Georgia man who loves wacky socks collects 1,165 pairs, keeps them in their own dresser!

For many of us, finding a matching pair of socks can be a battle in the mornings – but for Rex J. Pumphrey II (USA), picking out a pair is a special moment when he can take a second to express himself before the start of the day.

The only problem? It might take a moment to decide, because he has over one thousand options to choose from! 

Tucked into the drawers of an entire dresser and half an armoire, Rex has the largest collection of socks in the world – 1,165 unique pairs, each carefully organized on to shelves by colour, and folded with the design facing out, so he can easily spot which sock he’ll choose to rock around the block in Monroe, Georgia.

“It all started with a single pair of socks,” said Rex. 

Nine years ago, he got married – and from that day onwards his life (and his closet) were never the same.

“The day I married my wife, I didn’t just gain a lifelong partner – I also found an unexpected passion that would take over my wardrobe, my home, and maybe even a small part of my soul,” explained Rex. 

Rex celebrating with loved ones after he won his record!

As a lifelong collector, Rex is also a sneakerhead – and his wife suggested that he start buying socks as a more affordable way to satisfy his desire for more. 

But he was determined to keep his style, so Rex doesn’t just collect any old pair of regular socks. He’s determined that they be “bold, colourful, and completely unique.”

“They weren’t merely accessories; they were conversation starters, personality amplifiers, and tiny works of art hidden beneath my well-polished shoes,” said Rex. “I’ve always taken pride in my clothing, but discovering a store that carried an endless array of extraordinary socks was like finding a treasure trove built just for me.

“Suddenly, my outfits had a perfect finishing touch – whether it was socks covered in miniature tacos, cosmic galaxies, or Renaissance paintings.” 

And he certainly has many options to choose from, spanning from: cereal brands to TV shows, sports teams and festive holiday prints, instruments, currencies, his favourite foods, and even some of the tried-and-true classic designs, like tartan or polka dots.

“Each pair became a reflection of my moods, interests, and sometimes even inside jokes between my wife and me. What began as a fun way to express myself quickly became an obsession. 

“One pair turned into ten. Ten turned into a hundred. And now, nine years later, I find myself the proud owner of 1,025 pairs of socks – a collection so vast it has claimed an entire dresser and most of an armoire.”

“Some might call it excessive,” said Rex. “I call it a masterpiece.” 

Rex transporting his sock collection in an ice cream truck

When the time came to submit his socks to Guinness World Records, Rex lined up all the pairs on the floor of the gym at Meridian Park in Loganville – carefully counting and cataloguing a collection that took up nearly all of the basketball court.

But he and his wife, Karyn, were still excited to see his passion for fashion get awarded with a new world record – no matter if it cost them an arm, a leg, and an armoire.

“When I open those drawers each morning, I’m not just choosing socks – I’m choosing a tiny adventure, a burst of creativity, a moment of joy,” said Rex.

“And honestly, what’s better than starting every day with something that makes you smile?”