Caring for Your Alpaca & Merino Socks
Most sock care guides are longer than they need to be, so here's the short version: wash cold, don't tumble dry, and don't overthink it. If you want the reasoning, read on.
Alpaca socks
How to wash them without ruining them
Our Alpaca Performance range is 74% alpaca, 23% nylon and 3% spandex — a blend built to survive actual walking, not just a wash label. That nylon and elastane do a lot of the heavy lifting here, which is why alpaca socks from Noble are more forgiving than you'd expect.
Wash
Machine wash cold on a wool or delicate cycle. Turn them inside out first — it keeps the outer face looking newer for longer.
Detergent
A standard wool or delicate detergent. Skip fabric softener — it coats the fibres and cancels out most of what makes alpaca warm and breathable in the first place.
Drying
Lay flat, away from direct heat or sun. Alpaca doesn't need coaxing back into shape the way pure wool sometimes does, but a radiator will still shorten its life. Never tumble dry.
Do alpaca socks shrink?
Rarely, if you stick to a cold wash and avoid the tumble dryer. Heat is what causes shrinkage, not water.
Merino socks
How to wash them without ruining them
Our Merino Everyday range is 70% merino, with a little stretch fibre for fit and shape. Merino is less forgiving than alpaca in the wash, so the instructions matter more here.
Storing between wears
Wool doesn't need washing after every single walk — airing socks out overnight does most of the work, and washing less often is genuinely better for the fibre. Store somewhere dry with a bit of airflow; a sealed drawer with damp socks is the fastest route to a musty pair.
Natural fibre is also unappetising to most moths compared to the treatments used on synthetic carpets and blankets, but it isn't immune. A cedar block in the drawer is a cheap insurance policy.
Small holes and honest repairs
A pair of socks that's earning its keep will eventually pick up a small hole, usually at the heel or toe. Darning is straightforward and, frankly, in keeping with how these socks are meant to be used — built for the long way round, not the bin. If you'd rather we took a look, get in touch and we'll advise.
Alpaca and merino care guide
| Alpaca Performance (74/23/3) | Merino Everyday (70% merino) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wash | Cold, wool cycle, inside out | 30°C wool cycle, or hand wash |
| Detergent | Standard wool detergent | Wool-specific detergent |
| Tumble dry | Never | Never |
| Dry | Flat, away from heat | Flat, away from heat and sun |
| Shrink risk | Low | Higher — avoid heat entirely |
FAQ
Can I put alpaca socks in the washing machine?
Yes — on a cold wool or delicate cycle, turned inside out. Avoid the tumble dryer.
Can I put merino wool socks in the washing machine?
Yes, on a wool cycle at 30°C, though hand washing is gentler on merino. Never tumble dry.
How often should I wash wool socks?
Less often than cotton — airing overnight between wears keeps them fresh without the extra wash cycles that shorten fibre life.
Do wool socks smell after wearing?
Less than synthetics. Merino and alpaca are both naturally odour-resistant, which is part of why one pair can comfortably do several days of walking.
SECRET TIP: by our postie Alan. Put your socks in a sealed plastic bag and leave in the freezer for 24 hours to remove bacteria; no need to wash!!
