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The Tradition of School Uniforms
It’s official; Prince George had his first day of school last month. Like all junior boys at his London school, George Cambridge, as he will be known at school, was wearing the ever-so-smart navy blue, red-trimmed uniform along with polished black mocassin loafers.
Not so Uniform Uniforms
It’s that time of year again when children bid a fond farewell to summer, and school begins again. What could be sweeter than the sight of children in their brand-new school clothes, strolling to school in the apple-crisp September morning? Whether little ones are just beginning their academic adventure or older students are returning for a new term, kids all over the world will be looking splendid in a very diverse collection of uniforms.
School uniform has evolved greatly over the years. As well as looking smart, these ensembles represent the identity of the school and promote cohesion, togetherness and order. These values can be achieved in many ways besides clothing, however some schools do prefer to have a uniform.
Although ‘school uniform’ means a standardised outfit for an academic institution, uniforms across the world are anything but identical! Globally, they are as different as cultures and countries. Some reflect the culture of the country, and some are proud relics of old institutions. They come in every colour of the rainbow, from long pink skirts in India and smart crimson sashes in Pakistan, to canary-yellow socks in England and even the occasional kilt in Scotland!
The First One
The first-ever recorded use of school uniforms was in England 1222. A robe-like outfit called the ‘cappa clausa’ was ordered to be worn by scholars at one school, by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time. The garment looked like a long cape sewn up at the front – think the Hogwarts robes in the Harry Potter universe!
School uniforms did not become widely used until later. It was not until the 16th century that the modern uniform began to be worn in school throughout the United Kingdom, and in other countries. The trend has continued to this day.
The “Old” Ones Which Still Live
The ‘cappa clausa’ is no longer worn, however, some older schools have stuck closely to their traditional uniform.
At Christ’s Hospital in England the uniform has hardly changed since the 16th century. It is claimed to be the oldest traditional uniform still in existence. The uniform is blue and yellow with long, bright, yellow socks, traditional pantaloons and robes. Even though the look is unusual for modern times, students reportedly feel extremely proud to wear it. It’s part of the school’s heritage, promoting school spirit and pride.
World-famous English school, Eton College is known for its longstanding traditions and the uniform, ‘Eton Dress’ is no exception. It consists as it has done for centuries of of a black tailcoat and waistcoat, white collar and pinstriped trousers. Even the male teachers are required to wear their own version. Luckily for the boys, they no longer have to wear the ultra-formal top hat.
The Scottish One
Even in Scotland, everyday wearing of the kilt is rare, and almost unheard of in schools except on special occasions like prom. However one school, James Gillespie’s in Edinburgh, has adopted the tartan garment as part of their boys’ uniform design. This unmistakably Scottish look, bursting with national pride, is one of the most unusual uniforms out there.
The Practical One
Who needs a bag? In the mountainous Kingdom of Bhutan, which some people call the happiest place in the world, students wear brightly-coloured outfits in wonderful fabrics. And unlike most of the world’s schoolchildren, Bhutanese kids allegedly do not carry school bags. Instead, they store all their school books and stationary between classes within their cleverly-designed pocket-filled clothing.
School uniform Buthan
Colourful school uniform in Uganda
School uniform in Cambodia
The Iconic One
In Japan, the school uniform, and especially the mini skirt or micro skirt for girls, has been adopted by various subcultures. The overall look of a white shirt teamed with a short, plaid skirt is now an icon of Japanese culture. Some Japanese school uniform, a sailor-style design is based on navy uniform.
The Non-Uniform
Of course, uniform dressing is not the only way to look smart and school-picture perfect! Many countries and schools, including Germany and the USA, lean towards ‘guidelines’ and ‘dress code’ rather than a strict uniform. Some schools highly value that students should be able to express their individuality, and that comfort is paramount and good for their learning. Children in such schools might be encouraged to follow guidelines, perhaps they must forgo jewellery or logos. In other schools there are more relaxed guidelines, leaving students essentially free to wear what they choose.
The Coolest Looks
Back to School
STYLE EDIT · SEPTEMBER 2017
And at the end...
Whether children wear a school uniform or not, we wish all the world’s children luck and happiness in their education!