How can one make cotton socks softer?
How can one make cotton socks softer?
I have cotton socks, and they are really ruff to wear, and I stopped wearing them when I started to suspect that they were causing chaffing on parts of my feet.
Are there ways to make them softer, are my socks bad, do I only have the choice of polyester socks???
Washing in hard water can make cotton feel rougher.
Also when cotton is damp, like if you sweat much, it tends to be abrasive. That is why hikers say 'cotton kills' and recommend you stay away from it in favor of wool or synthetic 'technical' fabrics.
Are you sure they're cotton? Synthetics tend to be more stiff than natural fibers like cotton.
I haven't had stiff cotton anything since about 1978. Companies have been pre-washing cotton since at least the mid-70's to make it softer.
Try washing and tumble dry on low, without completely drying them.
Came here for this. Cotton took over the world because it's initially softer than any alternative. once linen or hemp wear in they are better but that can take the whole lifetime of a cotton garment and capitalism demands you buy more sooner.
I've recently in the past few years moved to bamboo socks, basically wool socks you can also wear in summer.
have u tried good ole fashion wool?
Agreed. My wool socks are soft and warm, everything else feels like sandpaper in comparison.
I second this. Murino Wool socks are a game changer. They are not scratchy either. I'm wearing a pair now. Also they are all season, not just for the cold.
i got 6 pairs about 5 or 6 years ago I wear all the time. still in great shape!
That's what I should've went with! Will consider this for the future!
It will reduce their durability, but... Turn them inside out and tumble them with something small and hard.
Try some different brands, there are definitely some higher quality cottons socks compared to brands like Haines.
Are they too small? Try another brand. Cotton should be soft. I have some 100% Italian cotton socks and they are the softest ones I own.
Bamboo socks are really nice, should try those if you haven't already
Freeze them after washing them. When I was a kid we did not have a dryer, and dried clothes on a clothesline. One thing I loved about the winter was how soft my clothes felt after they froze on the line before drying.
Wait what? Can you explain a bit more about this method? Do you chuck the wash straight into the freezer or do you let it drip dry for a while first? Does it work on wool? I've never lived in a place with frost or snow so this is news for me
I'm spitballing, but my guess would be the water crystals damage the fibres, softening them
When i was a kid we let nature do it, so the laundry went directly from the washer to the line. I would do the same thing with a pair of socks to test it. Once they are frozen, defrost and dry as normal.
These are pricey, but you will be happy. Got these 4-years ago and they're strong, soft, no holes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DMVRTG9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Are you using softener in your wash? If not, then you should. I typically don't like using softener but occasionally do if I know what I'm washing is going to turn out like cardboard
Fabric softener is a scam. It just coats your clothes in plastic. It will lead to rougher clothes over time.
Your likely over drying your clothes and causing them to be harder and coarser than they need to. Your then compensating with fabric softener.
Also using dryer makes clothes softer.
Yup I agree with you on that one.
All my other cottons come out wonderfully.
I am hesitant to buy softener just for socks, but it makes sense
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener. Soak your socks in a (white) vinegar solution (1/4 cup in a gallon bucket) over night and then wash as usual.
It's how I've softened stiff 100% cotton jeans in the past.
Warning: this ruins anything with "stretch". The vinegar breaks down the elastic. I've ruined some really nice jeans with this method. RIP.