A small garment, a big story

Socks are one enormous industry: more than 20 billion are produced every year, and far too many end up in landfill.

When Pairs launched in 2020, it was clear the fashion system couldn’t be changed overnight. But it could be challenged. The goal was simple: create socks made from natural, traceable fibres, produced responsibly and built to last. In other words: buy better, buy less.

What Sustainability Means to Us
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword. Every decision we make considers three factors: economic, social, and environmental.

Economic: Our supply chains must work for everyone involved. From the Peruvian Andes to British mills, each partner is fairly paid and sustainably supported.

Social: We’re committed to fair working conditions and respectful collaboration.

Environmental: The materials we choose must work in harmony with the planet, not against it. We focus on natural fibres that protect soil health, biodiversity, and water systems.

Where Our Fibres Come From

Mohair: The Fibre That Started It All
Our mohair socks are the cornerstone of Pairs. The fibre comes from Angora goats raised in South Africa’s Karoo region - a place of extremes that produces mohair both strong and breathable.

Our socks are spun in a British mill. We partner with Mohair South Africa (MSA), a non-profit regulator ensuring ethical and traceable production. Every fibre can be traced back to its farm, with independent assessments verifying animal welfare and sustainable farming practices.

Alpaca: Ancient Wisdom from the Andes
In Peru, alpacas have been part of daily life for over 5,000 years. They sustain more than 120,000 families.

Our Undyed Alpaca socks are made in our British mill, while our Ultra Soft Alpaca is made in our Portuguese mill. The fibres come from Incatops, a member of the Textile Exchange and founder of Pacomarca, a traceability programme that connects farmers directly with producers.

Lambswool and Merino: Classic Comfort
Our lambswool knee-high socks, merino calf-length, and merino bed socks are made with our trusted Portuguese mill. Every fibre is OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring consumer safety and transparency.

Bamboo: A Planet-Friendly Choice
Bamboo is eco-friendly because it is carbon-neutral, self-regenerating, and fast-growing. Our bamboo socks are made in our Turkish mill.

Animal Welfare and Shearing
Ethical sourcing begins with compassion. In Peru, alpaca shearing follows strict welfare protocols known as Inca Shearing, ensuring hygiene, safety, and minimal stress for the animals.

In South Africa, certified shearers trained under National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) standards ensure goats and sheep are handled gently.

Healthy animals produce the best fibre. And that’s the only kind we’ll ever use.

Buying Less, Buying Better
Every year, around £140 million worth of clothing goes to landfill in the UK. One of the simplest ways to change that is to buy fewer things and buy them well.

We make a case for choosing thoughtfully and stepping lightly on the planet.