7 Expert Strategies to Fold Socks Like a Pro

Socks are worn for various functions and exist in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They are complementary attire and an essential part of the wardrobe. Socks are the oldest form of clothing still worn today. 

The Industrial Age transformed both the way socks were worn and manufactured. Machinery and technological advancements in synthetic textiles permitted the mass production of socks, lowering prices and increasing accessibility.

Socks in modern times are made of cotton, polyester, nylon, recycled fiber, bamboo fiber, plastics, wool, and other fabrics. Socks are easy to design and manufacture and now exist to suit every need and personal style.

Is your wardrobe in need of some organization? This article will explore how to fold socks and make the wardrobe look neat and accessible.

Ways to Fold Socks(7- ways to do it)

Folding socks before storage is one of the most effective techniques for keeping them in good shape. It saves time when you require socks and keeps a pair simple without losing track of one. 

The following are the methods to fold your socks and maximize your wardrobe space: 

Single fold method

The single-fold method, the over-the-cuff fold, is the simplest way to fold socks. This method is excellent when hurrying to fold socks and stack them in your drawer. 

This method is best used for socks that will not occupy an ample space when folded. That is socks that are mid-calf in length or shorter, such as half socks, dress socks, ankle socks, no-show socks, crew socks, and baby socks.

Here is how to complete a single-fold sock method:

• Lay one sock flat and lay the matching pair on top with aligned cuffs and toes.

• Grab the socks by the cuff and fold them lengthwise so that the cuff touches the toes.

KonMari Fold method

If you want to create visually appealing, easy, and wrinkle-free socks, the KonMari fold should be your ideal choice.  

This method is preferred mostly when folding short socks such as ankle socks, baby socks, and no-show socks, but it can also be utilized for any type of sock.

This is how the KonMari method is done. :

• Lay one sock flat and place the matching pair on top of it.

• Visually divide socks into two or three sections. 

• Fold the socks two or three times, following the visual sections, creating a rectangular packet with the heel visible.

The socks, after folding, are stored vertically in the drawer. They should be able to stand independently and are best stored using drawer dividers.  

Rolling Fold method

The rolling fold method is an easy way to fold socks. It is an excellent method for saving space and fast packing, especially in your travel bag. This method can be used for all types of socks.

Here is how to do it:

• Lay one sock on a flat surface and place the other. Make sure that the pairs are matching.

• Match socks from the toes and tightly roll both from the toes down to the ankles. You can tuck the rolled end into the bottom sock cuff to secure the roll.

• If the sock length is long, like a thigh-high sock or over-the-knee sock, it saves time to fold it into two and then roll it. 

This method can, however, take up more space when compared with other methods, especially when the socks are knee-high or thigh-high. 

After the socks are rolled, they are stored in the drawer either by standing the roll up and placing them side by side or by stacking them on the side and stacking them. 

Square Fold method

The square fold method creates uniform squares perfect for divides and containers. This method is perfect when giving socks as gifts. 

The square-fold method is best used for socks with patterns, such as dress socks, formal socks, or custom socks with logos.  

Here is how to do it:

• Lay one sock flat with the heel facing up.

• Place the matching sock across the first with the heel facing up, making a cross shape. This will result in a bottom sock and a top sock.

• Starting with the bottom sock, flip the sock’s toe up and over the cross shape and tuck it into the other side of the top sock.

• Fold the bottom sock's cuff over, but do not tuck this time. 

• Repeat step three with the top sock. This step will result in a square with two pockets and two cuffs sticking out. 

• Take the first cuff and tuck it into the pocket created.

• Flip the fold and tuck the second cuff. 

Even though the square fold method is complex, the result is visually appealing. When socks are stacked, each sock's colors and patterns can be seen. 

Military fold method

It is also referred to as the inside-out method or the roll-and-tuck technique. This method leaves a compact and tight ball of socks and is an excellent method for saving space.

This folding method is secure and cannot be unraveled once completed. 

This is how the military fold method is done:

• Place one sock on a flat surface and lay the second matching pair on top. 

• Roll the socks tightly, starting from the toes up towards the cuff. The tighter the roll, the more compact the ball, and the better the finish.

• When you reach the top, fold one cuff inside out, then pull the cuff over and around the roll.

• If any parts are sticking out, tuck them into the cuff. 

This method is best used for military, dress, knitted, tube, or other socks. It is mainly used when traveling to keep the socks neatly packed together. 

Flip and tuck method

This is a simple way to keep sock pairs together while maintaining your drawer's organization. 

This method can be used for all types of socks.

Here is how to do it:

• Lay one sock on a flat surface and follow it by laying another on the other. Make sure that the pair are a match.

• Take the bottom sock cuff, fold it inside out, and tuck both socks while folding. Stop around the midway section with only the toes sticking out of the tuck. 

Basic Tuck

Similar to the square fold in appearance, the basic tuck is a simple, fast method that keeps your socks paid and saves time.

This method is best used for dress, crew, calf, and mid-calf socks.

Here is how to do it:

• Place one sock on a flat surface, and lay the second matching pair on top with the cuff and toes aligned.

• Fold the cuff of the top sock inwards about halfway. 

• Fold the toes of both socks and tuck them into the pocket created by the top sock cuff. 

Have you decided on the way to fold your socks? We have given you seven methods to select from. 

Bottom Line

Choose a method that aligns with your schedule and gives you the best management of your wardrobe space. Whichever method you select, make sure that you keep the pair together. 

Maintaining consistency in the method you select works to improve your folding speed, after which you can try different combinations. 

Now get to folding and see what you can do with your hands!

References

1. What is the purpose of wearing socks? - Quora

2. Why do we wear socks? | SOCKSHOP

3. 16 Types of Socks: Every Cut Explained & How to Wear Them | Sheec

4. Different Types of Socks & How to Wear Them | Smoothound

5. 10 Types of Socks: Exploring the Variety - Cotstyle

6. 6 Ways to Fold Socks

7. How to Fold Socks Neatly - 4 Ways to Fold & Store Socks

8. 4 Ways to Fold Socks - wikiHow

9. How to Fold Socks 3 Easy Ways to Save Drawer Space

10. How to Fold Socks: The Best Way for Every Type of Sock

11. 10 Different Ways to Fold Socks

12. How to Fold Your Socks the Right Way—and Why You Shouldn't Bundle Them