Because they’re exposed to regular amounts of sweat and can develop odors, men’s athletic socks should always be machine washable for easy cleaning. But it’s important to wash them properly to make sure that the socks will last as long as possible. Wash like-colored socks together to a prevent color bleeding or fading. Avoid using fabric softener on athletic socks because it can affect the moisture-wicking properties. When drying socks, always use low heat to keep them from shrinking or losing elasticity.