I have cotton socks, and they are really ruff to wear, and I stopped wearing them when I started to suspect that they were causing chaffing on parts of my feet.
Are there ways to make them softer, are my socks bad, do I only have the choice of polyester socks???
Washing in hard water can make cotton feel rougher.
Also when cotton is damp, like if you sweat much, it tends to be abrasive. That is why hikers say ‘cotton kills’ and recommend you stay away from it in favor of wool or synthetic ‘technical’ fabrics.
It will reduce their durability, but… Turn them inside out and tumble them with something small and hard.
These are pricey, but you will be happy. Got these 4-years ago and they’re strong, soft, no holes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DMVRTG9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Try some different brands, there are definitely some higher quality cottons socks compared to brands like Haines.
Are you using softener in your wash? If not, then you should. I typically don’t like using softener but occasionally do if I know what I’m washing is going to turn out like cardboard
Fabric softener is a scam. It just coats your clothes in plastic. It will lead to rougher clothes over time.
Your likely over drying your clothes and causing them to be harder and coarser than they need to. Your then compensating with fabric softener.
Interesting. Can you explain how am I over drying my clothes?
Too long in the dryer and they cook. Think of dryered flowers, they go brittle and scratchy when they’ve been dried. When those same flowers are fresh their petals are soft.
I very rarely use the dryer. Only when it’s been raining for so many days and I desperately need to wash something. Also I find when I use the dryer, the clothes that drip dry stiff and rough come out much softer.
All my other cottons come out wonderfully.
I am hesitant to buy softener just for socks, but it makes sense
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener. Soak your socks in a (white) vinegar solution (1/4 cup in a gallon bucket) over night and then wash as usual.
It’s how I’ve softened stiff 100% cotton jeans in the past.
Warning: this ruins anything with “stretch”. The vinegar breaks down the elastic. I’ve ruined some really nice jeans with this method. RIP.
