Figure 1.--This school photograph shows a Demotiko in the late 1990s. All boys and girls are ready for physical education class wearing their "formes".

In 1982 the social democrat government of Andreas Papandreou abolished the school uniform once and forever. In the school year of 1982 students were asked to solve the following mathematical problem: "The fashion designer X has 30 meters of blue cloth left in stock due to the abolishment of the school uniform. How many..." 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 abolisshment 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 forms. They continue to be very popular.

Created: April 26, 2002
Last updated: April 26, 2002