The things that we use to adorn our bodies are numerous and elaborate. We can wear shirts, pants, jackets, coats, socks, shoes, bracelets, necklaces, hats, purses, hair clips, and the list goes on and on.

When looking at this list it can be easy to wonder why some of these things are necessary. For example, we already wear shoes to protect our feet, so what is the purpose of socks?

Socks are universal in nature, but hidden from the eye. Their purpose is not for adornment.

Socks have many purposes, although those purposes are hidden to surface level thought. Upon deeper thought and research, it can be discovered why wearing socks is so necessary.

Beginning in the distant history of mankind, the first socks were worn for protection from the elements and warmth. These socks were made of animal skins and tied to the foot and ankle.

Since then socks have undergone a long chain of evolution. It was not until 1589 that the knitting machine was invented and socks similar to what we wear today were created.

Today, a circular knitting machine is able to mass produce the socks we wear. We live in a world of luxury with hundreds of thousands of different colors, styles, and materials.

Athletes depend on socks to prevent contracting funguses, bacteria, and infection. Socks slick away the sweat that is produced from strenuous activity.

It is important for athletes to purchase the right kind of socks for exercising in. Synthetic socks only capture the moisture and make conditions such as athlete's feet severely worse.

Cotton and wool socks allow their feet to breath and moisture to escape. These kinds of socks can prevent athlete's feet.

Some athletes, namely dancers, encounter a foot problem known as Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a condition where a tendon in the foot is overworked and becomes inflamed and painful.

Sometimes these dancers wear tailored socks designed to give added arch support and pain relief. Socks are a cheap and easy method for pain relief.

In addition to treating diseases and various foot conditions, socks have been a great gift for any occasion for a long time. In the colonial period, socks were a gift of necessity and sometimes a luxury.

Today, gift socks are mostly luxuries and they come in every color, design, and style. There is a perfect sock for every personality and humor.

Socks can also prevent serious medical conditions as one ages. Preventing medical conditions should be a top priority for everyone.

In addition, socks perform simple daily functions. Socks are a prime instrument in containing and preventing your feet and shoes from smelling.

The bad odor produced from your feet is caused by bacteria, fungi, and rotting skin. Your skin is usually completely replaces every 28 days.

If socks are not worn, the skin from your feet will stick to your shoes where it will rot. This rotting skin will produce a very bad smell.

It is easy to prevent the smell of your socks because they can be washed to get rid of the skin. Fungi and bacteria find the moist environment of your feet very inviting.

You can prevent these causes of bad smell by pouring a little baby powder into your socks to keep your feet dry. Another technique that you can use to keep your feet dry is to wear a different pair of shoes at least every third day so that the shoes you have been wearing can dry out.

Some people like to apply a deodorant or more powder to their feet before bed and sleep with socks on. If your feet begin to itch, it is an indication that your feet are too dry.

After they start to itch stop using powder at night. If they continue to itch only use powder every other day, and decrease your treatment until they are no longer itchy.

As you use socks to fight bacteria and fungi, you will prevent infection. Infections can cost a lot of money and time.

They can also be very painful. Sock will save you this money, time, and pain.

Socks perform many more functions than we realize. They are a vital part of our wardrobe.