In Victorian times, small and evenly spaced polka dots became popular with the introduction of machine-made fabrics, replacing the hand-sewn dots by seamstresses.
By the 1920s, polka dots started to be worn in larger and more flamboyant styles, alongside the smaller and more sophisticated designs.
Minnie Mouse is known for wearing large red and white polka dots since 1928, but she recently changed to a Stella McCartney-designed deep blue polka dot trouser suit for her A/W 2022 runway show in Paris.
In the 1950s, polka dots gained popularity as part of the Bombshell and Rock'n'Roll styles, being sported by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, and Sophia Loren in various clothing items such as dresses, swimsuits, bikinis, capri pants, scarves, and blouses.
Whether worn in a dotty, spotty, ditsy, or classic polka dot style, these patterns on clothing are widely seen as playful and fun, yet also timeless and elegant.
In the 1980s, polka dots made a comeback, notably worn by Diana, Princess of Wales in striking, well-photographed tailored outfits for her public appearances.