How to Wash Grip Socks So the Grips Last
By The Pilates Verdict Team · October 5, 2026 · 5 min read
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Grip socks take a beating: sweat, studio floors and a sliding carriage several times a week. Washing them the wrong way, especially with high dryer heat, wears down the grips that keep you from slipping. The good news is that the right routine takes no extra effort.
How we researched this: We collected the official care instructions published by seven grip sock brands, plus advice from a Pilates expert interviewed by NBC Select. Brands don't all agree, so we note where they differ. Your sock's care label always comes first.
The 5-Step Routine
Tap the diagram to enlarge
1. Turn them inside out
Tavi, ToeSox and Pointe Studio all say to wash grip socks inside out. A Pilates studio owner interviewed by NBC Select says it helps "preserve the grips" by reducing friction against other clothes in the drum.
2. Wash cold on a gentle cycle
Most brands recommend cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle (Tavi, Pointe Studio, Gaiam, Lucky Honey). Gaiam adds a mild detergent and washing with similar colors. Lucky Honey ships some socks with a mesh laundry bag and recommends washing them in it, which is a good habit for any pair.
3. Skip fabric softener and bleach
Tavi explicitly says to skip the fabric softener. Softeners work by leaving a coating on fabric. ToeSox, Pointe Studio and Gaiam all say no bleach.
4. Air dry, or use the lowest heat only if your brand allows it
This is where brands disagree most:
- Air dry only: Tavi (air dry), Pointe Studio (lay flat to dry; "high heat can shorten their lifespan") and MoveActive ("do not tumble dry")
- Low heat OK: ToeSox (line dry or low heat), Gaiam toeless socks and Lucky Honey (tumble dry low)
When in doubt, air dry. The expert interviewed by NBC Select warns that the dryer "will cause the grips to weaken over time." Never iron grip socks: ToeSox, Pointe Studio, Gaiam and MoveActive all say no ironing.
5. Rotate pairs and replace worn ones
Rotating between several pairs spreads out the wear. Pointe Studio says its socks typically last 6 months to a year or longer with proper care. That's a brand claim, and heavy use wears grips faster. Replace a pair when the grips fade or peel or the fabric thins, because worn grips are a slipping risk.
Brand Care Instructions
| Brand | Water | Inside out | Drying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tavi | Cold, gentle; no softener | Yes | Air dry |
| ToeSox | Gentle; no bleach | Yes | Line dry or low heat |
| Pointe Studio | Cold, gentle; no bleach | Yes | Lay flat to dry |
| Gaiam (toeless) | Cold, gentle, mild detergent; no bleach | Not stated | Tumble dry low |
| Lucky Honey | Cold, in mesh bag | Not stated | Tumble dry low |
| MoveActive | Warm | Not stated | Air dry; don't tumble dry |
| Bombas (general sock care) | Cold, gentle, mild detergent | Not stated | Tumble dry low |
Care labels can differ between products from the same brand. For example, one Pointe Studio crew sock label says warm water and low heat, while the brand's FAQ says cold water and lay flat. Follow the label on your pair.
How Often Should You Wash Grip Socks?
After every class. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a fresh pair of socks every day, and changing them more often when they get damp. That matters in shared studios, where feet get sweaty and equipment is shared. Having a few pairs in rotation makes washing after every class practical.
When It's Time for New Grip Socks
If your grips are peeling or your feet slide on the carriage, it's time to replace them. Budget multipacks make it cheaper to keep several pairs on rotation:
Check price on AmazonWant to compare options first? See our guide to the best Pilates grip socks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put grip socks in the dryer?
It depends on the brand. ToeSox, Gaiam's toeless socks and Lucky Honey allow low heat, while Tavi, Pointe Studio and MoveActive recommend air drying. Dryer heat weakens grips over time, so air drying is the safest choice.
Should you wash grip socks inside out?
Yes. Tavi, ToeSox and Pointe Studio all recommend washing inside out to protect the grips from friction.
Can you use fabric softener on grip socks?
No. Tavi specifically says to skip fabric softener, which works by leaving a coating on fabric.
Should grip socks be washed in hot or cold water?
Most brands, including Tavi, Pointe Studio, Gaiam and Lucky Honey, recommend cold water. MoveActive is an exception and allows warm. Check your care label.
How long do grip socks last?
Pointe Studio says its socks last 6 months to a year or longer with proper care. Replace them when the grips fade, peel or stop holding on the reformer.
Sources
- Tavi: Savvy grip socks care
- ToeSox: FAQ
- Pointe Studio: FAQ and Keep Going Crew label
- Gaiam: Grippy toeless yoga socks
- Lucky Honey: The Honey Sock
- MoveActive: FAQ
- Bombas: How do I wash these Bombas socks?
- NBC Select: Best Pilates socks
- American Academy of Dermatology: Athlete's foot prevention
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