🧦 Complete Guide to Caring for Your Socks
To ensure durability, comfort, and hygiene—whether cotton, wool, synthetic, blended fibers, or bamboo—follow these recommendations:
General rules
- Wash new socks before first use: Removes residues, improves absorption and softness, reduces irritation risk.
- Cold wash and pre-freeze: Prevents lint on cotton/wool; freezing before wash tightens fibers.
- Turn inside out: Preserves color/texture, avoids pilling.
- Use mild detergent: Avoid harsh formulas, rinse well.
- Avoid fabric softeners: Reduce absorbency, breathability, and elasticity.
- Air dry in shade: Preserves structure and softness, avoid dryer heat.
- Do not iron: Damages elasticity and texture.
- Do not mix colors on first wash: Avoids dye transfer.
Specific care by fiber type
| Fiber |
Wash temp. |
Detergent |
Drying |
Notes |
| Cotton |
Cold/warm (<40ºC) |
Mild, no softener |
Air dry, no dryer |
Softener occasionally only. |
| Wool / Cashmere |
Cold/warm (20-30ºC) |
Wool-specific, no enzymes |
Air dry flat |
No wringing or vigorous rubbing. |
| Synthetics |
Cold/warm (<40ºC) |
Mild, no softener |
Air dry, no dryer |
Avoid mixing with lint-shedding garments. |
| Bamboo |
Cold/warm (<40ºC) |
Mild, no bleach/softener |
Air dry |
Hand wash extends lifespan. |
| Blends |
As per main fiber |
Mild, no softener |
Air dry |
Follow manufacturer instructions. |
Cotton treatments
- Carded cotton: Basic, rougher, less durable.
- Combed cotton: Long fibers aligned, softer, stronger.
- Mercerized cotton: Treatment improves absorbency, color, sheen, and strength. Best applied to combed cotton.
Fabric weight & long fibers
- Weight: Higher gsm = denser, softer, stronger; lower gsm = lighter, more breathable.
- Long fibers: Stronger, softer, less pilling, more durable.
Additional tips
- Use mesh laundry bags to prevent snags.
- Avoid prolonged soaking.
- Always follow care labels.
Following these tips will help you enjoy the benefits of each fiber type and keep your socks comfortable and in good condition for longer.
