An optical cable includes a core member and a plurality of strands wound around the core member in an SZ configuration, the SZ configuration having at least two reversal sections and a helical section extending along a longitudinal length between the at least two reversal sections. A helical lay length of the wound strands is variable along the longitudinal length of the helical section. A method of forming an optical cable includes providing a core member and surrounding the core member with a plurality of strands by winding the strands in an SZ configuration that includes a helical section extending longitudinally between at least two reversal sections.