Yes, it’s that time of year again. Back to school shopping is in full force. Sale ad’s are out and kids are pouting. My daughter is somewhat happy and unhappy for one specific reason. Her new school requires uniforms. I personally am loving this. Mainly because I won’t have to argue with her each morning about what to wear. She will always be required to wear Khaki bottoms and a choice of either Black, White, or Powder Blue tops. They can wear any shoes they want, except flip flops and boots. This is making Back to School shopping a breeze this year. I’m pretty much done getting her tops. Just need to get bottoms now.
For those first time uniform shoppers like myself, fear not! There are many places to get your shopping done and without breaking the bank. I had gone to Aeropostale and purchased 5 tops for only $40. But, make sure you are shopping for exactly what the school wants your child to wear. Check their website for information. For the tops, my daughter’s school says no more than 3 buttons. If there are more, you must take out the extra buttons and sew the hole up. They have restrictions as well on the type of sweatshirts or fleece jackets they can wear. Specific colors and of course, no logo other than what they allow, which is usually just the school mascot. Most likely, we will purchase the sweatshirts and such from her school during the Open House next month. They are also allowed to wear cardigans of specific color’s, but, the collar of the shirt has to be seen.
Some parents are not necessarily happy with their child having to wear uniforms as they feel it stops a child from being an individual. I can understand that side as well. Children are happier when they are able to express themselves either in art, or the way they dress.
So, lets lay it out. What are the pro’s and con’s to School Uniforms?
Pros
- No morning fights
- Same costs as regular clothing – Possibly even less costs
- No teasing about clothing a child is wearing
Cons
- Loss of Individuality
- Cannot express fashion creativity
- Restrictions of exactly what can be worn and the fear of the school office calling you to get your child from school
I had asked my daughter what she considered a Pro in this case and she said that children won’t judge other children on what clothes they are wearing (see #3 in my pro list). She couldn’t think of a negative when I asked. However, if I remember correctly, she hates having to wear buttoned pants, so, we’ll see if she changes her mind on that! I think another pro is children will be more focused on their work, not what other’s are wearing.
Do your children have to wear uniforms when they go to school? Do you like or dislike this practice? Why do/don’t you like your children having to wear uniforms?
Have another few years for school here but I’d be happy with a uniform. I wore one for most of my school career – a more structured one (closer to your first picture) with less options. We still found a way to show our personalities. For example, I had A LOT of hair bows!
My only lingering concern would be for those families with financial burdens. Especially if they accidentally buy the wrong style.
Nichole, that’s something I’ll have to look into! I didn’t think about showing your personality with accessories. I never had to deal with uniforms, so, this is my first experience with it.
My daughter’s school actually has it outlined exactly what the code is. They can only have 3 buttons. If there are more, then, we have to cut the button off and sew the hole closed. The tan bottoms cannot be cargo pants. It’s all khaki’s. If they wear something that is out of code, to the office they go, and parents called.
I love every thing about uniforms!! Socially, it allows kids to get to know one another not for what they wear, but for who they are since they are all wearing the same thing.
Also makes my life as a Mom soooo much easier!!! No outfit drama!
Cara, that’s the main thing I am looking forward to. No morning drama! As my daughter has ADHD, it’s hard enough in the mornings. We used to fight over her outfits like crazy in the mornings. This is definitely one less stress!
I never had uniforms growing up but my daughter always has – and I hate it. They are SO expensive…they aren’t like regular clothes where you can shop sales and clearances. We just bought her 4 uniform shirts and logos for the 9th grade and it was $60. That is just for FOUR shirts!!
Jenn, do you have to buy from a certain location? My daughter has to have either Black or Tan Khaki bottoms and either Black/White/Powder Blue tops. I got her 5 tops from Aero for $8 each and 4 from Old Navy for $5 each. The bottoms – Shorts were $8 and Pants were $10. With old Navy I spent $72 on 4 tops and 4 bottoms.
I find there is a huge difference between the uniforms that were what the Catholic school required and the current uniforms that most public schools need. They can be as affordable or expensive as you want.
I am a fan. I don’t believe that it stiffles individuality because the style of your clothes as a kid are based more on what your parents will let you do than you actual choices;). At least in my childhood;).
I agree here! My daughter loves to wear boy clothing. She just finds them more comfortable. So, when I took her shopping, I did allow her to buy some shirts that were in the boys section. They had 2 buttons, so, no fear of being sent to the office! lol.
I love school uniforms. We luck out that our school does a uniform exchange. You get to pick up 2 uniforms for free. They just ask that you donate them back to the school when you are done.
Lisa, that’s awesome! That is definitely helpful to parent’s who can’t afford to buy all new clothing.
My kids have had uniforms for a long time. At first I did not like the expense of buying but now it is cheaper with my four boys as we just hand them down. My school also does a exchange every year.
Having children that you can pass them on to is a wonderful thing Tara! I’ve never heard of the exchange program that you and Lisa get to enjoy. That’s great!
i really like the cons i dont like washing uniforms every week and spending money on new uniforms for new schools or for unfitted uniforms
likes go cons!