Responsible Sock Ownership Guide
Responsible sock ownership is easy and fun! Take a few minutes to review our guide.
Laundering
Washers and dryers are the most treacherous places for your Foot Friends. Check the machines carefully to ensure no sock is lost. Sometimes they hide in other items like sheets and pant legs, or fall between or under the appliances.
We at the Society recommend hanging socks to dry, preferably outdoors, for best sock health. However, we recognize that this is not always possible. When dryer use is necessary, keep the temperature to medium, and take extra care to ensure all your Foot Friends are recovered.
Only vigilance and care around these dangerous machines will ensure that no sock is left behind!
Storage
After laundering, store your Foot Friends promptly, in a clean, dry, warm place such as a drawer or basket.
Keep them away from pets or other shredding threats.
Socks are not light-sensitive, and as such can be stored in direct sunlight.
Regular Wear
Socks are at their best when they are doing what they were made to do - protect your feet from the environment and your footwear. Please wear your socks regularly, at least once a month during the appropriate season.
Mates
Although many socks do well living with permanent mates (bonded pairs, or "sole-mates"), some prefer to rotate though and get to know other sock mates. Trust your instincts! You will know if your sock wants to stick with a mate, or discover new possibilities!
Care & Repair
One of the most common reason for sock shelter surrenders is holes.
Fixing a hole or worn area is easy, fast and satisfying. Watch the video below for simple instructions on how to keep your faithful Foot Friends in tip-top shape!
Rehoming
Sadly, sometimes a sock is simply not a good fit for you or your household. Signs that your sock needs rehoming:
1. They are unworn during their appropriate season.
2. They get "lost" (i.e. hide) to avoid wear.
3. Your pet or Roomba attacks them.
4. You are unable or unwilling to do needed repair and care.
We encourage you to re-home your sock in your own community. Contact us for assistance or advice.
Unsalvageable Socks
Sadly, eventually every sock will reach the end of its wearable life. We encourage responsible sock-owners to respectfully thank their unwearable socks in a ritual best keeping with their own culture and personal belief system.
Please donate remains to a local textile recycling facility.
- In New York, donate to GrowNYC's Clothing Collection program.
- In Edmonton, donate to Blenderz Garment Recyclers.
Darning
How to extend the life of your trusted Foot Friend.