Does Merino Wool Shrink? Explained

There's no denying the convenience of a washing machine and dryer. These machines have made athlete lives easier for decades, washing and drying your sweaty, stained shirts, shorts, and other layers in just a couple of hours. However, there has always been a question about whether it's okay to toss wool items in to wash or dry with the rest of your clothes. 

Wool is known to shrink when washed in a machine, and according to even the best washing experts, repairing the shrinkage is surprisingly difficult. The best option is to wash merino wool properly the first time, so you don't have to take on the tedious challenge of reshaping your socks, shirts, or other wool items once you've done the damage.

Here, we discuss the age-old question, "Does merino wool shrink when washed?" We'll also introduce the best way to wash merino wool, so you'll never even have to worry about shrinkage when washing your Feetures socks and other wool clothing.

What Is Merino Wool?

Knowing what merino wool is can help you understand if and why it shrinks when washed. Merino wool is the wool from the merino sheep. It's an ideal material for socks, underwear, and athletic wear because it regulates temperature and is incredibly breathable. That means more comfort and less sweat. It keeps athletes cool even when they're hiking, playing sports, or simply traveling in warm climates.

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

The unfortunate truth is that merino wool does shrink when you don't wash it correctly. It can also be very challenging to get back to its original shape. On the brighter side, there are several ways to correctly wash merino wool so it doesn't shrink, even when using a washing machine.

Washing Your Merino Wool Items

Caring for your merino wool items the right way will help them hold their shape and prolong their life so you get more bang for your buck. Most companies that make clothing from merino wool offer care instructions on the tag. Because we live in 2023, these care instructions only inform you of how to wash your Merino wool items in the washing machine without shrinking them.

Here's a step-by-step process for washing your merino wool in the machine without worrying about shrinkage:

1. Set your washing machine to the "gentle" or "delicate" cycle.
2. Only wash merino wool in lukewarm or cool water. Hot water causes shrinkage that is extremely difficult to repair due to damaged fibers.
3. Use the mildest detergent available.
4. Do not use any harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can also damage the fibers.
5. Let the washing machine do its thing, then lay your merino wool items in a shady, dry area. Never put merino wool items in the dryer.
6. Do not wring merino wool items to dry them.

Consider Handwashing Your Merino Wool

The best way to get the most wear out of your merino wool clothing and retain its comfortable size and shape is to wash it by hand. We understand this may be too time-consuming for a lot of athletes, but it's the most recommended method. Handwashing is the best way to guarantee your merino wool doesn't shrink.

1. Soak the merino wool items in cool or lukewarm water for 15 minutes.
2. Lightly scrub them by hand using your mildest laundry detergent. 
3. Don't use any harsh chemicals, sprays, or bleach to remove pesky stains.
4. Lightly and carefully rinse out the detergent.
5. Gently squeeze extra water out of the wool clothing. Never wring them out.
6. Lay your wool on a flat surface in a cool, shady area to dry.

Additional Tips for Drying Your Merino Wool

Don't get too tempted to put your merino wool clothing in the dryer. Even the dryer settings with hardly any heat can be too hot for merino wool, making the clothes shrink. Instead, you should lay them flat on a clean surface away from the sun to dry. Unfortunately, even the warmth of sunlight can cause shrinkage.

Clotheslines are also not ideal places to dry merino wool. They can cause the fibers to deform and shrink, misshaping your favorite athletic wear. 

What to Do if You Make a Mistake

There's a chance you'll accidentally toss your merino wool clothing in the washing machine on the wrong setting or in the dryer at some point. Don't panic! Simply place your merino wool socks or other clothing in lukewarm or cool water for 30 minutes. Then, lay them on a clean, flat surface and carefully stretch them back to their original shape. 

Find the Best Merino Wool Socks from Feetures

Quality merino wool socks can make a difference in how comfortable your feet feel and how well they wick away moisture. Feetures merino wool socks for men and merino wool socks for women are the softest, comfiest, stretchiest, and most durable options available in stores and online. Our blend of Tencel fibers and merino wool ensures optimal comfort from your first steps in the morning to sliding them off before bed after a long day of adventure.