Simple tips to get more life out of your gear (especially your Smokos Socks)
Workwear cops a beating. Between long shifts, tough conditions and endless hours on-site, your gear needs to pull its weight day in, day out. So when you find workwear that’s actually comfortable, durable, and fits right — it’s worth looking after.
Your socks are no different. In fact, they’re one of the hardest-working bits of kit you wear. At Smokos, we’ve built ours tough for a reason — reinforced with nylon for durability, Merino wool for comfort and breathability, and Lycra to keep their shape. But like any quality gear, how you care for them matters.
Here’s how to get the most out of your Smokos Socks (and keep the rest of your workwear going strong too).
1. Wash Cold, Wash Smart
Hot water can shrink fibres and weaken elastic, especially in natural materials like Merino wool. Stick to cold or cool washes (under 30°C) to protect the integrity of your socks. It’s gentler on the fibres, helps maintain shape, and saves energy while you're at it.
Use a mild detergent (nothing too harsh or full of bleach), and skip the fabric softeners — they can coat the fibres and reduce breathability.
Pro tip: Turn your socks inside out before washing. This helps clean out sweat and dead skin from the inside, where most of the grime builds up.
2. Avoid the Tumble Dryer
It’s tempting to chuck everything in the dryer after a long week, but high heat is a fast way to ruin elastic and shrink wool. Instead, air-dry your socks flat in the shade.
This keeps them in better shape, prevents pilling, and helps them last the distance. Plus, it’s a win for the environment.
3. Rotate Your Socks
Got more than one pair of Smokos? Rotate them throughout the week. Wearing the same pair back-to-back (especially without washing) puts extra strain on the fabric and elasticity.
Giving each pair a proper break between wears helps them recover and keeps them performing at their best. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
4. Store Them Right
Shoving socks into the bottom of your drawer or cramming them into boots can stretch them out over time. Fold them neatly or roll them gently (without balling them up tight) to help maintain their shape. It sounds basic, but small habits like this go a long way.
5. Care for the Rest of Your Kit Too
While you're at it, apply the same care to the rest of your workwear:
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Wash hi-vis and cotton gear on cold to prevent fading
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Hang gear inside out to dry in the shade
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Treat tough stains early to avoid permanent damage
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Check stitching and seams regularly for early repairs
Looking after your gear isn't about being precious — it's about getting more value from what you've already invested in.
Good workwear isn’t cheap. But with the right care, it doesn’t have to be a constant repurchase either. At Smokos, we’ve built our socks to last, but a little maintenance goes a long way.
Keep your socks clean, dry, rotated and respected, and they’ll have your back (well, your feet) every shift.