Best Wool Socks: Merino Wool
Merino wool socks are the best investment you can make this winter! Soft, lightweight, and breathable, Merino wool is a durable fiber that’s only half the thickness of the more traditional (and itchy) wool fibers, so you don’t have to worry about bulkiness or irritation while trying to keep warm!
Merino wool fine fibers work to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, so you can wear socks made of Merino wool year-round! Does it get any better? It’s basically magic! Offering a slew of benefits, find out all the ways Merino wool can keep you comfortable, especially this winter.
Benefits of Merino Wool
Benefit #1 Keeps You Warm
Merino wool helps keep you warm by insulating instead of trapping heat. Merino wool fibers have a natural crimp to them, allowing them to trap dead air and act as an insulator and a buffer against cold air and conditions. This helps keep your body at a more even and warmer temperature.
Benefit #2 Temperature-Regulating / Moisture-Wicking
Merino wool is temperature-regulating and its insulating properties make it the best to keep you comfortable in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. It’s also a soft and durable moisture-wicking fiber that wicks sweat away from your skin by absorbing it and wicking it to the outside of the garment to evaporate. Because of these moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, Merino wool is able to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In fact, it can even absorb and retain up to 30% of its own weight in water without feeling wet!
Benefit #3 Breathable / Antibacterial
Merino wool is so breathable that it’s also antibacterial, meaning it’s capable of keeping unwanted odors at bay with the help of its moisture-wicking properties. So say goodbye to those terrible body odors because this wool can keep you less sweaty and odor-free. It also keeps your skin dry, so there’s less irritation (or blisters) to worry about while you’re trying to enjoy the day. The natural elasticity of Merino wool fibers also allows garments to stretch and then return to their original shape, preventing sagging and bagging.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Merino wool is also anti-wrinkle, anti-static, stain resistant, flameproof, biodegradable, durable, and quick-drying.
Many of our brands engineer their socks with Merino wool, which proves how great this fabric really is. Not sure if these premium socks are worth the price Check out our blog on sock pricing to find out for yourself.
Here are a few of our favorite Merino wool sock brands.
SHOP SMARTWOOL SHOP DARN TOUGH SHOP WIGWAM
How to Wash Wool
- Turn all socks inside-out.
- Machine wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water.
- Do not add bleach or fabric softener.
- Tumble dry on low or hang dry
How to Store Wool
- Since wool doesn’t trap odors, clothing made from wool doesn’t need to be washed as often as clothes made from other fibers. Instead, a good airing out or a spot-clean may suffice. Remember, wool is a durable fabric, so with the proper care and storage they could (and should) last you a lifetime.
- Store socks flat. Balling up wool socks can distort the shape.
- For long-term storage, use plastic bags or boxes. These are best at keeping your clothes in good condition, however, they don’t allow them to breathe. So, if your wool is in storage for a year or more, make sure to air them out. Including some cedar, while they’re in storage can also help keep moths and other creatures that might otherwise harm your wool, out. *Long-term storage is not necessary if you keep wearing your wool socks throughout the year like we do!
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