How to pack socks in a suitcase

Short answer: Roll up your socks and tuck them inside your shoes. That way they take up no space, and the shoes keep their shape during the trip. Pack one pair more than you think you will need.

The shoes are the best place

There is always empty space inside shoes, and socks fit it perfectly. Roll up a pair and push it into the toe. That way you use the space, and the shoes do not get squashed flat in the suitcase. This works for every style among the most popular from Copenhagen Bamboo, both the short ones and those in classic length.

Roll instead of fold

Rolled socks take up less room than folded ones and can be tucked into corners and gaps where nothing else fits. Roll them loosely so the cuff is not stretched. Avoid turning one sock over the other, as many people do at home, because it pulls on the elastic and can leave a slack cuff after a few trips.

Matching pairs save time when travelling

With matching pairs you do not have to hunt for partners in a full suitcase or a hotel room. Buy a multipack of socks for men and women before you leave, and the sorting is done at home. If you lose a sock on the way, it still has plenty of partners.

A pair for the travel day

Keep a clean pair in your hand luggage for the long flight or train journey. Feet often swell a little when you sit still for a long time, and a dry change on the way makes a noticeable difference. The thin styles in socks for women take up almost no space and fit in a jacket pocket.

How many pairs to bring

If you can wash on the way, four to five pairs are enough for a week. If you cannot, bring one pair per day and one extra. If you plan to walk or hike a lot, two pairs per day is a good idea, so you can change in the middle of the day and give your feet a dry break.

Washing on the go

Bamboo socks can be washed by hand in a sink with a little soap or detergent. Rinse well, roll them in a towel to press out the water, and hang them to dry overnight. Thin socks dry quickly in a bathroom. That way you can travel with fewer pairs and still have clean ones every day.

Keep the worn ones separate

Put worn socks in a separate bag, so the rest of the suitcase does not pick up odour. A cloth bag can be washed with your clothes when you get home. Many people use a separate pocket in the suitcase for this. It makes it easy to keep track of what is clean and what needs to go in the machine.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs for a week

Four to five if you can wash on the way. Otherwise one pair per day and ideally one extra, so you have a clean change if a pair gets wet.

Should socks be rolled or folded

Roll them loosely, and they take up the least space. Do not turn them over each other, because that stretches the cuff and can leave it slack after a few trips.

What do I do with the worn ones

Put them in a separate bag so the rest of the suitcase does not pick up odour. A cloth bag can be washed with the rest of the laundry once you are home.