A retired television news anchor from the United States has turned a light-hearted personal style into a world-record-breaking achievement. Jim Donovan, a former anchor with CBS Philadelphia, has officially set a Guinness World Record for owning the largest collection of colourful socks.
From On-Air Style to Global Recognition
During his long career in television news, Jim Donovan became known not only for his reporting but also for his distinctive wardrobe choice. He regularly wore bright, bold, and eye-catching socks while on air. Over time, viewers began to notice his playful fashion statement and talked about it on social media.
As his popularity grew, fans started sending him socks from across the country. Many of these pairs featured unusual designs, vibrant colors, and creative patterns. Some supporters even went a step further and sent socks printed with Donovan’s own face, turning his style into a personal brand.
Donovan said the sock gifts began arriving gradually. However, over the years, the collection grew much faster than he expected. What started as a fun habit soon became a serious and impressive collection.
Guinness World Records Confirms Historic Total
Guinness World Records officially verified Donovan’s achievement after reviewing and counting each pair. The final confirmed number stands at 1,531 unique pairs of socks, making it the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Each pair in the collection is different in color, design, or theme. According to Guinness officials, only completely unique pairs qualified for the record. This made the verification process more detailed and time-consuming.
Donovan expressed pride in the recognition and thanked his supporters. He said the record belongs as much to his fans as it does to him. Their creativity and generosity helped make the achievement possible.
A Collection Filled with Memories and Smiles
Speaking to Guinness World Records, Donovan shared that many socks carry personal memories. Some pairs were sent to celebrate milestones in his career. Others marked holidays, sports events, or important moments in his life.
He also highlighted the humorous side of the collection. Socks printed with his face remain among the most memorable items. Donovan said these designs always make him laugh and remind him of the strong bond he built with viewers.
Now retired from broadcasting, Donovan plans to preserve the collection carefully. He hopes it continues to spread joy and inspire others to embrace individuality. His story proves that even small personal quirks can lead to global recognition.
What began as a simple fashion choice has now secured Jim Donovan a place in the Guinness World Records — one colorful sock at a time.
