Polka dot is a pattern consisting of dots. Polka dot patterns are quite variable: they range from a series of dots that are equally spaced and sized to a random arrangement of multicoloured dots of different sizes. Polka dots are most commonly seen on children's clothing, toys, and furniture, but they appear in a wide array of contexts. The pattern rarely appears in formal contexts, however, and is generally confined to more playful attire such as bathing suits. Occasionally white on black regularly spaced polka dots appear on more formal clothing.

While polka dots are ancient, they first became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in Britain. At the same time polka music was extremely popular and the name was also applied to the pattern, despite no real connection between them.

The musician Randy Rhoads used a Flying V guitar with polka dots. The professional wrestler Dusty Rhodes was given a black outfit covered in yellow polka dots during his time in the WWF, this seemed strange at the time but went on to become a successful and memorable gimmick. The pop artist Dimitrios uses polka dots in all his works, as does Yayoi Kusama in many of hers. Blues guitarist Buddy Guy regularly plays a signature Fender Stratocaster painted in black with cream polka dots.

There were many other "polka" items some of which included "Polka-hats" and "Polka-jackets." Most disappeared with the fad of actual Polka dance. However only the polka dot fabric pattern remained popular and the name has been left intact over the years.

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