Take care of Wide Open socks, and they will care for you. Follow our guide to extend the life of your favorite pairs, keep socks looking and feeling their best, and maintain their soft, cozy, fabulous fit.

How to Wash Your Socks

  • Icon showing hands turning a sock inside out

    Turn Socks Inside Out

    Turning socks inside out before washing provides the most thorough clean and helps prevent pilling.

  • A sock surrounded by clouds with a drop of laundry detergent falling on it

    Use Wool-Safe Soap

    Our socks prefer mild, gentle soap or wool-friendly laundry detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.

  • A washing machine iced over with snow on top

    Wash Cold

    Hand wash or gentle cycle socks in cold water to prevent shrinkage and preserve their original shape, size, and softness.

How to Dry & Store Your Socks

  • A pair of socks hang drying

    Lay or Hang Dry

    Lay socks flat to dry, hang dry, or tumble dry low. Avoid high heat or dry cleaning to prevent damage.

  • A pair of hands flattening socks with a rolling pin

    Store Flat

    We recommend folding socks together flat — not rolling or cuffing — and storing them flat and stacked.

  • An icon showing a sock with a sun and moon around it

    Re-wear

    Fear not, Merino Wool is inherently odor-resistant: Wear, air, then wear ‘em again. No need to wash after every wear.

Sock Care Simplified

  • Do...

    • Wear multiple times before washing
    • Spot clean stains before washing
    • Wash in cold water
    • Use gentle/wool cycles with lower spin
    • Use a mild detergent/soap
    • Line dry for best results

  • Don't...

    • Dry clean
    • Wash in hot water
    • Use bleach
    • Use fabric softener
    • Dry on high heat
    • Wring out or twist when drying

Sock Care Solutions

To prevent shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold water.
  • Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine or hand wash to minimize agitation.
  • Avoid high heat.
  • Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the stain.
  • Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers.
  • Rinse the stain with cold water to help lift it. Avoid hot water.
  • Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent or a stain remover to the stained area. Gently work it in with your fingers.
  • Rinse again with cold water.
  • Air dry. Lay the sock flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the wool.

Visit our partner Woolmark's site for more info on removing different types of stains.

Pilling doesn't affect performance, but you can remove pills from dry socks with a fabric comb, lint roller, or fabric shaver. To prevent pilling:

  • Hand wash or use a machine’s gentle cycle to minimize the friction and agitation that can lead to pilling.
  • Always wash with cold water — heat can cause fibers to shrink and pill.
  • Wash with similar fabrics. Keep wool socks separate from harsher materials like towels, denim, or zippers.
  • Use a laundry bag.
  • Limit washing frequency.

If you discover a hole, contact us. We offer an unlimited, unmatched Lifetime Guarantee.

Also, make sure your shoes and socks fit well. Shoes and/or socks that are too tight can create friction, while those that are too loose can bunch up and lead to wear.