Merino wool socks and bamboo socks are the two most common choices when ordinary cotton is no longer enough: your feet get cold, they sweat, or socks lose their shape after a few washes. Both materials are soft and pleasant on the skin, but they work in different situations. Below: a comparison, the composition of socks we stock and simple tips on which to choose.
What they are made of
- Merino is wool from merino sheep. Its fibres are fine and soft, so it does not itch like ordinary wool. Merino socks are not 100% wool: in the Cerber Art. 0251 model, for example, merino wool makes up 67–72% of the composition, and the rest is polypropylene or polyamide and elastane. These additions reinforce the knit and help the sock keep its shape.
- Bamboo in socks is viscose made from bamboo cellulose. In Cerber bamboo trainer and ankle socks, for example, viscose makes up 77–90% of the composition, with polyamide and elastane. The knit is smooth, light and cool to the touch.
Comparison at a glance
| Merino | Bamboo | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | warm, even when damp | light, cool to the touch |
| Moisture | wicks it away from the skin | absorbs it well |
| Odour | picks up sweat odour more slowly | similar to cotton |
| Feel | soft but warm | smooth and silky |
| When | autumn, winter, hiking, cold feet | spring, summer, office, sensitive skin |
| Washing | 30°C, wool programme, no tumble dryer | 30–40°C, gentle, no tumble dryer |
Merino socks: when they are best
Merino wool regulates temperature: it keeps you warm when it is cold and does not overheat as easily as thick ordinary wool. Even when damp it still gives warmth, which is why it works in winter boots, on walks and in the mountains. It picks up sweat odour more slowly than cotton, so you can wear it longer between washes. Thin merino socks can be worn in summer too, although in real heat bamboo does better.
In our range, merino socks are mainly Cerber styles, including ones made from lambswool merino, which is especially soft. You will find them all in the wool socks collection.
Bamboo socks: when they are best
Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture well and is cool to the touch, so bamboo socks are chosen for warm days, for work in closed shoes and for everyday wear when your feet sweat easily. The smooth knit irritates the skin less, which people with sensitive skin on their feet appreciate. Bamboo does need gentler washing – viscose is weaker when wet and does not tolerate high temperatures.
We stock bamboo socks in classic, trainer and ankle versions, among others. Most are Cerber styles, with some from Legs and Milena.
Women's, men's and non-binding
You will find both materials in women's and men's versions. They differ in size range and patterns, not in the material itself. If the cuff of ordinary socks marks your calf, look for styles with a loose, non-binding cuff – they are available in both merino and bamboo. We write more about them in our guide to non-binding underwear.
How to make them last longer
- Wash inside out at 30°C, merino ideally on the wool programme.
- Do not use a tumble dryer or dry on a radiator – high temperature shrinks wool and weakens viscose.
- Do not use fabric softener on merino; a mild wool detergent is enough.
- Dry flat or hung over a rail, without stretching the cuff.
Choose the sock size by your shoe size – see our sock size chart. Care symbols on the label are explained in how to read a label.