In 1984, a blue three-piece suit was introduced for girls, consisting of an A-line skirt with pleats at the front, a jacket with patch pockets and a vest. The skirt could be worn with either a jacket or a vest, or the whole suit at once. A mandatory addition to the school uniform, depending on the age of the student, was the October (in primary school), Pioneer (in middle school) or Komsomol (in high school) badges.
The school uniform, familiar to today's students from Soviet films, became mandatory after the Great Patriotic War - in 1949. From now on, boys were required to wear military tunics with a stand-up collar, and girls - brown woolen dresses with a black apron, and on holidays the dress could be black and the apron white. Fashionable school uniforms appeared in our country in the 1970s, although only for boys. Gray wool trousers and jackets were replaced with trousers and jackets made of blue wool blend fabric. The cut of the jackets was reminiscent of classic denim jackets.
In Russia, a single school uniform was worn throughout the second half of the 20th century, but the first law introducing a uniform uniform was adopted back in the 19th century. In 1834, a general system of all civilian uniforms in the empire was approved - this system included gymnasium and student uniforms. Until 1917, uniforms were a sign of class, since only children of wealthy parents could afford to attend a gymnasium. However, soon after the revolution, as part of the fight against bourgeois remnants and the legacy of the tsarist police regime, a decree was issued in 1918 abolishing the wearing of school uniforms.
In Turkey, almost all schoolchildren in all public and private educational institutions wear a uniform. The most common color of the uniform is blue. School clothes differ between elementary and high school students. For example, girls exchange sundresses and long dresses for knee-length skirts, shirts and vests.
Japanese schoolchildren are very fond of their uniform, which dates back to the 19th century. It is one of the main symbols of the country and is very popular among tourists. Girls wear “sailor fuku” - a sailor suit, low-heeled shoes and knee-length socks. To prevent long socks from slipping off during the day, schoolgirls glue them to their feet with special glue. Boys in Japan wear "gakuran" - it is a dark jacket with a row of buttons and a stand-up collar, as well as trousers.
School uniforms in India are worn throughout school life. Moreover, single-color saris are worn as school uniforms only in some Indian schools. In most schools, girls wear shirts and skirts, and boys wear dark trousers and a light shirt. Sometimes sets are complemented by ties.
US public schools have never had strict requirements for the appearance of schoolchildren, so a student in jeans, a colored T-shirt and sneakers is a typical appearance of an American schoolchild. However, since the mid-90s, uniforms have been introduced, but they do not differ in business style. These are usually single-color T-shirts, shorts, trousers or dark-colored skirts. If the school is private, then most likely there will be a uniform with the obligatory school emblem. Unlike other countries, all US schools have a mandatory dress code, which is set by the school itself. Among the main requirements is not to wear miniskirts, transparent blouses, T-shirts with obscene inscriptions, etc.
Great Britain is famous for its conservatism when it comes to choosing school uniforms. School uniforms in England have not only always been compulsory, but have not changed in many prestigious educational institutions for decades. Traditionally, the prestige of a school was determined by the fabric, color and emblem patches on a tie or jacket. And until now, British clothing for schoolchildren is always a complete set, which includes a formal jacket or sweater, shirt, tie, skirt or trousers, shoes and even knee socks or socks.
A school uniform is not only comfortable clothing for schoolchildren, which indicates their belonging to a particular school, but also at the same time combines certain traditions of the state. And it is quite possible for a schoolchild to belong to a certain state just by virtue of his school attire.
School uniform in Japan
Schoolchildren from the Land of the Rising Sun can easily be called the most fashionable. The fact is that school uniforms often reflect the traditions of not only Japan itself, but also the school. Most often, the clothes resemble a sailor suit:
...or clothes from popular anime. And, of course, a mandatory attribute for girls is knee socks.
But for boys the choice is not so wide. Most often this is a classic dark blue suit or trousers with a jumper, under which a blue shirt is worn.
School uniform in Thailand
They say that the school uniform in Thailand is the most classic - white top and black bottom, for both boys and girls. Absolutely all children are required to wear it, from elementary school to college.
School uniforms in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a Muslim country, but the hijab or veil is not a mandatory uniform for girls. Schoolgirls dress in green, toe-length dresses, over which they can wear a jacket. The boys wear regular black suits. And, of course, one of the attributes is a skullcap on the head.
School uniform in Indonesia
For girls, the school uniform in Indonesia includes a long skirt, leggings, a white shirt and a headscarf.
School uniform in England
Although school uniforms are compulsory in England, each educational institution has the right to set its own standard of clothing for students. Most often this is a jacket or jumper with the school emblem, a white shirt, for a girl - a pleated knee-length skirt, for a boy - trousers.
School uniform in India
In India, girls usually study in separate classes from boys. The school uniform for primary school students includes a blue shirt, a lilac skirt or sundress for girls, trousers for boys, and a mandatory striped tie.
School uniform in Uganda
The equipment of schoolchildren in Uganda is also dictated by each school separately. An important rule is that clothes should be made from natural lightweight fabrics, most often chintz. For girls, these are plain dresses with a white collar, and for boys, shirts of the same color. Small men also wear shorts.
School uniforms in Cameroon
In this African republic, girls are dressed in long blue dresses with a white collar, and boys can attend school as they please.
School uniform - is it good? Does it help class cohesion and maintain discipline, or does it kill individuality and self-expression? Much depends on the traditions of education adopted in a particular country or in different schools.
Obviously, the form itself will not make the student more curious, more diligent, or smarter. And it makes no sense to refer to the experience of English educational institutions with a five-century history as an argument “for” the form. Even if all the children wore wizard robes and pointy hats, their school would not turn into Hogwarts. However, the way schoolchildren look in a particular country says a lot about the culture and mentality of its people.
Christ's Hospital School. Photo from studentinfo.net
Great Britain
The very concept of “school uniform” appeared in the UK. Back in 1553, not far from London, Christ’s Hospital School was founded by royal decree - an educational institution for boys from poor families, which to this day is called the “blue coat school”. True, now this is a privileged educational institution for children of both sexes. The uniform is still the same: long tailcoats, white “judge” ties, short culottes and yellow stockings. Oddly enough, children are proud of their medieval attire and do not try to make a revolution in order to dress appropriately for the era.
In general, there are very few schools in the UK that do not have compulsory uniforms. Public schools have their own "heraldic colors" that students must adhere to. It is not uncommon for boys to wear shorts and knee socks until late fall until high school. In private institutions, you need to buy uniforms in the school store, and not only a suit in winter and summer versions, but also physical training, socks, ties, often shoes and even hair clips.
School uniform in Cuba. Photo from the site https://arnaldobal.wordpress.com/2011/03/24/cuba-es-la-poesia/
Cuba
Cuban schoolchildren receive sundresses and shorts of rich cherry color free of charge, as well as textbooks and writing materials. The high school students' outfit is designed in a tobacco color scheme. Closer to graduation, Cubans change clothes again, this time into blue shirts and blue trousers and skirts. All children are members of the youth division of the Communist Party, so the uniform is complemented by red or blue scarves - in the manner of pioneer ties.
India
In some schools, the uniform for girls is a sari or shalwar kameez of a particular color. But more often it is a European costume for everyone - a legacy of the times of British rule. Alas, what is good for the cool climate of Foggy Albion pretty much poisons the lives of children whose schools are located on the equator. Sikh boys wear turbans to school. In public schools, children from low-income families receive uniforms, textbooks and stationery for free, but probably every parent dreams of sending their child to a better school, although by Indian standards this is quite expensive.
Japanese schoolchildren. Photo from the site http://vobche.livejournal.com/70900.html
Japan
The most famous version of the Japanese school uniform for girls is the “sailor fuku”, a sailor suit with many variations. The best designers are working on the development of models - after all, a spectacular form is one of the factors in attracting new students to the school, which is extremely important in a rapidly aging country with negative population growth. Recently, the trend has changed - sailor suits are losing relevance, Japanese school style is drifting towards English.
An interesting story happened with the men's traditional jacket with a stand-up collar - gakuran, reminiscent of an ancient military sailor's jacket. The word "gakuran" consists of two characters that mean "student" and "West", jackets of this style were worn by schoolchildren and students in Japan, Korea and China for almost 100 years (less so in China, of course). But gakuran was also loved by members of numerous gangster associations. In addition, the same hieroglyphs can be deciphered as “school robbery.” In the 70s of the 20th century, psychologists decided that gakuran has a certain “dark aura” and is one of the reasons for school violence, which has become an acute social problem. But to this day, many Japanese schoolchildren wear gakurans; for them it is not so much a tribute to tradition as a protest and a challenge to public opinion.
School uniform in Korea. Photo from the site http://history.kz/8315/8315
North Korea
White top, dark bottom and scarlet tie - this is how young followers of Juche ideas should look.
Chinese schoolchildren. Photo from the site http://rusrep.ru/article/2013/12/17/
China
After the end of the Cultural Revolution and until the mid-90s of the 20th century, a variety of colors and styles reigned in the country - each school itself decided what its students would look like. However, in 1993, new state standards for school uniforms were released; from now on, they had to ensure freedom of movement, be practical and cheap. And it turned out that the easiest way is to dress the children in tracksuits - both boys and girls. Only prestigious private schools insisted on following the British or Japanese style.
Since heating in educational institutions is only available in the very north of the country, in the cold season children pull on their uniforms over warm clothes, but when the sun begins to warm up, pants and sweatshirts turn out to be a size or two larger. Today, most Chinese schools have opted for the flour sack. It must be said that neither the students nor their parents liked this “fashion trend.” Under the influence of public opinion, as well as after several scandals when carcinogens were found in cheap fabric, the Chinese government returned to the issue of school uniforms and again changed the standards towards lighter ones. So, soon Chinese children will again look not like juvenile thugs.
School uniforms in Australia. Photo from the site https://www.flickr.com/photos/pbouchard/5168061145
Australia
Junior classes usually wear standard polo shirts and shorts, both girls and boys - this is convenient for active games. Private schools follow the British tradition and dress children in business casual. However, in general, Australian school clothes lack elegance and hints of sexuality. It is believed that somewhat baggy dresses and heavy lace-up boots are intended to deter pedophiles.
School uniforms in Ireland. Photo from the site https://kristina-stark.livejournal.com/40071.html
Ireland
Many schools have adopted plaid skirts and ties, which evoke associations with Celtic clans. Instead of formal jackets, as a rule, students wear knitted jumpers and cardigans. It is noteworthy that Irish children, like English children, even in sub-zero temperatures, wear uniform socks.
Germany
Perhaps the Germans are stopped by memories of the times of the Third Reich, when almost all children came to classes in the uniform of the Hitler Youth, but in Germany there are no uniforms in public schools, although there have been debates about this for many years, and in some places they are introduced in person. By the way, immigrants from the USSR who moved to German lands became big opponents of the unification of schoolchildren’s clothing. But individual school councils can make decisions on branded school colors with the wish that at least something in the students’ everyday attire matches the brand book.
School uniform in Malaysia. Photo from the site https://ru.insider.pro/lifestyle/2016-12-12/vsyo-chego-vy-ne-znali-o-malajzii/
Malaysia
In Muslim countries, the school uniform for girls is a hijab of varying degrees of severity. However, Malaysians are not fundamentalists; moreover, the country is very international, multilingual and tries to adhere to a pro-Western course. Muslim women wear long tunics; for students from secular families there is a shorter option. The school uniform in the country was unified in 1970 - in both private and public schools it is mandatory and the same, in blue and white. The country's Ministry of Education has officially banned schoolgirls from dyeing their hair and using cosmetics. Also prohibited are costume jewelry and jewelry, and in some places overly elegant hairpins.
School uniform in Egypt. Photo from the site http://trip-point.ru/
Egypt
After well-known revolutionary events, Islamic fundamentalists came to power in Egypt. At the same time, a law was passed allowing girls to come to lessons and exams in clothing that left only their eyes exposed. However, in international schools, which operate, as a rule, in resort towns where foreigners prefer to settle, everything is still practical and democratic. Of course, there are schoolgirls wearing headscarves in Hurghada and Sharm al-Sheikh, but they are in the minority.
School uniforms in Turkmenistan. Photo from the site https://galeri.uludagsozluk.com/r/t%C3%BCrkmenistan-k%C4%B1zlar%C4%B1-1090224/
Turkmenistan
The girls are dressed in long bright green dresses with national embroidery and skull caps. Hairstyle - two braids, and if you are unlucky with your own hair, you can buy extensions. Moreover, students of colleges (blue) and universities (red) also wear uniform dresses. Boys come to classes in a more classic style, but also in skullcaps.
School uniforms in America are common mainly in private schools. And, as a rule, it contains the emblem of the educational institution. In ordinary public schools, most often, there is no school uniform. But there are certain rules of clothing style (Dress code). Moreover, different institutions have different rules. For example, the length of a miniskirt should not be shorter than the tips of the fingers, transparent clothing is prohibited, there should be no obscene inscriptions on T-shirts, etc. As a rule, schoolchildren wear simple clothes: jeans, wide T-shirts, sneakers.
American schoolchildren's clothing
Freedom in American Schools
Unlike other countries, children in American schools have more freedom, which is expressed not only regarding the form of clothing, but also other aspects. For example, each student has his own locker, there are no permanent classes when all students study together for years, there is no whole unified program, the student takes those subjects that interest him. There is also no strictness in behavior. For example, students can sit on the floor, etc.
There are still various discussions going on regarding school uniforms in the United States. While some believe that it is better to have a mandatory uniform, others refute this. These discussions were especially popular during the reign of President Bill Clinton, since it was he who actively supported the idea of introducing a school uniform. So in 1996, the US Department of Education issued a special guide to school uniforms, which listed the advantages of a uniform. The report described various experiments related to the introduction of uniforms in some schools. In particular, it was said that as a result of the introduction of the uniform, there were fewer crimes in schools, and general academic discipline also improved.
I suggest watching a video about school clothes (dress code) in Russian of a schoolgirl who studied at an American school.
On the other hand, compulsory school uniforms in America can hinder the development of children's own taste, style, and comfort. It can also cause some inconvenience for parents. Therefore, in the United States, they nevertheless abandoned the introduction of permanent uniforms. And this issue was left to the discretion of local authorities. In this regard, the management of each school decides for itself what rules for wearing clothes to introduce. Of course, parents play an active role in this matter. Because, in fact, schools in America exist at the expense of their budget.
The debate over children wearing uniforms in schools has been going on for a long time. Some believe that the same appearance equalizes children of all social classes. It allows you to better concentrate on your studies without being distracted by your desk neighbor’s new blouse or your classmate’s trendy jeans. Others, on the contrary, vote against it, saying that such measures do not allow teenagers to express themselves, turning everyone into a monochromatic mass. However, the obligatory uniform at school does not mean that it should be gray and ugly. Surely many of you, while watching foreign films about teenagers, have noticed, for example, how stylish the school uniforms of American schoolchildren look. In America, it is expected to be worn in private or even elite schools. In public educational institutions there is either a lax dress code, which is observed at special events, or its complete absence. Let's take a closer look at what an American school uniform is.
For girls
As mentioned earlier, school uniforms in America can be completely different. Very often you can find the emblem of a school or college on it. In this way, students at a particular institution can be distinguished from students at another. Apart from the emblem, there are no more restrictions. The color, material and style of uniform for schoolchildren is determined by the director, teachers and parents. The most common option for girls is a skirt, blouse and jacket.
The skirt is most often short or medium length, with wedges. Dark blue, green or burgundy, and plaid is also quite popular. Slim fit blouse, white. And a jacket of the same color that was chosen as the main one. Quite often, in addition to it, schoolchildren also have a vest, which they wear over their shirt. For hotter weather, the choice falls on a polo T-shirt, which is also complemented by a jacket or a plain half-shirt with buttons. The American school uniform for girls is distinguished by restraint, but at the same time it looks stylish enough so that the younger generation does not have aversion to its everyday wear.
Uniform for boys
For boys and young men, the uniform is selected with a focus on convenience and compliance with the rules of the school dress code. It is usually gray or beige in color. White or light shirt and jacket with an emblem. Also, depending on the weather conditions of the particular place where the school is located, the shirt can be replaced with a polo or have short sleeves. American school uniforms for boys and young men almost always look simple, even a little baggy. But young people are inherently more mobile than girls, so clothes should be the most suitable. But this style is more often used in less elite schools, where equality is paramount. In more expensive private educational institutions, the uniform of young men is thought out to the smallest detail. Which is why its overall appearance looks more neat and stylish.
Other school attributes
Looking through films or photographs showing American schoolchildren, one cannot help but notice some stylish details in their images. For example, a tie. It is worn by both girls and boys. It can be bright, again in the official color of the school, or simply a plain, discreet shade. Another interesting detail of the American school uniform is knee socks. This bow looks incredibly stylish. In general, it must be said that it is the knee socks that give that very chic to the overall look. White to the knees or tall burgundy with two white stripes, they can be very different. The photo shows an American school uniform. You can see what students from prestigious schools look like.
Backpacks or bags, although they do not belong to the school uniform and are chosen by students regardless of general requirements, nevertheless perfectly complement the overall look. A fashionable, solid-colored backpack fits perfectly with students' discreet outfits.
Lax dress code
As noted earlier, school uniforms are not present in every educational institution. On the contrary, about half of schools currently manage without it at all. But still, due to the lack of an approved uniform, schools often have a lax dress code. Guys most often wear jeans and T-shirts, sweaters and trousers. Usually these are convenient and comfortable things that do not restrict movement. However, there are still certain prohibitions.
What are American schoolchildren prohibited from wearing?
For example, girls in an educational institution should not appear in too revealing T-shirts and dresses or in too short skirts. Young men are prohibited from wearing trousers that hang down and expose inappropriate areas. A similar style was fashionable several years ago among young people, which school principals had to fight hard against. Also, baggyness is highly discouraged in the uniform of American schoolchildren. Because, unfortunately, one of America's huge problems is child care shootings. Based on this, large and dense items of clothing are undesirable, since they can easily carry weapons or illegal drugs. Another rule of American schools is the ban on wearing metal chains on clothes or bags. Again, for the safety of other students, because... such an item can be used as a weapon. The last thing that almost any school will be against is absolutely any piercing, except for the ears. True, in certain cases it is permissible for a student to have an earring in a non-standard place, with the written permission of the parents.
Support Group
Almost all American schools and colleges have their own basketball and football teams. This means there are fans. And also girls from the support group - cheerleaders, whose appearance is always very remarkable and bright. During breaks from games, they dance dynamic dances with elements of gymnastics. Most often, girls from the support group perform in the same bright T-shirts with the logo of the sports team, short skirts and knee socks.
In general, the American school uniform can be considered a good example to follow. But our country does not stand still; more and more educational institutions are making wearing a uniform a mandatory requirement. And this cannot but rejoice.