How to Care for Alpaca Socks and Make Them Last for Years

Alpaca socks are an investment — and like most things worth investing in, they reward proper care. The good news is that looking after alpaca isn't complicated. A few consistent habits are all it takes to keep them soft, retain their shape, and extend their life considerably.

Washing alpaca socks

Wash on a cold or 30° gentle cycle. Use a detergent designed for wool or delicate fabrics — avoid anything with enzymes, which can break down natural fibres over time. Turning the socks inside out before washing reduces friction and helps preserve the outer surface.

Hand washing in cool water is the most gentle option if you want to be thorough, but a machine's gentle cycle works well for regular maintenance.

Drying: avoid heat entirely

Never tumble dry alpaca. Heat causes natural fibres to felt and shrink — a process that's irreversible. Instead, lay flat on a clean towel and reshape while damp. Avoid direct sunlight or radiators. Air drying flat preserves the sock's shape far better than hanging, which can cause stretching.

How often to wash

Alpaca is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, which means you don't need to wash after every single wear. Airing your socks between uses — laying them flat in a well-ventilated space — is enough between washes. Washing less frequently also extends fibre life.

Dealing with pilling

Some pilling on natural fibres is normal, particularly in high-friction areas. It doesn't indicate poor quality — it's simply shorter fibres working to the surface. A fabric shaver (depiller) used gently will restore the surface cleanly. After the first few washes, pilling typically slows down significantly.

Storage

Fold rather than roll to avoid stretching the ribbing. Keep in a dry drawer away from damp. If storing seasonally, a breathable cotton or linen bag protects against moths without trapping moisture.

The long game

With consistent care, a pair of Peruvian Alpaca Everyday Socks can last three to five years of regular use. That's the case for investing in quality in the first place — covered in more detail in are alpaca socks worth it? and why a £20 sock actually makes sense.

For our general care guide covering all natural fibre socks, see how to care for your socks.