Zettai Ryōiki

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About

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Zettai Ryouiki (Japanese: 絶対領域, lit. Absolute Territory) is a term used to refer to the area of bare skin showing in the gaps between over-knee socks and a skirt or shorts. The style first became popular in the otaku community where it is considered a “moe” trait in anime and manga characters. It has since become popular with the general public as a fashion style. Zettai Ryouiki is often divided into gradings depending on the length of socks being worn and therefore how much skin is showing. These gradings range from ankle socks to thigh-highs. Most fans of the style only consider true Zettai Ryouiki to include over-knee socks and above. The ideal ratio for the skirt-gap-socks (to knee) difference has been calculated as 4:1:2.5.^[1]

Origin

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The term originates from the 1995 anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, where it was used to describe a protective energy shield which surrounded an area that “no one can intrude upon”. The term was picked up in the otaku community where it evolved into the meaning it has today.

Spread

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The style is heavily featured in many Japanese anime and manga series and has become a part of a signature look for certain types of characters. It is often seen being worn by tsundere characters, such as Tohsaka Rin of the Fate series and Shana from Shakugan no Shana. A subreddit^[2] dedicated to the fashion exists as well as a TV Tropes^[3] page.

Unofficial Knee-high Socks Day

November 28th is considered by some on the Japanese web as Good Knee High Socks Day. The day is considered to be the unofficial anniversary for knee high socks. While not specifically celebrating Zettai Ryouiki, the day does focus on a key component of the fashion style.