When you find a pair of socks that feel just right — soft, supportive, and perfectly fitted — you want them to last as long as possible. Whether it’s your hardworking Viasox Compression Socks or your cozy EasyStretch™ Socks, proper care makes all the difference in keeping them comfortable and in great shape over time.
The good news? You don’t need any special tools or complicated steps. With a few simple washing and storage habits, your favorite pairs can look and feel like new for many seasons to come.
7 Steps For How To Wash and Store Compression & EasyStretch™ Socks
Here’s your complete guide to caring for your socks the right way — from laundry day to your drawer.
Step 1: Sort Before You Wash
Just like other high-quality clothing, socks last longer when stored separately by type. Your Compression Socks and EasyStretch™ Socks have different fibers and functions, so it’s best to wash them separately if possible.
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Compression Socks: These are designed with specialized elastic fibers that provide graduated pressure throughout the foot. Keeping them separate helps prevent tangling or snagging on rougher fabrics (like zippers or jeans).
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EasyStretch™ Socks: These soft, breathable socks can be washed with your other delicates or everyday wear but still benefit from gentle handling.
Sorting first helps protect the materials and ensures each pair gets the proper care.
Step 2: Use Cold or Warm (Never Hot) Water
High heat is one of the biggest culprits behind stretched-out or damaged socks. To maintain elasticity and color, wash both types of socks in cold or warm water — never hot.
Cold water helps:
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Preserve the snug compression fit
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Prevent fading of patterns and colors
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Protect the stretch in the fabric
If you’re hand-washing, a quick soak in cool water with mild detergent works perfectly. For machine washing, choose a gentle or delicate cycle.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Compression and EasyStretch™ socks both benefit from mild, gentle detergents that won’t break down the fibers over time. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh stain removers — these can weaken elastic materials and affect compression performance.
Look for detergents labeled “gentle,” “for delicates,” or “free & clear.” A little goes a long way — too much soap can leave residue, especially on thicker compression socks.
Pro tip: Turn your socks inside out before washing. This keeps the outer designs vibrant and ensures that oils, sweat, and skin buildup are thoroughly cleaned from the inside, where they’re worn most closely.
Step 4: Air Dry — Always
The dryer might be convenient, but it’s not your socks’ best friend. Heat can weaken the fibers and shorten the lifespan of both compression and EasyStretch™ socks.
Instead, air dry your socks flat or hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing them directly on radiators or heaters. The elastic fibers will maintain their shape better, and you’ll notice that the socks continue to feel snug and supportive even after dozens of washes.
If you’re in a rush, tumble-dry on low or no heat — but air drying is always the gold standard.
Step 5: Store Them the Smart Way
Once clean and dry, how you store your socks also matters.
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For compression socks, lay them flat or gently fold them — never roll or scrunch them into a tight ball. Rolling can overstretch the elastic and affect compression levels over time.
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For EasyStretch™ Socks: You can fold or loosely roll them, as they’re more forgiving in shape and material.
Consider keeping your socks in a dedicated drawer or storage bin, separating them by type or color for easy access. This keeps them organized and prevents unnecessary stretching from rummaging through their belongings.
Bonus idea: Store them in pairs with a small clip or tie to make mornings faster — no more mismatched laundry-day mysteries!
Step 6: Refresh Between Wears
If you’re rotating through multiple pairs, give each pair of socks a little downtime. Compression socks, in particular, benefit from a “rest day” after each wear so the fibers can rebound to their original shape.
You can lightly hand-rinse and air-dry them between wears if you’re traveling or have a busy schedule. With this quick care, your socks will feel fresh and supportive every time you slip them on.
Step 7: Care on the Go
Traveling this fall? Pack your socks in a small mesh laundry bag. It keeps them together in your suitcase and doubles as a wash bag for when you’re on the road. For compression socks, roll them flat instead of folding to prevent creases that can affect compression zones.
When you arrive at your destination, hang them up rather than leaving them crumpled in your bag. This small step helps maintain their shape and keeps them ready for wear — especially during long flights or road trips.
Why Proper Care Matters
Taking care of your socks isn’t just about longevity — it’s about comfort and performance.
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Compression Socks: Proper washing helps maintain their graduated pressure, ensuring they continue to support your legs effectively for months or even years.
EasyStretch™ Socks: Gentle care preserves their buttery softness and flexibility, so they continue to feel amazing for everyday wear.
By giving your socks the same attention you give the rest of your wardrobe, you’ll get the most out of every pair — in both comfort and style.
Final Thoughts: Quality That Lasts
Your socks do a lot for you — from powering you through busy days to keeping you cozy on quiet nights. Treating them with care ensures they’ll continue to do what they do best: providing comfort, support, and confidence every step of the way.
Viasox socks are built to last, but a little TLC goes a long way. Wash gently, air dry, store smartly, and rotate regularly — and your favorite pairs of Compression and EasyStretch™ Socks will stay soft, supportive, and ready for every season ahead.
Because great socks aren’t just worn — they’re cared for.
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