A method and an automatic device for removing pairs of men's socks (Sl, S2) from support forms (11A, 11B) in a steam-ironing apparatus. The forms (11A, 11B) with the socks, from a drying station (14), are step moved in an indexed manner to a removal station (15) where the socks (Sl, S2) of each pair are removed simultaneously from the support forms (11A, 11B). The support forms (11A, 11B) which are placed alongside one another in relation to each pair of socks (S1, S2), are moved from bottom to top along a sloped guide (18), to an upper position where a gripping device (22) retains the pair of socks (Sl, S2) by the foot, after detensioning the foot of the socks in respect to the foot portion of the forms. The socks (Sl, S2) are removed by making a first partial removal by a downward movement of the support forms (11A, 11B) retaining the socks (S1, S2) by the gripping device (22); subsequently, the removal of the pair of socks (Sl, S2) is completed by an upward movement of the gripping device (22) maintaining the socks (Sl, S2) in an extended condition alongside one another.