President George H.W. Bush's Choice Of Bold, Whimsical Socks Made Him A Style Icon

By Shannon Van Sant / NPR

Published December 1, 2018 at 7:06 AM PST

This story was published more than 6 years ago.

Former President George H.W. Bush crosses his colorfully socked feet during the unveiling ceremony of portraits of his son former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, in 2012.

George H.W. Bush was known for many things, including his legacy as former U.S. president, World War II aviator, congressman, ambassador, CIA director — and as a fashion icon through his whimsical choice of socks.

In a 2014 fundraising email from the Republican National Committee, Bush wrote, "I'm a self-proclaimed sock man. The louder, the brighter, the crazier the pattern - the better."

"When Chairman Reince Priebus asked me to write to you on behalf of the Republican National Committee (RNC), I told him I'd be happy to do it. But on one condition: my letter to you had to involve socks," Bush continued.

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The RNC told donors they would receive a colorful pair of socks, with a symbol of an elephant, in exchange for a contribution of $35 or more.

Last spring, Bush wore book-themed socks to the funeral of his wife Barbara Bush, to commemorate her commitment to family literacy programs.