Can you wear the same socks two days in a row
Short answer: You can if they have not been wet or sweaty, but most people feel best with a clean pair each day. Feet sweat a lot, and moisture in socks quickly leads to odour, especially in closed shoes.
How much feet sweat
Feet have a great many sweat glands, and in closed shoes the moisture has little chance to escape. The sock absorbs the sweat and holds on to it through the day. When sweat and skin cells sit in the sock for many hours, the skin's natural bacteria get good conditions to grow, and they are what cause the familiar smell. A sock worn for a whole day is therefore rarely quite fresh the next morning.
When it is fine
If the socks have only been worn for a couple of hours, say a short walk or a quiet day at home, and they are dry and odour free, there is no reason to wash them straight away. Turn them inside out and let them air overnight. The same goes for other clothes that have not been close to the body for long. A T-shirt worn for a short evening can often be aired and worn again. See bamboo T-shirt for women.
When socks need washing
After exercise, after a long working day in shoes, or if they have been wet, socks should be washed. This also applies if you have athlete's foot or other irritation, because fungi can survive in the fabric. If you have trouble with the skin on your feet, talk to your doctor. Wash socks at 40 degrees and turn them inside out so skin cells and lint come out properly.
Bamboo viscose and moisture
Socks made from bamboo viscose absorb moisture well and feel soft. That makes them comfortable, but it does not mean they can be worn several days in a row without washing. They take up the moisture, but it still needs to be washed out. Let socks dry completely before wearing them again.
Rotate shoes and socks
It also helps to switch shoes from day to day so they have time to dry. Shoes that never dry fully will smell, however clean the socks are. Use a shoehorn and loose lacing so the heel does not rub unnecessarily. If you have several pairs of shoes, leave them somewhere airy between wears.
The same goes for underwear
Underwear also sits close to the skin all day and should be washed after every wear. It is a simple habit that keeps the skin fresh and the clothes in good condition. See bamboo panties.
A word on brands
Many brands make socks and hosiery in different materials, and there is other everyday clothing in blended fibres too. See for example Turiform, one of the brands in the range.
Frequently asked questions
Is it unhygienic to wear socks two days in a row
Not necessarily, if they are dry and odour free. After sweat or damp they should be washed.
How many pairs of socks do you need
At least one pair for each day between washes, plus a few spare.
Does airing socks help
A little, if they were worn only briefly. Socks worn for a whole day should be washed.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
