How to sort men's socks by use

Short answer: Sort your men's socks into three piles, namely everyday, smart shoes and sport or work. That makes it easy to find the right bamboo socks for men in the morning, and they wear more evenly. Here we show a simple split and some tips for the drawer.

Why sorting makes sense

Most men have a drawer full of socks that look alike and end up being used at random. The result is that some pairs get worn out while others never get used. If you sort by use, you know exactly what to reach for, and you do not have to search for a pair that fits.

Bamboo socks for men every day

Your everyday socks are the ones you use most, so they should be soft and easy to live with. Bamboo socks for men suit this well, because viscose from bamboo is soft against the skin. Choose plain models in neutral colours that go with most things. See our socks for men for inspiration.

Smart socks for smart shoes

With a suit and leather shoes a thin, slightly longer sock is the best choice, so it does not slip down when you sit. Choose dark, quiet colours that match the trousers. Keep the smart socks apart, so they do not get mixed with work or training socks and worn out.

Sport and heavy days

Training and long working days ask more of the sock. Here a thicker sock with a little padding can be welcome, and a taller style protects the heel from the edge of the shoe. Keep the sports socks separate and change them after use, since they are often damper. Try them in your own shoes before you choose.

How many pairs you need

There is no fixed number, but as a rule of thumb it is nice to have enough pairs for a week plus a few extra, so you are never forced to take a pair that does not fit. Have, for example, more everyday pairs than smart pairs, since they are worn most often and wear out faster.

How to store the socks

Roll or fold the socks in pairs and place them in separate sections by use. Avoid tying knots, because they pull on the elastic. A drawer with small boxes makes it easy to see what you have. When you can see the drawer clearly, you use more of the good pairs and fewer of the same ones.

Washing and sorting in the machine

Sort the socks by colour before you wash as well. Light and dark pairs last best when washed separately, and you can happily put them in the same machine as your bamboo boxer briefs. Follow the label, use a gentle cycle and avoid too much fabric softener. That way the socks keep their shape and softness for longer.

Clear out the worn ones

Go through the drawer a few times a year and remove pairs with a thin heel, slack elastic or holes. Keep only what you actually use. That makes room for new pairs, and you can manage with simple models. The rest of the wardrobe can follow the same principle, for example with bamboo T-shirts for men.

Frequently asked questions

How many pairs of socks does a man need?

It depends on how often you wash. A good starting point is enough pairs for a week plus a few extra, so you are never forced to take a pair that does not fit.

Should smart socks be stored separately?

It is a good idea. That way they do not get worn by everyday use and sport, and you can quickly find a pair that suits a suit and leather shoes.

When should socks be thrown out?

When the heel is thin, the elastic is slack or holes have appeared. The socks no longer do their job and can rub inside the shoe.