Continuing the successful extension of its licensing programme into multiple new categories with carefully chosen partners, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that UK market leader SOCKSHOP has been licensed to produce the first-ever RHS range of socks.

The range will combine the RHS name and unmatched design assets with four of the brands and associated technology that have made SOCKSHOP a byword for excellence in its field: Heat Holders, BlueGuard, Gentle Grip and Printed Bamboo.

Heat Holders, the world’s warmest thermal sock, can be worn in casual shoes or just around the home. RHS Heat Holders will be available as thermal Wellington and boot socks. There will also be a range of jacquard-patterned RHS Heat Holders.

RHS BlueGuard is based on SOCKSHOP’s Ultimate Durable Sock technology. The highly robust long and short BlueGuard Wellington and boot socks will be ideal for all lovers of gardening, but particularly for the serious gardener who likes to be out and about all day.

RHS Gentle Grip is an adaptation of one of SOCKSHOP’s most popular products, bringing the unique SOCKSHOP Non-Binding HoneyComb Top to a range that offers customers day-long comfort and style without restriction or compression marks.

Finally, there’s RHS SOCKSHOP Printed Bamboo, which makes expert use of a recently developed technology – the ability to print good quality images onto bamboo socks – and some wonderful design assets from the RHS.

In fact across the entire range a number of different design options are planned to cater for different tastes and mirror different seasons, all inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art.

Aimed at the adult market, and perfect for everyday wear or as gifts, the SOCKSHOP range of RHS socks will be at retail from 1 November 2024 at the SOCKSHOP flagship online store at www.sockshop.co.uk. The socks will also be available in physical retail from the many concessions around the UK that stock SOCKSHOP products.

SOCKSHOP is a long-established group and iconic UK brand devoted to socks with three generations of experience in manufacturing, distributing and retailing socks and accessories. Launched in 1983, it quickly took the UK high street by storm. Today it distributes its brands and products all around the world – from the UK and Europe to North America and Australia.

Shane Doughty, Director, SOCKSHOP, says: “We like to say that for us socks are never just socks. They keep you warm, cool and comfortable but they also help you look good. And we could hardly find a better partner to demonstrate this philosophy than the RHS. These socks are perfect for gardeners and lovers of indoor and outdoor comfort but, with the help of some glorious RHS artwork, also ideal for gift-givers and lovers of stylish design. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the RHS on this wonderful range.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “As a market leader in its field, with a reputation for both comfort and creativity, SOCKSHOP is a perfect partner for our first-ever foray into socks. Its comprehensive knowledge, expertise and supply channels, as well as an extensive UK and global customer base, are ideal for a range of RHS socks that brilliantly combines usefulness with elegant and exciting designs.”

About the RHS
Since our formation in 1804, the RHS has grown into the UK’s leading gardening charity, touching the lives of millions of people. Perhaps the secret to our longevity is that we’ve never stood still. In the last decade alone we’ve taken on the largest hands-on project the RHS has ever tackled by opening the new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, Greater Manchester, and invested in the science that underpins all our work by building RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science. We have committed to being net positive for nature and people by 2030. We are also committed to being truly inclusive and to reflect all the communities of the UK. Across our five RHS gardens we welcome more than three million visitors each year to enjoy over 34,000 different cultivated plants. Events such as the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show, other national shows, our schools and community work, and partnerships such as Britain in Bloom, all spread the shared joy of gardening to wide-reaching audiences. Throughout it all we’ve held true to our charitable core – to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of horticulture – to share the love of gardening and the positive benefits it brings. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

About the RHS Licensing Programme
Working with the right partners to produce high-quality, beautifully designed products is at the heart of everything we do. We select our partners carefully and offer each one a tailored support package overseen by our experienced Licensing team. Within the RHS Lindley Collections, we hold the world’s finest collection of botanical art containing more than 25,000 superb images. RHS Enterprises Limited uses this artwork collection and RHS gardening expertise to create and endorse inspirational products. In 2017 the RHS won the award for Best Licensed Heritage or Institution Brand at The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards. In 2018, again at The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, the RHS Flora Apparel collection by COAST won the award for Best Brand Licensed Adult Apparel Product or Range. In 2022 the RHS collection from George@Asda won the Best Brand Licensed Children’s Product or Range.