As students return to school this fall many will be facing more than a new teacher and new academic challenges. Public schools from Maine to Maui are instituting school uniform policies for the 2009-2010 school year. Parents will complain, students will revolt, but in the end everyone will benefit – including promotional clothing companies who provide uniform t-shirts and polo shirts.There are many benefits to school uniforms and private schools have been capitalizing on the positives of dress codes for years. A t-shirt or polo shirt with an embroidered school mascot or logo immediately resolves many of the issues that run rampant in public schools.
A basic school uniform consists of a t-shirt or polo shirt in one or two color options, each with the school name embroidered or silk screened on the breast. These tops are worn with khakis or dress slacks and skirts to create a smart, professional look. There is no more stress over what to wear every morning, no more peer pressure to wear expensive fashions, and a student’s worth is no longer based solely on what they wear.
To capitalize on the school uniform market it is essential to offer a high quality product. Parents do not want to spend money on t-shirts and polo shirts that will fade or fray with multiple washings. Students want shirts that are comfortable. High quality cotton fits the bill and satisfies both parents and students.
Take a team approach when presenting your product to prospective parents and students. T-shirts and polo shirts with the school logo can bring a unified element to the entire school body. Students will not feel they have something to prove with their clothing choices and they can all become part of the school team.
And to those who worry over the loss of individuality? A t-shirt or polo shirt worn by all the students evens the playing field. Students will be seen for their true accomplishments and merits and cliques will not be based on fashion.
(c) Image by Guillermo Ossa, www.sxc.hu/