School uniform

School uniforms are common in elementary and secondary schools in many nations. School uniforms are the best known form of student uniform, other types of which include uniforms worn by students participating in higher vocational training, for instance in health related occupations.

Related Topics:
Elementary - Secondary school

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The European country that has the most widespread use of school uniforms is the United Kingdom (see below). The practice of prescribing clothing has spread from there to many formerly British territories (including the Republic of Ireland, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia and South Africa).

Related Topics:
School - United Kingdom - Clothing - Republic of Ireland - Australia - Singapore - Hong Kong - New Zealand - Malaysia - South Africa

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Japan is another industrialised country in which school uniforms are nearly universal. In most of continental Europe and Scandinavia, school uniforms are however not common. Soviet Union gradually abolished the requirement to wear school uniforms in its public school system. Cuba still dresses its children in the "pioneer" uniform. In 2004 the French law on secularity and conspicuous religious symbols in schools was introduced to outlaw obvious religious clothing and symbols.

Related Topics:
Japan - Scandinavia - Soviet Union - Cuba - Pioneer - 2004 - French law on secularity and conspicuous religious symbols in schools

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In North America school uniforms are generally not used in public (state-sponsored) schools. However, independent schools often have school uniforms. In the 1990s, there was a trend, including a mention by President Clinton in a State of the Union Address toward re-introducing uniforms in American public schools, and especially so in low-income areas. This was at first motivated by a need to counter "gang clothing", but has later also been seen by some as a way of improving morale and school discipline.

Related Topics:
State - Independent schools - 1990s - President Clinton - State of the Union Address - Gang - Morale - School discipline

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Traditionally, school uniforms have been subdued and professional. Boys' uniforms often consist of dark trousers and light-coloured shirt, plus a jacket in cold weather. A girl's might consist of a skirt and blouse. The gender-specific uniforms have been a point of contention, and some schools permit female students to choose either skirt or trousers. The use of a blazer or suit-like jacket has come into favour in some areas.

Related Topics:
Trousers - Shirt - Jacket - Skirt - Blouse - Contention - Blazer

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British night clubs often organise uniform theme parties where patrons are asked to wear adult versions of the uniform. This kind of use of children's clothing may be controversial in the context of a setting of heavy drinking and sexual behaviour. Angus Young from the Australian musical act AC/DC often wears his school uniform on stage.

Related Topics:
Night club - Angus Young - AC/DC

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