string&&loop (pronounced "string AND loop") is the worlds first line of generatively designed knit socks. We use computer algorithms to reimagine traditional patterns into innovative series of wearable art.

The brand was developed by artist Cody Ben Lewis as a platform for exploring experimental fashion concepts, beginning from a design thesis at Boston University in the spring of 2016 and launching on Kickstarter later that year. Our socks are all designed within the heart of Boston and in most cases your order will be shipped directly from the downtown post office.

Frustrated with a lack of creativity within the hosiery industry, string&&loop aims to create genuinely fun, innovative, and intellectually driven products by knitting the beauty of physical craft with the power of modern technology. 

Computers offer the ability to produce complex patterns at speeds humans could never replicate. However, the screens we typically use to display this kind of art are often incapable of commanding the the same artistic value that naturally exists within physical forms. Combined within a single product, these media compliment each other to form a perfect pair.

Using Processing, string&&loop's traditionally inspired patterns are generated following a sequence of specially coded algorithms. Though only one pattern can be manufactured at a time in bulk, the underlying process allows for countless iterations.

Product > Profit;

From head to toe, string&&loop was created with the idea that there are better, if not at least different ways to develop a fashion brand. As part of that mission our products are proudly made in U.S.A. using domestically sourced materials.

The socks themselves are knit and finished around Greensboro, North Carolina, a lasting stronghold of the American textile industry. Our combed cotton is also predominantly grown and dyed in the state and the elastic, nylon, and Lycra we use are all processed there as well.

By choosing the right partners and continuing to make ethical choices regarding sourcing, we've been able to produce one of the most conceptually interesting fashion brands on the internet that also happens to be one of the most comfortable.

Special Thanks

In addition to the support of its Kickstarter backers and friends, string&&loop would not exist without the work of The Processing Foundation. Their programs are open source, and their work is deeply respected and appreciated. Please consider donating to them to help further advance the role of programming within the visual arts.