KENYA STANDARD  DKS 583: 2023  
ICS 61.020  
Fifth  Edition  
 
 © KEBS 2023   
 Socks — Specification  
 
 
 DKS 583: 2023  
ii © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
 TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee:  
Achelis Kenya Ltd.  
Alpha Knits Ltd.  
Consumer Information Network  
Egerton University — Department of Applied Community Development Studies  
Fashion Council of Kenya  
Kamyn Industries Ltd.  
Ken-Knit (K) Ltd.  
Kenya Association of Manufacturers  
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI)  
Kenyatta University  
Ministry of Defence ― Research and Development  
Ministry of Health  
Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise Development  
National Industrial Training Authority (NITA)  
Pest Control Board of Kenya  
Spin-Knit Ltd.  
Spinners and Spinners Kenya  
Sumitomo  
Sunflag Textile and Knitwear Manufacturing Ltd.  
Technical University of Kenya  
Bata Kenya Ltd 
Kirinyaga University  
Mbagathi Hospita l  
Intertek   
Vidyesh H&F Group Ltd  
 
Kenya Bureau of Standards — Secretariat  
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya Standards shall be regularly reviewed.  Suggestions for 
improvements to published standards, a ddressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of Standards, are 
welcome.  
© Kenya Bureau of Standards  2023 KENYA STANDARD  KS 583: 2023  
ICS 61.020  
Fifth  Edition  
 
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  iii 
 Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 130 of 2001 of  the Laws of Kenya, copyright subsists 
in all Ke nya Standards and except as provided under Section 25 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of Standards 
may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing f rom the 
Managing Director.   DKS 583: 2023  
iv © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
  
Socks — Specification  
 
  Kenya Bureau of Standards,  Popo Road, Off Mombasa Road,  
P.O. Box 54974 - 00200,  Nairobi, Kenya  
 +254 020 6948000, + 254 722202137, + 254 734600471  
 info@kebs.org  
 @KEBS_ke  
 kenya bureau of standards (kebs)  
KENYA STANDARD  KS 583: 2023  
ICS 61.020  
Fifth  Edition  
 
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  v 
 Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Ready Made Garments under the guidance 
of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in accordance with the procedures of the Kenya Bureau of 
Standards.  
A variety of socks are manufactured locally from a variety of textile fibres mainly nylon, polyester, wool, acrylic, 
cotton and their blends. This standard is intended to harmonize socks sizes and stipulate minimum quality 
requirements  for socks of the specified sizes.  
This Fifth Edition  cance ls and replaces the Fourth  Edition (KS 583:2020 ) whic h has been technically revised.  
during the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following documents:  
IS 5084:1990, socks, nylon — specification.  
SLS 400:1976, specification for nylon stretch socks.  
 IS 3329:1973 specification for socks, cotton  
 IS 2187:1982   specification for wool sock  
 
Acknowledgement is hereby made for the assistance received from these sources.  
 KENYA STANDARD  DKS 583: 2023  
2  
© KEBS 2020 – All rights reserved  1 
 Socks — Specification  
1 Scope   
This Kenya Standard specifies requirements and test methods for seamless socks knitted in plain, rib or fancy 
stitches . 
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents  are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content 
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated 
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any a mendments) applies.  
ISO 8499 knitted fabrics — Description of defects  
KS 415, Glossary of terms relating to hosiery  
KS 1113, Specification for staple yarns  
KS 1114, Specification for textured filament yarns  
KS 2659, Packaging of textile products — Code of  practice  
KS ISO 105 C10, Textiles — Colour fastness Part C10: Colour fastness to washing with soap or soap with 
soda  
KS ISO 105 B02, Textiles —Tests for colour fastness Part B02: Colour fastness to artificial light, Xenon arc 
fading lamp  
KS ISO 105 N02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness Part N02: Colour fastness to peroxide washing  
KS ISO 105 X12, Textiles —Tests for colour fastness Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing  
KS ISO 139, Textiles — Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing  
KS ISO 1833 (all series ) Textiles —  Quantitative chemical analysis  
KS ISO 2076, Textiles — Man-made fibres — Generic names  
KS ISO 11827 , Textiles - Composition testing  ― Identification of fibres  
KS ISO 3758, Textiles — Care labelling code using symbols  
KS ISO 6938, Textiles — Natural fibres — Generic names and definitions  
KS ISO 8388, Knitted fabrics — Types — Vocabulary  
KS ISO 11827, Textiles — Composition testing — Identification of fibres  
KS ISO 14632 -1, Textiles —Method for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants 
Part 1: Detection of the use of certain azo colorants accessible with and without extracting the fibres   
2 © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
 KS ISO 14632 -3, Textiles — Method for determination of certain aromatic amines derived from azo colorants 
Part 3: Detection o f the use of the use of certain azo colorants which may release 4 -aminoazobenzene  
KS ISO 105 E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness — Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply . 
3.1 
foot length  
distance from the tip of the toe to the apex of the heel, that is the distance between C and O (Figure 1)  
3.2 
leg length  
distance from the top of the socks to the apex of the heel, that is the distance between A  and O (Figure 1)  
3.3 
batch of socks  
more than one pair of socks of the same type and size packed together  
3.4 
socks  
garments which are worn below the knee and above the ankle. This include crew socks and ankle socks  DKS 583: 2023  
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  3 
  
Foot length – Distance from C to O.  
Leg length – Distance from A to O.  
Figure 1 — Sock  
4 Requirements  
4.1 General requirements  
4.1.1  Types  
Depending upon the pattern of stitches, socks shall be of any one of the following four types : 
a) plain -knitted;  
b) rib-knitted;  
c) fancy -knitted ; or 
d) terry knitted . 
 
4 © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
 4.1.2  Fibre composition and proportion  
The socks shall be manufactured from yarns made from textile s fibres described in KS ISO 6938 and KS ISO 
2076. The fibre composition and proportion of the textile fibres  shall be tested and calculated in accordance 
with KS ISO 11827 and KS ISO 1833, parts 1-28. Where the yarns used is a blend of two or more fibres, the 
fibre composition and proportion shall be as declared with a maximum tolerance of ± 5  %. 
4.1.3 Fabric st ructure  
The sock shall be of knitted structure in accordance with KS ISO 8388.  
4.1.4 Manufacture of socks  
4.1.4 .1 The socks shall be knitted on circular machines.  The top of the socks shall be knitt ed in rib or plain 
stitches covered  with rubber  thread or  any other suitable elastic yarn laid in; and the leg and instep shall be 
knitted in plain, rib or fancy stitches depending on the type of socks.  
4.1.4 .2 The top portion of socks with covered rubber thread or any othe r suitable elastic yarn shall not be 
less than 25 mm.  
4.1.4 .3 In case the covered rubber thread or any other suitable elastic yarn is not used at the top of the 
socks, the top portion shall be knitted in a rib of not less than 80 mm and it shall be extended proportionally 
according to socks s izes. 
4.1.4 .4 The heel and toe portions of the socks shall be knitted in plain stitches with splicing.  The splicing 
shall be uniform throughout and spliced portions free from creases and/or folds.  
4.1.4 .5 The socks shall be securely joined at the toe.  Th e joining shall be elastic, smooth and free from 
knots.  It shall not give way when the socks are stretched to the full extent of the stretch ability  of the socks.  
4.1.4 .6 The socks shall be free from manufacturing defects, such as mends, ladders, improper splicing and 
both dyeing and finishing defects as specified in KS ISO 8499  
4.1.4. 7 The top of the ankle socks shall have elas tic with or without blister tab.  
4.1.5  Restricted colorants  
4.1.6.1 The  azo dyes shall not be used  to dye socks that  may decompose to aromatic amines that are known 
to be carcinogenic. The    maximum limit of  decomposable aromatic amine shall  not be more  than 30mg/kg when 
tested in accordance to KS ISO 1436 2 part 1  and 3.  
5 Specific requirements  
5.1 The dyed socks shall comply with colour fastness r equirements as given in Table 1  when tested in 
accordance with test  methods therein.  
5.2 Dimensional change due  to relaxation  
5.2.1 The dimensional changes due to relaxation  for cotton and wool socks shall  be as specified in Table 2 
when tested in accordance with test  method  therei n. 
 
 
 DKS 583: 2023  
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  5 
  
                               Table 1 — Colour fastness requirements  for socks  
S/N Colour fastness to  Numerical rating, 
min. Test method  
i.  Washing  Colour Change  4 KS ISO 105 C10  
Staining  4 
ii.  Perspiration  Acid 3 KS ISO 105 E04  
Alkali  3 
iii.  Light  5 KS ISO 105 B02   
iv.  Rubbing  Dry 4 KS ISO 105 X12  
Wet 4 
v.  Peroxide washing  4 KS ISO 105 N02  
 
             Table 2: Requirements for Dimensional change due to relaxation  
S/N Parameter  Requirement,  
Max Test method  
i.  Dimensional 
change ( due to  
relaxation),%  Cotton  2.5 Annex  B  
Wool  3.0  
   
6 © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
 5.3 Size 
5.3.1 The socks shall be grouped into five different sizes namely:  
a) Small  
b) Medium  
c) Large  
d) Extra large  
e) Free 
5.3.2 The size of socks shall be determined by both foot length and leg l ength dimensions given in Table 3 
when tested in accordance with the test methods specified therein . 
5.3.3 The dimensions of both foot length and leg length shall be taken in accordance with Annex A.  
5.3.4 The free size shall be grouped further and designated numerical sizes whose size dimensions shall not 
be less than those specified in  Table 3 , Row ( v). 
5.3.5 The dimensions of subsequent sizes shall be at intervals of at least 30 mm.  
5.3.6 The size of the a nkle socks shall be determined by the foot length.  
Table 3  — Size dimensions  
S/N Socks size  Foot length  
(mm)  Leg length  
(mm)  Method of 
measurement  
i.  Small  100 – 125 120 – 145  
 
 
Annex A  
 ii.  Medium  130 – 155 150 – 175 
iii.  Large  160 – 185 180 – 205 
iv.  Extra large  190 – 215 210 – 225 
v.  Free Above 220  Above 230  
 
NOTE 1   In every size as given in Table 3 , there shall be an increase of not less than 20 % in the foot length and leg 
length dimensions of 100 % cotton socks and blended socks in which cotton is a higher proportion.  
NOTE 2  In every size as given in Table 3 and where elastomeric yarns e.g. spandex or lycra have been used in not less 
than 5  % fibre content in the knitting of blended socks, there shall be an allowance of ± 10 % on foot length dimension s and 
leg length dimensions accordingly.  
6 Packaging  
Socks shall be packaged in accordance with KS 2659 as follows:  
a) Each pair of socks shall be folded properly at the heel gore line so as to form two layers.  
b) Each folded pair shall be wrapped or placed in a suitable material  
c) A batch of pairs of socks or several batches shall be placed in a packing material of suitable size 
which shall be secured properly.  
d) Each package containing a batch of socks or several bat ches shall have the following information 
which shall be indicated on the package, the swing ticket and/or accompanying documents:  
i) Name/trade mark of manufacture;  
ii) Number of pairs in each batch;  DKS 583: 2023  
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  7 
 iii) Total number of batches in the package; and  
iv) Fibre composition and proportion.  
7 Marking  
Each pair of socks shall be marked with the following information:  
a) name/trade mark of the manufacturer;  
b) fibre composition and proportion;  
c) size designation  
d) care instructions in accordance with KS ISO 3758;  and 
e) country of manufacture.  
 
8 Sampling  
 
8.1 lot  
In any consignment, all pairs of the socks of the same  composition and size shall constitute a lot.  
 
8.2 Unless otherwise agreed to between the buyer and the seller, the  Sample size (number of pairs of socks), 
depending upon th e size of the lot, shall be selected at random in accordan ce with Table 4.  
 
Table 4  — Sampling plan  
 
Lot size (pairs)  Sample size (pairs)  
1 – 200 2 
201 – 300 3 
301 – 500 5 
501 – 800 7 
801-1 300 10 
1301 above  15 
 
  
8 © KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(normative)  
 
Measurement of socks for size determination  
A.1 Conditioning of socks  
Before foot length and/or leg length dimensions are taken, the socks shall be conditioned in accordance with 
KS ISO 139. Take the measurements in an atmosphere similar to that  used for conditioning.  
A.2 Sample sock preparation  
Take the conditioned sample sock to be measured.  Lay it flat on a smooth table. Remove by hand all creases 
and wrinkles without stretching the sock.  
A.3 Measurements  
A.3.1  Take the dimensions of both the  foot length and leg length as defined in 3.1, 3.2 and Figure 1, both 
measurements to be taken correct to the nearest 5 mm.  
A.3.2  The pair shall be in compliance with the requirements of Table 3 if none of the values as determined in 
A.3.1 varies from the specified value by mo re than the specified toleranceDKS 583: 2023    
 
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved   
 Annex B  
(Normative)  
 
Test method for dimensional change due to relaxation  
 
B.1 Apparatus  
Watertight Tray — of a suitable size, at least 10 cm deep.  
 Graduated Steel Rule  
B.2 Marking  of Teat Specimens — As illustrated in Fig. 2 , mark on  each test specimen by means of indelible 
ink or fast -dyed cotton sewing  thread, three points X, Y and Z such that:   
a) all the three points are on the same wale,  
b) point X is on the top portion,  
c) point Y is on the heel go re line, and  
d) point Z is on the toe portion of the sock.  
NOTE — The colour of the indelible ink or sewing thread shall be in contrast  with that of the sock so that it is 
easy to measure the distances.  
B.2 Procedure  
B.2.1 Take  one of the socks from the te st sample.  Place  the specimen on a glass plate. Remove carefully all 
wrinkles and creases  without distorting the specimen. Place another glass plate on the  specimen. Measure 
correct to the nearest millimetre, the distance  between X and Y and between Y and Z. 
B.2.2 Lay the test specimen in flat position in a water tray and soak  it under a head of 25 mm of water at room 
temperature for 2 hours. At  the end of this period, without removing the specimen, drain the water  from the tray 
and dry the specimen on  a flat surface. Condition the specimen  again in the standard atmosphere for 24 hours 
(see A-1). 
B.2.3 Measure  again, correct to the nearest millimetre, the distance  between X and Y and between Y and Z. 
B.2.4 Calculation  — Calculate, correct to one place of decimal, the  percentage dimensional change between 
the points X and Y and between  Y and Z by the formula given below:  
 
S =  100  𝑋 (𝑎−𝑏)
𝑎 
 
S= Dimensional change, percent  where  
a = distance between the two points X and Y, or Y and Z, before soaking; and  
b = distance between the same points after soaking.  
B.2.5 Calculate  the average dimensional change between the two sets of  
points, namely, X, Y and Y, Z.  
  
© KEBS 2023 – All rights reserved  3 
  
 
Figure 2: Typical sock