The Importance of The Girls School Uniform

Added: 05/09/2007

Over the years the girls school uniform has evolved. With the addition of pieces for both tops and bottoms, girls are now able to mix and match their uniform pieces to create a look that is a reflection of their personal style but still falling within their school's guidelines. While we have certainly seen some improvements to the uniforms they still maintain a classic look.

For as many years as I can remember both the private school board and the catholic school board have enforced the girls school uniform. This dress code was originally instated for a variety of reasons but mainly to create uniformity amongst the students. Over the past decade the uniform has also been a positive force in eliminating gang related clothing and creating divisions within the student body. Studies have shown that schools that enforce a uniform and dress code create a feeling of fellowship amongst the students. This results in a more confident and safe learning environment for the students, which has a positive impact on their academic results. On the flip side there are many people who believe there is no correlation between the girls school uniform and gang related activity. In any event, many school boards are choosing to adopt the uniform and enforce a dress code.

While having a girls school uniform makes day-to-day dressing a much easier task, there are definitely some ongoing challenges with enforcing the dress code. The main reason for having the schoolgirls in uniform is to have a look of uniformity but this is a something that many of the girls want to rebel against. In a quest to personalize the uniform to their own standards or to make a statement many of the students are modifying the uniform pieces and in doing so, they are breaking the guidelines for dress code. The most common and long-standing alteration that is taking place is the shortening of the skirt or kilt. Most school guidelines state that the skirt shall be no shorter then four inches above the knee. Parents will take the skirt to have it altered within the guidelines but then the girls will roll the waistband of the skirt to further shorten the hem on it. Another guideline that is often broken with the girls school uniform is the exposure of the midriff area. The girls are trying to “knot” the blouse in the front which then exposes their midriff. Currently there are rules in place such as dismissal from class if the dress code is violated however in the case of a student that repeatedly breaks the dress code a stricter repercussion will be in effect. For example, suspension and a meeting with the parents regarding the issue.
The girls school uniform has come a long way over the years. While it is still made up of most of the original pieces some of the more formal articles (such as ties or neck scarves) have been omitted in many regions. The uniform normally provides the female student with a choice of two styles of pants, a kilt skirt, two styles of shorts, long and short sleeved tops, cardigan sweaters, regular sweaters and turtlenecks. This is a basic list and in most cases there are additional items to choose from. Gone are the days of unisex uniform pieces for pants, shorts and tops. Now the girls school uniform is more form flattering and feminine.

While there will always be people in favor of a uniform and people against the uniform, one thing is for certain and that is that the school uniform seems to be growing in popularity. A good number of public schools are adopting the uniform policy along side the catholic school board and the private schools. It looks like the school uniform is definitely here to stay.

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