1 mo. ago • 97%

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???

34 comments

…. we’re confident these socks aren’t being stiffened with bodily fluid?

27
- they are being washed weekly?
  
  2
  
  OP is talking about ejaculating into the sock
  
  10
  
  As in, you wear a different pair each day and wash them all once a week? Or you have one pair that you wear for seven days between washings?
  
  2
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.

13
- 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.
  
  14
Try some different brands, there are definitely some higher quality cottons socks compared to brands like Haines.

13
have u tried good ole fashion wool?

11
- 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.
  
  5
  
  i got 6 pairs about 5 or 6 years ago I wear all the time. still in great shape!
  
  2
- Permanently Deleted
  
  2
- That's what I should've went with! Will consider this for the future!
  
  2
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.

7
- 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
  
  3
  
  I'm spitballing, but my guess would be the water crystals damage the fibres, softening them
  
  7
  
  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.
  
  2
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.

7
- If anything, they are too big.
  
  Maybe the brand was just junk.
  
  2
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.

5
- If they harden up because of hard water (for example water with a high lime content). Try to put them in a bucket with water and two big scopes of citric acid powder 4h to 12h before washing them. You can get citric acid almost anywhere online (ebay, Amazon etc.) This should soften them.
  
  You can also use citric acid as a washing powder replacement if you don't look for deep cleaning but softening your cotton cloth, but don't use to much of it or too often because it can and will attack the metal parts of the washing machine.
  
  But usually the the motor will die before serious damaged is caused as long you don't overdo it.
  
  1
It will reduce their durability, but... Turn them inside out and tumble them with something small and hard.

2
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

2
- 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.
  
  3
  
  Interesting. Can you explain how am I over drying my clothes?
  
  1
- Also using dryer makes clothes softer.
  
  1
  
  Yup I agree with you on that one.
  
  2
- All my other cottons come out wonderfully.
  
  I am hesitant to buy softener just for socks, but it makes sense
  
  1
  
  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.
  
  3
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

2
Bamboo socks are really nice, should try those if you haven't already

1

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