How to look after bamboo socks and avoid holes
Short answer: You avoid holes in bamboo socks by choosing the right size, washing gently inside out, drying without strong heat and keeping toenails and rough heels in check. The holes almost always appear at the heel and toe, where the rubbing is greatest.
Where the holes come from
A hole starts at a place where the fibres have been rubbed thin. The heel rubs against the back of the shoe, and the toe against the tip of the shoe or against your own nail. When the first threads break, the hole spreads quickly. So care is about reducing rubbing and sparing the fibres each time the sock is worn and washed.
Choose the right size
A sock that is too big folds and wears at the folds, and one that is too small is stretched thin over the heel and toe. Look at all bamboo socks for women, measure your foot and choose by shoe size. If you are between two sizes, try both and stay with the one where the fabric lies smooth without pulling.
Keep nails and skin in order
Sharp toenails can catch in the fabric and tear small holes, and hard, cracked heel skin can catch the threads like Velcro. Trim the nails straight and use a file on rough heels. It is a small habit, but it often makes a bigger difference than the choice of detergent.
Wash inside out and in a net
Turn the socks inside out, so the outer side does not rub against the drum. Use a laundry net so they do not catch on zips and hooks from other clothes. Wash at the temperature on the label and choose a mild programme. Do not overfill the machine, because then the laundry rubs more against itself.
Avoid bleach and fabric softener
Chlorine bleach can weaken the fibres and make the fabric brittle. Fabric softener can leave a film that makes the fabric less breathable and more slippery. Use mild soap without additives and add an extra rinse if you have sensitive skin. White socks can be soaked in a little oxygen bleach instead.
Dry them gently
Air drying is the gentlest method. If you use a tumble dryer, use low heat and take the socks out while they are still slightly damp. Strong heat can make the elastic stiff and the fabric thin. Lay them flat or hang them on a line. Keep them away from the radiator, where they can turn stiff.
Wear them with care
If you often walk in shoes with rough insoles, check the soles and seams. Use an insole if an edge rubs against the heel. Rotate between several pairs, so each pair rests between wears. Notice whether the heel is getting thin, and replace before the hole comes. See also bamboo socks for women.
What to do when the hole is there
A small hole can be darned with needle and thread, but a darned heel can press. If the fabric around the hole is thin, replace the sock. Use the old pairs for cleaning or as protection in shoes you store. If you look after them, you can also look after the rest of the wardrobe, for example a bamboo undershirt for women.
Frequently asked questions
Why do socks always get a hole in the heel?
The heel rubs against the back of the shoe with every step, and the skin can be rough. The right size and cared-for skin reduce wear.
Does a laundry net help against holes?
Yes, it protects the socks from zips, hooks and other clothes in the washing machine, so there is less risk of caught threads.
Can I dry socks in a tumble dryer?
Yes, but use low heat and take them out while they are slightly damp. Strong heat can make the elastic stiff and the fabric thin.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
