Figure 1.--

The economics of school uniforms and school clothing is an interesting question. School uniform was first created in England to provide school wear to poor children in charity schools. Eventually this changed and uniforms in the early 19th century were adopted by some of England exclusive private schools to prevent boys competing with each over with outlandish styles and colors. Evetually the uniforms and games kits adopted by the schools were became very involved and expensive. School uniforms took on a aura of exclusivity and privlidge. The French took a different appraoch. A new republican government in tbe 1870s adopted smocks work over a boy's clothes to reduce the appearance of class differences. Italy adopted a similar approach. America never adopted school uniforms and the uniforms worn at private schools were c The Catholic schools did adopt uniforms and in the 1980s many public schools began experimentng with uniforms. Today in many countries without uniforms, buying school clothes has become a late summer ritual. onsidered a symbol of privlidge. This has, however begun to change. Simplified school uniforms began to be seen as a way of limiting school clothing expenses.

Creation

School uniform was first created in England to provide school wear to poor children in charity schools.

English Public (Private) Schools

Eventually this changed and uniforms in the early 19th century were adopted by some of England exclusive private schools to prevent boys competing with each over with outlandish styles and colors. Evetually the uniforms and games kits adopted by the schools were became very involved and expensive. School uniforms took on a aura of exclusivity and privlidge.

European Smocks

The French took a different appraoch. A new republican government in tbe 1870s adopted smocks work over a boy's clothes to reduce the appearance of class differences. Italy and several other European countries adopted a similar approach.

American Schoolwear

America never adopted school uniforms and the uniforms worn at private schools were seen a symbols of privlidge. The Catholic schools did adopt uniforms and in the 1980s many public schools began experimentng with uniforms. Today in many countries without uniforms, buying school clothes hecame a late summer ritual. Corduroy became a very popular fabric. A new pair of corduroy knickes was the mainstay for boys in the 1920s and 30s. This has, however begun to change. The popularity of designer clothes by the 1970s meant that parents were forced with major outlays. Incidents among children were in accompanied by viloence when popular jacket ad other items were stolen. Simplified school uniforms began to be seen as a way of limiting school clothing expenses.

Created: September 2, 2001
Last updated: September 2, 2001