Dress Code Pros and Cons

As a kid, I distinctly remember the annual day that was celebrated as 'Children's Day' in school. That was the only day of the year, (apart from our birthdays) when we were allowed to attend school dressed in casuals (or as we put it in our words, "no uniforms!!"). I remember just how excited all of us used to be at the thought of attending school sans the uniform.

Being kids, it was a breath of fresh air, a day of freedom, and an opportunity of (attire) expression. We loved it so much that some of us even went to the extent of begging our teachers to change the school rules and do away with the uniforms. Of course, that never happened.

Today, however, I look back at those days, and wonder, what if our request had really been granted? What if such requests were granted all over the world? What if the concept (or the rule) of school uniforms and dress codes was globally abolished? Would that be a good or bad thing?

Regardless of which side you lean more towards, it's always a good idea to possess the information and understand both sides of an argument or debate.

◆ Schools have children from different strata of society and from various socio-economic backgrounds.

In such circumstances, wearing casual clothes can result in certain students from less-fortunate families developing an inferiority complex and particularly so, if the children from well-to-do families show up wearing expensive designer clothes, fancy accessories, etc. Wearing a uniform eliminates the whole scenario by placing every student on common ground.

◆ It is said (and personally, I agree with this) that wearing a uniform instills a certain degree of seriousness among students which results in better learning, studying, and of course, discipline.

Allowing students to come to school dressed in casual clothing can, at times, prove to be a major distraction, and it can impact the students' concentration and learning in a negative manner.

◆ As far as schools or colleges are concerned, school uniforms are a simple way of identifying the institution's students and distinguishing them from outsiders/trespassers. This can be beneficial as far as the safety and security aspect of the students is concerned.

◆ A uniform (at a workplace) helps in promoting oneness and a feeling of unity. A common piece of clothing can help in boosting pride for the school (or organization), it can bind people together and can promote teamwork and team spirit.

◆ After a certain amount of time, the novelty factor of a school uniform (or at the workplace), can eventually wear off. Once this happens, the person starts developing a negative attitude towards the uniform.

It soon can become a burden rather than an object of pride. This defeats the very purpose of uniforms or dress codes.

◆ Sometimes, it can happen that a uniform can rob a person of his or her individuality and self-expression. With all said and done, a person's choice of clothing is a significant example of his or her personality, individuality, etc. 

Enforcing restrictions or clamping down upon it through the concept of a uniform or dress code may not always be the right thing to do.

These were some of my views regarding school uniform and proper dress code. Here's where I sign off. Cheers!