You know something is popular when it becomes a storyline in a movie or TV show, gets mentioned in the news, or becomes a defining characteristic of a generation’s celebrity culture.

So it is with socks. What used to be considered a boring topic of conversation — if it was to be considered at all — socks are becoming an important element to modern pop culture. Today, there are entire blogs devoted to showing celebrities in their colorful socks. Famous people talk about their socks in the same regard as they do their movies and books, like actor James Van Der Beek, who once told “US Weekly” magazine that he “never wears white or black socks.”

And perhaps surprisingly, this trend started decades ago in some circles. Here are just a few of the more memorable uses of socks in TV, literature, and politics:

Socks in TV

Socks were a major element of the Season 6 premiere of Seinfeld, titled “The Chaperone.” Elaine just started a new job as the assistant of businessman Mr. Pitt. One of her first tasks is finding Mr. Pitt an adequate pair of socks, which proves far more difficult than anticipated. Elaine spends the entire episode helping her boss try on multiple pairs of socks until they both snap.

“What do you want?” She asked in an exasperated tone.

To which we yelled back: “I want a decent sock that’s comfortable that will stay on my foot!”

Don’t we all.

Socks are used as a key character trait of Agent Seeley Booth on the hit TV show “Bones.” Booth, portrayed by actor David Boreanaz, is an FBI agent who works with a forensic anthropologist to solve crimes. He is a by-the-book detective except for one quirk: He wears brightly colored socks.

His striped, multi-colored socks are a perfect metaphor for the contradictions in his character attributes. On the one hand, he’s solid, dependable and predictable, he follows rules to the letter and he adheres to the traditional qualities of the alpha male, including the suppression of emotion and individuality. But underneath that exterior is a man full of contrasts and quirks — just like his socks.

Socks in Literature

One of Dr. Seuss’ most popular books is “Fox in Socks,” which contains several pages of tongue twisters that can cause an aneurysm if read to fast.

More recently, the character Dumbledore in the young adult novel, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” lamented “Once can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”

Socks in Politics

Socks have even made a few headlines in the political arena.

Many people will recall the bright pink socks that former President George H.W. Bush wore to the dedication of his son’s presidential library several years ago.

Go back 50 years and another U.S. president Joseph P. Kennedy, the father of former President John F. Kennedy, once said of his famous son: “He may be president, but he still comes home and swipes my socks.”

About the author

EVERSOX is a worldwide supplier of custom branded socks for businesses, retailers, and promotional products distributors — with over 10,000 designs manufactured & 100 major brands served since 2010.