Merino wool fail

Wrong brand?
I only wear wool socks and have bought Smartwool, Darn tough, and Minus33. All have machine washed just fine.
Edited to add
My favorite is Darn Tough and I've worn them the most. Minus33 has more subtle colors, and so far are at least as good as Darn Tough. I stopped buying Smartwool because I thought they bagged out too much.

Could be. I bought them on the advice of a shopkeeper who had a small sporting goods store.

Always annoying to spend money on things that aren't good.

I've been wearing Smartwool for years. Never ad a srinkage problem after dozens of machine washings.

Usually was on warm or cold.

Maybe I should get a pair of Smartwool and give them a try.

With significantly higher Merino wool content compared to the popular brands mentioned, REI branded socks work well for me...and have for years. And yes, they will show wear sooner given the higher wool content, but when I am out and about, even during very wet weather, my feet are always happy happy.

Bruce, I'll check them out. Thanks!

Sandra, I’m a big merino wool socks fan, worn them for years, never had a problem with them shrinking and I dry them too. I do wash everything in cold. I almost always wear Smartwool knee length but I just took a chance on Welwoos brand on Amazon. Got 5 pairs of crew socks for 17.99!! They are great, 73% merino, I’ve been wearing them steadily for 2 months. No shrinkage, no unusual wear etc. And I throw them in the dryer as well. I usually spend more for one pair so it’s a smokin’ good deal.

We live in the Pacific Northwest so merino socks are worn almost continually. Hiking in the summer and for warmth in the cold months. Darn Tough fan here. We’ve been wearing them for at least 5 years now. Before that Smartwool but I was finding that my heels were wearing thru after a year. I wash with cold water and throw in the dryer.

We bought two pair of Smartwool socks a few years ago, have heard about them here on the Forum. I must say I'm underwhelmed; I inadvertently put my fingers fight through the ribs or top part of 3 of the four socks. Not good.

Sorry that happened to you. It shouldn’t. I’ve been wearing merino wool socks, underwear, long underwear, t-shirts for more than a decade. I’ve bought Smartwool, Minus33, Darn Tough, among others. I’ve found the Minus33 underwear and long underwear to be exceptional. Darn Tough is a company based in Vermont that makes socks and they’re really durable. Made in the USA, not China like other brands, like Smartwool, whose products I wasn’t impressed with. If you’re looking for socks, Darn Tough is the way to go. I still have my original pair that I bought in 2013. I don’t wear them all the time because they’re the heaviest I own but, darn, they’re tough. Pun intended.

Tactel is nylon 66 made by a company named Invista.

I put the Welwoos on my wish list. I was looking into Darn Tough a while ago and it seemed like a lot of different options--to the point where it was confusing. I'll have to take another gander.

I'm glad to hear my experience was most likely due to bad product. Because I'd also like to get a merino wool top for an upcoming trip.

Thanks, all!

Produced by Invista, the maker of Lycra, TACTEL is a nylon 66 microfiber that dries eight times faster than cotton. It's also at least twice as soft and 20% lighter than most fabrics. The suppleness and softness of TACTEL help minimize chafing. Two other important aspects of TACTEL are its breathability and noticeable strength.
As with other nylon fibers, TACTEL is hygroscopic. It absorbs moisture out of the air or out of its surrounding (such as our skin). The higher the humidity, the faster nylon will absorb moisture, until it becomes saturated. When exposed to dryer air, the moisture will evaporate and the fiber will dry out.https://www.covetleisure.com/pages/what-is-tactel-fabric

I doubt the Tactel was the problem regarding shrinking.

I like the merino wool socks I’ve been getting at Costco for the past few years.
I wash them in cold water and hang to dry.
It looks like they are out of stock now but here’s what they look like: Costco.com.

This topic comes up often so read the archives by searching for merino wool socks.

My latest find is by the Colorado-based company Point 6,
and I'm not the only forum member who finds them super.

I have had luck washing and drying my Paka socks and I also really like Bombas, a couple other options I don't see on the thread yet?

I have been using Smartwool socks for years. i just throw them in the washer and dryer with the rest of my clothes.. No problems.

Another fan of Darn Tough here. Agree that the number of options can be confusing. My favorites for travel are these:
https://darntough.com/products/womens-merino-wool-light-hiker-micro-crew-lightweight-hiking-socks?variant=44482516025530