Some private or parochial schools require students to wear uniforms. This is because the uniforms are designed to be modest. Revealing clothing can allow the minds of students to wander in ways that do not conform to schools' mission statements and values, be these moral or religious in nature. If the institution relies on religious principals, uniforms help to promote chastity and quash impure thoughts. By limiting opportunities for temptation, students can concentrate on their studies.
In public and private school settings alike, a student's choice of clothing, especially if this choice is alternative or involves sub-culture, can be the cause of bullying and harassment. Uniforms, to some extent, can help combat this problem in school. If everyone dresses in a school uniform, there are likely to be fewer instances of students ostracizing others because they choose to dress differently than other students.
When everyone is required to wear a uniform, there is likely to be less distraction about who is wearing what and more focus on classroom activities. If instructors and teachers do not have to spend time disciplining students about the dress code, they will have more time to devote their attention to lessons and teaching. Uniforms can also help prevent gang colors and symbols; by limiting outward signs of gang affiliations, administrators can prevent fights and promote a peaceful learning environment.
Schools work with clothing companies to supply students with school uniforms. Compared with the price of buying a student a new fall wardrobe for school, the cost of uniforms is relatively low. A few pairs of shirts, skirts or pants and sweaters will cost much less than buying jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and other articles of clothing at a retail store. Uniforms can also help eliminate economic disparities between students as well. By requiring uniforms, students will no longer be able to distinguish and disparage others whose families are not able to afford new wardrobes or designer labels.