Most of us own socks in multiple pairs. That means you need quite some space in your wardrobe drawer for efficient sock storage. Besides, socks come with us in several pairs when we travel. And as tiny as they might seem, they can take up the space you need for the rest of your stuff.
But folding socks isn’t just about saving up space.
It’s also about ensuring they stay snug and don’t overstretch, especially at the cuff. That would spoil them irreparably. And you sure don’t want that!
So, what’s the best way to fold socks without stretching them or taking up unnecessary space in your drawer or luggage?
We give you 10 methods in this step-by-step post so you can choose the right one for you.
And, because socks are of different lengths, we’ll not just tell you how to fold them, we also tell you which method is best for what type of socks and when to consider which method.
Let’s roll out the sock-folding methods one by one, from the simplest to the most complex.
1. Single Fold Method
This is the simplest of the sock folding techniques and works great when you are in a hurry.
Place the two socks of a pair on a flat surface, cuff on cuff.
Place your left hand at the heel area.
Take the cuffs with your right hand and fold the socks at the heel joint so the cuffs fall on the toes. And that’s it!
Best For:
Short sock types like no-show socks, ankle socks, and quarter socks.
Stacking socks in a drawer.
Drawback:
May not always keep the pairs together.
2. File Fold Method
The file fold method is somehow an upgrade of the single fold method since it folds your sock into four layers instead of two. Here are the 3 steps of the file fold method:
Place your pair of socks on a flat surface, one on top of the other, with the heels facing down.
Take the cuff ends and place them over the toe ends so the heel area is sticking out in the middle.
Hold the heels and bring them over the cuffs and toes so your socks are gathered into four folds.
Organizing socks in a drawer or box or a retail shop shelf.
Drawback:
Does not keep the cuff ends firmly together and can easily unfold if the pairs are not packed tightly together.
4. Marie Kondo Sock Folding Method
The Marie Kondo or KonMari method for socks takes its name from the Japanese professional organizer. The basic rule for this method is to fold/roll the socks in thirds. Here’s how to do it.
Place the socks on a flat surface on top of each other so the heels are on the side for shorter sock types like the no-show sock. Place the heel flat onto each other for longer socks like crew or thigh-high socks.
Visualize the sock divided into thirds. You can use your hand to kind of mark the 1/3 portions.
Fold straight into thirds for shorter socks. Instead, fold the longer socks in half first and then into the 1/3 portions.
Stack them standing in a drawer to keep the folding in place.
If those steps sound complicated, here’s a quick video to help you out:
Best for:
All types of socks, from the tiniest to the longest.
Organizing many pairs of socks, as you can stack them standing next to each other.
Drawback:
Socks will easily unroll with a little unintended pull.
5. The Classic Fold Method
Most of us have used this one since it’s as old as socks are. To achieve the classic fold with your socks, follow these 3 simple steps:
Lay one of the socks on a flat surface and place the other on top so that the heels are on the side.
Take the cuff of the bottom sock and fold it inside out over the other so that the cuff of the other sock is inside the folded cuff.
For a firmer and shorter fold, take the toe ends and tuck them into one side of the folded cuff.
You can roll your socks into balls in these 4 steps:
Lay the first sock on a flat surface with the heel side up.
Place the other sock on top in the same way with the heel on the top.
Take the toe end and fold the socks in half so the toes are on the cuffs. You can fold one more time to make four folds for longer socks.
Take the cuff on the outer side and turn it up around the rest of the socks so that it forms into a bundle. You can fix it up a bit to create a smoother sock ball.
Best for:
Longer sock types that would take up a lot more space in your drawer if folded in the other methods.
Keeping pairs together when you have multiple socks of the same color.
Drawback:
Can overstretch the cuff that folds up the roll.
8. The Military Sock Roll
The military sock roll, sometimes called ranger roll or army roll, forms your socks into a tight scroll that keeps them together in your luggage or drawer. You can achieve the military sock roll in these 3 steps:
Place the two socks of a pair on a flat surface with the heels facing up. You can pull down the top sock a bit to distribute the cuff density more evenly.
Roll up the socks tightly from the toes to the cuffs.
Take the cuff of the outer sock and turn it inside out around the roll. Pushing the roll completely inside to leave the cuff of the holding sock loose will prevent it from overstretching.
Here’s how you do the rose fold method in 5 simplified steps:
Lay the first socks on a flat table with the heel facing down.
Place the other sock on top of the first one, the heel on the other heel.
Fold the top sock to form a 90-degree angle at the heel.
Start rolling the socks from the toe end all the way up to the cuff of the bottom sock. The part of the second sock that’s folded at a 90-degree angle stays hanging on the side.
Take the hanging band of the second sock, open it at the cuff, and wring it over the rest of the roll. The open side of the roll mimics the petals of a rose.
Best for:
Longer socks like mid-calf, thigh-high, and knee-high socks.
Saving up space in a luggage or drawer.
Neatly stacking socks on retail shop shelves or boxes.
Drawback:
Can overstretch the cuff of the 90-degree sock, especially for long sock types that make a fat roll.
10. The Square Method
We left the most complex sock folding technique for last because it’s also a popular sock folding method.
We’ve simplified it for you in these 6 steps:
Lay the first sock on a flat table with the heel facing up.
Place the other sock across the first to form a cross. The heel of the second sock should also face up.
Flip the toe end of the bottom sock over the heel of the second and do the same with the cuff end so it lies on the folded toe end of the same sock.
Repeat no. 3 with the second sock. The two cuffs are left slightly hanging out of the square.
Secure your square fold by folding back the cuff of the first sock under the last fold of the second sock.
Take the cuff of the second sock, flip over the square, and tuck the cuff into the opening left by the first fold of the bottom sock. That should securely hold your sock square together.
Best for:
Longer socks that allow multiple folds, like thigh-high, knee-high, mid-calf, and crew socks.
Keeping your drawer well organized.
Drawback:
A perfect square fold takes a little bit more time to make.
If you are the kind that gets it right with visuals, this video by Organizing TV will do the trick for you! The names of the methods might be different, but the sock-folding tricks are basically the same.
Final Thoughts
Socks are a staple in our wardrobes and often in our traveling bags. We own them in multiple pairs and often carry them in more than a single pair when we travel.
Efficient sock storage means folding them in forms that fit well in your drawer or luggage, but it also means folding them without stretching them and spoiling the snug fit.
Our 10 sock folding techniques give you a selection of methods on how to fold your socks so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Keep those socks folded without stretching them, and save space while at it!
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