How To Care For Hosiery

To care for hosiery and extend its life, you should wash it gently by hand or on a delicate machine cycle, air-dry it, and handle it carefully to avoid snags. Storing your hosiery correctly also helps prevent damage.

Handling and washing

Hand wash when possible. This is the gentlest method for cleaning delicate hosiery. Use a mild detergent and lukewarm or cold water. Swirl the garments gently, and do not twist or wring them out.

Use a mesh laundry bag for machine washing. If you must use a washing machine, place your hosiery in a mesh bag to protect it from tangles, snags, and damage from other items like zippers or hooks.

Select the delicate cycle. Always choose the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water can damage the fabric's elasticity and cause shrinking.

Use mild detergent. Avoid bleach, as it is too harsh for delicate fibers. Also, skip the fabric softener, as it can weaken the synthetic fibers that give hosiery its stretch.

Air-dry flat. Never put hosiery in the dryer, as the high heat can damage the elastic. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel to air-dry completely. Avoid hanging hosiery, which can cause it to stretch out.

Photo courtesy of Carrie LaChance

Preventing runs and snags

Moisturize your hands and legs. Smooth, moisturized skin on your hands and feet reduces the chances of catching on the delicate fabric.

Trim and file your nails. Rough edges on fingernails and toenails are a leading cause of runs. Keep them neatly filed to prevent snags.

Remove jewelry. Put on rings, watches, and bracelets only after your hosiery is in place to avoid catching the material.

Roll your hosiery on gently. Don't pull or yank hosiery up your legs. Instead, gather the material down to the toe and roll it up your leg slowly to ensure it's evenly distributed.

Consider freezing new tights. An unusual but effective tip is to wet new hosiery, wring out the excess water, and put it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight before the first wear. The cold helps strengthen the fibers.

Storing hosiery

Store them separately. Keep your hosiery in a drawer or container away from items with zippers, hooks, or rough textures that could cause snags.

Use drawer dividers. For better organization and protection, use dividers to create separate sections for different pairs.

Roll or fold neatly. Gently roll or fold your hosiery to prevent tangles and runs. Some people prefer storing each pair in a small plastic or cotton bag.