At half british, we design our socks to last. With the right care, your alpaca socks and merino wool socks stay soft, comfortable, and dependable for years rather than months. Here's how to look after them.
1. Wash with care
- Machine wash cold or at 30°.
- Use a gentle cycle with similar colours.
- Turn socks inside out to reduce friction.
- Use a wool-safe detergent, not a harsh or enzyme-based one.
2. Skip the tumble dryer
Heat is the enemy of natural fibres. Tumble drying can cause alpaca and merino to shrink and lose their shape. Instead, lay them flat or hang to dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight or radiators. Reshaping the sock while it's still damp helps it keep its original fit.
3. Store them properly
Fold rather than roll to avoid stretching the ribbing. Keep your socks in a dry drawer away from damp. If storing for a season, a breathable cotton bag works well: it protects against moths while letting the fibre breathe.
4. Handle pilling calmly
A little pilling on natural fibres is normal, especially in high-friction areas. It doesn't indicate poor quality; it's simply the shorter fibres working their way out. A fabric shaver used gently will restore the surface cleanly, and pilling typically slows down significantly after the first few washes.
5. Don't over-wash
Alpaca and merino are both naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant. You don't need to wash after every wear. Airing them out between uses, laid flat in a well-ventilated space, extends their life considerably.
How long should they last?
With consistent care, a well-made pair of alpaca or merino socks can last three to five years of regular use, well beyond what most people expect from a pair of socks. We cover the value case for this in more detail in are alpaca socks worth it?
Why it's worth the effort
Well-maintained natural fibre socks last years longer than synthetic alternatives. The care routine takes a few extra minutes and pays for itself many times over in how long the socks stay in rotation.
Browse the full sock collection: the Alpaca Everyday Sock, the Alpaca Lounge Sock, and the Merino Wool Sock. Each pair is made to be kept, not replaced.
0 comments