, their socks feature high percentages of natural fibers (cashmere, alpaca, angora combined with sheep wool) and just a touch of polyamide, ensuring that the breathability isn’t compromised while improving durability. This design philosophy – leveraging nature’s breathable fibers and only using synthetics as support – is why wool socks have such a strong reputation among those in the know.

Wool vs Cotton vs Synthetic: Which Sock Breathes Best?

To appreciate wool’s breathability, it helps to compare it to the other common sock materials: cotton and synthetics (like polyester or acrylic). Each material behaves very differently when it comes to airflow and moisture. Here’s a quick comparison:

• Wool: As we’ve detailed, wool offers excellent breathability because it both absorbs moisture vapor and allows air to flow between its fibers. Wool socks keep a stable microclimate around your foot – absorbing sweat and releasing it slowly – which prevents the damp, clammy feeling. Even in warm weather, a lightweight wool sock will ventilate heat and moisture away from your skin. Wool also continues to insulate when a bit wet, and dries out gradually by evaporating moisture. Importantly, wool’s moisture-wicking means your feet experience far less friction and dampness, reducing blisters. Additionally, wool’s antimicrobial lanolin and protein structure naturally combat odor. All these factors make wool the healthiest choice for your feet in many situations. It’s no wonder serious hikers and athletes choose wool or wool-blend socks to keep their feet dry and cool. As one source summed up: unlike cotton, wool does not retain moisture – it actually eliminates perspiration and dries very quickly. A quality wool sock basically breathes with your foot, whereas other materials might smother it.

• Cotton: Cotton is a breathable plant fiber in the sense of air permeability; a thin cotton sock does let air through when dry. However, cotton is highly hydrophilic – it soaks up water quickly and holds it tightly. This is a problem for active feet: once your feet sweat, the cotton sock will absorb the moisture but not wick it away effectively. Cotton doesn’t evaporate moisture easily, so the fabric stays wet against your skin. In a humid or cool environment, wet cotton loses all insulation value and will actually draw heat away from your body (leading to that cold, damp feet feeling). Moreover, wet cotton is heavy and prone to causing blisters because of the friction of damp material on skin. You might have heard the phrase “cotton kills” in outdoor wear – a dramatic way of saying that sweat-soaked cotton can chill you and fail to keep you warm. In summer, cotton can feel fresh at first, but if your feet sweat at all, the socks will hold that sweat against your skin, possibly causing irritation or odor. Breathability is compromised once cotton is wet. Your feet can end up marinating in moisture because cotton cannot move it out efficiently. For everyday casual use in dry conditions, cotton is fine, but it’s generally the least ideal material for socks if you need moisture control. In short: cotton socks do not breathe well under perspiration – they get wet and stay wet, which can lead to hot, uncomfortable feet or conversely cold feet if the air is cool. (It’s also difficult to find 100% cotton socks these days, because pure cotton wears out quickly and has no stretch. Often a “cotton sock” is blended with synthetics, which can improve drying time a bit but still suffers the same fundamental issue when cotton is the main component.)

• Synthetic Materials: Synthetic socks (made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, etc.) are widely used in athletic and cheap socks. Their breathability varies depending on construction. Generally, polyester and nylonfibers are hydrophobic (they do not absorb water into the fiber). This means synthetics rely on fabric structure (knit patterns, special coatings) to channel sweat to the outside where it can evaporate. Good athletic synthetics are often engineered for wicking via capillary action – for example, polyester yarns with special cross-sections or a blend of hydrophobic and slightly hydrophilic fibers. In ideal conditions, a synthetic sock can move sweat off the skin somewhat like wool, and because the fibers don’t absorb much, the sock can dry quickly. However, there are a few downsides. First, synthetics can feel less breathable because the fibers don’t “breathe” in the same way – they don’t absorb vapor, so your sweat must evaporate off the surface. If the sock fabric is thick or not well ventilated, sweat can get trapped between the skin and fabric, leading to that swampy feeling. Some users find that polyester socks make their feet feel hot or clammy during intense activity, whereas wool-blends feel drier. Second, odor is a major issue: synthetics tend to harbor bacteria and smells. As one comparison noted, polyester fibers hold onto body odors and usually require washing to remove the smell, whereas wool and alpaca resist odor naturally. If you wear synthetic socks for a long day, they might breathe moderately well in terms of drying out, but they could end up quite smelly. Finally, pure synthetic socks can sometimes cause more friction if the material doesn’t manage moisture well, potentially leading to blisters. To improve performance, many sock makers actually blend wool and synthetic – e.g. a sock that is 50% merino, 45% nylon, 5% spandex – leveraging wool’s comfort and nylon’s strength. These blends often breathe nearly as well as 100% wool and are very durable. Fully synthetic socks (e.g. polyester running socks) can work, especially if thin, but pound for pound, most people find they don’t regulate temperature as comfortably as wool. In cold weather, a synthetic will not keep you as warm once damp, and in hot weather, it might not prevent that sweaty feeling as effectively. Thus, while modern synthetics are far better than, say, an old rubber boot liner, they still typically rank behind wool in overall breathability and moisture management.

In summary, when comparing materials: wool comes out on top for breathability and moisture control, especially in varied conditions. Cotton might feel airy when completely dry, but it fails once moisture is introduced. Synthetics can be engineered to wick, but they often can’t match the natural adaptive breathability of wool, nor its odor resistance. That’s why you’ll see so many experienced outdoors people swear by wool socks year-round – even in summer – to avoid blisters and sweaty feet. It’s telling that mountain guides advise “wear wool, not cotton” for hikes, and that a lightweight wool sock is considered the best option even for running and cycling in warm weather. Your feet simply stay more comfortable. If you’ve only ever worn cotton athletic socks, switching to merino wool socks in summer is a revelation: no more damp, overheated feet, but rather a cool, dry comfort that seems almost like magic. It really comes down to wool’s incredible natural engineering – millions of years of evolution have produced a fiber that protects sheep through rain, heat, and cold, and those same properties benefit us when we wear wool on our feet.

Scientific Evidence and Expert Insights

Wool’s breathable performance isn’t just anecdotal – it’s backed by science. Researchers have studied how wool clothing compares to other materials in terms of comfort, especially under dynamic conditions (like exercise). A notable study at North Carolina State University put wool to the test against cotton, polyester, and viscose base layers for “stop-go” activities (think hiking or cycling where you alternate sweating and resting). The results confirmed that 100% wool garments provided greater thermal comfort during both exercise and rest phases than equivalent garments made of the other fibers. Wool was found to maintain a more stable microclimate – keeping the wearer warm when resting and not causing overheating during activity. One reason, the study found, is wool’s dynamic breathability: wool can absorb sweat during high humidity periods and then release it slowly, whereas synthetics allow sweat to evaporate too fast (causing evaporative cooling and chills during rest). In tests with sweating mannequins, wool fabric had the highest capacity to buffer moisture changes – essentially breathing and drying more efficiently than cotton or polyester. This gives scientific validation to the idea that wool keeps you drier and more comfortable over time.

Experts in textiles and outdoor gear often emphasize these points. For example, the Woolmark Company (which represents Australian merino wool growers) highlights that wool’s natural structure reacts to changes in body temperature, releasing heat and moisture when you warm up and insulating when you cool down. This is something synthetic fabrics struggle to emulate. Another study noted in Outdoor Life magazine compared merino and alpaca fibers: it concluded that while both are very breathable, merino’s higher moisture uptake makes it better at handling lots of sweat, whereas alpaca’s hydrophobic nature lets it dry faster. Importantly, the author pointed out that both merino and alpaca are incredibly breathable due to their fine, hollow fibers that permit air circulation – reinforcing that breathability is a hallmark of these wools.

Laboratory analysis of Angora rabbit hair has similarly shown that its fibers are smoother and finer than sheep’s wool, which contributes to less irritation and good moisture transport. And as mentioned, dermatological studies even found Angora garments caused fewer issues for eczema patients compared to wool or synthetics, partly because Angora is lanolin-free and breathable, allowing skin to stay drier and cooler. All of these expert findings align with what wearers have known: wool’s breathability is not a myth or marketing – it’s measurable and real.

To illustrate with a practical quote: The team at Nordic Socks (a brand specializing in wool socks for summer) explains that unlike cotton or synthetic fabrics which hold moisture, “merino wool is quick-drying and also naturally antimicrobial”. They further note that in mountain hiking, wool’s main advantages are that it does not retain moisture, it eliminates perspiration, and it dries very quickly. Those qualities are exactly what “breathable” should mean. Your socks shouldn’t trap sweat; they should move it out and stay comfortable. Wool passes this test in both laboratory conditions and everyday life.

Conclusion: Why Wool Socks Are a Breathable Choice Year-Round

So, are wool socks breathable? Absolutely yes. Wool is one of the most breathable and moisture-managing textile materials available for socks or any garment. Thanks to its unique fiber structure – with a water-repelling lanolin exterior and moisture-absorbing interior – wool can ventilate and wick away sweat in a way that cotton or pure synthetic socks simply cannot. Wool socks actively regulate temperature, keeping feet dry, cool, and comfortable when it’s hot, and warm (but never swampy) when it’s cold. They allow air flow through natural fiber crimp and hollow cores, preventing that suffocating feeling. Moreover, wool’s breathability comes with bonus benefits like odor resistance and skin-friendly softness (especially in fine Merino, Alpaca, or Cashmere blends).

If you’ve been avoiding wool socks because you fear they’ll make your feet overheat, it may be time to give them a try – you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how well they perform. Modern wool socks aren’t scratchy old heavy ragg socks (unless you want those for winter); you can get ultra-light merino running socks, thin cashmere dress socks, or medium-weight alpaca hiking socks, all designed to breathe. Even in summer, a pair of lightweight wool socks can outperform a cotton pair by keeping perspiration at bay and preventing blisters. And in winter, thick wool socks will insulate while wicking moisture, so your feet stay warm and dry during activities like skiing or working outside.

In summary, wool manages to solve the paradox of providing warmth when needed without compromising ventilation. The science and expert experience both confirm that a quality wool sock is far from stifling – it’s actually one of the best tools to keep your feet dry and thermally comfortable. So the next time you’re gearing up for a long day on your feet, consider reaching for those Merino crew socks or that alpaca blend pair. Your feet will likely feel cooler, drier, and happier. Breathability is yet another reason why investing in good wool socks (such as the curated selections at AMO & Oak) is a smart step for foot comfort and health.

Sources:

1. Mahoney, B. (2020). Don’t Sweat It: How Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Keep You Cool and Dry. inChemistry Magazine (ACS) – Explains the chemistry of moisture-wicking fibers; notes that wool fibers are hydrophilic on the inside and hydrophobic on the outside due to lanolin.

2. Woolmark (2021). Wool’s Dynamic Breathability Revealed. The Woolmark Company – Reports on a scientific study from North Carolina State University showing 100% wool base-layers provide greater thermal comfort in stop-go sports than cotton or polyester, thanks to wool’s ability to absorb moisture and slowly release it, maintaining optimal microclimate.

3. Nordic Socks (2023). The Best Wool Socks for Summer. Nordic Socks Magazine – Discusses why wool is ideal for summer wear, noting that unlike cotton, wool doesn’t retain moisture but instead eliminates perspiration and dries quickly; also mentions wool can absorb up to 30–35% of its weight in moisture and naturally regulates temperature.

4. Holzer, D. (2022). Merino Wool vs Alpaca Wool – What is the difference? Smith & Rogue Blog – Compares Merino and Alpaca fibers. States that both are breathable, and both wick moisture, but alpaca is more water-repellent. Notes wool can absorb ~30% of its weight in moisture whereas alpaca absorbs ~11%, meaning alpaca dries faster when wet.

5. Jones Webb, A. (2024). Merino Wool vs. Alpaca: Battle of the Base Layers. Outdoor Life – An in-depth comparison of merino and alpaca for outdoor apparel. Confirms both fibers are “incredibly breathable” due to fine, hollow fibers that allow air circulation. Also provides data: merino absorbs up to 30% of its weight in water, alpaca ~10–11%, and explains how this affects moisture-wicking and drying time.

6. Sheepskin Town (2025). Popular Types of Wool. SheepskinTown Blog – Overview of different wools. Mentions that Angora wool has the highest heat retention of any natural fiber but that wool in general is breathable, water-resistant, and wicks away moisture.

7. Silverlyne (2024). Angora Fabric: The Hypoallergenic Choice. Silverlyne Blog – Highlights Angora wool’s properties. Notes that Angora fibers are lanolin-free, extremely fine, and allow excellent breathability and moisture-wicking, reducing moisture buildup on skin.

8. Product Pages – AMO & Oak: Cashmere Socks (Thin, Unisex) and Alpaca Socks (Thick, Unisex) – Provide material details of these products, showing high percentages of natural fibers (cashmere, sheep wool, alpaca) with minimal synthetic content for durability. This reflects the design for breathability (natural wool) combined with strength (polyamide), and cautions that excessive synthetic in blends can reduce breathability.

9. Additional References: Mountain guiding advice and outdoor gear guides commonly recommend wool over cotton for socks; this general consensus is supported by the above sources and decades of user experience.