School Uniforms: Weighing the Pros and Cons

on July 31, 2009 at 11:06 AM

I wore a (ridiculously ugly) school uniform throughout middle school and high school, and, frankly, I hated every second of it. Looking back, however, I can see why it is a practical solution for many schools.

School districts across the country debate the issue of students wearing school uniforms. Some moms think this is a great idea; others strongly disagree. Here, they weigh the pros and cons of school uniforms versus regular clothes...

The pros of wearing a school uniform:

SophiaofLight: It's cheaper for parents, and it evens things out between kids whose parents can buy them nice clothes and those that don't have a lot of money to spend.

SloaneM: No decision-making in the morning, no "dressing better than the Jones'" competition in the hallway, no making fun of the "lame" students with no fashion sense, etc.

Mommyx308: I think it teaches children respect and that there is a time and place for everything.

The cons of wearing a school uniform:

SophiaofLight: I think teens need to go through some amount of rebellion and clothes are one of the safest and easiest ways to do it.

My3Babes: Kids express themselves through their clothes, and I say as long as they are wearing them in good taste then go for it.

Wvnative: The equality thing is great but part of growing up is learning that some folks have more than others, and it doesn't make them better or worse either way.

ThatTxMom: I am not raising robots, but individuals who I am trying to instill in them that they are each unique and blessed with different strengths.

Do your kids wear a uniform to school? Where do you stand on this issue?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: back to school, clothes, education

Comments (28)

justgrape723

on Jul 31, 2009 at 11:59 AM

I think the uniform idea is a good one. It doesn't have to be a very strict one. something as simple as dark pants or skirt and a choice of 1-3 colors for a shirt. I personally am tired of going to elementary school and seeing little girls belly buttons and little boys advertising alcohol and tobacco when they are clearly not old enough to consume those products. Too many parents these days just do not understand how to teach self respect and respect for certain institutions, like school, businesses church etc.I would have no problem with my kids having to wear a uniform and have to follow a dress code. As for them being individuals they can do that on the weekend. More and more businesses these days are bringing back uniforms.

Report this comment

MinstrelMommy

on Jul 31, 2009 at 12:23 PM

My kids don't wear uniforms in the school they're at now, but we've been there before, and I wore a uniform in jr. high when I was a kid.

I will say this, uniforms don't camoflage the kids as far as social status goes. Everyone could still tell who had money and who didn't by the name brand shoes and designer backpacks and purses some of them had; and others did not.

Also, it didn't save me money buying the school uniforms. I still had to shop for fall clothes in addition to the uniforms. (It's not like they're going to hang out in their uniforms for the rest of the day or for the weekend.)

I don't think uniforms are bad, per se, but I do think they're a lot more pointless than people realize. I don't think it's going to change any child's behavior for better or worse.

justanotherjen

on Jul 31, 2009 at 12:46 PM

My kids go to a Catholic school so they wear uniforms every day. The girls wear green plaid jumpers and white blouses. My son wears navy pants and white oxford shirts. They have to wear dress shoes and the girls have to have knee highs or cuffed socks in certain colors (no regular hanes socks). They have certain sweaters they can wear and have a gym uniform with the school name on the shirt and pants/shorts. It was a lot of start up cash when they started but saves us in the end.

When my oldest was in kindergarten and 1st she went to public school with no uniforms. It was a freaking pain. I bought her new clothes for the school year (because she needed them) and she refused to wear most of them. Then every day, whether we planned her outfits out the night before or not, she would throw a fit and not get dressed. She constantly worried about what the other girls were wearing and what they would think of her clothes. she was 6! I'll take uniforms any day.

CrazyForHer

on Jul 31, 2009 at 2:02 PM

My daughter attends Catholic school and I love the idea of uniforms. They wear them on most days but also have "casual" days where they can show their individualism through their clothing if they wish. For me it was about cost saving. There is a great shop in town where parents can trade out last years uniforms for a discount. Clothes are expensive and this is just another way for me to save as a single parent. So far my daughter loves the idea. I am sure this attitude will change in a few years. ;)

pen

on Jul 31, 2009 at 7:14 PM

Mine have to wear uinforms here. To me i think it is cheaper not to have them. Because i still have to buy reagular cloths. then school cloths on top of that. My 13 yearold went through 3 sizes of pant last year. She hit puberty. so i had to by double the pants i would of normally buy. It was very exspensive.

The kids have to wear white shirts too. i cant keep those things stain free to save my life.

atley

on Aug 1, 2009 at 9:16 AM

My children wear uniforms and I love it. They also have days when they can wear normal clothes with a few restrictions. It is nice to walk into their school and not see a guys underwear or a t-shirt with some rude quote. It does make the mornings easier and there isn't any competition on who wears what. Because my children wear a uniform I am pretty flexible on what they wear outside of school because I also think they need to show their individuality.

getting_by_ok

on Aug 1, 2009 at 10:25 AM

I'm 52, wore school uniforms from first grade through 12th. Hated them in grade school but when I got to high school I loved it- I could climb out of bed at 6:20 and be rolling on the bus at 6:40! (It was an all girl school then, here they are mostly co-ed now, so it, of course, wouldn't be that way today. Makeup takes a while to apply!

mom4life2009

on Aug 1, 2009 at 1:34 PM

I know that a lot of conflict and competitiveness will cease if uniforms are mandated. And the cost for parents would decrease a bit. I wish they would make this official today! I am pro-uniforms :)

jos635

on Aug 1, 2009 at 1:58 PM

'No more Peek_A-Boo shots" Did get an order from CT. today, going to call and see how they heard about us. We're going to hit the used uniform sale next week and hopefully get some finds! We have two little ones and it gets expensive..our little start up http://smartiepantsapparel.com is slowly getting on the radar..The uniforms are great because it beats trying to compete with the latest and greatest at the mall when you add it all up.

bella69147

on Aug 1, 2009 at 4:23 PM

easy. No arguing over clothes or a special shirt dirty or wrinkled. Uniforms are a good way to keep children more focused on other things much more important. Way easier for me.