MIDLAND, Mich., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- How often have you wondered how your child ended up with only one sock on? Do you end up sprawled on your yoga mat when going from warrior pose to downward dog? Or worry that your freshly waxed floor might present navigation problems for loved ones headed to the refrigerator for a midnight snack?

Textile manufacturers are one step closer to solving these issues by including liquid silicone rubber in a new generation of socks.

Silicone already makes sportswear breathable and water repellent, adds stretch and recovery properties to fabrics, and allows trousers to maintain a permanent crease. It also helps fabrics resist stains and, because of its ability to withstand extreme heat, enables clothing to survive more cycles in the dryer.

Now silicone rubber is being used to provide non-slip characteristics to socks as an alternative to other commonly used materials such as polyvinyl chloride. Together with textile manufacturers, Dow Corning Corporation (http://www.dowcorning.com) developed silicone materials that were incorporated into socks to keep them from slipping off babies' feet. Once this technology to hold baby socks on had proven successful, the concept quickly developed into full sole coatings on gym and yoga socks for adults.

"Silicone makes our clothes safer, more comfortable, practical, and easier to clean," said Anthony Feng, Dow Corning's global industry executive director for textiles. "It's usually invisible, so most consumers do not even realize the silicone is there -- but in its absence, they would certainly miss the benefits it provides."

The success of this solution has led to other creative ways to apply silicones to socks and stockings. A few designs may even provide greater comfort, such as a new type of hold-up stocking which reduces pressure on the leg because it does not require suspenders. Another design is aimed at increasing blood circulation.

Dow Corning (http://www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) and Corning, Incorporated (NYSE:GLW). More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.

Source: Dow Corning Corporation