16s Soft Elastic 100% Polyester Yarn for Socks

Product Overview

Our 16s Soft Elastic 100% Polyester Yarn redefines everyday comfort in sock manufacturing, blending softness, stretch, and durability for all-day wear. Crafted with a 16s medium count and engineered with a proprietary elastic twist, it delivers 8–10% natural stretch (no added spandex) and 98% recovery, ensuring socks hug the foot without constriction. The ring-spun construction processes fibers into a compact, low-fuzz strand that achieves a smooth surface and resists pilling (Level 4–5 per ASTM D3512), making it ideal for premium casual and work socks. Made from 100% high-quality polyester, it offers inherent moisture-wicking properties—drying 30% faster than cotton—and retains shape through repeated washing, perfect for active lifestyles and industrial use.

Product Specifications

Material: 100% virgin polyester (GRS-certified recycled polyester available)

Yarn Count: 16s (medium thickness, 28–32 tex) with Z-twist direction

Elastic Properties: 8–10% stretch under 300g load; 98% recovery after 500 cycles

Tensile Strength: 4.5–6.0 cN/dtex (resistant to tearing in high-wear areas)

Pilling Resistance: Level 4–5 (ASTM D3512) after 50 washes

Shrinkage Rate: <3% after 10 washes at 60°C

Certifications: OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (Class II), GRS (for recycled variants)

Product Features

Ultra-Soft Hand Feel: Ring-spun processing aligns fibers tightly, creating a plush texture that scores 4.8/5 in consumer comfort tests—gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Stain & Odor Resistance: Polyester’s hydrophobic nature repels water-based stains, while its non-porous structure resists odor-causing bacteria growth (tested to reduce odor by 60% vs. cotton).

Eco-Friendly Options: GRS-certified recycled variants use post-consumer PET bottles, reducing carbon emissions by 30% and water usage by 90% compared to virgin polyester.

Processing Versatility: Compatible with both flat and circular knitting machines, with low hairiness (<5 mg/m) minimizing machine downtime from lint buildup.

Applications

Casual Socks: Perfect for ankle, crew, and knee-high styles worn daily—balances breathability for summer and warmth for winter.

Work Socks: Durable designs for construction, landscaping, and logistics workers, where abrasion resistance and quick drying prevent blisters.

Children’s Footwear: Soft, non-irritating socks for toddlers and kids, with stretch that accommodates growing feet without restrictive tightness.

FAQ

Q: Can this yarn be blended with natural fibers like cotton?

A: Yes. We recommend a 70% polyester + 30% cotton blend to combine polyester’s durability with cotton’s moisture absorption—ideal for hybrid casual socks.

Q: What needle size optimizes stitch quality in knitting?

A: Use 2.5–3.5mm needles for flat knitting or 30–32 gauge for circular machines to achieve balanced tension and stitch definition.

Q: Does it maintain performance in high-temperature industrial washing?

A: Yes. It withstands 60°C washes with minimal shrinkage (<3%) and retains 95% of its tensile strength after 50 industrial laundry cycles.