The characteristics of what makes a quality sock are primarily dependent on the material. There are a few very common materials that are used in sock production. They are polyester, spandex, cotton, and nylon. Each of these has its pros and cons.

Polyester: This is a human-made synthetic fiber. It is petroleum-based. Polyester is very durable and can outlast most other materials it is stacked up against. It is also more colorfast and can retain the color for extended periods, and is fast-drying. On the other hand, polyester production is terrible for the environment. The material is also not breathable and as soft on the skin as something like cotton.

Cotton: The main characteristic of cotton is its softness. If adequately cared for, cotton will retain the dyes for much longer than any other product (except maybe polyester). This has to do with it being super absorbent. With that being said, cotton is relatively fast-drying, but that is dependent on the amount of water it can hold. Out of all the fabrics used for socks, cotton is the most breathable. The downside of cotton material is that it costs a little bit more than most other fabrics.

Spandex:Spandex is added to products and garments that need to stretch. The spandex used in socks is what holds them high on the leg without them falling down. Spandex has a good stretch to it but only gives so much. Once the spandex is overshot, that is it. There is no way to recoup the original shape.

Nylon: Nylon is a great choice for socks because it is known for its moisture-wicking abilities. That means it efficiently pulls moisture away from the skin. Your feet are one of the sweatiest places on the body. The nylon is great to wick the moisture away from the skin, thus preventing things like athlete’s feet and blisters from forming.

One might assume that because a sock is a soft texture and made from looser-feeling fabric weave that it will have high breathability. This is simply not true. Some socks are not made to breathe by they letting fresh air in - insulating socks, for example; in this case, breathability defeats the purpose of this type of a design, which is heat retention.

However, if you're not looking for winter socks and are more interested in their fashion aspects, breathability is important in keeping your feet comfortable and odor-free.

To make sure that your feet won't sweat too much in your new socks, choose materials such as wool or synthetics (polyester) which come with moisture-wicking abilities.

While it is true that cotton is a breathable fabric, as we've mentioned in our Materials section, it is also absorbent. Any sweat that might accumulate gets absorbed by the socks and stays close to your skin for long periods. This is not only highly uncomfortable but also promotes the growth of bacteria and the development of bad odors.

This is why, in our search for the best Harry Potter socks, we looked for materials that are breathable but also moisture-wicking, so they keep sweat away from your feet and help you enjoy your day without fear of getting that damp, cold feeling in your footwear.

There is no correct or perfect sizing when sock-height is considered. One size fits all does not apply here. What works for some that are searching for an ankle height won’t work for others that want a true knee-high. Not to mention all the options before, in between and after those two: no show, crew-length, mid-calf etc.

The height of the design depends on your personal preferences, on what time of year you intend to wear your Harry Potter socks in and what type of outfit you're matching it with. For example, knee-highs are perfect for colder weather and for layering underneath a winter skirt or a dress, or peeking above a knee-high boot.

In a similar fashion, no-show designs are great for summer and warmer seasons, when you want your ankles bare and cool. Perhaps you want to wear those new loafers or slip-on sneakers you bought, and you don't want any socks showing above them.

Our list includes socks of many varying heights so that you have plenty to choose from. A tip for putting on knee-highs is to push your foot slow into the sock and let it unravel that way, versus putting your foot in the sock and pulling it up. Doing it the first way will prolong the life of the sock and the elastic used in its top.

Easy to care for is something that most people search for in every garment they purchase, but especially true for socks. In this crazy, fast-paced life, people don’t have time to hand wash and air-dry the items they wear. It's machine wash and machine dry all the way.

This is why we attempted to find designs that were easy to care for and retained their look after washing. Color fading and even color bleeding is a thing that often happens, especially if you wear a pair frequently (and wash it just as frequently). For the best color fastness (the ability to retain color), look for polyester and synthetic materials, as they don't really fade over time.

Another caveat to easy-care instructions is the durability of the sock after it has been washed or while it is washing. You don’t want to worry about your socks shrinking or becoming misshaped, thus leaving them unusable. Something that often happens is the elastic band of the socks going weak; as a result, they start slipping down your leg and are never as comfortable as they used to be.

The deciding factor in the durability of a design is, again, the material it's made from. Some are better at withstanding the washing-drying cycles than others. For the longest lifespan, look for polyester and synthetics, like we mentioned with color retaining. Wool, as well, is quite a durable material. (And a great one to wear both for summer and winter, don't be fooled!)

Nylon is something that is added to a design to increase its longevity and wear and tear resistance, so an option with a certain percentage of nylon in it is a wonderful option, too.

While durability is certainly important, it shouldn't be keeping you up at night. At the end of the day, if you find yourself drawn to a design which has great style, is comfortable, and you simply want it, there's no reason not to get it just because it is made from cotton or some other, less durable material. Fortunately, socks don't cost much, and replacing them shouldn't be a problem!

Style is one of the key factors when it comes to choosing Harry Potter socks. After all, we're shopping for them because of their looks, not necessarily because of their function, right?

And in terms of looks and this fandom, the possibilities are endless.

The colors that you can find are largely based on the colors of Hogwarts and its houses. If a design is sporting a character from a specific house, chances are the color will represent that house with pride. For Hufflepuff this is yellow and black, for Ravenclaw it's silver and blue, for Gryffindor it's gold and red and for Slytherin it is silver and green.

Some exceptions are made for more artistic depictions of the houses (for example, a design which chooses red and cream for Gryffindor), and those which represent characters or items which haven't been sorted into or aren't necessarily connected to any of the four houses. These can include Hedwig, Dobby, Buckbeak, the Deathly Hallows triangle, even simple drawings such as Harry's glasses and scar.

So, how can you choose the best style for yourself?

The answer is easy - go with what you like! If you know your Hogwarts house, definitely don't hesitate to show it off with confidence. Perhaps go for a pair that is reminiscent of socks real Hogwarts students would wear to class, so don't leave out the house crest.

Alternatively, you can go for a more playful, fun Harry Potter representation and opt for a chibi character or Hedwig, or even some famous quotes from the books.

In this case, design options are literally countless, and the only thing that's limiting you is your personal taste (and perhaps your budget).