How To: How You Should Really “Fold” Socks to Prevent Stretching Them Out

I don't buy socks—I get a pack from my parents on Christmas Day, so I've got to make sure they last all year. Other than losing them mysteriously in the dryer, the biggest threat to my limited sock collection is a stretched out cuff. Nothing's more frustrating than a loose sock sliding down into your shoe.

One great way to keep your socks tight is to change the way you fold them. Of course, not folding them at all is the best way to keep those cuffs healthy, but if you're like most people (including me)...

You Probably Roll Up Your Socks Like This:

Just look at those socks, they're crying out for help! There's a reason why clothing companies don't package their socks like this—it ruins them!

This Is How You Should Really "Fold" Your Socks

The solution is to simply stop using the elastic cuff as the mechanism that holds the pair together. Instead, use the toe end of the sock to hold the pair together. By creating a pocket in the toe-end, you can neatly slide the other sock inside. This video shows you exactly what to do:

This technique works best with ankle socks, but it can also work on regular ones. You can shove one whole sock into the other's foot area, and the other sock's cuff can be tucked away neatly behind it.

You Could Also Go for the Pretzel...

But I found the tuck is much neater in the sock drawer than the twist.

If for some reason your socks still aren't living up to expectations, don't toss 'em—there are many good reasons why you shouldn't throw out old socks.