How to Wash Cotton Socks So They Last Longer

Socks wear out faster than almost anything else we own, and it's mostly down to how they're washed. A few simple habits keep them soft, white and stretchy for much longer.

1. Turn them inside out

Sweat, dead skin and lint collect on the inside of the sock. Washing inside out cleans that side better and protects the outside from pilling.

2. Wash at 30–40°C

Warm water is enough to clean socks. Very hot washes weaken the elastic and make socks lose their shape faster.

3. Separate whites and darks

Wash white socks with whites, and black and grey with darks, so the whites don't turn grey and the blacks don't fade.

4. Skip bleach and fabric softener

Bleach damages cotton fibres and elastic. Fabric softener leaves a coating that makes cotton less absorbent.

5. Air-dry instead of high heat

Hang socks to dry or use the dryer on low heat. High heat is the main reason socks turn loose and baggy. Don't iron them.

6. Keep pairs together

A mesh laundry bag stops pairs getting lost and protects the fabric from snagging.

7. Rotate your pairs

The more pairs you rotate, the less often each one is worn and washed, so every pair lasts longer. See how many pairs of socks you need.

Cotza socks are 80% Egyptian cotton and 20% Lycra, made to be washed again and again.

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