So what is the scoop about all these socks out there claiming to be seamless? As parents of seam-sensitive children know, they are not all alike. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what all these different “seamless” socks are all about.
Smooth and Handlinked Seams
Both of these types of seams are created by linking together both sides of the sock to fuse together the toe of the sock. The process is done very carefully to ensure that the resulting seam is as flat as possible. As you can imagine, this is better than a traditional sock seam, but it really isn’t seamless, despite the claims to the contrary. As it isn’t truly seamless, it can still cause some discomfort and irritation, especially in seam-sensitive children. Sometimes it is recommended to turn these socks inside out so that the child wears the sock with the seam on the outside. This may work for some sensitive children, but many of them find that the “ridge” from the seam is still irritating – regardless of how small or which side of the sock it is on.
This is an example of a handlinked seam. Notice you can still see the seam line on the toe.
Here is the handlinked seam turned inside out. It is better than a traditional sock, but still has a seam line.
Here is an example of a smooth seam. It is very faint, but you can still make out the seam line.
And this is what your toes would feel. This is the inside of a sock with smooth seams.
Truly Seamless
To make a sock that is truly seamless you have to start at the toe. Then there is nothing to sew or fuse together. No seams! SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks are knitted by starting at the toe and working up from there. It’s just like a caterpillar knitting a cocoon. No seam means no irritation.
This is one of our SmartKnitKIDS seamless socks. See how there is no irritating seam anywhere in the toe of the sock.
This is the same sock turned inside out. Again, it is easy to see that SmartKnitKIDS socks are truly seamless.
The difference between the seam types is clear when side by side.
Pressing Line
So some parents tell us that their child can still feel a “seam” on our SmartKnitKIDS socks. What is this all about? Because of the way the socks are knitted, a seam is just not possible. What are they feeling then? This is something that occurs in the “finishing” process of our socks. We’ve told you about how they’re knitted, but after that the socks are pressed to give them a finished look. Some children can feel this line and are bothered by it. But, since this is just a pressing line, it can easily be washed out. It might take one or two washes, but pressing line should diminish.
This sock is also a SmartKnitKIDS sock, but see how there is a very faint line around the toe. This sock has gone through the finishing process and has been pressed.
Here is a close up of the pressing line. As it sometimes resembles a seam, some people mistake it for a seam.
Cuff Only on Small and Medium
Many of our customers have noticed that the Smalls and Mediums have a woven cuff, but the larger sizes do not. Why is this? The main reason for this is due to the very small size of these two smallest socks, they require a little more special care in making them resulting in the cuff. The added bonus is that smaller children tend to have more trouble keeping their socks pulled up and the extra cuff helps with that.
This is the size difference between a small and an x-large. Notice how the small has a cuff.
Length and AFO Socks
Many parents buy the SmartKnitKIDS socks for their children to wear with AFO braces, but SmartKnit recommends the SmartKnit AFO socks for these instead. They can be found at this link. The SmartKnit AFO socks are made the same way (cocoon-style) as SmartKnitKIDS socks, but the specifications are made to specifically fit the length requirements for AFO braces. Our AFO socks have many more size options to accommodate different widths and lengths, which is important when wearing under an orthosis. Always check with your provider on the correct size to ensure the orthosis fits properly.
The AFO sock is in the middle in purple. On the left side is a SmartKnitKIDS sock, size x-large. To the right is a SmartKnitKIDS sock, size 2x-large. Notice how the AFO sock and the 2XL sock are roughly the same length, but the AFO sock is much narrower. It is designed to be worn under a brace.
Sizing
Another question that we get asked a lot is how the sizing works. This is also unique. SmartKnitKIDS socks don’t have heels. Because there is no part of the sock that is defined for the foot, each sock size can easily be worn by many different sized feet. Here’s how to figure out what size you need. Step 1: Determine which length your child desires (ankle, crew or knee high) and find it on the chart below. Step 2: Find your child’s shoe size under the correct length heading. Step 3: Find your child’s SmartKnitKIDS sock size to the left. It’s that simple!
Now that’s the skinny on all the ins and outs of SmartKnitKIDS socks! Here’s to seam free days for all!
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