Every sock drawer has a few pairs that should have retired years ago. You know the ones: the heel you can read a newspaper through, the cuff that slides into your shoe by lunchtime, the toe that lets one adventurous toenail out to see the world.

Here's how to tell when a pair is done, and what to do with it instead of throwing it straight in the bin.

Four signs a sock is finished

1. A hole

The obvious one. A small hole at the toe grows fast, and a hole at the heel rubs. Darning can save a favourite pair (more on that below), but most holes mean it's time.

2. A thin, see-through heel

Hold the sock up to the light. If the heel or ball of the foot is translucent, a hole is a few wears away, and the thin patch won't cushion your foot or soak up sweat properly.

3. A cuff that won't stay up

When the stretch goes, the sock slides down into your shoe and bunches under your arch. That's the spandex giving up, and it doesn't come back.

4. A smell that survives the wash

If a pair still smells after a proper wash, the fibres are holding on to bacteria. It's time.

How to make good socks last longer

• Wash them inside out, in cool water, and skip the dryer. Our sock washing guide has the full routine.
• Rotate pairs so no single pair is worn and washed every other day.
• Keep toenails trimmed. Long nails are a common cause of holes at the toe.
• Don't wear socks outdoors without shoes. Rough floors wear heels thin fast.
• Darn a favourite. A small hole can be closed with a needle and matching thread. It's an old skill worth reviving for the pair you love.

10 second lives for old and odd socks

Before you bin a clean old sock, give it a job:

1. Dusting mitt. Slip it over your hand to dust blinds, shelves and skirting boards.
2. Shoe bag. Pop shoes into old socks when packing, so soles don't touch your clothes.
3. Phone or sunglasses pouch. A crew sock is the perfect padded sleeve.
4. Glass protector. Slide a bottle or jar into a sock to stop it clinking in a bag.
5. Hot or cold pack. Fill a sock with uncooked rice, knot the end and warm it gently or chill it.
6. Draught stopper. Stuff a few long socks with old fabric and lay them along a draughty door.
7. Sock puppet. The classic. Add buttons for eyes and you have an afternoon sorted for any child.
8. Plant tie. Cut into strips, old socks make soft ties for staking plants.
9. Pet toy. Knot a sock around a tennis ball for a dog toy, or stuff with a little catnip for a cat.
10. Cleaning rag. Cut it open and use it for polishing shoes or wiping down the bike.

What about odd socks?

Every single sock has a story, usually involving the washing machine. Give it a few months for its partner to turn up. If it doesn't:

• Mismatch on purpose. Two odd socks of the same length worn together is a look, especially with funny designs. Own it.
• Repurpose it using the list above.
• Recycle it. Many textile recycling points accept worn socks. Check what's available near you.

And to stop it happening again, wash pairs together in a mesh laundry bag.

Time for a fresh pair?

Shop all socks → · Women's socks · Men's socks

More sock guides: Crew vs ankle vs sneaker socks · A Short, Strange History of Socks · Are Socks a Good Gift? · The Sock Drawer Audit · How to Gift Wrap Socks

Frequently asked questions

When should you throw away socks?

When they have holes, a see-through heel, a cuff that won't stay up, or a smell that survives washing.

How long should a pair of socks last?

It depends on how often you wear them and how you wash them. Rotating pairs and washing inside out in cool water helps good socks last much longer.

What can I do with old socks?

Use them as dusting mitts, shoe bags, phone pouches, rice heat packs, draught stoppers, plant ties, pet toys or cleaning rags.

Can you recycle socks?

Often, yes. Many textile recycling points accept worn socks. Check the options in your area.

How do I stop losing socks in the wash?

Wash each load's socks in a mesh laundry bag, or clip pairs together before they go in.