Reasons for Favoring School Uniforms

Schools, parents and students have been debating the wearing of school uniforms for years. But in recent years, schools and parents are taking a closer look at the case for school uniforms. This article focuses on major reasons for favoring school uniforms in both public and private school settings.

School Uniforms Save Time and Money

Students who have set clothing pieces to wear to school don't spend time wondering what to wear or what goes with what. The need for a variety of clothing pieces is reduced to just those pieces that meet school policy. Although uniforms do cost, parents save in the long-run. Students don't need a closet full of assorted clothing combinations to wear to school. The uniform does it all. Uniforms save both time and money.

School Uniforms Level Social Status

Students who come from families of lower economic status don't have to be embarrassed for their modest clothing pieces. The uniform makes the social classes level. Students don't have to be embarrassed if they can't afford the latest clothing fads. When peers wear identical clothing pieces, the social class distinction issue becomes much less of an issue.

School Uniforms Reduce Need for Policing

Uniform policy in schools still requires monitoring, but with uniforms, school administrators and teachers discover that wardrobe policing consumes less of their time than it does when there is just a general dress code for students to follow. When students wear required uniforms, there is little controversy over whether an item of clothing is appropriate.

School Uniforms Identify Student with Community

Identifying students who belong to the school becomes easier when all the students dress alike. Furthermore, being able to distinguish students who do belong on campus from those who do not is a major factor in the case for school uniforms.

Another benefit that comes when students identify with a particular school uniform is the corresponding sense of community. Students feel a part of a group of people who share something in common--their dress.

School Uniforms Improve Student Safety

When students are required to wear uniforms, the wearing of gang insignias or colors becomes less likely, and therefore, less of a threat to student behavior and safety. In addition, when baggy clothing is not allowed, there is less opportunity to hide weapons or drugs in clothing. Consequently, the threat of school violence is reduced.

School theft is also less of a threat, because there is less occasion to steal sneakers or jackets that are expensive or trendy. Everyone wears the same thing--the school uniform.

School Uniforms Put the Focus on Learning

School uniforms are conservative dress. This presents a picture of a student who is forward-minded, disciplined, and focused on learning. And in the classroom, when all students wear a common uniform style, there is less to distract students from the task of learning. There is little reason to make a big deal over a uniform seen many times. Students are more likely to concentrate on the task at hand--the task of gaining an education.

In summary, the major reasons for favoring school uniforms are these: school uniforms save time and money, school uniforms level social status, school uniforms reduce need for policing, school uniforms identify student with community, school uniforms improve student safety, and school uniforms put the focus on leaning.