How many times you can wear socks before washing
Short answer: Socks should as a rule be washed after each wear, because they sit close to the feet and absorb sweat. It depends on habits, shoes and activity, but clean socks day to day are pleasant for most people. If they smell or are damp, they belong in the wash rather than the drawer.
Socks are close to the skin
Feet sweat, even when you do not always notice, and the socks take up most of the moisture. That is why it is a common rule of thumb to wash them after each wear. There is no fixed rule, and it depends on shoes, weather and activity. If you walk around at home in slippers, a pair of socks can be worn for more than a day. In closed shoes and warm weather they should be changed daily.
Shoes and weather make a difference
Closed shoes, boots and trainers hold warmth and moisture, so the socks become damp faster here. In sandals or open shoes the moisture can evaporate more easily. In winter in thick boots, moisture can also build up, even when it is not warm. Think about which shoes you wear. Change into a dry pair if you can feel that your socks are wet, whether you have had them on for a long or a short time.
The number of pairs decides how often you wash
If you have many pairs, you can take a clean one each day and wash them together now and then. If you have few, you need to wash more often. Many like to have enough for a week plus a couple of extra. Then you are never short, and you do not have to hang a single sock to dry in a hurry. See all bamboo socks for women as a supplement to what you have. Rotate between the pairs so that none wears out faster than the others.
Tights and other close fitting clothes
Tights sit close to the whole legs and should as a rule be washed after each wear, like underwear. See bamboo tights for women. The same goes for underwear, which belongs to the clothes changed daily. See bamboo underwear for women. With enough of all three kinds, you can do one combined wash a week. That is more practical than washing a little and often.
Towels and accessories
If you walk barefoot in the house or after a shower, use a clean towel for the feet and wash it regularly. See bamboo towels. Moisture and warmth are what make odour appear, so keep both socks and towels dry. Hang them to dry with air around them and do not let them lie in a heap. That means you can use them longer and they stay fresh.
How to care for your socks
Turn the socks inside out and wash them according to the label, preferably at a low to moderate temperature. Avoid fabric softener, which can make them less breathable, and heavy tumble drying, which can make them stiff and wear the elastic. Make sure they are completely dry before you put them in the drawer. Look for thin spots at heel and toe and replace them before they get holes. If you have foot problems or itching, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear socks for several days before washing
As a rule they are washed after each wear, because they sit close to the feet. It depends on shoes, weather and activity.
What do I do if my socks are damp
Change into a dry pair. Moisture causes odour and discomfort, so a spare pair in the bag is a good idea.
Do tights need washing every time
As a rule yes, like underwear. They sit close to the whole legs and absorb sweat.
See our range of men's bamboo socks.
