Probably many of us have heard the word "footcloth" in our conversations. Few people know what it is and why it is needed. And if you ask a person about how to wrap footcloths, he is unlikely to give a reliable answer. That is why let's figure out what this “strange” object is and what its purpose is.
What is footcloth?
Footcloth is a small piece of fabric made of durable and warm material. The subject belongs to the category of underwear; it is used for wrapping legs. The functional characteristics of the footcloths are the same as those of the toe, so they can safely be worn with shoes of any kind.
Pictures from the past: the appearance of footcloths and its purpose
The first footcloth appeared in the distant past, during the existence of the ancient Roman empire. Its use was especially relevant during the period of hostilities. No army could do without this element of military uniforms. A correctly wound piece of high-quality fabric saved from bad weather, protected the soldier's legs from injuries, excessive sweating in the hot season. The knowledge of the Romans on how to wrap footcloths was passed down from generation to generation, as a result of which the art of wrapping legs spread throughout the world and has survived to our times.
Residents of Russia also knew about the properties of footcloths. "Homemade sock" became popular during the reign of Peter I. The king’s desire to always and everywhere to comply with European standards led to a small modernization of the country and the army. Changes came after the ruler’s trip to Holland, where a tailor product has long been used.
Years later, the king, again guided by the example of developed countries, tried to cancel the wearing of footcloths and bring stockings into fashion. This idea is known as an unsuccessful experience in the world of clothing, and soon it had to be abandoned. Hosiery socks were not practical and did not possess the properties for which the footcloth was appreciated by representatives of the Russian army.
Since then, the footcloth has become an integral part of military clothing and the subject of ridicule in folk jokes, a source of inspiration for writers and poets. It is safe to say that well-known literary works have taught many people how to wrap footcloths so that they last for a long time.
Modern practice of using footcloths
The science of how to wind a footcloth has been mastered in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Our soldier could be distinguished from the rest of the military by the presence in his boots of a piece of rectangular cloth.
Until 2007, just a footcloth was necessary and one of the important elements of army equipment in Ukraine. The country refused to use boots and a tailor-made sock due to changes in military uniform standards established by NATO.
Russia in this matter is a little behind its neighbors. Warm and comfortable footcloths so fell into the soul of the Russian army that until 2010 there was no question of introducing new military clothing. But there is also a plus here - those who served in the army rear have something to tell about the peculiarities of uniforms, how to wear and wrap footcloths correctly. Not everyone can share such experience and knowledge!
In 2014, the army nevertheless went through the modernization stage - ordinary socks and berets replaced the footcloths and boots.
How to wrap footcloths?
The procedure for wrapping the legs with fabric, it would seem, is simple. You take a footcloth, shake around the foot - and you're done! But not everything is as simple as it seems in reality. Violation of the sequence of wrapping the legs can lead to unwinding of footcloths, and the consequence of this is the occurrence of skin problems. How to wrap footcloths? The first thing to remember is that you should start to wind from the foot and out, in two layers. The footcloth put on in this way will not stray when walking, rub your leg. The double thickness of the “toe” will protect the legs from getting wet and in severe frosts.
It should be noted that before winding the tissue, the legs must be thoroughly washed with cold water, wiped dry, trimmed nails (not too short).
We provide more detailed information on how to wrap footcloths. The instructions below will help a beginner in a “tailoring business” deal with leg wrapping.
- We spread the fabric on a relatively flat surface, place the leg obliquely near the right edge of the product.
- We wrap the foot in a corner, wrap it under the sole.
- We wrap the long end of the fabric around the foot, move to the rise, correcting the formed folds.
- Having wrapped completely the lower part of the leg, we pull the remaining tissue to the lower leg and wrap it. Done!
Footcloths: how to reel (ways for the lazy and hardworking)
The first method of winding fabric is designed for lazy people and consists in observing the sequence of such actions:
- we put the expanded fabric on the bootleg;
- we press with the toes and put the foot in together with the product.
That's all!
As practice shows, the leg wrapped in this way does not rub when walking, and the footcloth lasts several hours. A not very effective, but rather quick method of wrapping footcloths is popular in situations where you do not want to bother with fabric for a long time due to lack of time.
The second method is for hardworking and tidy individuals who are not indifferent to how to wrap footcloths. The methodology for its implementation was described above, in the "instructions for a beginner."
Optimal size footcloths
Before you wrap footcloths, you should pay attention to the size of the fabric. The optimal parameters of rectangular footcloths are 35 and 90 cm. A smaller product does not completely wrap the leg, often breaks up.
The main advantages of footcloths
A person who wears a tailor's sock instead of a regular product, will highlight the following advantages:
- Durability. Footcloths rarely tear, serve much longer than simple socks.
- Does not retain moisture, dries very quickly.
- It allows you to put footwear on any size foot, hides the mismatch between the length of the foot and shoes.
- Easy to manufacture. “Tailoring sock” can be made from improvised materials in minutes.
- Maintains healthy skin and feet.
- Footcloth can reduce sweating in the legs.
- Protects feet from overcooling, rubbing with hard shoes.
Footcloths also have their drawbacks, but despite this, this adaptation of mankind to uncomfortable shoes is a salvation for tired legs. Everyone should master the art of winding footcloths. What if it comes in handy? It is better to know and not to use footcloth wrapping skills than not to know and be in a situation where it is necessary.