The whole trick, in five short steps.

1. The problem, named.

Ordinary socks come in assorted patterns. Patterns create pairs. Pairs create matching. Matching creates the odd-sock drawer.

2. The change.

Every sock in a size is the same color; grab any two and you have a pair.

3. What that does.

There is no such thing as an odd sock. Lose one and the survivor still has eleven partners.

4. Color = size.

No more holding up tiny white socks and asking yourself "Is this 2T or 3T?" — the color is the size. Two kids, two sizes, two colors. Laundry sorts itself into piles that are already the right child's socks.

Honest note: color means size, not owner. Same size = same color. See the FAQ for that edge case.

5. The permanence promise.

The color for a size never changes. Mulberry is 2–3 years; 2-3 is Mulberry. Replenish for kiddo 2 (or 3) and they still match.