The nights are getting longer and the winter breeze is beginning to bite which means dozy girl winter is officially upon us.
This is our annual cue to sheath ourselves in cloud-like duvets, blankets and throws, safely cocooned away from the bitter British chill.
You know the drill. Out come the long pyjamas and on goes the heating, with hot water bottles, hot chocolate and piping bubble baths at the ready. This well-rehearsed ritual is imperative for remaining as toasty as can be at all times.
Many of us will pull out all the stops to combat the cold, but no matter how hard we try, there will always be the threat of cold feet to send shivers up our spine. For those who suffer from poor circulation, feet never seem to budge from near-glacial temperatures. Unless we resort to sleeping in a onesie, which let’s be honest is a far cry from chic, then our options for keeping our icy slabs at bay are limited.
Enter bed socks, the cashmere combatters of cold feet.
While regular socks have been in use since the prehistoric ages and have a storied history, the origins of bed socks are more opaque.
During the 1940s, hand-knitting was at its peak in mid-war Britain. Women on the home front were encouraged to aid the war effort by knitting garments for troops, an act that was promoted as public duty. This was advertised at the time via the slogan "England expects – knit your bit,” catalysing the production of gloves, scarves and bed socks that were sent to the forces. The warmth that woollen garments provided was popular among civilians who faced fuel shortages and knitwear became a primary source of warmth during the war-struck period.
While we’re unsure if Stone Agers popped their trotters into socks before bed, we do know that bed socks have a chequered history. Socks and sandals are a big no-go according to most, and many believe the same about wearing socks to sleep in.
However, some experts believe that wearing bed socks is the answer to a plethora of nighttime troubles. A 2018 study found that participants who wore socks to bed fell asleep quicker, stayed asleep for longer and woke less often during the night than those who did not wear socks.
@doctorjesss I wear socks to bed so don’t come at me im not weird
♬ presleywalker - Presley Walker
In 2021, pediatric resident doctor Jess Andrade shared a video on TikTok explaining that having frosty feet can interfere with healthy sleeping patterns. She said: “So wearing socks makes your feet feel warm and this opens up the blood vessels that cool the body down. The body being cool tells the brain that it is time for bed.”
Wearing bed socks can also improve circulation and prevent dryness of the feet. Struggling with menopause? Bed socks can also prevent hot flashes from occurring. This is because your core body temperature rises before a hot flash, but keeping your feet warm helps to lower your temperature and counteract the menopausal heat loss.
So, not only are bed socks luxurious, but they also pose multiple health benefits for those who struggle with sleep. Hence the cosy accessories boast a clientele spanning Kaia Gerber, Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Elsa Hosk who have all taken to social media wearing their beloved bed socks.
Scroll on to uncover the best bed socks for regulating body heat and staying warm with the utmost luxury.
Shop now
The White Company Cashmere Bed Socks
Slip your feet into pure luxury with The White Company’s cashmere bed socks. Available in a range of soft hues, the exquisitely sumptuous offerings are perfect for keeping the chill at bay. Gift a pair to a loved one this Christmas and watch them delight in the high-quality, sustainable cashmere blend which has been certified by The Good Cashmere Standard.
Buy now £36.00, The White Company
John Lewis Cashmere Wool Blend Bed Sock
Keep your toes toasty with John Lewis’ heavenly cashmere socks. The supremely snug accessories are Italian-made and crafted from irresistibly soft yarns. Wear yours to bed or layered under winter boots for office days.
Buy now £35.00, John Lewis
Oliver Bonas Coral Chenille Cable Bed Socks
An affordable stocking filler, Oliver Bonas' cable-knit bed socks are a playful take on the luxury pieces. Made from plush chenille and available to shop in punchy coral or striking turquoise, the socks are bound to enthral students refusing to turn on the heating.
Buy now £15.00, Oliver Bonas
Brora Women's Cashmere Bed Socks
Treat yourself to some wildly indulgently bed socks courtesy of Brora. Crafted from world-class Scottish cashmere with traditional cable knit details, these trotter warmers are ideal for packing in your carry-on for long-haul flights and winter staycations.
Buy now £109.00, Brora
M&S Pure Cashmere Socks
Drift off in peace and allow M&S cashmere socks to do all the work. The heat-regulating cashmere stockings are long-lasting and durable thanks to the brand’s unwavering quality. For days out and about, pair yours with some brogues for a preppy look.
Buy now £30.00, M&S
Uniqlo HEATTECH Fair Isle Thermal Socks
Uniqlo has a way of merging classic prints with contemporary designs. Bring a piece of the Highlands home with the brand’s Fair Isle socks that feature high-performance comfort details. These include heat absorption and odour control, to ensure your tootsies remain fabulously fresh throughout the night.
Buy now £7.90, Uniqlo
Perilla Alpaca Bed Socks
Slip into slumber with a helping hoof from an alpaca pal. Perilla’s bed socks are made from 90 per cent alpaca wool, which naturally repels bacteria and odour so socks stay fresh and soft for weeks. The material is hard-wearing without sacrificing comfort and suits all ages from tweens to teens, parents to grandparents and more.
Buy now £26.00, NOTHS
Seasalt Cornwall Women's Cabin Socks
Embrace dopamine dressing this season with Seasalt Cornwall’s cheerful cabin socks. Perfect for snoozing or lounging, the colourbomb knits are sure to spark serious sock envy.
Buy now £12.95, Seasalt Cornwall
Verdict
With a sustainable, sumptuously soft feel, The White Company’s offering reigns supreme in the bed sock department. Better for the planet, better for your feet.
