We rarely spend as much time choosing socks as we do choosing trousers, a shirt, or shoes. That’s why we often buy a pack of socks where we get the most pairs for the least money. This can lead to socks that get holes fast and must be replaced. There are several reasons why socks get holes so fast.
Socks quickly get holes from rubbing against hard and rough surfaces. The most common causes of socks getting holes quickly are long nails, rough skin on the soles of the feet, or ruined shoes. It could also be because you are wearing poor-quality socks or because they are too small for you.
In the rest of this article, I will detail 9 reasons why your socks get holes quickly and how to fix them. If you find that one of the causes is also present in your case, you can fix it in the same day.
Why do my socks get holes so fast?
These are the 9 most common reasons why your socks get holes so fast:
- Too long nails destroy the fibers in your socks.
- Rough and hard skin on the feet makes socks tear faster.
- Damaged shoes that have holes and tears on the inside also damage socks.
- Socks that are made of poor-quality materials are not durable and have poor stitching. As a result, such socks tear more quickly. Buy good quality socks made of quality materials (more on below).
- Walking in socks inside without shoes ruins the socks. Wear slippers when you are not wearing shoes, as this will make you more comfortable and protect your socks from wear and tear.
- Washing socks in hot water damages the fibers in the socks, which tear faster.
- If you wear too small socks, they will tear more quickly. Socks that are too small will be more stretched when worn, so the fibers will fray more quickly.
- Wearing the same socks for all occasions wears them out faster (with dress shoes, for sports).
- Socks that are too thin will tear faster.
These are the 9 most common reasons why socks tear quickly. Now we’ll look at each one individually. I’ll tell you what causes socks to tear and how to fix it. This will eliminate the need to buy new pairs of socks over and over again and will save you money in the process.
I also suggest that you read 9 ways to care for your socks so that they will last longer and still be comfortable enough.
Too-long nails can make holes in socks faster
If your toenails are too long, the fibers of the socks will tear faster. The area around the toes is the most vulnerable anyway because we repeatedly rub our toes against the shoe when we walk.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
When you cut your toenails, you will release the tension between your foot and the fibers of your socks. By cutting your toenails regularly, you will ensure that your toenails do not tear your socks.
Rough and hard skin on the feet makes socks tear faster
Hard and uneven surfaces are the biggest cause of socks tearing fast. The area around the toes is the most vulnerable, as we often rub our toes against the shoe when we walk. The constant rubbing of the fabric against hard skin and the shoe causes the fibers to tear more quickly.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
A visit to the pedicure salon can help you to eliminate your problems with hard skin and, as a result, holes in your socks. If your hard skin isn’t bothering you, you can also take care of it at home.
Soak your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the skin. Then rub areas where you have hard skin with a foot file. Don’t overdo it to avoid damaging healthy skin; repeat the process after a week.
Your feet will thank you. You will avoid pain when walking due to hard skin, and your socks will last longer too.
Damaged shoes make holes in socks faster
Uneven surfaces can also be inside torn shoes. Our feet continuously rub against the shoe while walking. This is why we wear socks to protect our feet from direct rubbing against the shoe. After wearing socks for a long time, they wear out and no longer offer protection, so they should be replaced after about a year of wearing them.
Rubbing against a damaged shoe sole can further accelerate the wear and tear of the socks. If the inside of the shoe is damaged (has holes or is torn), this will further damage the socks and negatively impact our feet’ health.
This leads to torn socks and the formation of hard skin on the feet (as we saw in the previous example).
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
Your shoes don’t have to look like the ones in the picture to need replacing. Shoes may look quite good on the outside, but they may be torn on the inside. Shoes that are damaged on the inside affect our walking, ruining our socks and damaging the health of our feet.
Therefore, we need to replace such shoes and invest money in a better quality pair of shoes.
Socks made of non-quality materials can tear faster
In the so-called fast-fashion stores where most people shop, we often find socks of lower quality. However, not all socks that can be bought in packs of 5 are of poor quality.
It is hard to believe that we will pay less than $3 for a pair of good socks, which is still a very good deal. When we buy cheap socks, we may save some money initially, but the loss soon comes when we have to replace them after wearing them for a few months.
In addition, such socks are uncomfortable and do not absorb sweat, which can lead to blisters and bacteria build-up on the feet.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
You can avoid replacing your socks after a few months of wearing them by buying better-quality socks that are also healthier for your feet.
What are good quality socks?
Good quality socks for everyday use are made from a high proportion of cotton (at least 70%). The rest can be nylon, polyester, and elastane.
Socks should be cotton because cotton is a natural and more comfortable material than synthetic materials. Cotton breathes well and absorbs sweat, so the foot stays dry for longer.
Other materials that are usually added to the sock are synthetic materials (nylon, polyester and elastane) which are added to make the sock more elastic. Nylon is the most useful of these materials as it is also highly absorbent and dries quickly. You can read a full comparison between nylon and polyester socks here.
You can also buy wool or bamboo socks instead of cotton socks. I have highlighted cotton socks because they are the most common and also the most affordable. If you are willing to invest a little more money ($6-10 per pair), then I recommend buying bamboo socks. You can read a full comparison between cotton and polyester socks here.
Walking in socks makes them tear faster
Walking in socks in your home has a negative effect on their durability. If you walk around the house or apartment wearing socks only, they constantly rub against the floor, which destroys the fibres of the socks.
Instead of walking around in socks, do this instead.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
Wear slippers instead of walking around your flat or house in socks. This will also make you more comfortable and your socks will stay hole-free for longer.
Washing socks in hot water damages them
Washing socks in hot water damages the elastic fibers in the socks. This makes the sock less soft, durable and elastic.
A sock that is uncomfortable is less able to protect our feet from rubbing against the shoe. If the sock is not elastic enough, it starts to wrinkle when you walk, which can cause blisters when you walk in your shoes for long periods of time.
If you don’t treat your socks and other underwear carefully enough, they will become worn out after just a few washes.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
Wash socks and other underwear in cold water (20-30 °C), or use the hand-wash program. Cold water will not damage the fibers of the socks.
Avoid drying socks in a tumble dryer, as the fibers of the socks can be damaged, and the socks can shrink.
For extra protection, turn the socks inside out. This will protect the outer fibers more and keep the sock looking nice for longer. You can also wash the socks in a laundry bag to protect them from other clothes.
Socks will tear faster if you are wearing a too-small size
Wearing too small socks can be another reason holes appear so fast in your socks. Socks need to fit just right, they should not be too big, and they should not be too small.
If the socks are too small, the fibers are constantly stretched and will tear faster. If the socks are too big, they will wrinkle as you walk, which can cause other problems for your feet (such as blisters).
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
The sock number is the same as the number of the shoes you wear. However, sometimes socks are also marked S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL. In this case, the seller will usually provide a chart where you can find the right size depending on which shoe number you are wearing. The table looks something like this:
| EUROPE | UK | US | |
| S | 37-39 | 4.5-6 | 5-6.5 |
| M | 40-41 | 6.5-7.5 | 7-8 |
| L | 42-44 | 8-9.5 | 8.5-10 |
| XL | 45-46 | 10-11 | 10.5-11.5 |
| XXL | 47-48 | 11.5-12.5 | 12-13.5 |
| XXXL | 49-52 | 13-14.5 | 14-15.5 |
The sock numbers can also be in ONE SIZE or in sizes 6 to 11.5 (EU measurements 39 to 45) and 12 to 15.5 (EU measurements 46 to 50).
If you have a foot size larger than 13 (EU 47), then the ONE SIZE size will probably not be right for you. In this case, refer to the sizes marked in the number, just like the shoes.
You may be in a dilemma because sometimes you wear shoe size 12 (46) and sometimes shoe size 13 (47). On the other hand, Socks are available in sizes 11 to 12 (45-46) and in sizes 13 to 14 (EU 47-48). In this case, you should choose the larger size as the socks are usually elastic enough to adapt to your foot. And it’s much more comfortable to walk in socks like these than in socks that are too small.
Socks will tear faster if you wear the same pair for all occasions
Having the same socks for leisure, work, and sports is no good. Wearing the same socks everywhere wears them out faster and makes them need to be replaced more quickly.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
It’s better to wear plain cotton socks when you’re at home. If you have to wear a dress at work, have dress socks specifically for work. And for the gym, running and other sports, wear sports socks.
You can read more about dress socks and why they are good to wear here.
If you wear socks specifically for a particular activity (running socks for running), you will be more comfortable. Because these socks are adapted for that activity.
If you like to wear socks while you sleep, it is recommended to wear special socks.
Socks that are too thin will tear faster
I have already discussed the need for socks to be made of quality materials. The low-cost socks that we usually buy in the shops are made of a high proportion of polyester. It is a very thin material, it is not comfortable, and it tears quickly. Especially if it is washed at a high temperature.
Polyester socks do not absorb sweat. This causes sweat to accumulate on the skin, which further accelerates perspiration. Wearing polyester socks for a long time is a guarantee that bacteria or fungi will start to build up on your feet.
How you can prevent socks from tearing?
Instead of polyester socks, wear socks made of natural materials (cotton, bamboo, or wool). The proportion of natural materials should be at least 70%, and the rest can be synthetic materials that add elasticity.
If you want your socks to give you more comfort, I recommend you buy cushioned socks. Such socks are thicker and therefore more durable. They absorb more sweat and are more comfortable to wear throughout the day.
Why do Your Socks Get Holes So Fast? – Conclusion
Your socks get holes quickly because you don’t look after your feet properly, have torn shoes, or have bought poor-quality socks. These are the main reasons why socks get holes fast.
I advise you to buy at least 10 pairs of socks with a high cotton percentage. Because such socks are more comfortable and healthier for your feet. It is also better to have special socks for each activity (leisure, work, and sport). These socks will last longer, and you won’t need to change them after a few months. This will save you valuable time and money.