History of School Uniforms

Opening Statement

Did you know that modern school uniforms made an appearance in the 16th century? Uniforms have existed for a long time. However, even to this day school uniforms are required in many schools. This can show that school uniforms were invented for many reasons. Students should wear school uniforms because uniforms make students focus on their studies, reflect school unity and sprite, and increase student’s safety.

School uniforms can make students focus on their studies, rather than their fashion.

A bulletin published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals stated that " When all students are wearing the same outfit, they are less concerned about how they look and how they fit in with their peers; thus, they can concentrate on their schoolwork." Most students, especially teenagers will probably find a way to gain popularity through fashion or the hottest trends, which will surely disturb their focus on education. Some get pressured for not being able to keep up with the trends.

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Wearing a uniform would prevent that because everyone would be wearing the same thing and you can't judge who is wearing the best outfit. Overall students might even perform better at school because their factor of not paying attention in class was eliminated. Schools are not fashion shows and uniforms can maintain that statement.

School uniforms also show school spirit and unity. A study from Oxford Brookes University found that uniforms " often directly contributed to a feeling of school pride." An example is during sports tournaments between schools.

The matching color jerseys or uniforms can show school spirit. Just have a look at our school's sports games. Wearing something similar let students feel united and have a sense of satisfaction in how they look and their school. This is how school uniforms can make students feel unity and sprite.

Not just that, school uniform increases student safety. It can prevent gang members from displaying gang color or insignia and maintain a safe environment. FL School Board member Jay Wheeler reported that his country’s schools had a 46% drop in gang activity after their first full school year with a mandatory uniform policy. Schools can also easily identify intruders who should not be present on the school campus because they aren’t in the specified uniforms. That can alert teachers and students to take safety measures that can keep them safe. Without school uniforms, the school campus won’t really be that safe.

Counterargument: Of course, when there are pros there are cons as well.

School uniforms prevent students from expressing themselves

School uniforms are only worn during school times. There is plenty of time for students to express themselves after school or at the weekends. Uniforms do not silence voices or stop you from being you. Adding colorful accessories or different hairstyle options are another way to express yourself, even with uniforms. Besides, you should be able to express yourself through the ways of how you talk, act, and what you do.

New uniforms can be expensive

It may seem that way but by paying that one price, the uniform can last the year. Some students only require two sets of uniforms for the whole week. It can also save parents money because they don’t need to buy brand name clothing.

School uniforms are uncomfortable

Not all of them. When deciding the uniform, the authorized person of the school would try many designs and find the pros and cons in them. When doing that I’m sure they will try to keep the uniforms as comfortable as they can. Some schools in Japan have a different uniform for different seasons(winter uniform for winter season). Other schools have air-conditioned classrooms or electrical fans.

Intruders can easily blend in

They can only do that after they found out the uniform policy, which can take time. Intruders can get in much easier without school uniforms too.

Uniforms can have issues(religion, color)

The clothes students chose are more likely to have issues than clothes that were designed by multiple people of an organization, also known as a school.

Closing Statement

School uniforms should be worn by students. With uniforms, the school is not going to be a fashion show and you can focus more on your education. You can have a school spirit in your school and reflect unity. The campus is much safer too. Schools already have a restriction on what to wear, so why not just wear uniforms? Uniforms are something school needs and something students should want as they make a good cause in our lives. Therefore, students should wear school uniforms.