The autumn sort through your sock drawer
Short answer: When autumn arrives, feet need to stay warm and dry again, and it is a good moment to go through the sock drawer. Throw out the worn pairs, match up the ones that belong together and work out which types you actually need before winter sets in.
Why autumn is the right time
In summer many people wear sandals or short socks, and the drawer gets forgotten. In October the rain, cold floors and closed shoes return, and you quickly notice if your socks are thin at the heel or have lost their elastic. Sorting through them takes half an hour and makes the mornings easier for the rest of the winter, because you are not hunting for a matching pair while you are already late.
How to sort them
Empty the whole drawer onto the bed. Match the pairs and put single socks to one side. Check the heel and toe by holding each sock up to the light. If you can see through the fabric, it will soon wear out. Throw away socks with holes or keep them as cleaning cloths. Single socks get a week in a bag before they go as well. Finally, sort by type, for example everyday, sport and warm socks.
Which types you need for winter
Most people manage with a handful of thin everyday socks, a few thicker ones for cold days and a couple of pairs for the home. Wool and viscose from bamboo keep you a little warmer when they get slightly damp than pure cotton does. Socks for wellington boots should reach higher than the edge of the boot so it does not rub. Think about what you wear at home in the evening, too. A bamboo jogging suit for women with a pair of warm socks is a simple evening choice.
Care that makes socks last longer
Turn socks inside out before washing, so fluff and dirt come out more easily. Wash at 40 degrees unless the label says otherwise, and do not use too much detergent. The tumble dryer is hard on elastic, so drying on a rack extends their life. Fold them in pairs rather than rolling the cuffs over each other, because rolling stretches the elastic and leaves the tops loose.
Your feet at night
Many people have cold feet when they go to bed in the colder months. A pair of thin, loose socks can help you fall asleep, and many people take them off later in the night without noticing. Avoid tight socks for sleeping. Combine them with warm sleepwear, for example pajamas for women. If you often have very cold feet for no clear reason, talk to your doctor about it.
The rest of the wardrobe
Once the sock drawer is in order, it makes sense to do the same with underwear and sleepwear. The same principle applies: check for wear, elastic and fit, and remove what you never use. If you want to see the whole range in one place, you can look at bamboo clothing for women. Write a short list of what you are missing, so you only buy what you really need and the drawer stays tidy.
Frequently asked questions
How often should socks be replaced
When the heel gets thin or the elastic no longer holds. It varies a lot with use.
Is it a good idea to sleep in socks
Many people fall asleep more easily with warm feet. Choose loose socks without a tight cuff.
How do I make the elastic last longer
Avoid the tumble dryer and do not roll the cuffs over each other. Fold socks in pairs instead.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
