How to fold socks

Short answer: Lay the two socks on top of each other and fold them once. Do not turn one over the other, because that stretches the cuff every single time, and over time the sock loses its grip on the calf.

Lay them on top of each other

Take the two socks in a pair and lay them flat on top of each other, heel over heel and toe over toe. Smooth them out so there are no creases in the leg. Two socks lying flat take up less space than a rolled up ball. The same calm principle applies to a pair of women's bamboo joggers, where everything should lie smooth.

Fold only once

With the two socks on top of each other, fold them once in the middle so the leg lies over the foot. A single fold keeps the pair together without stretching anything. If the socks are long, you can fold once more, but do not roll them tight. The aim is for the pair to stay together in the drawer without the fabric being pulled.

Do not turn one over the other

Many people are used to turning the cuff of one sock over the other to make a small ball. The problem is that the outer cuff stays stretched all the time, between every wear. Over many months it loses its grip on the calf and the sock starts to slide down. The flat fold avoids this completely.

Why the cuff needs to rest

A cuff is made to stretch when you put the sock on and to pull back afterwards. It lasts longest when it can rest in its natural shape between wears. A sock lying flat in the drawer has a cuff that is ready for the next day. The same goes for the waistband on a pair of bamboo sweatpants for women.

Flat pairs take up less space

Two flat socks take up less space in the drawer than a rolled up ball. Balls are round and leave air between them, while flat pairs can lie close side by side. You fit more pairs into the same drawer, and it is easier to see which colours and lengths you have. Many people like to stand the folded pairs on edge.

Keep pairs together after washing

The easiest way to avoid single socks is to fold the pair as soon as it is dry. Take both socks off the drying rack at the same time and fold them straight away. If you wash many identical pairs, matching is easy. With different kinds, you can wash each pair in a laundry bag so they stay together.

A compartment of their own

Socks easily mix with underwear and other small things. Give them their own compartment in the drawer, ideally with a divider or a small box. The pairs stay together, and you can see the whole selection at once when you open the drawer in the morning. Put freshly washed pairs at the back, so every pair is worn in turn.

Soft clothes deserve the same care

Once the socks lie flat and calm, it is easy to give the rest of your soft clothes the same treatment. A top that is folded loosely and not pressed keeps its shape longer. That also goes for a bamboo sweatshirt for women, which is best kept lying on a shelf or in a drawer, away from heavy pieces on top.

Frequently asked questions

How do you keep socks together in pairs

Lay them on top of each other and fold once. The pair stays together in the drawer without any cuff being kept stretched between wears.

Why not turn one over the other

Because the cuff of the outer sock is kept stretched all the time. Over many months it loses its grip on the calf, and the sock starts to slide down.

Do folded socks take up less space

Yes. Two flat socks take up less space than a rolled up ball and leave room for more pairs, because they can lie close side by side.