Many people believe that school uniforms stifle the students’ individuality and self expression. Because self expression and individuality is an important part of development for children, uniforms can hinder this development. While growing up, children need to develop confidence and personalities, and part of this comes from expressing themselves in healthy ways, such as having input in their clothing choices. Some worry that school uniforms can cause kids to act out in other ways to express individuality, such as body piercings, tattoos, or inappropriate uses of jewelry and makeup. Others state that diversity and inherent differences are parts of socialization, and when this is hindered, it’s detrimental to the students.
Because school uniforms are only worn during the school day, parents would have to spend money on other types of clothing for play, chores, family or formal occasions. When students are allowed to wear their own clothing to school, they are able to use that same clothing for other occasions, thus making the most of every outfit and every clothing dollar spent. Some families on tight budgets shop for their children’s clothing at second-hand and consignment shops or thrift stores. Some also rely on family hand-me-downs. Many argue that it is unfair to require these families to purchase school uniforms, which could be more expensive.
Others argue that the student comfort is vitally important to academic success. This includes physical comfort, comfort of materials and fabric, and a sense of comfort in the style of clothing. Many think school uniforms rob students of the comfort they need to succeed and learn in school on a daily basis.
Though uniforms, in theory, are supposed to improve academic, social and behavior outcomes, many opponents contend that is not reality. There is controversy over whether uniforms make improvements in schools or not. For example, some educators and parents don’t believe that school uniforms prevent gang activity or affiliation as some people hoped it would. Also, some parents are concerned that if a student dressed in a uniform is missing, abducted or committed a crime, it would be more difficult to find and identify them.