Few people know, but the first copies school uniform appeared back in the 15th century, since then it has been solemnly marching around the world. Most schools in developed countries have introduced uniforms, what explains its popularity?
- It is impossible to understand the family’s wealth, gender or ethnic differences from the form;
- From childhood, students are taught a formal style of dress;
- A sense of team and collectivism develops;
- School uniforms do not allow subcultures to develop and actively demonstrate their views.
Each country has its own concepts of what student uniforms should be. The most conservative traditions have been preserved in Great Britain, where almost every school or college has its own insignia.
In Eastern countries, the form only emphasizes national traditions and is strikingly different from their European counterparts. A striking example of this is Malaysia and Oman. It is also interesting that Bhutanese schoolchildren do not carry briefcases or bags at all. They carry writing instruments and textbooks in special pockets of their school uniform.
The uniform of schoolchildren in Australia and New Zealand is as simple and convenient as possible. Skirt, shorts, jumper or shirt: no strict ironed creases, jackets or stand-up collar: comfort comes first.
Japanese schoolchildren dress simply and comfortably: pleated skirts or trousers, shirts, ties.
But the uniform of Brazilian children is more like a suit for playing football. But it's convenient.
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Uniforms in Russia have also undergone significant changes: in lower grades you can increasingly see children dressed in plain or checkered suits, but high school students do not deny themselves the pleasure of showing off clothes “a la the USSR.”
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Nigeria, Congo, Kenya - the local uniform is distinguished by the most loose cut (of course, in Africa the climate is still completely different), however, not all educational institutions supported the introduction of universal clothing.
Vietnamese schoolchildren resemble vacationers from Artek (turquoise bottoms in combination with a light shirt and a contrasting tie look very colorful). In Cuba you can guess the shape common features with clothes from the communist past. It depends on the author, but the schoolchildren are very reminiscent of the pioneers.
In Colombia, Singapore and a number of other countries, schoolchildren’s clothing is discreet and even boring.
In Uzbekistan, they decided not to adhere to the national color, so school uniforms have a simple and recognizable cut.
In India, some schools still have not abolished the sari, which replaces the uniform, but most educational institutions have introduced more comfortable clothing. In Turkmenistan, you can see national patterns and ornaments on clothes, but the cut is quite typical.
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It is difficult to judge schools and the people as a whole based on uniforms, because very few countries have not lost their individuality and even their school clothes are traditional and unusual. Which shape would you like best?
School uniform
No matter how skeptical some parents may be about it, a school uniform is an integral attribute of the life of any child. The form is designed to discipline, humble and equalize social stratification, emphasizing mental abilities rather than financial possibilities. But are the approaches to creating school uniforms so strict? Let's try to consider world views on the appearance of students.
United Kingdom
School uniforms are a global phenomenon, but few people know that school uniforms first appeared in Great Britain in the 16th century, during the reign of Henry VIII Tudor, when it became necessary to dress 40 poor students at the school at Christ's Hospital, a Catholic church actively involved in charity work. The first school uniform was more like a military uniform and was a long blue coat. This color was not chosen by chance - it symbolized humility and submission when learning.
Gradually, school uniforms began to be introduced in other schools in the country, and after 1870, they became legally approved.
Initially, strict rules for wearing a school uniform were established:
For boys, shorts, trousers, a gray (or festive white) shirt, a traditional V-neck jumper, a blue blazer, a raincoat and black boots were invented.
For girls, a white blouse, a plain dress, an apron, knee socks and black shoes were expected.
Subsequently, from the 50-60s. In the 20th century, the strict framework was expanded, and the form was somewhat simplified - it became freer and more convenient.
An integral part of school clothing in the United Kingdom is the emblem educational institution, which is sewn onto jackets, jumpers and dresses. The color of the school also plays a significant role, which is displayed on the students’ ties and the pattern of the fabric used, often a classic English check.
True to their traditions, the British, even in uniform, try to preserve all the historical flavor. Thus, the students of Christ's Hospital School still wear the uniform introduced 500 years ago and are very proud of its ancient origin. In general, the prestige of the institution greatly influences the incentive to wear a school uniform - students (and sometimes teachers) dress with dignity in the required attire. For example, at the elite Harrow School, in addition to the classic gray suit, the student’s uniform is accompanied by a straw hat, and the teacher’s suit is complemented by a strict long robe - symbols of the prestige of this educational institution.
Some UK schools use uniforms to emphasize
environmental problem and purposefully indicate how many plastic bottles were used to create a jacket or trousers for their educational institution.
Other schools focus on the safety of their students and use reflectors when making school clothes, which can be seen on the road even at night.
But at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Girls' School, students themselves take part in creating the school uniform. This was done in order to emphasize the idea of women's freedom and the opportunity to influence their own destiny, as well as to show equality of genders, religions and races.
Japan
In Japan, school uniforms appeared relatively recently - at the end of the 19th century. Today it is a classic version of the form with some conditions and additions. So, boys up to 7th grade wear white shirts and shorts, and after that the shorts are replaced by trousers. The girl's outfit consists of a sailor suit, white blouse, blue skirt, knee socks and a neckerchief.
USA
The peculiarity of the uniform in America depends on whether the students belong to private or public schools. The latter are quite loyal to appearance their students and allow a free dress code, while private ones focus on branded clothing with emblems and colors.
Africa
School uniforms in African countries amaze with their variety of colors; here you can find pink, purple, and yellow versions of school clothes. These are mainly light sundresses and multi-colored aprons.
Germany
It is interesting to note that the Germans have a different view on wearing a school uniform. The strict classical version of clothing is not welcome in the country, due to its similarity with the form of the Hitler Jugend - a teenage movement in support of fascism that arose in the 30s of the 20th century. To avoid painful reminders of the past, German schoolchildren's clothing is loose-fitting and sporty.
Brazil
Due to the hot climate, children's clothing in Brazil is casual and more like a sports uniform, consisting of a bright T-shirt, shorts or a skirt.
India
There are interesting options for school uniforms. So, in India, girls often wear a traditional sari of the same color, which looks very colorful and unusual.
Cuba
The uniform of schoolchildren in Cuba strongly resembles the Soviet version of pioneer clothing. This is a mandatory apron for girls and a tie. Even the color of the clothing is red, symbolizing political commitment.
Iran
School uniforms in Islamic countries bear a religious imprint. Girls are required to wear trousers, a tunic and a headscarf. The form itself has a loose cut, so as not to emphasize the features of the figure.
Burma
An interesting distinctive feature of the Burmese school uniform is the presence in the men's set of a long skirt - traditional men's clothing in the country.
The variety of school uniforms around the world once again proves that clothing in educational institutions does not have to be boring and faceless, because even classic canonical outfits can be played up in an interesting way, made unique and adding your own “zest.”
Japanese school uniform
In Japan for everyone educational institution An individual form is being developed, although everyone must comply with generally accepted requirements. If the country has a version of school classics? Yes. This is a “sailor fuku” for girls, which is familiar to Russian schoolchildren from numerous animated works. Not many people know that school uniforms are different countries ah, particularly in Japan, socks, scarf and even underwear are included. Despite the democratic approach to schoolchildren’s clothing, the country has certain rules for wearing it: Boys up to the 7th grade must attend school in shorts; only by the 8th grade are they allowed to switch to trousers. 
Girls throughout academic year Do not wear tights on your legs, only knee socks or high socks. Even in extreme heat, girls are required to come in sweatshirts to the school-wide assembly, which is held under the supervision of the principal three times a week. A mandatory accessory included with the uniform is a large briefcase or bag, as shown in the photo. Shoes only with low heels are allowed. Interesting fact, known to few: girls, in order to give their long socks a lowered look, form the bootleg in the form of an accordion and glue them directly to their feet with special glue.
English school uniform
The school uniform in different countries differs, first of all, in that in some countries it is the same for the population of all regions and institutions, in others it is an attribute of only one educational center. Modern look uniforms for boys and girls have common standards for all regions, but they are sewn individually for each institution. In some cases, the differences are of an age nature, for example, one of the elements of the uniform for boys under 14 years old are shorts, while older ones are already switching to trousers. There are also seasonal differences, for example, summer light dresses for girls in summer period are replaced in winter by warm sundresses. 
The British, known throughout the world for their conservatism, turn out to be very fond of improvising. For example, not a single set of school uniforms in different countries contains straw hats, except at Harrow School in London. School uniforms in other countries School uniforms in different countries are tied to climatic conditions states and is distinguished by some national flavor: Australia and Oceania: the uniform is reminiscent of British school clothes, only in a lighter version (hot climate); African countries: the form is distinguished by the presence of bright colors: from blue to yellow, pink, purple;.
School uniforms in Australia and Oceania
School uniforms in Australia and Oceania are similar to the traditional British ones, but are more open and lighter. In Australia and New Zealand, due to the hot climate and the harmful scorching sun, students wear hats as part of their school uniform.
School uniforms in Thailand are the sexiest.
Students in Thailand are required to wear school uniforms from primary school before 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 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 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 different parts bodies.
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!
School uniform - a necessity or a relic of the past? There are serious battles on this topic on the eve of Knowledge Day. To give our readers a basis for these debates, we will talk about how and when the uniform originated, how this school attribute is treated in different countries, and how a British briefcase differs from a Japanese backpack.
The history of the emergence of school uniforms, however, is itself controversial. Some believe that they started going to school in the same clothes in Ancient Greece. Students were asked to wear shirts or tunics, light armor, and a cape called a chlamys. Other historians do not agree with this version of events; they refer to the fact that almost all Greeks wore similar clothes, and really strict requirements for school uniforms were imposed in Ancient India. No matter how hot it is, the student should come wearing dhoti hip pants and a long kurta shirt.
But as far as Europe is concerned, everything is very clear. The UK is considered a pioneer country in introducing school uniforms. For the first time since ancient times, special clothing appeared at Christ's Hospital school. Students wore dark blue tailcoats with tails, vests, bright knee socks and leather belts. However, then - in 1552 - orphans and children from low-income families, and now this school is considered elite. According to a recent survey, even modern students of Christ's Hospital speak positively about the school uniform. Even though it has not changed for 450 years, schoolchildren perceive it as a tribute to tradition, and not as an outdated attribute.
Pupils from one of the British schools, Harrow, in school uniform
Currently in the UK there is no uniform uniform for all educational institutions. Each school has its own requirements. For example, at Harrow boys wear not only trousers and jackets, but also straw hats, and at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson the students themselves came up with the clothing design - gray suits with pink stripes. In the most prestigious educational institutions, a logo or coat of arms is considered a mandatory element of school clothing.
Students from British College Eton
In other European cities, school uniforms are not so valued. Thus, in France, a uniform school uniform existed only in 1927-1968, in Poland - until 1988, in Germany and Switzerland it resembles tracksuits and is accepted only in some educational institutions.
The example of Great Britain was followed by its former colonies - India, Australia, Singapore and others. There, school uniforms were not abolished even after these states were recognized as independent. Thus, Indian schoolchildren attend classes only in a special uniform: boys wear dark blue trousers and white shirts, girls wear a light blouse and a dark blue skirt. In some schools in holidays girls wear saris.
Another former British colony, Singapore, has not introduced a uniform uniform for all schools. In each educational institution, it differs in color, but consists of classic elements - shorts and light shirts with short sleeves for boys, blouses and skirts or sundresses for girls. The uniforms of some schools are heavily decorated with badges or even shoulder straps.
Most Australian and New Zealand students also wear school uniforms. In its diversity it can be compared with the British one. But in Australian schools, due to the heat, they often wear shorts rather than trousers, and wear hats with wide or narrow brims.
Australian school students
In another hot country - Jamaica - school uniforms are considered compulsory. Many educational institutions have requirements not only for the suit, but also for the color of socks or the height of the heel of shoes. Jewelry is not welcome, nor are extravagant hairstyles. Many boys wear khaki shirts and trousers, while girls wear below-the-knee sundresses in various colors, complete with school name patches.
Another connoisseur of bright shapes are Africans. Here the school uniform amazes with its variety of shades. Orange, green, purple, yellow - each school chooses its own color.
Queen Elizabeth and Jamaican schoolgirls
Sports-style school uniforms are common not only in Germany, but also in China. So, for the cold season, schoolchildren have a dark windbreaker and trousers, for the summer - a white shirt and shorts for boys, a blouse and a blue skirt for girls. And, often, a red tie!
Japan can be considered a country in which school uniforms are more popular than in the UK. Who among us has not seen anime cartoon heroines dressed in long white socks, pleated skirts, jackets and white blouses? Sometimes Japanese schoolchildren wear a uniform called "sailor fuku" or "sailor suit". They wear a bright tie with it and, as a rule, take a massive backpack with them.
Japanese schoolboys and schoolgirls
In many private schools in the USA and Canada, uniforms are considered mandatory, but each educational institution has its own uniform. Most often these are outfits of rather restrained colors - blue, gray, dark green. In some schools, girls wear checkered skirts and boys wear striped ties. Mandatory components of the uniform also, as a rule, are shirts with long and short sleeves, cardigans and jackets. The only uniform in which you will be “allowed” into any American school is an American football uniform.
New Orleans schoolgirls
This is how we got to Russian school uniforms. It was first introduced in 1834, when Russian Empire adopted a law on gymnasium and student uniforms. 62 years later, it became compulsory for high school students. Later, the school uniform was abolished, and only in 1949, during the times of the USSR, did it return again. Tunics with a stand-up collar for boys, brown dresses and aprons for girls, a pioneer tie for everyone - the standard uniform of any Soviet schoolchild.
Now in Russia there is no uniform form; it has been introduced only in some educational institutions. Basically, these are clothes in calm shades, which can be complemented with things from your everyday wardrobe. It looks more modern than in Soviet times, but at “Last Call” the students Russian schools they still prefer to wear white aprons and tie bows, just like their mothers did.
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 USA, they nevertheless refused to introduce permanent uniforms. And we left this question to discretion 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.