Some students want the right to wear their own clothes to school (2024)

FAQs

Why should students be allowed to wear their own clothes? ›

When kids are allowed to choose their own clothes, they learn a lot about themselves and their abilities. They also develop self-confidence and a sense of independence. In addition, allowing kids to choose their clothes can save you time and money in the long run.

While schools can set limitations across the board, they cannot apply standards that are different for different students. For example, a public school can ban all students from wearing shorts, but cannot say that all girls must wear skirts and all boys must wear pants.

Promotes School Spirit and a Sense of Belonging

It boosts morale and encourages students to do their best for the good of their school. School uniforms can also be used to promote a sense of school unity and school spirit.

Do I have First Amendment rights in school? You have the right to speak out, hand out flyers and petitions, and wear expressive clothing in school — as long as you don't disrupt the functioning of the school or violate school policies that don't hinge on the message expressed.

There is little evidence that school uniforms remedy behavior problems or boost academic performance. And while uniform policies might have a slight, positive impact on school attendance, we need to consider the downside: For some kids, uniforms may have a negative effect on well-being.

The imposition of a standard dress code diminishes students' ability to showcase their unique personalities and styles. Moreover, the emphasis on conformity, rather than diversity, raises concerns about stifling creativity and self-expression.

The dress codes also more heavily control girls' attire: 90 percent of schools restricted girls' clothing items like tank tops or skirts, 20 percentage points more than the share of schools that restricted boys' clothing. The job of enforcing dress codes, in many schools, falls to both male and female educators.

The following are examples of clothing that is unacceptable: tank tops, strapless, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder, cut-out designs, low-cut shirts, bare-back, sheer or mesh clothing that does not have an appropriate blouse or shirt underneath, etc.

Though the dress code is important, it also has some downfalls. Smartasset shares some disadvantages that come with dress codes including expenses, limiting student self-expression, sexism, and leading to more policing of students.

Blouses/shirts must be long enough to be tucked in and stay in waistbands. Excessively revealing clothing is not acceptable. This includes but is not limited to short mini-shirts, short-shorts, loosely fitting and low cut halter tops, tank tops, see through blouses, mesh shirts, and basketball jerseys.

What are the positives of dress code? ›

Dress codes enforce decorum and a serious, professional atmosphere conducive to success. Uniformly mandated dress codes promote safety. Dress codes promote inclusiveness and a comfortable, cooperative environment while eliminating individualistic attire that can distract from common goals.

A study conducted by Education Partnership Incorporated found that while some researchers reported a positive correlation between stricter dress codes and academic achievements, others have found no correlation between the two.

Nearly all – about 93% – of the nation's schools have some kind of dress code policy, with about half of all schools enforcing a strict dress code, and about 1 in 5 schools requiring uniforms, the Government Accountability Office found in a report late last year.

Dress codes also limit the amount of self expression students have. High school is a crucial part of finding your identity, and with the dress code being so strict, students feel closed off. Being told what to wear suppresses self expression.

Students who gain an education within the strict limits of the uniform required by the institution tend to have less aspirations in terms of creative expression and may even find it difficult to determine their individual identity apart from the group.

Encourages self-expression: By expressing their individuality through clothes, kids may feel more comfortable sharing opinions, communicating thoughts or feelings, and being able to choose between what they like or dislike.

4 to 5 Years Old

Children this age are also typically capable of putting on their own accessories, including belts and shoes. Generally, by age 5 they are able to put their clothing on the right way most of the time. Help children this age by taking the guesswork out of what clothing is appropriate.