What lies behind the production cost of a sock
How much does it cost to make a sock?
When we talk about socks, we often think of the details. A discreet, interchangeable everyday accessory. And yet, behind this small piece of fabric, there is a whole world: machines, materials, expert hands.
At Maison Broussaud, the production cost of a sock made in France ranges from €5 to €8, depending on the material, the complexity of the design, and the production volume. This is a fair price, but significantly higher than that of a sock produced in an offshore factory.
Why? Because every euro invested carries a value: human, ethical, sustainable.
Why is the production cost of a sock made in France higher?
Behind a sock made in France, there are choices. Conscious, deliberate, committed choices. And each one has a cost.
Decent working conditions
Our socks are not produced anonymously in a distant factory. They are born in our workshop in Limousin , knitted by qualified, respected technicians, fairly compensated.
Decent wages, safety, regulated working hours, social rights: all of this makes up part of the cost of local labor, which is much higher than in countries with low regulations. But also much fairer.
High-quality raw materials
Scottish yarn , merino wool , certified cotton... We choose premium materials, often sourced from European suppliers, to guarantee:
- Durability: our socks last a long time
- Comfort: they breathe, they envelop
- Traceability: no exploitation, everything is verified
- Responsibility: less transport, less impact
Using local and ethical raw materials is more expensive. But that's what makes the difference when wearing... and washing.
Craftsmanship
Knitting a Maison Broussaud sock isn't as simple as pressing a button. It involves choosing a gauge, adjusting the machines, and overseeing the finishing touches. It requires time, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail.
And this is evident, both in the knit and in the overall look. It's the complete opposite of low-cost, automated production.
Very real fixed costs
Producing in France also means facing high costs:
membership fees, energy, machine maintenance, environmental and safety standards…
These are often invisible positions for the consumer, but necessary to guarantee responsible and sustainable production.
What is the profit margin on socks?
We sometimes imagine that textiles are a goldmine of profit margins. But the reality, in a company like ours, is quite different.
Because at every stage – materials, manufacturing, logistics, distribution – we choose quality over ease.
The profit margin on an ethical sock is smaller than that of an offshored production.
But it aligns with our vision: to sell a fair product, neither inflated nor undervalued.
No permanent sales, no massive stocks. Just carefully curated collections and loyal customers.
Is a sock company profitable?
Yes, but not at any price.
At Maison Broussaud, we believe in a business model based on quality, transparency and trust.
Our profitability does not come from colossal volumes, but from a long-term relationship with our customers, our suppliers and our teams.
It is this loyalty that allows us to continue producing in France, year after year, without compromise.
What is missing in the sock industry?
One word: meaning.
The market is saturated with disposable products, without origin, without added value.
What is often lacking are brands that explain, that take responsibility, that commit.
We are convinced that another way is possible: slower, more local, more sincere.
And that behind a simple sock, we can knit a collective story, a drive for relocalization, a new way of consuming.
In summary, what are you really paying for?
When you buy a Maison Broussaud sock, you're not just paying for an accessory. You're investing in:
- Fair compensation for those who produce it
- A sustainable, traceable, often local raw material
- A rare skill, passed down and valued
- Compliance with social and environmental standards
- A product designed to last, comfortable and elegant
And that is precisely what gives meaning to its price.
A well-made sock is a slap in the face to fast fashion.
A step towards a more beautiful, cleaner, more responsible form of consumption.
