Polos

Female head polos Louvre Br1

Polos is a term with multiple meanings across various cultures and contexts. In the realm of clothing and fashion, a polo typically refers to a Polo shirt, a form of shirt with a collar, a placket with typically two or three buttons, and an optional pocket. Polo shirts are usually made of knitted cotton rather than woven cloth. They are a staple of casual wear for both men and women. The name comes from the game of polo, during which such shirts were traditionally worn.

In the context of Ancient Greece, the polos (Greek: πόλος) is a type of high crown, often cylindrical, worn by various deities and sometimes humans in art and mythology. It is particularly associated with female figures such as goddesses, notably Artemis, Hera, and sometimes Aphrodite. The polos symbolizes divinity or a specific aspect of the deity's power.

Polos in Clothing

The modern polo shirt's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was adopted by polo players in India to replace the long-sleeved shirts traditionally worn in the game. The style was later popularized in the United States by designer Ralph Lauren with his Polo line, which helped transform the polo shirt into a significant element of the preppy fashion style.

Polos in Ancient Greek Culture

In ancient Greek art and culture, the polos is often seen as a marker of divinity or high status. It appears frequently in the depiction of goddesses on vase paintings, sculptures, and coins. The polos serves both as a religious symbol and as an element of fashion in the visual representation of deities.

See Also

• Polo shirt
• Ancient Greek clothing
• Religious symbolism in Ancient Greece