Figure 1.-- This Athens boy in the 1980s is wearing formes for chores at home. Although initially worn as a school gym uniform, they have become all purpose casual wear both in and out of school.

A gym or physical education (PE) called "formes" was adopted in the 1970s, but in the 1980s became popular as ordinary schoolwear. One major change from the mid-70s on was the introduction of a specific sport outfit for the class of physical education. Cotton trousers with matched tops were required for both boys and girls in Demotiko and Gymnasio. At the beginning teachers tolerated students who couldn't afford them but when they became cheap in late 70s they were strictly required for PE class. The term used for this outfit is "forma" or in plural "formes" which means uniform in Greek. In the 1980s with the abolishment of school uniform, children began wearing their formes to class as school garments rather than PE garments. But they have nothing to do with school uniforms since students can buy any type and color they like. Since the late 80s Nike, Adidas and other brands are prefered by students over the classic "made in Greece" cheap cotton formes. While formes were developed primarily for schoolwear they are now widely worn at home as casualwear as well as schoolwear.

Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Belgin pages:
[Return to the Main Greek garment page]
[Greek choirs] [Greek folk costumes] [Greek movies] [Greek royals] [Greek schools] [Greek youth groups]

Created: May 10, 2002
Last updated: May 10, 2002