In this paper, I show how combinatorics casts light on the notorious ubiquity of unpaired - "odd" - socks. Using a random-loss model I show that (a) the disappearance of socks is indeed heavily biased towards the accumulation of odd socks; (b) that random loss of just half the socks typically cuts the number of complete pairs left by 75 per cent; (c) the problem of finding matching pairs remains formidable, even after removal of all the odd socks. I conclude by showing that the optimal solution appears to be to pick two basic types of sock, buy equal numbers of each variety - and stick to them.
This paper follows my earlier research into the question of whether tumbling toast has a natural tendency to land butter-side down.