I have a lot of socks.
No, really—a lot of socks. But not just any socks. My favourites are 100% merino wool, and they deserve a little extra care.
I wash them by hand, not after every wear, but when they truly need it. Years ago, when I first visited Hirsch Natur, Sabine Brüggemann told me something that changed the way I thought about socks: “You only need three pairs of wool socks,” she said. “Wear one, air it out for two days, then rotate. You’ll only need to wash them about once a month.”
At the time, I wasn’t so sure. But I tried it—and I’ve never looked back. Wool is naturally self-cleaning and deodorizing. Washing too often actually interferes with this process and breaks down the delicate fibres. Sabine was right.
While I own more than three pairs, I still follow this rhythm. I wear them multiple times, let them rest and breathe between wears, and only wash when needed.
And here’s why I stick with pure wool: socks that blend in synthetics just don’t work for me. While the addition of nylon or polyester can make them more durable or machine-washable, it also traps moisture. My feet sweat more in socks that contain synthetics, and that dampness makes my feet cold—which defeats the whole purpose of warm socks! It’s hard to focus, think clearly, or even fall asleep with cold feet.
That said, synthetic-blend socks are more durable when I’m working hard in the yard, exercising, or sweating more due to exertion. 100% wool socks will felt under that kind of pressure. Wool + moisture + warmth + friction = felting. The synthetic fibres in wool sport socks help prevent felting—making them better suited for those high-intensity moments.
Pure wool keeps my feet warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day. There’s breathability in the fibre itself that allows for moisture release. It’s not just a comfort preference—it’s essential to me to feel comfortable throughout the day.
The one trade-off? Wool socks tend to wear out faster in areas of my foot that take the most impact, such as the heel or toe. But I’ve learned to embrace this. Summer is my time to care for my sock collection(I also mend in season when needed). I wash each pair by hand with Disana wool shampoo, letting them soak gently. I then rinse with as little agitation as possible, press them in a towel, and hang them to dry.
Once dry, I inspect each one. Socks in good condition are put into storage. Socks that need fixes go into my mending basket.
When I find the right quiet moment, I gather my felt, darning yarn, and imagination, and sit down to repair the holes. My stitches are not perfect. They don’t need to be. Each mend makes the sock more mine, more lived-in and loved.
Then I store them all—neatly folded, protected in plastic inside a rubbermaid storage bin—until the cool weather returns and I slip them on again. My sock drawer is full of old friends I’ve cared for over the years. Every pair I’ve purchased from Hirsch Natur, I still wear(a few of them have a lot of mends!).
It’s not just about socks. It’s about care, patience, and the small rituals that connect me to the rhythm of the year—and keep my feet warm when the cold temperatures return.
I hope you love your socks too!
Warmly, Heather.