Custom socks are set to become the next big thing, just like logo T-shirts. You might need custom socks bulk with your logo for a trade show, a fundraising event, or as an easy-to-carry promotional gift.
A pair of custom branded socks leaves a lasting impression on everyone who receives them. In this post we’ll break down the costs and lead times for ordering custom socks in bulk.
What is custom socks
Simply put, any sock made to order is a “custom sock.” However, there are various styles and production techniques to suit different needs.
Custom sublimation socks [Not Recommended]
When you see “custom face socks” or “custom pet socks,” they’re typically referring to sublimation socks. The appeal is undeniable—you can order just one pair for around $19.99. While these socks are vibrant and eye-catching, it’s important to know they are often made entirely from polyester, which can feel less premium.
So why aren’t they made with cotton? It comes down to the fabric’s properties. Cotton absorbs moisture from the air. During the high-heat sublimation process, this moisture prevents the transfer paper from bonding completely to the fabric, resulting in blurred patterns or faded colors. Additionally, cotton doesn’t soften as easily under high heat, which makes it harder for the dyes to penetrate deeply into the fibers, causing them to only sit on the surface.
One thing to note: you’ll often see a blank line along the fold. This happens because the pattern is sublimated onto the front and back separately while the sock is laid flat. This can cause the design not to match up perfectly along the seam.
At SockCustom, we focus on two superior types of custom socks for branding, rather than novelty sublimated socks:
Custom jacquard knitted socks
If top-notch quality is your priority, jacquard knitted socks are the way to go. They are incredibly comfortable, durable, and the colors stay vibrant wash after wash. This method works with a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, bamboo, polyester, and nylon.
These socks are knitted stitch by stitch. During this process, different colored yarns are woven directly into the fabric to create the pattern—it’s not just printed on top. In the video below, you can see how the various yarn spools work together to knit the sock.
Here is an example of custom jacquard knitted socks:
Of course, jacquard socks have their considerations:
- Small Details: Very fine text or intricate details may not reproduce clearly.
- Bulk Orders: Minimum quantities apply, typically ranging from 50 to 200 pairs.
- Color Gradients: Creating smooth color gradients isn’t possible.
- Color Limit: Designs are usually limited to a maximum of 6 colors.
However, jacquard knitting is absolutely ideal for custom logo socks! Clean, bold logos translate perfectly into this medium. At SockCustom, we take it a step further by using premium combed cotton and incorporating seamless toe closures—features you’d normally find only in high-end apparel brands.
Custom digital printed socks
Want vibrant, full-color designs but prefer a higher-quality look and feel than sublimation offers? Digital printed socks are your answer. As you can see in the image below, this process allows for stunning gradient effects. These socks start with a high-quality cotton base. The printing process is similar to printing a photograph directly onto the fabric, resulting in durable colors without the high heat and pressure of sublimation. (We’ll dive deeper into how digital printed socks are made in a future post!)
Digital printed socks are made by cotton socks. Colors are durable because it’s not high-temperature or high-pressue sublimaition, it’s like printing a photo. We may write another post about the production of digital printed socks but it’s out of the scope of this article. Stay tuned!
At SockCustom, the minimum order for digital printed socks is 300 pairs. The price per pair is also higher than for jacquard socks because the process involves first knitting a base sock and then applying the detailed print.
The Power of Bulk Custom Socks
In short, they’re a fantastic tool for brand promotion. Unlike some promotional items that get thrown away, everyone uses socks. When you give someone a high-quality, comfortable pair, they’re likely to wear and appreciate it for a long time, keeping your brand top of mind.
When we talk about bulk production, we mean larger quantities—starting at around 50 pairs—of a single, cohesive design tailored to represent your brand.
How much for custom socks bulk?
They’re more affordable than you might think! At SockCustom, our custom combed cotton socks start at just $3.99 per pair. That’s right—for much less than the price of a coffee, you get a premium, branded product. As a direct manufacturer, we control the entire process, allowing us to offer exceptional quality at competitive prices. Since our launch in 2022, we’ve maintained a perfect track record with zero complaints. We guarantee 100% satisfaction and have proudly produced socks for over 500 unique logos to date.
Also note that our competitors are still offering lower quality socks at $5.99-$12.99 per pair, see this post about custom socks cost.
How long does it take to get bulk custom socks
For most orders under 1,000 pairs, the total turnaround time (including production and delivery) is typically 3-4 weeks. Need them sooner? We also offer a rushed production option that gets your socks to you in as little as 2 weeks.For more information please check out this post about custom socks timing.
Where to get custom socks bulk produced?
Get in touch with SockCustom today!
We know there are established names like SockClub and CustomSockShop out there. While the competition is fierce, we’re confident in earning your business. We might not have the biggest marketing budget, but we pour all our passion into crafting exceptional socks for our clients. Let us prove it to you.
Just send us your logo, and we’ll handle the rest!
