Every product is different. Many Smartwool® products are made of 100% Merino wool, while some are blended with other materials built for performance. For specific content information, check out the product’s label.

Turn your Smartwool Merino wool socks and garments inside out. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Next, submerge your laundry in the soapy water and gently move them around to loosen dirt and impurities. Let everything soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse in clean lukewarm water until all detergent is removed, and the water runs clear. Lay socks and clothing flat on a soft towel and reshape them to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid wringing or twisting your garments.

Technically, yes. But you'll want to always air-dry your Merino wool socks and apparel to keep your gear in good shape. The dryer could damage the natural performance fibers of Merino wool, or shrink your clothing and socks.

Items made of 100% wool can be ironed on a low setting. It’s best to turn the item inside out. Apparel made from a blend of wool and synthetic fibers shouldn’t be ironed. We recommend steaming them to get out any wrinkles—you can even put those garments on a hanger in the bathroom while you shower. Always check the care instructions on each garment.

Sometimes. Be sure to check the tag on the individual item. Most wool clothes can be dry-cleaned, but keep in mind that dry cleaning reduces the lifespan of any garment.

If you do get a hole or aren’t completely satisfied with your Smartwool® socks in the first two years, we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee; see link for details. 

You can also send us your unwanted socks (clean pairs only, please!) and we’ll recycle them to turn them into a fresh new pair. Learn more about our sustainability efforts with the Second Cut Project.

Merino wool is a naturally durable fiber, reducing likeliness of pilling compared to other wools. Because Merino fibers are so technical, pilling can potentially occur with improper washing and drying and in high friction areas, like underarms, sleeves, cuffs, or where a bag strap might rub.

Merino wool fibers are incredibly soft and fine, which makes them comfortable to wear, but also means shorter fibers can tangle together and form small balls, or ‘pills’ on the surface.

This is a natural process that can happen with any fine wool, particularly when the garment is new. 

The good news is that pilling often decreases over time, as the shorter fibers work their way out. 

Proper care can also help manage and minimize pilling. We suggest following the care instructions on the product, or alternatively opting to air dry by laying flat to dry to decrease heat stress on the fibers; as well as laundering the garment inside out to reduce friction. 

If pilling does occur, we suggest a fabric comb or sweater shaver to gently remove pills without damaging the garment.

As often as you like! But we like to say the less often, the better. Merino wool is a durable, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking performance fabric that can be worn dozens of times before going in the wash. Not only do you get more adventures out of your Smartwool® gear, but you also have a lower environmental impact by washing and drying way, way less.

Some of our jackets and vests contain a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that works great to help keep you dry. An accumulation of dirt and oil over time may reduce the effectiveness of DWR, making it less water-repellent. But occasional washing will help keep your DWR working efficiently. Repeated washing can eventually wash off the DWR treatment and it may need to be reapplied after a certain number of wears and washes.

No, it's best to avoid using fabric softener when washing Merino wool as it can leave a residue on the fibers and affect their natural properties, such as moisture-wicking and odor resistance.

Store Merino wool clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage. It's also a good idea to fold garments neatly rather than hanging them to maintain their shape.

No, bleach should never be used on Merino wool as it can damage the fibers and cause them to weaken and break down. Instead, opt for gentle, wool-safe detergents when laundering Merino wool items.

If your Merino wool garment shrinks in the wash, you may be able to gently stretch it back into shape while it's damp. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, gently reshape it to its original dimensions, and allow it to air dry completely.

For minor stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cold water is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, you can try soaking the garment in a mixture of cold water and gentle detergent before laundering as usual. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can damage the fibers.