A NEW study has revealed that we lose at least one sock each month and around 1264 over a lifetime.
In the UK around 84 million socks go missing, which costs Brits a total loss of more than $3.7 million annually, according to researchers.
The survey of 2000 adults found that the most common causes of sock loss include garments falling off washing lines and blowing away or dropping behind radiators and furniture.
Men are the worst offenders with only 26 per cent taking pride in doing a wash with properly paired socks, compared to 44 per cent of women.
Now statistician Dr Geoff Ellis and psychologist Dr Simon Moore have developed a mathematical formula to predict the risk of laundry losses.
The algebraic equation is (L (p x f) + C (t x s) ) - (P x A) and the higher the figure, the greater the likelihood of losing socks where:
L = Laundry size, calculated by multiplying the number of people in the household (p) by the frequency of washes in a week (f);
C = Complexity of washing, calculated by multiplying the number of different types of darks and whites washes households do in a week (t) by the number of socks washed in a week (s);
P = Positivity towards doing the laundry, measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being a ‘strong dislike’ and 5 ‘strong enjoyment’;
And A = Attention paid, measured as the total number of precautions taken at the start of each wash out of checking pockets, unrolling sleeves, turning clothes the right way around and unrolling socks.
The study revealed that coloured socks are more than three times more likely to go missing than any other type like white, stripy or spotty socks.
But when a sock disappears, most people half-heartedly only search in the most obvious places before giving it up as lost forever.
The study was commissioned by Samsung to mark the launch of its new washing machine AddWash, which has a second door allowing users to add extra items like loose socks mid-wash.
Samsung’s Melanie Rolfe said: “We believe this new study has finally solved the age old mystery of the missing socks.”
She went on: “We are changing the way we do laundry with the new AddWash machine.
“No longer will we load the machine with trepidation as we worry whether pairs will be separated forever.
“Now we can add those loose socks and any other item of clothing we forgot mid-wash to ensure everything stays together.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission
FAQs
The Science of Sock Loss
One study conducted by laundry experts suggests that socks can easily get caught inside the drum of the washing machine or the folds of garments, leading to their disappearance. The spin cycle, it seems, may be the culprit.
Why do I keep losing my socks? ›
They're stranded in or around the washer or dryer: Socks abandon their matches during the laundry process itself -- sometimes lying helplessly on the floor next to the machines. Often, they're fixed to the washing machine tub or caught in the dryer drum.
What is the formula for losing socks? ›
The formula revealed that the larger the wash, the higher the likelihood of losing socks and could even be used to work out the probability of losing a sock in a single week using this version: Prob= 0.38 + (0.005 x L) + (0.0012 x C) - (0.0159 x P x A).
Where do lost socks go when they go missing? ›
Two common plausible explanations for missing socks are that they are lost in transit to or from the laundry, or that they are trapped inside, between, or behind components of ("eaten by") washing machines or clothes dryers.
What is the story about lost socks? ›
Book overview
When a man loses one of his favourite pair of socks at the laundromat, he sets out on a quest to find out what happens to lost socks, and why every sock drawer contains a plethora of single socks.
What are some unknown facts about socks? ›
10 fascinating sock facts
- World's oldest socks have split toes. ...
- The word 'sock' has Roman origins. ...
- Cavemen were the first to wear socks. ...
- Greek socks were made from matted animal hair. ...
- The ancient Romans committed fashion faux pas too. ...
- Lost socks can cost you £240 a year. ...
- 82% of young men wear odd socks at least once a week.
You're not alone, though: a study conducted by Samsung found that every year a person loses on average about 15 socks, for a total of 1,264 in their lifetime.
How many pairs of socks should a person have? ›
starting on the right foot. Generally people will find themselves in need of around seven pairs of casual daily socks, four to 10 pairs of athletic, extra absorbent and breathable socks, two to four pairs of cozy socks and four to seven pairs of fashion-focused or expressive socks.
How many socks go missing? ›
How many socks disappear? British scientists have investigated the loss of socks and discovered something astonishing: On average, we lose 15 socks a year. Rounded up over a lifetime, that's 1,125 socks!
Why do my socks fall off? ›
Find the right sock size.
This might seem obvious, but often the reason behind sock-slippage is that they don't fit your feet properly.
Static electricity – is often to blame! When socks rub against clothes in the dryer, they create static electricity. This causes them to cling to other fabrics and makes them difficult to see. As a result, they often go unnoticed when you're doing laundry and end up getting lost.
What would happen if you never change your socks? ›
Neglecting to change your socks can lead to consequences such as foot odor. This may be caused by the combination of sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells. While not a direct health problem, dirty socks create an inviting habitat for bacteria and fungi.
Where to look for a lost sock? ›
Where to Look for Missing Socks
- Inside Someone Else's Dresser Drawers. ...
- Inside the Washer Drum. ...
- Beside, Between, or Behind the Washer and Dryer. ...
- Under a Sofa or Chair in the Den. ...
- Under a Bed. ...
- Clinging to Another Piece of Clothing. ...
- In the Lost Sock Pile. ...
- Inside the Washing Machine.
Happy Socks began in April 2008, when Mikael Söderlindh, an advertising executive, and Viktor Tell, an illustrator and graphic designer, came up with the idea of colorful, printed socks. Three weeks later, they began production in a Turkish factory.
Why do people wear invisible socks? ›
Whether you're rocking sneakers, loafers, or boat shoes, no-show socks seamlessly blend with your footwear, allowing your personal style to shine through. They're a versatile addition to your wardrobe, ensuring that your shoe game remains on point without the distraction of visible socks.
What are hidden socks? ›
Comfortable, non-slip, organic cotton pairs that are low-cut to sit discreetly in shoes like deck shoes, loafers, espadrilles or trainers. Featuring a heel grip and the ideal dash of stretch for the perfect all-day fit. Invisible socks that are simply too good to show off.
How many socks go missing a year? ›
On average, we lose 15 socks every year, and there is an explanation for this mystery. Look in your sock drawer and count how many are missing their pair. They both went into the washing machine, and yet only one came back out. Trying to understand where the missing pair went might make you lose your mind.
