If you’ve ever wondered “how long do socks last”, we’ve got the answer you need. While an average pair of socks can last for months on end, it’s important to know when to change them.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long your socks last and when you should switch to a new pair.
What Factors Can Affect the Lifespan of Your Socks?
No matter how much you spend on your socks or how carefully you wear them, the material choice, manufacturing process, and shoe preference can increase or reduce their lifespan.
Material
The material of your socks plays a major role in how long they last. Socks made with natural fibers such as wool or cotton wear out faster than those made with nylon or polyester. Natural fibers also don’t hold up well against wear and tear.
Manufacturing Process
Carefully constructed socks last longer because of reinforced stitching and seamless designs. These techniques prevent the socks from unraveling and help them withstand daily washing.
Specialized treatments can also boost the durability of socks. For instance, anti-pilling treatments stop the formation of unsightly pills on the fabric’s surface, giving your sock a lasting, fresh look.
Shoe preference
Your shoe type has a direct effect on your sock's lifespan. Oversized shoes give room for your feet to move around more. When your feet move around, the socks can rub against the inner parts of the shoe, speeding up wear and tear and making holes.
Surface Texture
Your socks are not invincible to the wear and tear caused by carpets and rough surfaces. Over time, the constant friction against coarse texture can cause thinning and holes.
To prevent this, consider wearing thicker socks or indoor slippers to limit direct contact between your socks and rough surfaces.
Ill-fitting socks
Socks that don't fit right won't last long. Stockings that are too tight put excess strain on the fabric and cause tears and holes. Alternatively, too loose socks may slide and bunch up, resulting in friction and wear.
To find the right fit, choose socks that maintain their shape and elasticity over time. This ensures they provide comfort and last a long time.
How Often Should You Change Your Socks?
If you wear stockings daily, you need to replace them more frequently. On the other hand, people who wear stockings occasionally won't have to change their stockings as much.
As a rule, you should change your socks every three to six months. This gives room for regular wear and tear and prevents odor and bacteria from building up. If you need to know when it is time for a change, just look out for these signs:
- Stretched-out elastic
- Thinning fabric
- Loose threads
- Tears or holes in the fabric
- Discoloration
- Persistent odor that does not fade after washing
How to Make Your Socks Last Longer
You can extend your socks' lifespan by following the tips below.
Don’t Tie Them Together
Tying socks together to prevent them from getting lost will only weaken them. Putting them in a knot ruins their shape and reduces their elasticity. Instead, fold your socks when storing them so they don’t lose their form.
Don’t Wash Them With Your Other Clothes
If you throw your socks into the washing machine with other clothes, you expose them to lint. This can wear off the elastic of the plastic and reduce the quality.
Keep Your Toenails Trimmed
Long toenails are bound to poke holes in your socks as they press on the fabric. You need to trim your nails to keep your socks from getting ruined.
Don't Iron Your Socks
If you want those socks to last longer, keep them away from heat. Excess heat exposure will only make them less snuggly each time you put them on.
Hang Your Socks Out To Dry
To boost your socks’ lifespan, avoid that last-minute technique you use to make them ready to wear. This includes squeezing and wringing them together. Your best option is to let them dry and use another pair.
Avoid Hot Water
Ignore what you may have heard about the need to soak brightly colored socks in hot water. This only speeds up the aging process as hot water breaks down the socks’ material. Instead, put your socks in a gentle wash cycle with cold water up to 30 degrees celsius.
Avoid Using Fabric Softener
Unlike other clothes, you shouldn’t use fabric softener on your socks as this will damage their moisture-wicking properties. Instead, add half a cup of vinegar when washing to soften the fibers and remove detergent residue.
Flip Them Inside Out
When washing your socks, it’s important to turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This removes the sweat and skin on the inside and prevents lint from sticking to the outside.
When Should You Throw Your Socks Away?
Generally, it is best to get rid of your socks when either the heel or toe area become thin or threadbare.You can also tell when it is time for a new pair when you have to keep pulling them up throughout the day. This is because saggy socks are a sign that the elastic has become weak from use or age.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you should already know what affects the lifespan of your socks and how to make them last longer. Your socks usually have a lifespan of 3-6 months before they need to be replaced with a new pair.
However, you can make them last longer by washing them in cool water, hanging them out to dry or maintaining good foot hygiene. If you need quality socks that last long and fit you nicely, you can get one here at our online store.
FAQs
Do Socks go bad?
Yes, socks can go bad as the material quality reduces and elasticity drops after 6 months.
How often do you need to buy new socks?
You should change your socks based on how frequently you wear them. If they are everyday socks, you should replace them every six months to a year. However, you can replace your compression socks every three to six months.
How often should you wear your socks?
You should change your socks at least once daily for comfort and good foot hygiene.
How many pairs of socks should a person own?
While an average individual can own 10-20 pairs of socks, the ideal number depends on your lifestyle and habits.
Is it good to wear socks everyday?
Yes, it’s generally considered a healthy move to wear socks daily. Wearing clean socks every day can reduce foot odor and prevent your shoes from absorbing smelly sweat.
