School uniforms are produced in small lots, usually at the specific request of the school. This means that they generally cost more for a lower-quality product than ordinary clothing. Proponents of uniforms say this cost difference is reduced by the need for fewer uniforms. Lower-income families may still be unable to purchase uniforms unless the school, government or local groups provide funding.
Families who can't afford new uniforms every year are likely to send their children to school in older uniforms, creating the same type of teasing situation that uniform proponents claim they prevent. Since uniforms are more expensive than many types of basic, everyday clothing, these families may be able to purchase more new non-uniform clothes for their children. In areas where slightly different uniforms can be purchased from different stores, less expensive uniforms are also likely to be less fashionable, while uniforms that fit in better are often more costly.
Buying school uniforms is only less expensive than buying street clothing for school wear if the child wears the uniform at home, as well as at school. The majority of children change into street clothing after coming home, since the uniform will need to be worn again. The cost of buying fashionable street clothes for wear doesn't go down just because a school requires children to wear uniforms to class.
Uniforms in the most common range of sizes are less expensive than uniforms for larger or smaller children. Slim and plus size school uniforms tend to cost more than regular sizes, due to the smaller demand for them. This increases the difficulty of buying well fitting, neat looking school uniforms for children in low-income families.