School Uniforms

Wouldn’t it be nice to get up in the morning and not have to worry about what you are going to wear that day? Should friendships be based on what brand of clothes people wear, or loyalty, trust, and respect? School uniforms can easily solve the little problems we face every day. The benefits of school uniforms are endless; you simply cannot go wrong with wearing a uniform. Having worn a school uniform my whole life, I believe students should not be given the option to wear whatever they want to school. Uniforms create equality, they save families money, they save students time, and they prepare students for the future.
The greatest benefit of a uniform is its ability to create a sense of unity and impartiality in a community. Through wearing a uniform, students do not have the pressures of wearing designer clothes or items they cannot afford. When all students are dressed the same, they are less likely to be judge or criticized by their classmates and teachers. Uniforms serve as a way to bring people together. Although there will always be cliques in high schools, uniforms do an excellent job of helping to eliminate them. Students are more likely to get to know their classmates better when they wear uniforms.
A popular concern parents have about uniforms is that they are too expensive and they are not able to afford them. This however, is definitely not true. An average girl at Trinity Catholic High School in Newton, Massachusetts will spend approximately $236 on her uniform, whereas the average boy will only spend about $216 on his uniform. From JB Edwards, a uniform skirt only costs $38 and a pair of pants for the boys only costs $30. Both prices are lower than a pair of jeans would cost. According to a recent poll from The Washington Post, the average American will spend $540, on back to school clothes and shoes. Unlike certain pairs of jeans and shirts, uniforms are easy to wash and never go out of style. Uniforms are great for families. Especially, since uniforms rarely change, one sibling can pass their uniform down to the next sibling. This reduces stress in families because it allows them to save money, and put it to better use.
High School can be a demanding time for many people. One thing everyone should not have to worry about is what they are wearing. By spending too much time shopping for new clothes or debating about what to wear in the morning, students are wasting time in which they could be studying or sleeping. Once in school, students will spend their time looking around the classroom to see what each other is wearing, instead of paying attention to the teacher. This causes low self-esteem issues and people feeling pressure to fit in. School is not a fashion show; it is a place to get an education.
The goal of most schools is to give their students an education that will prepare them for the future. Through enforcing a dress code, schools are getting their students ready for the real world. Many professions require workers to wear a uniform. Therefore, schools want students to be aware that they will not always be able to wear what they want. Children who wear school uniforms always look presentable and are well-behaved. Studies show that students in uniforms actually perform better on exams than students without a dress code.
A common complaint about uniforms is that they are uncomfortable and unflattering. However, if a student is wearing the same thing they would wear to bed, they are not going to be able to focus. A student is only expected to wear it for six hours a day, five days a week; they should be able to handle it. Children are more appreciative of getting new clothes when they wear a uniform. When students are dressed up they will often feel the need to perform better. When you wear a uniform you are representing your school. Many people will show you more respect, then they would someone not in a uniform. A dress code is a form of discipline and teaches students obedience and control.
It is argued that students express themselves through what they wear. However, if a student is being judged, they will usually just wear what everyone else is wearing in order to fit in. Children should not need to express themselves through their clothing in school. They can express themselves on the weekends, after school, and in the summer. In many cases, the way students express themselves is distracting towards the other students. What makes a person special and unique is their personality, not their clothing.
Our society has created an environment in which people feel pressured to wear the latest trends. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford these expensive items, and as a result children are teased, insulted, or excluded by their classmates. Not only do school uniforms prevent bullying, but they also save time, which is extremely valuable. Uniforms do not make it hard for people to express themselves; they allow people to show their creativity in different ways. When everyone is dressed the same, the people with the most confidence, poise, and elegance stand out, not the ones with the most money. Others are going to admire and respect them because of the way they present themselves, and not by what they are wearing.