One argument made by advocates of school uniforms is that having students dress alike minimizes conflicts based on economic differences. When students all dress in uniform, there can be no conspicuous consumption of designer products. Visible socio-economic differences are minimized by school uniforms. Advocates also argue that visual equality leads to fewer gang and clique conflicts because members can't wear their group's colors or symbols.
Advocates of school uniforms say that having students dress alike makes it easier for educators to keep the school safe. Since the student body is dressed in uniforms, outsiders wearing their own clothes are more visible. Identifying potentially threatening outsiders or interlopers becomes easier.
Those opposed to school uniforms often cite the loss of individuality as a key problem of school uniforms. When wearing a uniform, the student loses the ability to visually express individual identity through clothing. This may hinder the student's development of individual identity and make him feel he has lost a certain measure of choice and freedom.
Another major problem of school uniforms is the cost. School uniforms are usually expensive, and while advocates argue that wearing a uniform every day will diminish the cost of clothing one's children, some uniforms may increase the expense. Students do not wear their uniforms after school hours or on weekends, so parents still need to buy play clothes and dressy clothes. Moreover, when uniforms rip, stain, discolor or are outgrown, they are costly to replace.