How Long Should You Keep Socks?

Socks. They’re the unsung heroes of our wardrobes—working hard behind the scenes, cushioning every step, keeping us warm, and sometimes adding just the right pop of personality to an outfit. But have you ever wondered how long you should actually keep a pair of socks? At Lamington, we’re sock people through and through, and we’ve got the answer.

The Short Answer: It Depends

Most experts agree that socks should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. But that’s a general guideline. The truth is, the lifespan of your socks depends on a few key factors:

• How often you wear them

• How well they’re made

• What you use them for (daily wear, sports, lounging)

• How you care for them

• What they're made of

With quality socks (like ours), the story changes. Premium materials like fine merino wool, combined with strong construction, mean you can enjoy your socks much longer—often well beyond a year.

Signs It’s Time to Say Goodbye

It can be hard to part with a favourite pair of socks—especially ones that have travelled with you, comforted you on cold mornings, or just made you feel a bit more “you.” But here are a few signs that it might be time for a refresh:

1. Holes or Thin Spots

If you can see your skin through your socks (and not because they’re designed that way), it’s time. Thin spots under the heel or ball of your foot are especially common and can lead to full-blown holes.

2. Saggy or Loose Elastic

A great sock should stay up all day. When the elastic gives out, your socks will start slouching—or worse, bunching inside your shoe. Not only is that uncomfortable, but it can also cause blisters over time.

3. Persistent Smells

Even with regular washing, socks can hold onto odours, especially if they’re made from synthetic fibres. Natural fibres like merino wool resist odour much better, but if your socks still smell funky after a wash, it might be time to retire them.

4. Stains or Discolouration

While stains don’t affect function, they can affect how you feel about wearing them. If you find yourself avoiding a pair because they just look a bit sad, you’ve got your answer.

Extending the Life of Your Socks

Want to keep your socks going strong? A little care goes a long way.

• Rotate Your Socks
  Don’t wear the same pairs on repeat. Having a few high-quality pairs on hand and rotating through them helps them last longer.

• Wash with Care
  Merino wool, in particular, prefers a gentle, cold wash and should never go in the dryer. We recommend turning socks inside out, washing in a mesh bag, and air drying them flat to preserve their shape and softness.

• Trim Your Toenails
  Sounds simple, but sharp nails are a major cause of sock damage!

Investing in Quality Pays Off

There’s a big difference between a $2 pair of socks that loses its shape in a week and a pair of thoughtfully made merino socks that last for years. At Lamington, we craft our socks with durability, comfort, and sustainability in mind.

Our fine merino wool socks are breathable, temperature-regulating, and naturally odour-resistant. They’re designed to be worn all day, washed well, and loved for a long time. And when they do eventually wear out? Well, that just means you’ve had good mileage—and we’re always here when you’re ready to refresh.

It’s OK to Let Go

Just like a well-loved pair of jeans or a worn-out t-shirt, your socks won’t last forever. But letting go of tired old pairs makes space for fresh new ones that feel great, work hard, and maybe even spark a little joy each morning.

So next time you’re pulling a pair of socks from your drawer, take a moment to check—do they still make you feel comfy, confident, and cosy? If not, it might be time to treat yourself.