A New Look at School Uniforms

Friday 17th of April 2009 12:39:54 AM

In past years school uniforms have consisted of one type of shirt, one jacket, one pair of pants or a skirt. In some cases a sweater was added for colder months. With more and more schools now implementing school uniform policies promotional clothing companies are finding that schools are beginning to offer students more options.

T-shirts are the current trend in school uniforms. A t-shirt is cost effective, comfortable, and can easily be worn with khakis or skirts. Printed t-shirts are available in a wide range of colors. Cotton fabric means they are extremely durable.

Jimmy Beard is a principal at a Richmond, Virginia middle school. His school began requiring students to wear uniforms one year ago and at that time decided to include t-shirts to cut costs. “Parents were really worried about buying uniforms. We presented them with a simple package that was affordable and attractive. I think parents automatically assume a school uniform will include a blazer and other standards from the old prep school uniforms and that can get expensive,” stated Beard in the Richmond Dispatch.

The traditional prep school uniform will not work in public schools. Price point is a major factor but comfort and ease of care also have to be considered. Schools need to be able to sell school uniform policies to parents and they can only do so if the policy will make parents’ lives easier.

Beard’s school worked with promotional clothing experts to design their uniform. “We have a varied student population and our main goal was to make sure all parents could afford the uniforms. We also wanted the uniforms to have a polished look, to raise our students self esteem,” says Beard.

Beard tells the Dispatch has his uniform policy has been well accepted by parents and students. He gives credit to the price of the uniform and the comfort. T-shirts may appear to be too casual as part of a school uniform but a high quality cotton t-shirt will please everyone. The students at Beard’s school present a refined and professional image.