In a time of rising consciousness against unnecessary consumption that deeply affects our environment, our choices of what clothes to buy go beyond mere aesthetics—that’s just the cherry on top. Next to utility, we should be asking where our clothes are made and who made them.
For mass-produced garments like t-shirts, undergarments, and even socks, the reality is that most of the time they are made in factories stationed in developing countries, the Philippines included, where working conditions are less than ideal. Cheap and often times unethical labor is also why we can afford to buy them in the first place.
It’s a rarity that you can get wardrobe staples at a reasonable price with the tag truthfully stating its origins. So imagine our glee when we chanced upon these seemingly simple short socks from ware-co, a label of personal and found objects by designer Therese Regalado.
Under the brand’s “wearware” category along with utility bags, these short waffle socks are made in the Philippines in small batches, so you can ensure that these are made under humane conditions.
Now, sure, you could easily buy a sock with the same pull tab design to avoid bunching under heel just about anywhere, but again, traceability is an issue that is apart from the materials used. These quarter socks (fits US W 6.5 to M 9) are made mostly of cotton (63 percent), and the smallest amounts of synthetic materials like nylon and spandex to ensure a good and lasting fit.
As you may have read from an article we’ve written last year, these same synthetic materials are potential sources of microplastics, which it sheds every time you wash your gym clothes, swimsuits, and others that are made mostly of polyester blends.
[READ: Sorry to tell you, but your gym clothes are killing the environment]
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7IOvT6nQHo/
The quarter socks come in two colors: olive and cardboard, just muted enough to match any outfit at any given day—not that it’s particularly noticeable given its length.
Investing in these kinds of products is the best step next to buying none at all since its quality ensures that it will last a long time, as intended by Regalado herself, who envisions through her brand, products designed to anticipates wear and thus are made to last a little longer with as little impact as possible.
Ware-co’s quarter socks are available for P545 for two pairs at Guava Sketches, 3F, Greenbelt 5, Makati.
Photos courtesy of ware-co
Get more stories like this by subscribing to our weekly newsletter here.
Read more:
Just like recycling, some men think renting clothes is “not masculine”
How to sustainably care for your clothes
Our clothes may be polluting the oceans. Just check its label
Writer: CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE
