Saint Seiya: Top 5 Most Beautiful Gold Cloths – Aries Misses the List, Aquarius at #5, Gemini at #2
In the iconic anime Saint Seiya, the twelve Gold Saints have always been celebrated not just for their formidable power, but also for their striking visual appeal, forming an immensely popular group adored by fans worldwide. Notably, their Gold Cloths possess a majestic and intricate beauty that far surpasses the simpler designs of the Bronze and Silver Cloths. Setting aside their combat prowess, let’s delve into a visual ranking of these legendary armors, focusing purely on their aesthetic design and symbolic grandeur.
The Ranking Criteria: Beauty Beyond Battle
What makes a Gold Cloth beautiful? It’s a combination of intricate design, symbolic meaning, the charisma of its wearer, and how well it represents the constellation it embodies. Some are majestic, some are elegant, and others are fearsomely beautiful. This list celebrates those that are visually most captivating.
#5: Aquarius Gold Cloth
While Camus might not rank in the top five in terms of raw power, his Aquarius Gold Cloth undoubtedly earns its spot here based on sheer elegance. The most defining features of this armor are its graceful flowing ribbons and prominently designed shoulder guards. This elegant aesthetic perfectly complements Camus’s own noble and composed demeanor, enhancing his aura of a sophisticated and powerful saint. Tragically, Camus met his end during the Battle of the Twelve Temples. He made a memorable return in the Hades Chapter, allowing fans to once again appreciate the beauty of his cloth in action.
#4: Leo Gold Cloth
Aiolia of Leo may not be the absolute strongest Gold Saint, but his Gold Cloth exudes a raw, regal power that is instantly recognizable. The armor’s design masterfully incorporates the lion’s ferocity and sleek, powerful lines, particularly around the helmet and gauntlets, making it look both aggressive and majestic. Although Aiolia wasn’t the central protagonist, his presence was always felt. His cloth’s design embodies the heart of a lion—brave, proud, and unyielding.
#3: Sagittarius Gold Cloth
The Sagittarius Gold Cloth, once worn by the heroic Aiolos, is arguably one of the most unique and inspiring designs. Its most breathtaking feature is the magnificent pair of large, feathered wings, symbolizing hope and freedom. The cloth is often depicted holding the iconic Golden Arrow, adding to its noble and aspirational appearance. Aiolos, though deceased early in the story, remained a spiritual guide, and his cloth became a symbol of hope for the Bronze Saints. Its design isn’t just armor; it’s a banner of courage.
#2: Gemini Gold Cloth
The Gemini Gold Cloth, worn by the complex Saga, is famous for its deeply symbolic and unique design. Its most distinguishing characteristic is the helmet, which features two distinct faces—representing the dual nature of the Gemini constellation: good and evil. This “two-faced” design is exclusive to the Gemini cloth and adds a layer of psychological depth and mystery to its appearance. The armor itself is imposing and intricately detailed, reflecting the immense power and internal conflict of its wearer. It’s a masterpiece of symbolic design.
#1: Virgo Gold Cloth
Topping the list is the breathtaking Virgo Gold Cloth, worn by the saint closest to god, Shaka. This armor is a marvel of design, often resembling the ornate robes of an ancient Greek priest or a divine Buddhist statue rather than mere battle armor. The helmet is elegantly simple yet profound, and the prominent, multi-layered shoulder guards create a magnificent silhouette. The entire cloth is adorned with intricate patterns that suggest both purity and immense power. It perfectly mirrors Shaka’s own serene, beautiful, and transcendent nature, making it not just a piece of armor, but a work of art.
Honorable Mention: The Aries Gold Cloth
It’s worth noting that Mu’s Aries Gold Cloth is itself a beautiful and unique design, characterized by its crystalline structure and spiritual aesthetic. However, its distinctive large, curling ram horns on the helmet, while iconic, present a more unconventional and divisive aesthetic that unfortunately prevented it from breaking into the top five in this purely visual ranking. Nevertheless, it remains a powerful and recognizable symbol of the Aries constellation’s innovative and protective spirit.
All twelve Gold Cloths are magnificent in their own right, each telling a story through its design. But based on a blend of elegance, symbolism, and sheer visual impact, the Virgo cloth stands as the most beautiful, followed closely by the symbolic Gemini and the hopeful Sagittarius. Aquarius and Leo complete a list that celebrates art, mythology, and power woven into metal.
