Most schools have a dress code. Common dress code guidelines ban spaghetti straps, midriff baring tops, and overly short skirts or shorts. Other typical guidelines exist to ban gang related clothing, outerwear in the classroom or potentially offensive logos or slogans. More and more school districts are expanding dress codes to specify what must be worn, including guidelines as to color, types of garments, and even the cut of pants or skirts.
In their most basic form, dress codes eliminate disruptive clothing. Supporters believe that uniforms can create a school less focused on clothing and dress and more focused on learning. Uniforms can also reduce the visibility of class differences in schools. Some studies suggest that theft and other criminal activity are lower in schools with uniforms. With a clear uniform policy, violations of the school dress code are quickly recognizable.
In order to successfully implement any dress code, all parties should be involved in the planning, not just the school board or administration. Teachers may have valuable input with regard to current policies and enforcement. The parents and students should be involved in the planning process to ensure good compliance. Integrating the interests and concerns of everyone into the dress code will allow for the creation of a code that is functional and practical in the classroom. Dress codes that occur without community involvement often cause considerable controversy.
While managing clothing costs is often presented as a benefit of school uniforms, many families find that the opposite is true. Uniforms can be quite expensive for many families, and still require that non-uniform clothing be purchased. Consider how the school district will provide for low-income families if a uniform dress code policy is selected. Schools may also need to absorb the uniform cost for students with disabilities who require specialized clothing.
One of the biggest drawbacks to school uniforms is a lack of self-expression. Students who wear uniforms to school are unable to dress as they please and choose their own clothing. Adolescence is a time of learning how to function in society, including how to dress. Students who have no control over their clothing choices may not learn how to make good choices for the future.