Bobby sock
Encyclopedia
A bobby sock is a type of sock
that was especially fashion
able in the 1940s
and 1950s
. Bobby socks had thick uppers that were turned down to form sort of a thick cuff at ankle height. They were sometimes worn by girls as part of a school uniform
. They were popular to wear with saddle shoe
s, loafers
, or Oxfords
.
They periodically come back into fashion when people develop nostalgia for this period in history. Many sock stores carry bobby socks, and they can also be ordered through specialty suppliers and uniform companies, or knitted by hand, for people who are familiar with knitting socks.
In addition to being ankle length, bobby socks are also typically ornamented with a layer of lace or other material. The tops of the socks may be designed to fold down to showcase decorative materials, and it is not uncommon to see a bow or similar ornament on the back of the sock. Traditionally, bobby socks are plain white, but patterned and colored versions are available in many regions of the world.
The term “bobby socks” appears to date to around 1927, right around the period when it became fashionable and acceptable for women to display their ankles. The “bobby” in “bobby socks” is a bit of an enigmatic figure, as there is no clear explanation for the origins of the name. Some researchers have suggested that it may be related to the “bobby pin” which was in vogue during the same period.
Various types of loafers and Oxford shoes are classically worn with bobby socks, so that the socks can be clearly seen. Women tend to wear skirts with these socks, often choosing full skirts which will flare out with movement, although it is acceptable to wear slacks with this sock style. The bobby sock is generally not acceptable for wear in the workplace, as it is regarded as a casual style, although if the socks are largely obscured by long skirts or slacks, this may not be an issue.
Some schools include bobby socks as a uniform option for their girls. Girls may choose to wear bobby socks to have an opportunity for more personal expression in a school with a strict dress or uniform code, or because the socks are more comfortable to wear. Because of the common use of bobby socks in school uniforms, plain versions of these socks are often readily available from companies which supply school uniforms and accessories, although women with large feet may not be able to fit into uniform socks, as they are designed for girls.
Sock
A sock is an item of clothing worn on the feet. The foot is among the heaviest producers of sweat in the body, as it is able to produce over of perspiration per day. Socks help to absorb this sweat and draw it to areas where air can evaporate the perspiration. In cold environments, socks decrease...
that was especially fashion
Fashion
Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person...
able in the 1940s
1940s
File:1940s decade montage.png|Above title bar: events which happened during World War II : From left to right: Troops in an LCVP landing craft approaching "Omaha" Beach on "D-Day"; Adolf Hitler visits Paris, soon after the Battle of France; The Holocaust occurred during the war as Nazi Germany...
and 1950s
1950s
The 1950s or The Fifties was the decade that began on January 1, 1950 and ended on December 31, 1959. The decade was the sixth decade of the 20th century...
. Bobby socks had thick uppers that were turned down to form sort of a thick cuff at ankle height. They were sometimes worn by girls as part of a school uniform
School uniform
A school uniform is an outfit—a set of standardized clothes—worn primarily for an educational institution. They are common in primary and secondary schools in various countries . When used, they form the basis of a school's dress code.Traditionally school uniforms have been largely subdued and...
. They were popular to wear with saddle shoe
Saddle shoe
The Saddle shoe is a low-heeled, oxford, casual shoe characterized by a plain toe and distinctive, saddle-shaped decorative panel placed mid foot...
s, loafers
Loafers
Slip-ons are typically low, lace-less shoes. The style most commonly seen, known as a loafer or Slippers in American culture, has a moccasin construction. First appearing in the mid-1930s from Norway, they began as casual shoes, but have increased in popularity to the point of being worn in America...
, or Oxfords
Oxford shoe
An Oxford is a style of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp, a construction method that is also sometimes referred to as "closed lacing". Oxfords first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are occasionally called Balmorals after the Queen's...
.
They periodically come back into fashion when people develop nostalgia for this period in history. Many sock stores carry bobby socks, and they can also be ordered through specialty suppliers and uniform companies, or knitted by hand, for people who are familiar with knitting socks.
In addition to being ankle length, bobby socks are also typically ornamented with a layer of lace or other material. The tops of the socks may be designed to fold down to showcase decorative materials, and it is not uncommon to see a bow or similar ornament on the back of the sock. Traditionally, bobby socks are plain white, but patterned and colored versions are available in many regions of the world.
The term “bobby socks” appears to date to around 1927, right around the period when it became fashionable and acceptable for women to display their ankles. The “bobby” in “bobby socks” is a bit of an enigmatic figure, as there is no clear explanation for the origins of the name. Some researchers have suggested that it may be related to the “bobby pin” which was in vogue during the same period.
Various types of loafers and Oxford shoes are classically worn with bobby socks, so that the socks can be clearly seen. Women tend to wear skirts with these socks, often choosing full skirts which will flare out with movement, although it is acceptable to wear slacks with this sock style. The bobby sock is generally not acceptable for wear in the workplace, as it is regarded as a casual style, although if the socks are largely obscured by long skirts or slacks, this may not be an issue.
Some schools include bobby socks as a uniform option for their girls. Girls may choose to wear bobby socks to have an opportunity for more personal expression in a school with a strict dress or uniform code, or because the socks are more comfortable to wear. Because of the common use of bobby socks in school uniforms, plain versions of these socks are often readily available from companies which supply school uniforms and accessories, although women with large feet may not be able to fit into uniform socks, as they are designed for girls.