A bobby sock is a type of sock that was especially fashionable 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 shoes, 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.