Kousen

Kousen are a form of hosiery worn on the feet and lower legs. In Dutch usage, the term covers a range of garments from ankle socks to knee-highs and tights. They are designed to cover the foot while providing warmth, comfort, protection, or decoration, and are worn for everyday use, work, sport, or fashion.

Most kousen are made by knitting or weaving fabrics from fibers such as cotton, wool, or synthetic blends (like nylon or elastane). Modern production commonly uses circular knitting machines, which allow seamless toes and variable lengths. Heels may be reinforced for durability, and elastic materials help the garment stay in place around the ankle or calf. Careful fiber selection affects warmth, moisture management, and durability.

Common types include ankle socks, crew socks (mid-calf), knee-highs, over-the-knee socks, tights, and stockings. There are also sport socks, dress socks, thermal or winter varieties, and compression stockings used for medical or performance reasons. The choice of type depends on fit, activity, climate, and aesthetic preference.

Historically, hosiery has served warmth, protection, and social or fashion functions. Evidence of ancient socks exists in several civilizations, and knitted stockings spread in medieval Europe. The advent of knitting machines in the 18th and 19th centuries enabled rapid, mass production, making kousen widely available across social classes and regions.

Care and maintenance vary by material but typically involve washing per fabric instructions, avoiding high heat to preserve elasticity, and air drying. Some fibers require delicate handling to prevent pilling or shrinking. Advances in fibers and production continue to expand the range of kousen for comfort, performance, and style.