According to the type of material and mode of processing, cotton may be long- and short-fibered, worsted or teaseled, mercerized or regenerated. After threads are specifically process – mercerized – such cotton receives silky gloss and strength. Short-fibered carded cotton is rougher and more inflexible, more impurities are seen, it harder and peels more. Regenerated cotton is made from various industrial wastes. It is quite rough, uneven; there are lots of inequalities and nubs in it. The unevenness is seen even with your eyes. Combed long-fibered cotton is of the highest quality. The fiber of cotton absorbs moisture very well, lets the air through, and does not cause allergy. 

Wool can be distinguished according to the type of fiber and processing. Wool creates the needed microclimate, maintains the constant temperature, and absorbs moisture quite well. However it shrinks and felts more. The threads of pure wool are rarely used for production of socks, as wool has a tendency to felt, shrink, and it will be difficult to pull the sock on. Therefore the combinations of wool mix are more popular.

Viscose is an artificial chemical fiber, which has similar properties as cotton, but if compared to cotton, it creases less, is softer and gentler, it peels less, but is less resistant to temperature, and it is easy to tear it, especially when it is wet.

Polyamides are the most popular synthetic threads. They are characterized by strength and elasticity, do not crease, are resistant to light, however they are not good at absorbing moisture and letting the air through.