When it comes to premium socks, Laetts stands out with its innovative blend of high-performance materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for warmth, comfort, or durability, Laetts socks deliver exceptional quality through the use of advanced HygroHeat™ technology and extra fine Merino wool.
Unlike other thermal socks that rely on surface treatments that wear off after multiple washes, Laetts integrates warmth-retaining elements directly into its fibers. The result? Socks that provide long-lasting insulation, superior fit, and easy maintenance.
In this guide, we'll explore how Laetts socks are made, how to choose the right pair, and the best care practices to ensure they last for years. Whether you're braving the outdoors or seeking all-day comfort indoors, this guide will help you make the most out of your Laetts socks.
How Laetts Socks Are Made
Laetts socks stand out due to their use of two high-performance yarns: HygroHeat™ and Merino Wool. These materials work together to provide warmth, breathability, and long-lasting quality.
HygroHeat™: The Science of Warmth
HygroHeat™ is a revolutionary functional yarn designed to keep your feet warm. Unlike standard thermal yarns, which rely on post-finishing treatments that wear off after multiple washes, HygroHeat™ integrates far infrared ray (FIR) emission ceramic particles directly into the yarn during production. These particles reflect body heat, ensuring long-lasting thermal insulation that remains effective even after many washes.
In contrast, most thermal yarns on the market use surface treatments to achieve insulation, making them cheaper to produce but far less durable. Typically, these treatments fade after 10-15 washes, significantly reducing their effectiveness. With HygroHeat™, Laetts socks provide permanent thermal performance, offering superior warmth retention without compromise.
Merino Wool: The Finest for Socks
Merino wool is known for its fine texture and excellent insulation properties, making it a cost-effective yet high-quality alternative to cashmere. However, not all Merino wool is equal. Laetts uses only 70S extra fine Merino wool, which represents the highest standard for sock production.
Additionally, Laetts sources worsted Merino wool with anti-shrinkage treatment, ensuring the socks retain their shape and durability after multiple washes. This careful selection guarantees that Laetts socks provide both luxury and practicality, combining soft texture with easy maintenance.
How to Choose the Right Laetts Socks
When comparing Laetts socks with other brands, you may notice that Laetts socks appear smaller, softer, and warmer. This is due to a meticulous pre-shrinkage treatment applied after knitting.
Why Do Laetts Socks Look Smaller?
Before knitting, the yarns go through a lubrication treatment, where a thin layer of wax is applied to prevent the fibers from sticking together and to ensure they do not burn or break when moving through high-speed knitting machines. Many wool socks retain this waxy coating, which can make them feel stiff or coarse. Some brands even recommend soaking their socks in water before the first wear to remove the excess wax and reduce irritation.
However, with Laetts socks, you won’t experience these issues. Our extra pre-shrinkage treatment removes the residual wax, ensuring a soft, ready-to-wear feel right out of the box. This treatment does result in a slight 2-5% weight loss, making the socks appear smaller than untreated counterparts. However, thanks to the premium elastic resilience of Lycra, Laetts socks provide a perfect fit that molds comfortably to your feet without feeling tight or restrictive.
At Laetts, we take extra care in crafting our socks, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards. This dedication to quality results in socks that are not only high-tech and functional but also incredibly comfortable and easy to care for.
How to Care for Laetts Socks
Wool has a natural ability to hold onto odors, which is why many people wear wool socks multiple times during outdoor activities. However, to extend the lifespan of your Laetts socks, it’s best to wash them frequently. Regular laundering helps realign the fibers within the socks, reducing stress and prolonging their durability.
Lifespan of Laetts Socks
A pair of wool socks typically lasts 6 months to a year if worn daily. However, if worn only once a week, they can last several years. To maximize longevity, avoid wearing them indoors the same way you would in extreme outdoor conditions.
Proper Washing Methods
- Turn socks inside out before washing. This is especially important for cushioned socks, as sweat and dirt tend to accumulate in the terry loops inside the sock.
- Use an enzyme-free or wool-friendly detergent. Regular laundry detergents contain proteases, which help break down protein stains (like gravy and meat) but also degrade wool fibers over time. Choose a detergent that is specifically formulated for wool, such as:
- Eucalan Wool Wash
- The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
- Kookaburra Wool Wash
- Sonett Wool & Silk Detergent
- Tide Free & Gentle (Liquid Only)
- Skip the fabric softener. Wool fibers naturally maintain their softness and insulating properties—softeners can coat the fibers and reduce breathability.
- Machine wash on a cold, gentle, or wool cycle. Cold water helps preserve the integrity of the wool fibers.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for added protection. This prevents excessive stretching and friction inside the washing machine.
Drying Your Laetts Socks
- Air drying or line drying is best. Drying time depends on humidity, but in a heated indoor environment, they typically dry overnight.
- Tumble drying is possible with caution. Since Laetts socks undergo an anti-shrinkage treatment, they can be put in the dryer on a mild setting. To prevent over drying, remove them when they are about 80% dry and let them finish air drying.
By following these care tips, you’ll ensure your Laetts socks stay soft, warm, and durable for years to come.