A school uniform is an outfit—a set of standardized clothes—worn primarily for an educational institution. They are common in primary and secondary schools in many nations. When used, they form the basis of a school's dress code.
Traditionally, school uniforms have tended to be subdued and professional. Boys' uniforms often consist of dark short or long trousers and light-colored shirt, often with a tie. Girls' uniforms vary greatly between countries and schooling systems, but typically consist of a dress or a blouse worn either with a skirt or culottes or under a pinafore. In some countries, gender-specific uniforms have been a point of contention, with some schools permitting female students to choose either skirts or trousers while still requiring male students to wear trousers. The use of a blazer or suit-like jacket for either gender is also fairly common, especially in countries with relatively cold weather.
Use according to country
Argentina
School uniforms are used in Argentina.
Australia
School uniforms in Australia have traditionally followed the British models. Most private and government schools, in all Australian states, have a compulsory uniform policy, though the degree of enforcement varies. For boys, the uniforms generally include a button-up shirt and/or polo shirt together with either short trousers (especially for summer wear) or long trousers, often in grey. Where short trousers are to be worn, long (knee-length) socks in school colours are often required. Girls' uniforms generally include skirts, culottes, dresses, jumpers, blouses and/or poloshirts and sometimes also trousers and shorts.
At private schools, uniforms for either gender often include a blazer, tie and hat. A different uniform specifically for sports is usually worn for physical education activities. These can include skin tight leggings, shorts, tennis skirts/netball skirts. The uniform in the picture on the right is from a public school.
Government schools, especially primary schools, in Australia tend to be more flexible with the way the school uniforms are worn than most private schools, which are strict regarding presentation of the school uniform.
In recent times Year 12 students at some Australian schools have been allowed to wear special jumpers (Leavers Jumpers) or printed tops to denote their final-year status. In some schools this has taken the form of a different coloured jumper (sometimes white or cream), or a special commemorative year-12 top (e.g. a rugby top) with the last two digits of the year and a name or nickname displayed (shown at right). Alternatively, tops are sometimes printed with the names of all students in that year level. Some schools also have different ties or blazers for senior years.
Cambodia
Uniforms are now fashionable in Cambodian schools. Before the school uniform, students would usually wear a white shirt and a skirt or pair of trousers in blue or black. In recent years, The school uniform has become stronger and more durable, making it more suitable for education. In both Primary and Secondary education, both male and female students are allowed to wear whatever style they like, as long as it is within the school's dress code. However, in high school, The female student's skirt must be knee length. The dress is almost always in the Khmer traditional style Sampot with the pleat generally at the left or right and sometimes at the middle like Sampot Samloy.
Belize
School uniforms are used in Belize.
Chile
Main article: Chilean school uniformIn Chile, most schools have a uniform
Until 1930, it was uncommon for students to wear a uniform. During the government of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo ,all students became obliged to wear a school uniform.
Under the government Eduardo Frei Montalva , a unified uniform was introduced for all public and private schools and other education centers.
Today, the traditional uniform has disappeared principally in private schools, who have preferred to use a customized one.
China
Uniforms are a common part of the schools in China. Almost all secondary schools as well as some elementary schools require students to wear uniforms. Uniforms in mainland China usually consist of two sets, one for summer and the other for winter. Uniforms for boys in the winter usually consist of a zip up sweater and pants, and a collared shirt (usually white) with shorts or pants. The uniforms for girls in the winter are basically the same as the boys' uniform. However, the summer uniform for girls consist not only of a collared shirt and pants, they also have the option of a skirt.
Cuba
School uniforms are used in Cuba.
England
Main article: School uniforms in EnglandSchool uniforms were first introduced on a large scale during the reign of King Henry VIII. The uniforms of the time were referred as "bluecoats", as they consisted of long trench-coat-style jackets dyed blue. Blue was the cheapest available dye and showed humility amongst all children. The first school to introduce this uniform was Christ's Hospital and it is the oldest uniform of any school.
In 1870 the Elementary Education act introduced free primary education for all children. The popularity of uniforms increased and eventually most schools had a uniform. During this period most uniforms reflected the trends of the age, with boys wearing short trousers and blazers until roughly the age of puberty and then long trousers from about 14 or 15. Girls mainly wore blouse, tunic dress and pinafore later progressing towards the beginning of the 20th century to gymslips.
These uniforms continued until the 1950s when after the Butler reforms secondary education was made free and the school leaving age was raised to 15. These reforms encouraged schools to implement uniform codes which were similar to other schools. Distinct "summer" and "winter" uniforms were sometimes required, particularly for girls where dresses were mandated for summer and gymslip for winter.
School uniforms are required to be fair for both genders, provide a reasonably low cost and tolerate religious freedoms e.g. allowing sikhs to wear turbans.
The Gambia
School uniforms are used in The Gambia.
Germany
School uniforms have no strong tradition in Germany and are virtually unknown today.
From the 16th century, students (especially of secondary or grammar schools and similar institutions) were often subject to regulations that prescribed, for example, modest and not too stylish attire. In many cases these regulations were part of wider laws concerning the clothing of all citizens of certain social classes.
A blue coat became a widespread, obligatory status symbol of students of secondary schools; it fell out of use during the latter half of the 18th century. In newer times, school uniforms in any real sense did not exist outside of convent schools and private boarding schools. At times, certain fashions b
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