Do Better Colab Chevron Strike Organic Cotton Crew sock on feet with ocean and parkland in the background

5 Reasons to Choose Organic Cotton Over Wool or Synthetics

Not Everyone Wears Wool. And That’s Okay.

Wool works for a lot of people. But not everyone.

Some have skin sensitivities, some avoid animal products, and others just don’t like how it feels. Synthetics? They do the job, but they’re not exactly kind to your skin or the planet.

That’s why we chose organic cotton as the core fibre in our socks and why we think it deserves way more attention than it gets. 

1. Comfort Comes First

If you’ve ever worn socks that made your feet itch, overheat, or feel a little… swampy,  you’re not alone.

Organic cotton is naturally soft, breathable, and kind on skin. It helps absorb moisture, rather than trapping it, and lets your feet breathe. That means less friction, fewer blisters, and no mid-hike sock regrets.

Even better? It doesn’t come with that woolly itch some of us just can’t shake, even with superfine merino.

2. Less Chemicals on Your Skin

Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. That means no chemical residue sitting against your skin all day. 

To understand the importance of this, think of a contraceptive or nicotine patch. A tiny little sticker on a persons body has the ability to stop pregnancy or kick an addiction to the curb! What you're putting on your skin counts.

For people with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin, organic cotton is often a game changer. Even if you don’t have a known sensitivity, your skin still appreciates the break.

3. Better for the Planet

Organic cotton isn’t just better for your body, it’s better for the world too. It’s grown with farming methods that:

  • Avoid toxic pesticides (which protects soil, waterways, and farmers)
  • Use less water, especially when rain-fed
  • Encourage biodiversity
  • Don’t shed microplastics into the ocean every time you do a load of laundry

It’s a small choice with a huge ripple effect, especially when you consider how many socks you go through in a lifetime.

4. A Kinder Alternative to Wool

Wool is often marketed as a “natural” option. And it is. But it still raises valid questions around ethics and accessibility.

Some people simply can’t wear it. Others choose not to wear animal derived fibres. And while many brands promote “ethical wool,” the reality is that animal welfare standards are inconsistent around the world.

We wanted to offer something different: a high performance sock that works for more people, in more ways.

5. Built to Perform

Pure cotton on its own wouldn’t cut it. We’re not down with floppy socks or soggy feet.

That’s why we blend organic cotton with a small amount technical fibres such as polyester and spandex. Just enough to deliver:

  • A snug, stay-up fit
  • Zoned compression and padding
  • Stretch where you need it
  • Breath zones

So you get all the benefits of organic cotton and the functionality of a true performance sock.

Do Better Colab Sunrise Session organic cotton crew sock with overlay showing technical features

Comparison Table: Organic Cotton vs Wool vs Synthetics

Feature Organic Cotton Wool Synthetics (Polyester/Nylon)
Skin Feel Soft, breathable, non-irritating Can be itchy for some Can trap heat and moisture
Hypoallergenic Yes Often not (can cause irritation) No (some people react to synthetics)
Moisture Management Absorbs, dries reasonably well (design matters) Good wick/dry properties Wicks but traps odour
Odour Control Good (natural, less sweaty) Good (natural antimicrobial) Poor (can hold stink)
Animal Free Yes No Yes
Plastic Free Yes Yes No. Made from petroleum
Durability Strong with stretch fibre blend Strong, but can felt/shrink Durable, but sheds microplastics

 

Not the Norm. But That’s the Point.

We might be the first in the world to make organic cotton ski socks that actually perform. And we know it’s not conventional.

But just because it’s new, doesn’t mean it can’t work.

We’re skiers, snowboarders, Crossfitters, mountain bikers and hikers. We made these socks because we needed them. Turns out, a lot of other people do too.

Want to see for yourself?

Check out our ski socks or sports socks collection.

Tested in the mountains. Loved in the gym. Built for those who want to Do Better.

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