Trends in School Uniforms

School uniforms date back to 16th century England, where they were a method of clothing the poor school children in the charity schools. By the 18th century, school uniforms had made their way into the public schools in England in an attempt to provide order and uniformity. Since then, the use of uniforms and their overall perception has shifted several times, but the traditional look of the uniform has not changed much at all.

School uniform tradition

Traditionally, school uniforms have been professional. In the United States, they have been mostly associated with private schools until recent times. In the 1980s, a major movement started pushing school uniforms into public schools; this was a phenomena that carries momentum to the present day; now almost half of public schools incorporate some use of school uniforms.

Makeup of school uniforms

For boys, the traditional dark trousers and light colored shirt are universal among just about every school that uses uniforms. Girls' school uniforms can vary a little more, ranging anywhere from a dress to blouse and skirt or culottes. Blazers or suit jackets are prominent as well as badges depicting pictures that represent the school.

Many argue that school uniforms prevent individuality and freedom of expression in an attempt to eradicate the uniforms from the schools. Still, the ideas that school uniforms reduce peer pressure, save parents money, decrease gang violence and prepare students for future jobs help propel the movement of school uniforms in public schools. Standardized clothing remains a popular opinion, and school uniforms have cemented their place in many cultures all around the world.