School uniforms in England: history and traditions. History of School Uniforms (⌒ω⌒)ノ

October 22, 2015

School uniforms appeared in ancient times and were the privilege of only the upper strata of society, or castes. Today, almost every country has its own unique school attire, different not only from its neighbors, but also varying from school to school within the country itself.

Our article presents the most famous world schools and their uniforms.

Schools in England.

The English school uniform is a role model for schools around the world. School clothes are not just a business suit, but a full set of clothes, which includes shoes, outerwear, even socks and knee socks. The appearance of the form as such in England dates back to the 16th century, but it was finally and universally established only by 1870.

Eton College (Eton College)

- a private British school for boys, founded in the 15th century.

To date, the uniform of Eton College, although it has undergone some changes, has remained fundamentally the same: black tailcoat, vest and striped trousers, white cotton shirt with a detachable collar, black coat, black shoes. Additional elements are: gloves, dark blue or black scarf, umbrella. The set also includes underwear: black or gray socks, panties, handkerchiefs. Most students wear a white tie, but some seniors are allowed a white bow tie or Italian collar.

All students, of course, are proud of their uniform, which once again emphasizes their high position in society.

Harrow School (Harrow School)- a public school for boys, founded in the 16th century. The uniform is as restrained as at Eton College: white shirt, black silk tie, light gray trousers, black boots, blue jumper (sweater), dark blue woolen jacket, blue or white scarf, blue woolen coat. There is an additional set of Sunday clothes, with a slight difference in the color scheme, however, all the same gray and black tones. There is one detail at Harrow School that sets its students apart from others - the straw horse hat, symbolizing their belonging to the upper caste. This belonging is here and is felt at every step and in every glance.

US schools

School uniforms in the United States differ for private and public schools. In private schools, you can rarely see a sundress or a checkered skirt on girls, and blazers on boys; it is not permissible to wear shoes such as sneakers or sneakers, which is widespread in public schools. The most common type of clothing for all schools is a T-shirt or jumper of a certain color with the school logo - for the institution itself this is an honor, but students consider it fashionable.

St. Bernard's School

- a private school for boys and girls, founded in 1904.

Classic tones predominate in clothing: dark blue jackets, trousers, skirts, gray vests, white cotton shirts, dark blue striped ties, black shoes. For girls, the set includes dark blue knee socks. Dark blue and gray tones are refreshed with bright scarlet splashes on ties, knee socks, and the school monogram.

Schools in Switzerland.

The tradition of wearing a school uniform, as such, does not yet exist in the country. Many schools are still coming up with their own individual style. However, in a number of privileged educational institutions, the school uniform is already part of the school.

Boarding school Institut Le Rosey

- boarding school, founded in 1880.

The traditional classic dark blue color of the uniform is refreshed with light blue and golden yellow tones. The clothing set includes: jacket, trousers or skirt, shirt (white or blue), tie for boys and neckerchief for girls. The weekend version of the suit includes white jackets and skirts.

According to the students themselves, they feel quite comfortable in such clothes, perceiving them as part of their student life.

In Great Britain, school uniforms appeared a long time ago, at the beginning of the 16th century. Most often, school uniforms in blue colors were used in educational institutions, but over time, this “fashion” began to change.

You can take a look at the school uniforms of modern Englishmen:


1. This is what a school uniform looks like for primary school students at a school in Poynton, Cheshire.

2. Seventh grade students at Burlington Danes School, White City, London are wearing school uniforms, which, by the way, have one interesting feature. At night or twilight, when students in this uniform walk along the sides of roads, the uniform reflects the light of passing cars. Special orafol elements are sewn into the fabric of the uniform. A very correct and original solution for the safety of young British people!

3. At London's Elizabeth Garrett Andersen School, students are encouraged to take part in designing their own school uniform. This approach allows us to better take into account the wishes of children and make the school uniform truly comfortable and elegant.

4. The fabric used in these school jackets from School Cullors is made from 100% recycled polyester. It takes 30 plastic bottles to make one such jacket. For the first time, such school clothes appeared on sale in 2008.

5. Pupils at Eton College climbed a hedge to get a better view of Elizabeth II during her visit to the college in 1990. Eton College is under the patronage of the British royal house; both Prince William and Prince Harry studied here at one time.

6. Primary school pupils from Mere Brow School in Tarleton, Lancashire, play in the schoolyard.

7. The first day of the new school year at Nottingham Academy.

8. The uniform of one of the schools in the London district of Harrow also includes a straw hat, traditional for this school.

9. Modern school uniforms can be in bright colors.

10. The dress uniform of Eton College, one of the most famous educational institutions in the world, includes a tailcoat and a smart waistcoat.

11. Pupils at Christ's Hospital School must wear the traditional uniform, the cut of which has not changed for 450 years. But the survey shows that children really like it and are proud of their “ancient” form.

12. In this photo, one of the employees of the Price and Bookland company demonstrates the products of her company - a school uniform for girls who profess Islam.

13. A seventh grade student at Oasis Akedemi Media City School begins her studies in the new semester.

14. Former Bexley Business School teacher George Plemper, now working as a photographer, came to take photographs for the school's students' photo albums.

15. There are also schools in the UK where wearing a school uniform is not compulsory. For example, pupils at Anthony Jell School in Wirksworth, ceremonial Derbyshire, attend classes in their normal clothes.

What school uniforms are worn in different countries. Photo.

In the modern era, school uniforms are compulsory in most developed countries of the world. Supporters of school uniforms give the following arguments:

The uniform does not allow the development of subcultures at school.
- there are no ethnic or gender differences; the level of income of parents is not visible from clothing.
- children and students get used to the formal style of clothing that will be needed at work in the future.
- students feel like a single team, a single team.

Let's see what school uniforms are worn in different countries of the world. It will be interesting.

School uniforms in Thailand are the sexiest.

Students in Thailand are required to wear school uniforms from primary school to college. The new style of uniform for female students looks very sexy. A white blouse that fits tightly to the upper body, and a black mini skirt with a slit that fits equally tightly to the hips. Of course, not in all educational institutions, Thai students can see the advantages and disadvantages of female students’ figures. Girls used to wear skirts below the knee, so the older generation of Thais believe that such school uniforms are detrimental to morality. In addition, schoolgirls with flaws in their figure and excess weight probably do not feel very comfortable in such clothes.

School uniforms in England are the most classic.

The style of the school uniform is classic and traditional. Secondary school students must wear the standard English-style school uniform. The boys wear classic suits, regular leather boots and a tie. Girls also wear western style clothes, regular leather shoes and a bow tie. It is believed that this classic style of clothing subconsciously influences the temperament of English students, as well as the sense of beauty.

School uniforms in Japan are the cutest.

For students in Japan, the school uniform is not only a symbol of the school, but also a symbol of current fashion trends, which is often a deciding factor when choosing a school. Japanese school uniforms for girls look like sailor suits. An indispensable attribute of the school uniform for girls is a short skirt and knee socks. Such schoolgirls are well known to anime fans. Japanese school uniforms for boys are classic dark suits, often with a stand-up collar.

School uniforms in Malaysia are the most conservative.

Students in Malaysia are subject to fairly strict rules. Girls' dresses should be long to cover the knees. Shirts must cover the elbow. The complete opposite of Thai schoolgirls. This is understandable - an Islamic country.

School uniforms in Australia are the most uniform.

Both boys and girls in Australia are required to wear black leather boots, matching jackets and ties.

School uniforms in Oman are the most ethnic.

The school uniform in Oman is considered to most clearly demonstrate the ethnic characteristics of the nation. Boys must wear traditional, white Islamic-style clothing to school. Girls should cover their faces, or better yet, stay at home.

School uniforms in Bhutan are the most practical.

It is said that students in Bhutan do not carry school bags. All their textbooks and pencil case fit under their clothes, because the school uniform always bulges in different parts of the body.

School uniforms in the USA are the coolest.

Students can decide for themselves whether they will buy and wear a school uniform or not. By the way, they also decide for themselves how they will wear it.

School uniforms in China are the most athletic.

School uniforms in most schools in China differ only in size. You won't see much difference between girls' and boys' clothes because, as a rule, schoolchildren wear tracksuits - cheap and practical!

The school uniform in Cuba is the most ideologically correct.

The most important detail of a school uniform in Cuba is the pioneer tie. Greetings from the USSR!

Today it is difficult to imagine at least one school where students would be allowed to come to classes in ordinary clothes. Any educational institution strives to accustom children to strict discipline, and school uniforms are the best assistant for this.

In some countries, a school uniform is not just clothing, but a whole reflection of the cultural traditions of a particular state. In this regard, in many places it has common features and, of course, very noticeable and interesting differences.

History of creation

School uniforms in England appeared as an official dress code under King Henry VIII. The uniform of the military was taken as the basis. Initially, it was just a long raincoat of exclusively dark blue color. This shade was chosen for a reason. Firstly, it was believed that the dark blue tone would teach children humility. Secondly, blue paint was the cheapest and most easily available at that time. Christ's Hospital became the first educational institution in the history of England where it was decided to introduce school uniforms.

Since the decree of free primary education for all children was issued in 1870, the need for school uniforms in England has increased dramatically. And following Christ's Hospital, all educational institutions in the country decided to introduce strict uniforms for their students.

Quite interesting is the fact that school uniforms were created specifically for the poor. Afterwards, private educational institutions began to appear, considering it a special pride. They used special clothes not to make all students equal, but, on the contrary, to show their attitude towards the more privileged strata of society. It was during this period that the uniform became a “trick” of elite schools.

But the matter does not stop there. Many students, trying to look even better, began to button their jackets with a certain number of buttons, wear school caps at a certain angle, lace their shoes in as many different ways as they can imagine, and carry bags over the shoulder or simply by the handle.

School uniforms in England: description

At that time, the uniform tried to “adapt” to the age characteristics of the students. The costumes of boys who studied in primary school consisted of predominantly dark gray shorts and blazers (jackets). Socks were always worn with shorts. They were also grey. A shirt of the same color was always worn under the jacket. For holidays or special events, students wore white. For teenagers, regular long pants were approved. On their feet, the students wore classic black boots. With the onset of cold weather, every schoolchild put on a pullover with a cutout on the chest in the form of a triangle.

The school uniform for girls included an ordinary blouse, dress and apron. A little later, around the turn of the 20th century, girls began to wear sundresses.

English school uniforms continued to morph and change until the 1950s. It was during this period that reforms took place in the country, and secondary education became accessible to all. Then the idea was born to make one standard of formal clothing for all educational institutions. This is how the division of uniforms into “summer” and “winter” appeared. In fact, it was noticeably larger for girls. After all, during the warm period they wore simple dresses to study, and with the onset of cold weather they changed into insulated sundresses.

And, of course, the highlight of the English school uniform is the logo. All students proudly wore the insignia of their school. Most often it was embroidered on a tie or jacket. Much less often it was placed on special uniform caps.

Features of England

England is a very conservative country. And she follows her traditions very closely. And the school uniform became one of them. Therefore, every educational institution still provides uniforms to all its students. And not only a suit, but also outerwear, as well as small wardrobe details: socks, a tie, etc. Moreover, school uniforms in England are available in any size and are issued to each student completely free of charge.

There is a very attractive tradition at one Elizabeth Garrett school in London. There, any student can personally participate in the process of creating their future form. Of course, everything happens within certain limits, but individual wishes will be taken into account.

England continues to respect traditions and adhere to established rules. Every self-respecting educational institution has a strict dress code. What it will be like is decided by the institution independently, but based on established standards. In some cities in England, for example, the appearance of clothing still depends on the age of the students who wear it. The tradition of seasonal school uniforms for girls has also been preserved.

The modern form has a much greater variety of colors. Now you don’t have to wear only dark and blue colors. It became allowed to use brighter shades. For example, red or burgundy. Girls can afford checkered shirts, replacing regular blouses with them. And in addition to caps, school berets appeared.

Finally

School uniform is really necessary in any educational institution. She teaches children discipline and order. It can also help eliminate competition among students. After all, no one would think of organizing a beauty contest where there are rules requiring the wearing of a special school uniform.

It serves as a reflection of the cultural traditions of the country. Therefore, it is not surprising that the clothes of schoolchildren in different countries are so different.

1. School uniforms in England are the most orthodox

The style of the British school uniform is classic. It's simple and prim: middle school students must wear orthodox, Western-style school uniforms. Boys wear classic suits, leather boots and must wear a tie. Girls also wear Western-style clothes and dress shoes. Psychologists believe that this classic style of clothing subconsciously influences the temperament of students in England. School uniform colors may vary from school to school.

2. School uniforms in Korea are the most gentlemanly

Those who saw the movie "Mean Girl" probably remember the school uniform that the heroine was wearing. This type of clothing is the most common type of school uniform in Korea. Boys wear white Western-style shirts and trousers. Girls wear white shirts, dark skirts and jackets and ties.

3. School uniforms in Japan are the most nautical

For students in Japan, a school uniform is not only a symbol of the school, but also a symbol of current fashion trends, and even moreover, a decisive factor when choosing a school. Japanese school uniforms for girls use nautical motifs. Therefore, it is also often called a sailor suit or sailor uniform. The form also uses anime elements. Japanese school uniforms for boys are classic dark in color with a stand-up collar and are similar to Chinese tunics.

4. School uniforms in Thailand are the sexiest

All students in Thailand are required to wear a school uniform from primary school to college. As a rule, this is the classic “light top - dark bottom”.

5. School uniforms in Malaysia are the most conservative

All students in Malaysia are subject to fairly strict rules. Girls' dresses should be long enough to cover the knees, and shirt sleeves should cover the elbows. Compared to Thai students, Malay students are much more conservative.

6. School uniforms in Australia are the most uniform

Pupils in Australia (both boys and girls) are required to wear black leather shoes and white socks. They wear school uniforms all the time, except for physical education lessons, for which they are required to wear sports uniforms.

7. School uniforms in Oman are the most ethnic

School uniforms in Oman are considered to have the most distinctly ethnic characteristics in the world. Male and female students wear traditional clothing, and female students wear veils.

8. School uniforms in Bhutan are the most practical

Students in Bhutan do not carry bags or briefcases. They carry all their school supplies and books in their clothes.

9. School uniforms in the United States are the loosest.

Students in the United States are not limited in their choice of clothing. Only they can decide whether they need to wear a school uniform.

10. School uniforms in China are the most sporty

School uniforms in most schools in China differ only in size. Moreover, there are almost no differences between the uniforms of boys and girls - they wear loose tracksuits.