Figure 1.--School blazers began to decline after the 1960s. At most state schools they are only worn by the older boys. They are more common at private schools.

Blazers were once commonly worn in New Zealand, although not at primary schools where uniforms are not commonly worn. A great variety of colors and stripped blazers were worn by New Zealand boys from the 1920s through the 1970s. Blazers are now much less common at New Zealand schools. The cost of the blazers and a trend of simplyfying the uniform as well as New Zealand's warmer climate caused many schools, especially the boys' schools to discard them for every day school wear. They do continue to be worn by the older boys at some state secondary schools. They are most commonly worn at private schools, especiall the preparatory schools. Styles and practices, however, have changed somewhat. Colors are no longer as diverse. Some styles such as stripes and blazers with contrasting borders are less common, primarily a matter of cost. A much wider spectrum of the New Zealand population now chooses private education as parents are expressing increasing concern about the standards in the state schools. Many schools have attempted to simplify the uniform. By the 1970s many schools were adopting more casual uniforms. The clothing list required of boys until the 1960s could be quite daunting for a small boy--and very expensive. Multi-colored blazers and those with edging work are more expensive and tnus have gradually disappeared. Even so there are still a wide variety of brightly colored blazers worn by New Zealand school children. Often the girls schools now have the most brightly colored blazers. Presumably the girls take a little better care of their lazers than do the boys. The blazer is worn less today than in earlier years. Some schools do now not even have blazers. Most do but they are mostly worn while coming and gong to school and for school functions. While at school during the cooler winter moths, New Zealand boys mostly wear their jumpers (sweaters) or just a shirt during the school day. They rarely put on their blazers. At most state secondary schools where uniforms are worn, the younger boys rarely wear blazers. Boys normally wear just shirts to school, adding jumpers (sweaters) when the weather got cool. At some schools the older boys may still wear them. Many of the private preparatory schools continue to require blazers as do the secondary-level private schools.

Created: May 22, 2004
Last updated: May 22, 2004