The story of FOX fleece socks | An ancient variety of brown cotton tells of a sustainable future
June 5th is "Environment Day." Why not take this opportunity to think about the small choices we make in our daily lives? This is a story about a truly sustainable lifestyle that starts with a pair of socks.
Do you know what cotton really looks like?
The white cotton we see every day is actually white, but did you know that this is not the natural appearance of cotton?
Originally, cotton was brown. Modern white cotton is the result of repeated breeding to make it easier to use commercially. White cotton can be dyed any color and is suitable for mass production. This is certainly rational, but something was lost in the process.
Sally Fox's groundbreaking discovery
In the 1980s, American entomologist Sally Fox rediscovered the forgotten brown and colored cotton species, but she chose this path with deep sadness and strong determination.
During her time at university, Fox studied entomology while teaching spinning classes. One day, a tragedy occurred when one of her students' daughters died.
The cause was that the dyes used in the tie-dyeing fashion that was popular in San Francisco at the time contained heavy metals that entered the body.
Even more shocking was that the company that made the dye was the same one that manufactured pesticides. Having witnessed the damage that chemicals were doing to the environment and to humans, Fox made a firm decision to make everything he made from natural materials from now on.
Later, while working on improving cotton varieties, he came across an ancient variety of brown cotton that was being preserved by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Brown cotton had the characteristic of being resistant to pests, but at the time it was considered poor quality due to its short fibers. Mr. Fox repeatedly improved the varieties and crossbred them with extra-long staple cotton, which resulted in the revival of smooth and soft brown cotton.
Green cotton was also born by chance, paving the way for a sustainable textile industry that does not rely on chemical dyes.
The deep thoughts behind FOX fleece socks
FOX fleece socks were created using this special ancient cotton. However, the background to the creation of these socks was a special encounter between HOiSUM and Sally Fox.
We had the opportunity to meet Sally Fox in person and speak to her. We were deeply touched by her deep passion for brown cotton, her concern for the environment by not using chemical dyes, and her efforts to protect biodiversity, which is being lost.
The FOX fleece socks were born from that encounter. They are not just made from a rare material, but are a special pair of socks that are imbued with the beliefs of one researcher and the passion of a creator who resonates with them.
The aesthetics of undyed fabrics
The most distinctive feature is that no chemical dyes are used. The natural brown and green colors are the natural colors of the ancient cotton. It does not have the vividness of an artificial material, but it has a deep flavor and a beauty that changes over time.
The expression created by the natural shading has a warmth that cannot be expressed by industrial products. It is also the individuality of each pair that cannot be found in mass-produced products.
Focus on the skin side
We put great care into not only the ancient cotton on the outside, but also the inside that touches the skin.
Using organic cotton from India, and applying special twisting techniques to the way it is twisted, we have achieved a unique feel to the skin. The gentleness that wraps around your feet is a comfort that can only be achieved with natural materials, and cannot be obtained with synthetic fibers.
It has poor light fastness and the color changes when exposed to sunlight. There may be color unevenness depending on the time of production. These are certainly things that do not meet the modern product standards that demand uniformity.
The change in color due to sunlight is a natural characteristic of ancient cotton. The uneven color is proof that organically grown cotton reflects the climate and soil conditions at the time. This is an expression unique to living materials that cannot be expressed with industrial products.
>> Check out the FOX fleece socks product page
Quality supported by Japanese craftsmanship
To make the most of this precious ancient cotton, Japanese artisans knit them carefully and thoroughly. The pile socks manufacturing method was chosen to make the most of the characteristics of this ancient cotton.
The Japanese manufacturing spirit, which emphasizes the quality of each pair of shoes over the efficiency of mass production, produces products that are worthy of this special material.
Small choices make big changes
Choosing a pair of socks may be a small act, but the accumulation of such choices will eventually bring about big changes.
By choosing ancient cotton you are contributing to biodiversity conservation. By supporting organic farming you are conserving soil and water. By choosing undyed products you are helping to prevent water pollution.
Furthermore, using carefully made products for a long time and with care is also a quiet statement against the social structure of mass consumption and mass waste.
Start a new lifestyle on Environment Day
On June 5th, Environment Day, why not take this opportunity to think anew about what is truly valuable? What is true sustainability?
The ancient brown cotton speaks of a deeper value than just efficiency and convenience. It may be the first step towards a new lifestyle, starting from our feet.
A change that starts with a pair of socks. Small choices can create a big future. Why not take Environment Day as an opportunity to get started?
