The History of School Uniforms: Influences


Figure 1.--Most Japanese junior and senior high school students wear a uniform based on a 19th century Prussian 19th century military-styled school uniform. Priary school children that wear unifrms generally wear uniforms styled on English uniforms and European clothing popular after World War II. Only a few primary schools wear Prussian military styles. This school, for example, has Prussian styled caps.

Several countries have been influencd by European, primarily English, school uniforms. Many former English colonies adopted Engkish school uniforms. This was the case in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, but not Canada. I'm not sure why Canada was an exception, perhaps because of the American influence. British school uniforms had someinfluence on American private schools and as some elementry schools began adopting school uniforms in the 1980s, British styles were influentil, especilly for girl's uniforms. Many former Britsh colonies in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia also adopted school uniform, although often simplified and hited to styles suitable for the tropics. Several countries in South America (Chile and Peru and to a lesser extent Ecuador). Other South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay) seemed more influenced by Italy and Spain as smocks were adopted. Many Middle Eastern countries also adopted smocks for schoool children. The Prussians appeared to have had an impact on school uniforms in Japan.

England

No country has had a greater influence on school uniforms around the world than England. Many former English colonies adopted Engkish school uniforms. This was the case in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, but not Canada. I'm not sure why Canada was an exception, perhaps because of the American influence. British school uniforms had someinfluence on American private schools and as some elementry schools began adopting school uniforms in the 1980s, British styles were influentil, especilly for girl's uniforms. Many former Britsh colonies in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia also adopted school uniform, although often simplified and hited to styles suitable for the tropics.

Germany

The Prussians appeared to have had an impact on school uniforms in Japan. Japanese boys in the late 19th century began wearing a school uniform based on the military styled Prussian school uniform. Here we have very little historical informaton. Thesubject of school uniforms in Germanyand other European countries is a topic that is still poorly understood by HBC and which we hope to persue in greater detail as our site develops. We believe the Japanese introduced this uniform after the unification of Germany (1870). Even after unification, however, the different German states (Landen) continued to have significant authority in many areas, such as educaion. Thus even after unification, there continued to be a Prussian school system. We know very little about that uniform in the 19th century, but believe the uniform was adoptedby Japan for boys. (Interestingly an English sailor outfit was chosen for the girls.) These styles have proven extremly persistent in Japan. They continue to be the primary uniforms worn in Japanese junior and senior high schools. Some scools have turned to more British looking uniforms, but the Prussian style is still the most common. We do not know of any other country influenced by the Germans, but interstingly the Soviet boys' school uniform looked somewhat similar.

Italy and Spain

Several countries in South America (Chile and Peru and to a lesser extent Ecuador). Other South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay) seemed more influenced by Italy and Spain as smocks were adopted. Smocks were commonly worn by both Italian and Spanish school children and continue to be common in Spain. Many Middle Eastern countries also adopted smocks for schoool children. I am not sure which country or countries were a primary influence here, but believe that Spain might have been a major influence on South America. Italy may have ingluenced Argentuna andMiddle Eastern countries. France may have also influenced the Middle East.





Christopher Wagner








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Created: January 17, 2003
Last updated: January 17, 20002