New and Hip School Uniforms

Wednesday 21st of September 2011 01:33:30 PM

Can ‘hip’ be used in the same sentence as school uniform? Certainly, if this question was asked five years ago the answer would be an astounding no. Now times are rapidly changing and school uniforms are becoming trendy.

In the past several decades, minor changes were made to school uniforms over the years. A skirt might be shortened, (not too short), or lengthened, a tie might go from wide to skinny, and some students were given the option of wearing a sweater instead of a blazer. The most controversial change during this time was including pants as a part of the women’s uniform kit.

Today, students and teachers, along with parents and the public, are finding other controversial issues with school uniforms. In most cases, the students are happy with the changes, the parents are not.

The school uniform market is now driven by fashion trends. School uniform manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributers realize that students want fashion and that trends change every year. The successful manufacturers work to stay on top of the current fashion trends.

Cotton t-shirts are possibly the biggest change to the school uniform kit. Many public and private schools offer students the choice of an affordable cotton t-shirt with the school’s logo that can be worn in place of dressier apparel. Other fashion trends that change every year include color choices, silhouettes, fabric choices, and length.

In addition to fashion trends health and safety issues have become trendy. The government encourages schools to provide uniform choices that will offer protection to students. Uniforms made of hi-viz material or cotton t-shirts with hi-viz striping are perfect for students who walk to school. The hi-viz material is reflective and ensures the student can be seen on overcast and foggy days.

Safety inside the school is very important. Administrators must ensure the uniform kit does not offend anyone or promote gang activity with gang colors. The t-shirts in the school uniform kit must be fitted so students in science labs, technology classes, and other hands-on classes do not get their clothing caught in any machinery.

Schools walk a fine line when choosing school uniforms. They must follow trends but pay attention to the academic benefits of the school uniforms. School uniforms must make a student feel good, they must be comfortable, safe, and durable. A simple fashionable t-shirt with the school’s logo can create a sense of unity on the school campus and improve social behavior and academic grades.