Since I work with socks I have learned a few surprising things.
Carlo
As I wrote yesterday I would tell more about the (for me) surprising things I have learned since I make socks. One of those things is that when you add polyamide it is not making the sock less valuable, but just more expensive. I understand what you said by the way; 'for me it is making the socks less valuable', but the buying price for me is higher then when I use a 100% wool yarn. Maybe it doesn't sounds logical at all, but it is a fact.
Because we mix a 100% Merinowool (70% does not exist) yarn with an extra polyamid yarn. The polyamid yarn is also making the socks thicker and his fit a bit thighter. Italians call this extra addition Varise and it is making the socks fit a bit thighter. Last but not least the polyamide improves the durability. Those are all personal choices offcourse, but you might understand it is my personal preference
. Men in Holland do want to pay for quality but the durability has to be acceptable. Also we tested over and over again, because the last thing we want is sweaty feet. Offcourse I can not quarantee nobody will have sweaty feet
, but the reaction of Tilman is clear.
I also know - because I have contacts with several factories in Italy - that some brands usually don't want to communicate a 70-30 composition and they communicate it is a 80-20 compostion. Actually they add the same quantity of polyamid. Formally it is approved, but I choose to be honest.
Hope to have given more business transparency and a lesson of making socks + additional costs
.
Have a wonderful day!
Saluti,
Carlo