The Pros and Cons of School Uniforms

School uniforms and students being able to express themselves are often at the center of debates about dress codes in education. While uniforms create a sense of cohesion and eliminate distractions related to clothing choices, some argue that they limit individuality and personal style. The discussion around school uniforms continues as educators and parents weigh the benefits of consistency against the value of personal expression in a learning environment. If you need help planning and saving for your children’s education needs, consider working with a financial advisor. They can help you open and manage 529 plans and leverage other types of savings vehicles.

Pros of School Uniforms

School uniforms, while heavily debated, can provide some positives for both the kids who are asked to wear them as well as the school itself. This is why many private schools require uniforms and why more and more public schools have started to follow the trend. Here are the four largest benefits to school uniforms:

1. They Can Break Down Class Barriers Between Students

When students don’t wear school uniforms it can be easy to spot kids with the most – and least – economic privilege based on what they wear to school. One argument used in favor of school uniforms is that when kids wear uniforms visible class markers between rich kids and poor kids are decreased or eliminated, which may lead to more social mixing along economic lines.

2. They Can Increase Student Focus

Another argument that’s often raised in favor of uniforms is that they may increase student focus. The evidence for this seems to be thin, but many proponents of uniforms argue that when students don’t have clothing to notice, comment on or respond to, they can spend more mental energy on learning. Uniforms, according to this school of thought, add to a sense of disciplined learning in school.

3. They Can Increase the Sense of Community in a School

Uniforms may also build community in a school as students of all ages – and alumni, too – bond or commiserate over the outfits they all associate with their school days. When schools that have traditionally required uniforms toy with removing the uniform requirement, it’s often the alumni who speak out in favor of preserving the tradition of school uniforms.

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4. School Uniforms Can Promote Safety

Some proponents of school uniforms argue that uniforms can increase student safety in school and outside of school, as well as increasing students’ ability to blend in and focus on learning without having to worry that their clothing choices might make them a target. In areas where students may be gang-involved, uniforms can increase safety by preventing students from wearing clothing that declares – intentionally or inadvertently – gang affiliation.

Cons of School Uniforms

With all the positives that come with school uniforms, there are also some drawbacks. These are all related to the personal impacts that the requirement might have on a kid or the family of a child who is asked to wear these uniforms. The four largest cons of wearing school uniforms are:

1. They Can Be Expensive for Parents

Keeping a child in school uniforms may be more expensive for parents and guardians than buying regular clothes would be. Often, uniforms are only available from a limited number of suppliers and the lack of competition (and captive market) keeps prices high. Or, a uniform will include pricier items like blazers and dress shoes, which some families might struggle to afford. According to UniformMarket, an e-commerce company that specializes in uniforms and promotional products, school-specific uniforms can range from $100 to $500, while a standard uniform pay be as cheap as $25.

2. Uniforms Limit Student Self-Expression

Another argument made against uniforms is that they limit students’ self-expression. Teenagers, in particular, are famous for needing to express their emotions and their tastes in music, fashion and art through clothing, hair and piercings. School can be tough on kids and teens as it is, without taking away one of the few areas where they can exert some control and express themselves, say opponents of school uniforms.

3. Uniforms Might Be Sexist

Some uniforms may strike students and parents as sexist. For example, if a uniform requires girls to wear skirts instead of pants, some students and parents may object, leading to conflict with the school administration. Not all girls want to wear skirts and some may resent being told to wear traditionally “feminine” garments. Also, if a student is unsure of their place on the gender spectrum or is experimenting with different forms of gender presentation, school uniforms can present a real challenge.

4. Uniforms Lead to More Policing of Students

If a school has a uniform policy, it generally tries to enforce that policy by monitoring students’ clothing and punishing students for violating uniform requirements. Of course, even schools that don’t require uniforms may police student clothing that’s deemed too revealing or offensive, but uniforms may add to the attention focused on student dress.

This can make students feel that they’re being scrutinized and punished for their appearance, which could have negative effects on student self-esteem or attitudes toward the school. And if students are sent home for uniform violations, they will miss valuable learning time. Plus, policing student uniforms takes time and effort on the part of administrators.

How Common Are School Uniforms?

School uniforms are a common feature in many educational institutions, but their prevalence varies by school type and region.

According to data from UniformMarket, 57% of private schools in the United States require students to wear uniforms, compared to only 18.8% of public schools. Private institutions are more likely to enforce standardized dress codes, often as part of a broader effort to maintain discipline and a distinct school identity. In contrast, public schools have a lower adoption rate, though the presence of uniforms has been increasing over the years.

Bottom Line

If back-to-school shopping in your household involves shopping for a school uniform, you might be familiar with some of the arguments for and against uniforms. By some accounts, school uniforms are becoming more popular in the U.S., which means more households may find themselves debating the merits of uniforms in the years to come.

Tips for Paying for School

Paying for private school or college for your kids can be expensive. It’s important to make a financial plan to know you have the right amount available for your kids when the time comes. A financial planner can help you save and plan for these major expenses, as well as other goals you may have. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
If you’re trying to determine how much you need to save to put your kids through school, or yourself, it’s important to use a student loan calculator.