The Gloucestershire mum who finally solved the mystery of the missing socks
Natalie Hull, turned her frustration into fashion
The sock struggle every parent knows.
If you’ve ever spent a frantic morning hunting for your toddler’s missing socks, only to find one behind the sofa and the other somewhere between the car seat and the ball pit, you’ll love what one Gloucestershire mum has come up with.
Cheltenham-based mum-of-two Natalie Hull, 45, has turned her frustration into fashion with Sockatoos, all-in-one children’s trousers with socks securely sewn in.
From frustration to invention
Natalie’s lightbulb moment came, as these things often do, mid-wrestle with a wriggling toddler. “I was constantly losing my baby sons’ socks, in the wash, the pram, even behind the sofa,” she says. “I wondered if I could just buy trousers with the socks attached. But after scouring the internet, I realised there wasn’t anything like it.”
Designing the perfect solution
So, she designed her own. After years of prototypes, tweaks, and finding an ethical manufacturer that matched her high standards, Sockatoos was born – babywear that looks like separates, but functions like an all-in-one.
Each pair features socks neatly stitched into the trouser lining, hidden under the cuff to keep ankles warm and little legs covered. No more lost socks, cold feet, or the dreaded soft play sock hunt.
Practical, playful and ready for the high street
The range includes joggers, jersey-lined jeans, and now brightly coloured cords, all with Natalie’s signature practicality and soft, comfortable feel.
Factbox: Where to find Sockatoos
Available now for boys and girls aged 3 months to 5 years in a range of colours and designs.
Stockist: Pop-up stalls at John Lewis via The Great Brand Exchange
A kitchen table dream gone national
What started at her kitchen table has already made its way to the high street. Natalie recently secured a pop-up stall at John Lewis through the Great Brand Exchange, appearing both over Easter and last Christmas.
“My dream is for Sockatoos to become part of the permanent stock in major department stores,” she says. “If it means fewer cold toes and less time spent rummaging through washing baskets, then I’ve done my job.”
Small wins for big parenting days
Sockatoos may not solve all of parenthood’s challenges, but as any sleep-deprived mum or dad will tell you, finding two matching socks is enough to make a morning feel great!
Join the conversation:
Would you try Sockatoos for your little one, or do you have your own parenting invention idea? Share your thoughts below.
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saffronandcyrus
Saffron and Cyrus is a Newcastle-based family lifestyle blog, covering health, wellness, days out, travel, reviews, recipes and more from our family life.
The blog is written by new mum over 40, Saffron, with input from hubby H and son, Little C.
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