Aren’t we all addicted to that one comfy close-to-the-heart piece of clothing while wishing it lasts a lifetime? And that goes for socks especially if they hold some special winter or Christmas memories. Sadly, socks just suck at not getting holes and tears. Many of them lose their charm and that distinct fluff within a few months.
But fret not because we bear good news. Your favorite pair of socks can in fact live longer. But first, it’s essential to know the lifespan of your socks to maintain their quality and durability. So here we’ve curated the ultimate ‘Socks 101’ for you. Let’s jump right in!
Check here for long-lasting socks:
Moisture-wicking socks with durable fibers for long-lasting: CWVLC Cushioned Athletic Ankle Socks
Thick padding socks used for hiking: APTYID Moisture Control Crew Socks
Air mesh ventilation socks for sweaty feet: Saucony Multi-pack Bolt Performance No-show Socks
Durable reinforced heel and toe socks for unisex: Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks
How Long Do Socks Typically Last?
Let’s crack the details of how long do the following variety of socks last on average:
How long should socks last?
If you choose a high quality and durable material, take good care of your socks and wear socks that fit you well like Cinderella’s shoes, then you might be able to keep wearing them for years. Typically, you can expect an average pair of socks to last between three months to years, depending on various factors.
How long do running socks last?
Running miles is a strenuous task for you and your socks. Every time you use your running socks, they lose their shape, cushioning, and support. They may last for three to six months, depending on their construction quality.
How long do compression socks last?
The material composition of compression socks consists of composite materials which are vulnerable to wear and tear. Therefore, they only last for about six months tops.
How long do aloe-infused socks last?
If you are using a fresh aloe vera recipe for your socks to treat your blisters and other adverse health conditions, the recipe may only last for about a week. It would be better to use fresh aloe vera for short intervals to maximize effectiveness.
Do Socks Wear Out?
Absolutely – socks can wear out quicker than any other clothing since they face some heavy friction from keeping in contact with the roughness of the ground for the most part. Also, if you use them roughly (repeat use and wear on grit surfaces).
Wondering Why Your Socks Die-Off Too Quickly?
Here are a few factors that cause your socks to age a little too quickly:
Excessive wash:
We all know how tempting it is to throw all your socks in the washer with the laundry. However, excessive wash can again cause the threads to roughen quicker.
Harsh detergents:
The lifespan of your socks also depends on the type of detergents you are using for your laundry. The action of various detergents has harsh results on your clothes. Therefore, they may leave an adverse impact on the material of the socks and wane its color.
Low-quality material:
Poor-quality materials will cause your socks to wear and abrade faster due to durability differences.
Inappropriate sizing:
Inappropriate sizing of the socks could also reduce the longevity of your socks usage. If they’re undersized, it could stretch the material and strain the threads. While if they’re loose, they multiply the friction. As a result, the material loses its quality and charm.
Frequency of usage:
The lifespan story of your socks doesn’t end on how they fit you. In fact, how you use your socks also matters. If you are on your feet all day long, the lifespan of your socks might considerably differ from someone who sits at the desk. Using your socks all day at work or during workouts in a gym might reduce its longevity.
How to Make Socks Last Longer?
Wondering how to prolong the lifespan of your favorite pair of socks? Well, it’s unfortunate that socks don’t last forever. But if you want your socks to last longer, there are multifarious ways to extend the lifespan of your favorite pair. We have collated some extremely simple and functional tips to save your socks from wearing out.
Washing habits:
Your washing habits matter a lot. Most of the socks come with washing instructions which we usually tend to ignore.
Following these instructions may help us avoid the devastation of wearing out our favorite pairs.
Moreover, it’d be great if you use cool to cold water on a low spin in the washer. An alternative to further enhance longevity is to hand wash your socks if it’s not too much work.
Drying:
Avoid tossing your socks in the dryer. They may help you with bed sheets, towels, and blankets but can prove extremely hard on delicate clothes. Instead, you can always hang your socks outside to air-dry.
Sock-friendly detergents:
If the colors of your socks fade due to the harsh detergents, it’s high time to switch your detergents. Choose the detergents that are formulated to maintain the intensity of colors. It’d be best if you avoid using bleach with detergents.
The right size:
Remember Goldilocks? Like her, you also have a unique size for your socks. You can use socks size guiding charts to ensure you always get the right fit.
Material of the socks:
There is an eclectic variety of socks in the market. Bamboo socks and cotton blend socks are one of the highly durable options. Bamboo socks are environmentally-friendly and hypoallergenic.
While cotton socks make excellent pairs for athletes and people who are on their feet all day long.
Go for personal grooming:
Frequently getting holes in your socks? Well, then the material is probably not the culprit. Sometimes, it’s our toenails or rough feet texture that results in trivial tears here and there. Go for personal grooming, regularly cut your toenails and have pedicure sessions.
When Is the Right Time to Say Goodbye to Your Good Old Pair of Socks?
At one point, you need to let go and throw your socks. Now when is the right time to throw them out? Well, once they start showing holes or threadbare near the heel or toe parts, it’s about time for a sock-shopping trip.
If your socks start feeling rougher causing calluses or blisters, it’s now going to be good riddance.
What Can Old Socks Be Used For?
There is no need to toss your socks in the waste. Old socks are extremely functional, you can repurpose them into various uses around your home. Here are some of the ways you can utilize them around the house:
Dusters and sweeping purpose: Old socks can fit your hands and help you dust off hard-to-get-at surfaces in your furniture.
Polishing cars and furniture: Apply polish or stains on your old socks to make your cars and furniture sparkle.
Sock puppets: Make puppets with old socks that your kids would love to sleep with at night.
Protect delicate objects: If you have delicate & fragile items in your storage, old socks can protect these items from chipping or clinking.
You Have Qs, We Have As:
How often should you change your socks?
The answer is not obvious to many of us but you should change your socks every day to every other day.
Should socks be washed after every use?
Yes, socks should be washed after every use, especially if you suffer from fungal infections or sweaty feet. Washing them after every use keeps them smelling fresh.
How many times should you wear the same socks?
If you can’t avoid wearing the same pair of socks, wearing them once more is probably fine. However, rewearing them over and over again means they’ll wear out quicker and could cause smelliness both in the sock and your feet.
How many washes do socks last?
Every pair of socks comes with a specific number of washes. It should last between three to six months if you give them a weekly wash.
All Considered
Socks are meant to bless your feet with the comfort and protection that you deserve. Now we hope our guide helps you to extend and maintain the livelihood of your socks so they can serve your feet for longer. Because happy feet, happy you!
