School Uniforms By Country
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School uniform A school uniform is a uniform worn by students primarily for a school or otherwise an educational institution.They are common in primary and secondary schools in various countries. An example of a uniform would be requiring button-down shir ...
is a practice that dates to the 16th century in England. Charity schools such
Christ's Hospital Christ's Hospital is a public school (English independent boarding school for pupils aged 11–18) with a royal charter located to the south of Horsham in West Sussex. The school was founded in 1552 and received its first royal charter in 1553 ...
, founded in 1552 in London, were among the first
school A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compuls ...
s to use a
uniform A uniform is a variety of clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are most often worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, se ...
for their
student A student is a person enrolled in a school or other educational institution. In the United Kingdom and most commonwealth countries, a "student" attends a secondary school or higher (e.g., college or university); those in primary or elementar ...
s. The earliest documented proof of institutionalised use of a standard
academic dress Academic dress is a traditional form of clothing for academic settings, mainly tertiary (and sometimes secondary) education, worn mainly by those who have obtained a university degree (or similar), or hold a status that entitles them to assum ...
dates back to 1222 when the
Archbishop of Canterbury The archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and a principal leader of the Church of England, the ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. The current archbishop is Justi ...
ordered the wearing of the ''cappa clausa''. The practice of wearing school uniform has been adopted by many other countries, and is now common in many parts of the world. Uniforms can be regarded as promoting social equality among students and an
esprit de corps Morale, also known as esprit de corps (), is the capacity of a group's members to maintain belief in an institution or goal, particularly in the face of opposition or hardship. Morale is often referenced by authority figures as a generic value ...
, but have also been criticised for promoting a form of uniformity characteristic of militarism. The decision as to whether to implement school uniform policy or not is a controversial one and also polarised in societies and countries. In countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa and a number of Asian nations, school children have to wear approved school uniforms that conform to the uniform policy of their school. In modern Europe, Britain, Malta and Ireland stand out as the only countries where school uniform is widely adopted by state schools and generally supported by national and local governments, although there is no legislation governing school uniform in the
U.K. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and North ...
There are some independent schools and state schools that do not have school uniforms: their pupils are at liberty to dress in a way considered to be appropriate by the school, themselves and their parents or guardians.


Afghanistan

In the
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was a presidential republic that ruled Afghanistan from 2004 to 2021. The state was established to replace the Afghan interim (2001–2002) and transitional (2002–2004) administrations, which were formed ...
, Afghan schoolgirls were required to wear white headscarves and black knee-length dresses over leggings. In 2017, President
Ashraf Ghani Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai (born 19 May 1949) is an Afghan politician, academic, and economist who served as the president of Afghanistan from September 2014 until August 2021, when his government was overthrown by the Taliban. Born in L ...
blocked a directive by the
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
obliging girls aged 12 and over to wear floor-length tunics.


Albania

In 2009,
Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea and shares ...
's
Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth () is a department of the Albanian Government responsible for Education and Sport. The current minister is Evis Kushi. History Since the establishment of the institution, the Ministry of Education has ...
announced the implementation of compulsory school uniforms for all high school students.


Algeria

Algerian primary school students are obliged to wear smocks over their clothes. These are colour-coded by gender: blue for boys, pink for girls.


Andorra

Use of school uniforms in Andorra is confined to the principality’s international schools.


Angola

Uniforms are required in Angolan public and private schools.


Anguilla

Anguillan schools oblige students to wear uniforms.


Antigua and Barbuda

School uniforms are ubiquitous in Antiguan and Barbudan schools. In 2004, the School Uniform Grant Programme was introduced to help citizens meet the associated costs.


Argentina

Argentinian Argentines (mistakenly translated Argentineans in the past; in Spanish (masculine) or ( feminine)) are people identified with the country of Argentina. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Argentines, ...
primary school students have traditionally worn white smocks as uniforms. Teacher pioneered the garment's design in 1915, which were made mandatory nationwide in 1942.


Aruba

Aruban schools generally oblige students to wear uniform polo shirts, while pants and skirts must meet certain requirements. In September 2021, students at Colegio Arubano successfully protested against changes to the school dress code they felt were overly restrictive.


Armenia

In the
Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic The Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic,; russian: Армянская Советская Социалистическая Республика, translit=Armyanskaya Sovetskaya Sotsialisticheskaya Respublika) also commonly referred to as Soviet A ...
, students wore school uniform. Since independence in 1991, their use has largely declined in Armenian public schools.


Australia

In Australia, each school or school system can set its own uniform policy. Wearing a uniform is compulsory in most Australian private and all Catholic schools, as well as in most public schools, as well as primary schools. Uniforms usually have a colour scheme based on the school colours. Uniform and appearance are generally strictly enforced in private and Catholic schools, though less so in public schools, which generally allow their students a reasonable amount of leeway. Most, if not all, private schools have the school logo incorporated in the uniform ensemble, typically on the tie and the blazer breast pocket. For boys, the uniforms generally include a button-up or polo shirt with either
shorts Shorts are a garment worn over the human pelvis, pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" b ...
(especially for summer wear) or long trousers, usually in grey or navy blue or the school colour. Some schools allow boys to wear shorts only in younger years, and they must wear long trousers once they are a senior (17-18). At others, even older boys wear shorts in summer due to the heat. Where short trousers are to be worn, socks in school colours (more commonly white) are often required. Girls' uniforms generally include a checkered or striped dress (usually sleeveless or short-sleeved) worn over a blouse for summer and, in most secondary schools, girls wear a skirt as well as a button-up or polo shirt in winter with a blazer and tie. In a number of schools, girls are also permitted to wear a button-up or polo shirt and dark trousers. In public schools, the uniform is usually a polo shirt for juniors and a different one for seniors and trousers or skirt. This set may be complemented by a school tie and, typically, a v-neck jumper (pullover or sweater) or a blazer. In the summer, boys usually do not wear ties, pullovers, or blazers. Instead, they wear a short-sleeved version of the shirt and short trousers. A neck-tie, blazer, and hat are also common in private and Catholic schools. In most high schools a PE uniform is the norm for sports days only. At many high schools, children are required to change into and out of their PE uniform around the PE lesson. The PE uniform usually consists of shorts and a polo shirt, as well as a light weatherproof rain jacket (mainly at private or Catholic schools), usually made of polyester, for winter and wet weather and sometimes a netball skirt for girls. It is common for students in their final year of primary school or secondary school to have their own jersey, jumper or jacket to denote their final-year status.


Austria

Austrian public schools do not generally employ dress codes.


Azerbaijan

School uniforms are mandatory across the Azerbaijani public school system.


Bahamas

As a former British colony, school uniforms are worn throughout Bahamian public and private schools.


Bahrain

Uniforms are mandatory in all Bahraini public schools. Prior to 2011, this only applied to girls' schools and boys' elementaries. In January 2011, the
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
announced uniforms would be required in boys' middle and high schools in the subsequent academic year.


Bangladesh

School uniforms are mandatory in all public and private schools (up to 12th standard) in Bangladesh. While the colour and exact cut of the uniform depend on school regulations and policies, male students in Bangladesh are usually expected to wear full/half sleeve shirts with trousers and female students are expected to wear skirts/trousers with shirts or salwar kameez with belts and dupattas. The uniform rule only applies to students of primary, secondary, and higher secondary education. Although there are no uniforms for university students in Bangladesh, they are expected to follow the respective dress codes of their institutions. The rationale behind the uniform policy of Bangladesh is that the authorities want to protect the students from class stratification that can become apparent when students are given the choice to dress as they like. In addition, authorities believe that students should not misuse their time in trying to dress up for school.


Barbados

The wearing of school uniforms is mandatory in Barbados.


Belarus

In August 2022, education minister announced plans for every Belarusian school to have its own compulsory school uniform by 2023.


Belgium

As of 2018, less than ten Belgian schools (principally Catholic institutions) enforced compulsory school uniform policies.


Belize

School uniform is mandatory in Belizean schools. Traditionally, many students' uniforms were custom-made by local seamstresses and tailors.


Benin

School uniform is ubiquitous in Beninese schools. In June 2018, Minister of Secondary Education announced khaki-colored uniforms would be worn by students in both public and private secondary schools.


Bermuda

As a British Overseas Territory, schools uniforms are ubiquitous in Bermudan schools.


Bhutan

Bhutanese schoolchildren wear uniforms based on the country's national dress:
gho The gho or g'ô ( dz, བགོ, ) is the traditional and national dress for men in Bhutan. Introduced in the 17th century by Ngawang Namgyal, 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to give the Ngalop people a more distinctive identity, it is a knee-length rob ...
for male students and
kira Kira may refer to: People * Kira clan, a Japanese clan, descended from Emperor Seiwa (850–880) * Kira (given name), including a list of people with the given name * Kira Chikazane (1563–1588), Japanese retainer * Kira (German singer) (Janine ...
for female students.


Bolivia

Use of school uniform is widespread in Bolivia, but public and private schools can neither enforce uniform policies as mandatory nor punish noncompliant students.


Bosnia and Herzegovina

In the
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commonly referred to as SFR Yugoslavia or simply as Yugoslavia, was a country in Central and Southeast Europe. It emerged in 1945, following World War II, and lasted until 1992, with the breakup of Yug ...
, some schools enforced a mandatory uniform consisting of a navy blue "apron". As of 2013, several primary schools in
Republika Srpska Republika Srpska ( sr-Cyrl, Република Српска, lit=Serb Republic, also known as Republic of Srpska, ) is one of the two Political divisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other being the Feder ...
regions had introduced uniforms, consisting of logoed T-shirts and sweatshirts.


Botswana

School uniforms are widespread in Botswanan schools. In October 2021, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry announced a ban on the importation of school uniform.


Brazil

There is no legal requirement for school uniforms in Brazil. On a state-by-state or city-by-city basis, governments may issue uniforms to public school pupils but may not require their use. Private schools are free to set their own uniform policy. Brazilian school uniforms can vary widely by school. There are many schools that opt for a more elegant outfit, while others opt for a simpler one (social shirt, shorts). In this country, where schools have set a uniform, it is the student's obligation to wear it. Most
schools in Brazil A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compulso ...
choose the use of uniforms. The average Brazilian school uniform for boys is a T-shirt with the school's logo, sweatpants or Bermuda shorts and a sweatshirt or hoodie. The uniform for girls is very similar, but instead leggings or short shorts are worn, although ballerina pants are also popular. Girls may also wear mini-skirts/skirts. Most schools require trainers.


British Virgin Islands

Both public high schools on the British Virgin Islands,
Elmore Stoutt High School Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) is a grade 7-12 secondary school in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. History It was previously BVI High School (BVIHS). In September 2012 Wade Tobin became acting principal, but Vanessa Garraway became ...
and The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies, enforce uniform policies.


Brunei

School uniforms are worn in Bruneian public and religious schools. *Boys: shirt, pants,
songkok The songkok or peci or kopiah is a cap widely worn in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines, and southern Thailand, most commonly among Muslim males. It has the shape of a truncated cone, usually made of black or emb ...
*Girls: Baju kurung, hijab


Bulgaria

School uniform is not widely worn in Bulgarian public schools, although several schools adopted compulsory uniform policies in the 2010s.


Burkina Faso

Uniforms are compulsory in all Burkinabè public and private schools.


Burundi

School uniforms are compulsory for school children in
Burundi Burundi (, ), officially the Republic of Burundi ( rn, Repuburika y’Uburundi ; Swahili language, Swahili: ''Jamuhuri ya Burundi''; French language, French: ''République du Burundi'' ), is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the ...
. Burundi, like most African countries, has a compulsory school uniform policy. Burundi's school uniform policy dates back to the colonial days. During those days, chiefs' sons wore a white uniform and all other children wore khaki. The uniform policy is still in force in Burundi to date. However, schools decide on what uniform the pupils wear. It is also argued that the cost of buying the school uniform and poverty, especially in the rural areas, negatively affect school enrollment.


Cambodia

In Cambodia, students of all ages (pre-school to college) wear school uniforms. The uniforms differ by school and age level. Generally, boys wear a white dress shirt and a pair of shorts. The colour and length of the shorts varies at each school. Male college students wear the same kind of uniform, but instead of shorts, they wear black dress trousers. Girls usually wear white blouses and a skirt. Their skirts vary in colour and length depending upon the school and their ages. Generally, the younger students wear long skirts that almost reach their ankles and older students, particularly in college, wear shorter ones. Skirts are generally blue or black but may be other colours as well, depending on the school. Some schools also have alternative uniforms that students of both sexes wear every other day. These often consist of a coloured shirt and slacks. High school girls must wear black or blue long skirts. High school boys wear long black or blue trousers. The white shirt can be short-sleeved or long-sleeved for both sexes. High school students are also required to wear name tags on the left-hand side of their shirts.


Cameroon

School uniforms are worn universally in Cameroonian schools.


Canada

In Canada, English language schools in the province of Quebec is the only segment where school uniforms is most common. Within the English school system of Quebec, almost all schools from elementary to high school have mandatory school uniforms. French school, which represents the majority in the province, generally do not have uniforms except for a minority of private schools. In the rest of Canada, school uniforms are not required in most public schools or
separate schools In Canada, a separate school is a type of school that has constitutional status in three provinces (Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan) and statutory status in the three territories ( Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut). In these Canadi ...
, except in exceptional circumstances such as school performances or international field trips. However, the majority of Catholic high schools in
southern Ontario Southern Ontario is a primary region of the province of Ontario, Canada, the other primary region being Northern Ontario. It is the most densely populated and southernmost region in Canada. The exact northern boundary of Southern Ontario is disp ...
(Grade 9-12) do require uniforms. These uniforms generally have long- or short-sleeved shirts with the school logo or crest near the collar and trousers or kilted skirts. Schools often allow girls the option of choosing to wear a skirt or trousers. Some schools also mandate dress shoes and a particular type and length of socks to go with the uniform. A cardigan sweater, vest, or blazer may be part of the ensemble, particularly in winter. Additionally, as of 2011, the
Toronto Catholic District School Board The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB, known as English-language Separate District School Board No. 40 prior to 1999) is an English-language public-separate school board for Toronto, Ontario, Canada, headquartered in North York. I ...
has implemented an ''Appropriate Dress Code'' of navy blue and white in all elementary separate schools that do not already have their own uniforms. Otherwise, specific regulations and policies regarding school-appropriate dress and the extent of dress code enforcement will vary by school. Uniforms are used in most private schools, and also in special or alternative programs of public and Catholic schools, such as the Traditional Learning Centres, a program that takes a
liberal arts Liberal arts education (from Latin "free" and "art or principled practice") is the traditional academic course in Western higher education. ''Liberal arts'' takes the term ''art'' in the sense of a learned skill rather than specifically the ...
approach, while focusing on high levels of academic excellence. In
Quebec Quebec ( ; )According to the Canadian government, ''Québec'' (with the acute accent) is the official name in Canadian French and ''Quebec'' (without the accent) is the province's official name in Canadian English is one of the thirtee ...
, most metropolitan anglophone school boards require a uniform.


Cape Verde

School uniform is worn in Cape Verdean schools from pre-school through secondary school.


Cayman Islands

All Caymanian primary and high schools, whether government-funded or private, have specified school uniforms, as well as shoe and hat policies.


Central African Republic

In April 1979, Bokassa I ordered the arrest of a group of students protesting the extravagant cost of their mandatory school uniforms, over 100 of whom were later murdered. Public anger over the massacre contributed to Bokassa's subsequent overthrow in September 1980. As of 2006, school uniforms are widely worn in Central African secondary schools.


Chad

A school uniform prescribed by the Ministry of National Education is compulsory in Chadian public and private schools.


Chile

In Chile, most schools have a uniform. Until 1930, it was uncommon for students to wear a uniform. Under the government of
Carlos Ibáñez del Campo General Carlos Ibáñez del Campo (; 3 November 1877 – 28 April 1960) was a Chilean Army officer and political figure. He served as President twice, first between 1927 and 1931, and then from 1952 to 1958, serving for 10 years in office. T ...
, all students became obliged to wear a school uniform. During the administration of
Eduardo Frei Montalva Eduardo Nicanor Frei Montalva (; 16 January 1911 – 22 January 1982) was a Chilean political leader. In his long political career, he was Minister of Public Works, president of his Christian Democratic Party, senator, President of the ...
, a unified uniform was introduced for all public and private schools and other education centers. Today, these uniforms have disappeared in private schools, who prefer to use a customised one.


China

Uniforms are a common part of the
schools in China A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compuls ...
. Almost all secondary schools as well as some elementary schools require students to wear uniforms. Uniforms in mainland China usually consist of five sets: 2 formal sets and 3 everyday sets. A formal set is worn on Mondays or special occasions (school anniversaries, school ceremonies, etc.) They consist of a white collared shirt with a sweater on top and a skirt for girls or a suit for boys. There is one formal set for summer and one set for winter. Everyday uniforms for boys in the winter usually consist of a zippered
sweater A sweater (North American English) or pullover, also called a jumper (British English and Australian English), ...
and trousers and a collared shirt (usually white). Thinner materials are worn in the spring and fall and short or long trousers may be worn in the summer. The everyday uniforms for girls are very similar to the boys' uniform. It is relatively common for there to be some kind of sponsored advertisement on some non-formal school uniform shirts, though this trend has fluctuated in recent years.


Hong Kong

The vast majority of schools in the former British colony adopted uniforms similar to that of British schools, while Catholic schools in Hong Kong usually follow the tradition of
Catholic school uniform A Catholic school uniform in North America typically consists of a pleated and plaid skirt or jumper (a sleeveless dress), Mary Jane or saddle shoes, a button-down shirt, and a sweater for girls, while boys' uniforms consist of a button-down sh ...
s. A number of older Christian girls' schools established around the midpoint of the 20th century, however, retain the heritage of using the Chinese
cheongsam ''Cheongsam'' (, ), also known as the ''qipao'' () and sometimes referred to as the mandarin gown, is a Chinese dress worn by women which takes inspiration from the , the ethnic clothing of the Manchu people. The cheongsam is most often see ...
as their uniform, such as
St. Stephen's Girls' College St Stephen's Girls' College (SSGC) () is a grant school in Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church). Established in 1906, SSGC is a top girls' school and among the oldest schools in Hong Kong. It is managed by the St. Step ...
, True Light Middle School,
Ying Wa Girls' School Ying Wa Girls' School () is an HKCCCC secondary day school for girls in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. The campus is located at 76 Robinson Road, Mid-levels. Total enrollment currently stands at slightly under 1,000. It is one of the 22 Grant School ...
, and
Heep Yunn School Heep Yunn School (Chinese 協恩中學) is an Anglican girls' secondary school founded in 1936, commonly known simply as HYS. It is located in Ma Tau Wai, Kowloon, Hong Kong. The School commenced operation in the DSS (Direct Subsidy Scheme) mo ...
.
Sailor suit A sailor suit is a uniform traditionally worn by enlisted seamen in a navy or other governmental sea services. It later developed into a popular clothing style for children, especially as dress clothes. Origins and history In the Royal Navy, the ...
s are also used as uniforms in some kindergartens for boys and girls, and secondary schools but for girls only, for example the
Bishop Hall Jubilee School Bishop Hall Jubilee School () is located at 2C Oxford Road in Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Bishop Hall Jubilee School was founded by the Sheng Kung Hui in 1961 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the consecration of Ronald Hall as th ...
and
New Method College New Method College (abbreviated to NMC) was a secondary school located in Black Rock Hill, Kowloon City District, Hong Kong. Its stated mission was "to recognise each student as an individual".http://www.nmc.edu.hk/c_mission/mission.html Miss ...
. St Paul's Girls' College, now
St Paul's Co-educational College St. Paul's Co-educational College (), (often abbreviated as St. Paul's, St. Paul's Co-ed., Co-ed. or SPCC) is an Anglicanism, Anglican secondary school located at 33 MacDonnell Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong. Founded in 1915, it was a girls-only ...
, introduced a cheongsam as its uniform in 1918, making it Hong Kong's first school uniform.
True Light Girls' College True Light Girls' College (TLGC, ) is a Christian girls' secondary school in Kowloon, Hong Kong. It was founded in 1973, to commemorate the centenary of the first True Light Middle School, which was founded in 1872 in Canton by the American mi ...
was the first Hong Kong secondary school to have a cheongsam uniform. While Hong Kong campuses of British public schools use hats for reasons of tradition, most Hong Kong schools have no hats in their uniforms.


Colombia

In Colombia, all students are required to wear uniforms in public and private schools. Uniforms in Colombia consist of two sets, one for everyday use and a sports one for physical education. Everyday uniforms for girls generally include a knee-length skirt, a white T-shirt with a vest, and white calf-length socks. For boys, the uniform generally includes dark-coloured long trousers and a short- or long-sleeved shirt. The shoes for both girls and boys are black lace-up shoes (sometimes the shoes may be dark blue or wine-coloured, depending on the uniform colours) and the shirts usually have the school's symbol at the left side. The sports uniform includes sweatpants, a collared T-shirt, and white sports shoes. The designs and the colours of the uniforms depend on the school's colours and the principal's preference.


Comoros

Comorian schools require uniforms.


Democratic Republic of the Congo

School uniform is compulsory in Congolese schools. Controversially, many schools oblige to students' parents to buy uniforms directly from the institutions.


Republic of the Congo

In October 2016, the Ministry of Education instituted a standardised uniform in all public and private schools across the Republic of the Congo.


Cook Islands

Owing to its British colonial heritage, schools in the Cook Islands require uniforms.


Costa Rica

School uniform is mandatory in Costa Rica from pre-school through secondary school.


Croatia

In Croatian schools, children generally do not wear uniforms. Their use is confined to independent schools, such as those operated by the parent-run Rino Institut.


Cuba

All Cuban school students are obliged to wear uniforms.


Curaçao

School uniforms are compulsory in Curaçaoan public schools.


Cyprus

Uniforms are compulsory in Cypriot schools. Student organisation PEOM campaigns for the abolition of school uniforms.


Czech Republic

School uniforms are not in use in Czech public schools but are in several private schools.


Denmark

Herlufsholm School Herlufsholm School ( da, Herlufsholm Skole og Gods) is a private day and boarding school by the River Suså in Næstved, about south of Copenhagen. Herlufsholm was founded in 1565 as a boarding school for "sons of noble and other honest men" on ...
is the only school in Denmark with a compulsory school uniform.


Djibouti

Uniform is compulsory in Djiboutian schools. In 2020, presidential decree N° 267/2018 imposed a standardised beige uniform in all high schools.


Dominica

Uniform is mandatory in Dominican schools. When the island's schools were closed during the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
, education minister
Octavia Alfred Octavia Alfred is a Dominican politician who serves as the current Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and Nation Excellence. Prior to entering parliament In modern politics, and history, a parliament i ...
announced students would be obliged to wear their uniforms while participating in online classes.


Dominican Republic

School uniform is mandatory in Dominican public schools. All students wear khaki pants, regardless of sex or gender identity. Students nationwide wore blue shirts until 2017 when the Ministry of Education introduced a colour-coded system of polo shirts based upon a school's geographical location: *Central Cibao: burgundy *Northern Cibao: golden yellow *South Region: turquoise blue *East Region: green *
Greater Santo Domingo Greater Santo Domingo ( es, Gran Santo Domingo) is a term commonly used referring to the metropolitan area of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. This may be the Santo Domingo province together with the Distrito Nacional. Before 2001 the Dist ...
: royal blue The new shirts were issued free to students at a reported cost of RD$639,576,485.00.


East Timor

School uniforms were compulsory during the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Following independence, the use of uniforms persisted.


Ecuador

School uniforms are mandatory in Ecuadorian public schools. In April 2018, the Ministry of Education ruled skirts cannot be made compulsory for female students.


Egypt

In the late 20th century, Egyptian schoolgirls predominantly wore an "apron" (Arabic: المريلة ''almarilati'') — a type of smock — while their male peers wore shirts and pants. More recently, unisex polo shirts and pants have grown in popularity.


El Salvador

In El Salvador, all students from public schools and private schools are required to wear uniforms.


Equatorial Guinea

All Equatoguinean school students must wear uniforms.


Eritrea

School uniforms are mandatory in Eritrea.


Estonia

In the
Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic The Estonian SSR,, russian: Эстонская ССР officially the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic,, russian: Эстонская Советская Социалистическая Республика was an ethnically based adminis ...
, mandatory school uniforms were introduced in the late 1950s. Uniforms were initially abandoned at the end of the 1980s but had already come back into use in some schools by the mid-1990s. This trend continued into the 2010s.


Eswatini

School uniforms are compulsory in Emaswati schools. In July 2000, Senator Majahenkhaba Dlamini instructed the education minister to issue a directive compelling schoolgirls aged eleven and older to wear knee-length uniform skirts, ostensibly to fight the spread of
HIV/AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Following initial infection an individual ...
.


Ethiopia

Uniforms are compulsory in Ethiopian schools.


Fiji

Uniform is compulsory in Fijian public schools. In January 2022, the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts relaxed this rule for the first three months of the academic year.


Finland

In the mid-20th century, the former Hallituskatu Girls' School enforced a compulsory school uniform. According to the , under current Finnish law, public school students cannot be obliged to wear school uniforms.


France

Uniforms have not been enforced in French schools, a few exceptions (such as
Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur The maisons d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur were the French secondary schools set up by Napoleon and originally meant for the education of girls whose father, grandfather or great-grandfather had been awarded the Légion d'honneur. Access is s ...
, les Écoles TUNON, and Vatel).
Xavier Darcos Xavier Darcos (born 14 July 1947) is a French politician, scholar, civil servant and former Minister of Labour. An ''agrégé'' professor in literature and general inspector of the National Education system, he has been Mayor of Périgueux, ...
, a former teacher and Minister of Education from 2007 to 2009, is an advocate of the reintroduction of uniforms: "This is not outrageous. This removes the visible differences in social status or wealth. This is an additional factor of integration". The wearing of any religious symbols, such as a hijab or turban, has been
banned A ban is a formal or informal prohibition of something. Bans are formed for the prohibition of activities within a certain political territory. Some bans in commerce are referred to as embargoes. ''Ban'' is also used as a verb similar in meaning ...
in French schools since 2004. Since March 2012, the students of the Boarding School of Excellence
Sourdun Sourdun () is a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department in the Île-de-France region in north-central France. Demographics Inhabitants of Sourdun are called ''Sourdunois''. See also *Communes of the Seine-et-Marne department The following ...
wear a uniform with the insignia of their establishment. Les lycées de la défense, formerly known as
military schools A military academy or service academy is an educational institution which prepares candidates for service in the officer corps. It normally provides education in a military environment, the exact definition depending on the country concerned. ...
, require their students to wear uniforms. At some universities, the
academic dress Academic dress is a traditional form of clothing for academic settings, mainly tertiary (and sometimes secondary) education, worn mainly by those who have obtained a university degree (or similar), or hold a status that entitles them to assum ...
is becoming popular.


French Guiana

French Guianan schools enforce a standardised uniform of colored T-shirts and blue pants.


French Polynesia

In 2012,
French Polynesia )Territorial motto: ( en, "Great Tahiti of the Golden Haze") , anthem = , song_type = Regional anthem , song = " Ia Ora 'O Tahiti Nui" , image_map = French Polynesia on the globe (French Polynesia centered).svg , map_alt = Location of Frenc ...
's Minister of Education Tauhiti Nena ordered the
overseas collectivity The French overseas collectivities (''collectivité d'outre-mer'' or ''COM'') are first-order administrative divisions of France, like the French regions, but have a semi-autonomous status. The COMs include some former French overseas colonie ...
's public schools to adopt mandatory uniform policies. The following October, the Court of Administrative Law annulled the order, by which stage 24 schools had adopted uniform policies. As of August 2015, 13 schools retained these policies.


Guadeloupe

Use of uniforms and dress codes have become widespread in Guadeloupean schools.


Martinique

As of 2014, a third of the 345 schools on the French
overseas department The overseas departments and regions of France (french: départements et régions d'outre-mer, ; ''DROM'') are departments of France that are outside metropolitan France, the European part of France. They have exactly the same status as mainlan ...
Martinique Martinique ( , ; gcf, label=Martinican Creole, Matinik or ; Kalinago: or ) is an island and an overseas department/region and single territorial collectivity of France. An integral part of the French Republic, Martinique is located in th ...
impose a non-compulsory uniform policy.


New Caledonia

In 2017, uniform polo shirts were made compulsory for students attending all 96 primary schools in New Caledonia's South Province.


Réunion

As of 2012, Collège Sainte-Geneviève in Saint-André is the only Réunionese school to operate a uniform policy: students are obliged to wear logoed white T-shirts.


Saint Barthélemy

Collège Mireille-Choisy, Saint Barthélemy's only public secondary school, enforces a dress code requiring students to wear a logoed T-shirt and prohibiting certain types of legwear and footwear.


Saint Martin

Uniforms are worn in Saint-Martinois schools.


Gabon

School uniforms are widely worn in Gabon. A ban on Gabonese schools compelling students to buy uniforms directly from the institutions has led to some students making their own uniforms.


The Gambia

All pupils attending Gambians schools are required to wear uniforms.


Germany

There is no tradition of wearing school uniforms in Germany, and today, almost all students of state schools, private schools or universities do not wear school uniforms. However, certain garments have been common to students in former times: From the 16th century, students (especially of secondary or grammar schools and similar institutions) were often subject to regulations that prescribed, for example, modest and not too stylish attire. In many cases these regulations were part of wider laws concerning the clothing of all citizens of certain social classes. A blue coat became a widespread obligatory status symbol of students of secondary schools; it fell out of use during the latter half of the 18th century. In more recent times, school uniforms in any real sense did not exist outside of convent schools and private boarding schools. At times, certain fashions became so widespread that they approached uniform status; this is true in particular for so-called student hats (''Schülermützen'') that became widespread from the 1880s on and remained somewhat popular until they were banned by the Nazis. Their wearing was advocated by teachers and the students themselves and occasionally made mandatory, but never on a national or statewide level. Another instance are the
sailor suits A sailor suit is a uniform traditionally worn by enlisted seamen in a navy or other governmental sea services. It later developed into a popular clothing style for children, especially as dress clothes. Origins and history In the Royal Navy, t ...
that became fashionable around the turn of the 19th century. These, too, were not usually a prescribed uniform. The Nazis banned student hats – the last remaining, if voluntary, form of unified student clothing – because they considered them an attribute of class society. They did, however, institute mandatory membership in the uniformed
Hitler Youth The Hitler Youth (german: Hitlerjugend , often abbreviated as HJ, ) was the youth organisation of the Nazi Party in Germany. Its origins date back to 1922 and it received the name ("Hitler Youth, League of German Worker Youth") in July 1926. ...
(''HJ'') from 1936 until their fall. HJ uniforms were worn in the HJ training academies and in the Napolas; students of other schools sometimes wore them to school at their own discretion. In recent times, the introduction of school uniforms has been discussed, but usually the expression "uniform" (the word is the same in German) is avoided in favor of terms like "school clothing" ("Schulkleidung"). School clothing has been introduced in a small number of schools, for example in
Hamburg (male), (female) en, Hamburger(s), Hamburgian(s) , timezone1 = Central (CET) , utc_offset1 = +1 , timezone1_DST = Central (CEST) , utc_offset1_DST = +2 , postal ...
-Sinstorf in 2000, and in Friesenheim and Haag (Oberbayern) in 2005. In these cases the clothes are collections of shirts, sweaters, and the like, catering to contemporary fashion senses. Uniforms in a more traditional sense are almost never proposed in earnest. The debate on mandatory school uniforms intensified in Germany when two Muslim girls dressed in burkas arrived at a school in Bonn in 2006. The girls' actions were interpreted as political action and they were subsequently suspended from school. Then-Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries in an interview with the Welt am Sonntag stated that the simple solution to the issue under consideration is mandatory introduction of school uniforms for boys and girls across Germany. She further argued that school uniforms would help to prevent conflicts arising from religious or political differences. Her stance was supported by then-Minister Of Education Annette Schavan. The proposal was met with opposition from the teacher union and opposition political parties. The teacher union argued that school uniforms are not the solution for integration problems nor the issue of fashion obsession. The leader of the teacher union Heinz-Peter Meidinger also added that the school uniforms have been a controversial issue in Germany over the years.


Opposition to school uniforms

A senior member of the Green Party, Krista Sager, also said that the introduction of school uniforms would be unacceptable state interference in religious matters. She then proposed that individual schools have to find their own solutions and rejected solutions imposed by government. She further noted that school uniforms are no longer up to date and their imposition would be rejected by the current generation of students. The Conference of Education Ministers, a body that decides on school policies, also kicked back against school uniforms. They cited historical reasons dating back to WWII with memories of Hitler Youth's uniform still fresh in people's minds. They also concluded that the imposition of school uniforms would be excessive government encroachment on personal liberty of pupils and parents. However, a number of schools sell branded clothing that can be worn as a sign of school pride. The Bildungsstreik movement fights against school uniforms due to their belief that it represents some kind of
militarism Militarism is the belief or the desire of a government or a people that a state should maintain a strong military capability and to use it aggressively to expand national interests and/or values. It may also imply the glorification of the mili ...
.


Ghana

All children have to wear school uniforms in
Ghana Ghana (; tw, Gaana, ee, Gana), officially the Republic of Ghana, is a country in West Africa. It abuts the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, sharing borders with Ivory Coast in the west, Burkina Faso in the north, and To ...
. Pupils in public schools have the same type of school uniform with the school's emblem imprinted on the left chest. This helps to distinguish pupils of one school from the other. Private schools determine which uniforms their pupils wear. On April 11, 2019, the Director-General of the
Ghana Education Service The Ghana Education Service (GES) is a government agency under the Ministry of Education responsible for implementing government policies that ensure that Ghanaians of school-going age irrespective of their ethnicity, gender, disability, religiou ...
, Prof
Kwasi Opoku Amankwa Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa is the director-general of Ghana Education Service and an associate professor. Prior to his appointment to be the director-general of Ghana Education service, he was The dean of the International Programmes Office (IPO) at K ...
announced at a press conference in Accra that public
Junior High School A middle school (also known as intermediate school, junior high school, junior secondary school, or lower secondary school) is an educational stage which exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school ...
pupils will start wearing a new uniform beginning from the 2019–2020 academic year. The new uniform is primarily to distinguish the Junior High pupils from their peers at the primary level. The current brown and yellow khaki school uniform, locally referred to as Konkonte and nkate nkwan (groundnut soup) and worn by pupils at the basic level in public schools, was introduced over 30 years ago by the government.


Georgia

Students wore school uniforms in the
Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic (Georgian SSR; ka, საქართველოს საბჭოთა სოციალისტური რესპუბლიკა, tr; russian: Грузинская Советская Соц ...
, but the practice had largely faded by the late 1980s.


Greece

Uniforms ceased to be worn in Greek public schools in 1982. Their use is now confined to certain private and international schools.


Grenada

Uniforms are worn in all Grenadian public schools. The Grenadian government runs an annual School Uniform Voucher Programme to help students' families meet the associated costs.


Guatemala

In 2008,
Álvaro Colom Álvaro Colom Caballeros (; born 15 June 1951) is a Guatemalan politician who was the President of Guatemala from 2008 to 2012, as well as leader of the social-democratic National Unity of Hope (UNE). Early years Colom was born in Guatemala Cit ...
prohibited the enforcement of mandatory school uniform policies in Guatemalan public schools. However, the use of school uniform remains widespread.


Guinea

School uniforms are worn in Guinean public schools.


Guinea-Bissau

In October 2020, it was announced a standardized uniform would be introduced across all Bissau-Guinean public and private schools.


Guyana

Guyana has a long history of school uniforms being compulsory. Students attending public and private schools up to the secondary level are required to wear them. In some instances, this extends to those attending classes on Saturdays and during periods when schools are officially closed. The Guyanese government dispenses grants to assist students with uniform costs.


Haiti

School uniforms are compulsory in Haitian schools.


Honduras

On 18 March 2014, the
National Congress of Honduras The National Congress ( es, Congreso Nacional) is the legislative branch of the government of Honduras. Organization The Honduran Congress is a unicameral legislature. The nominal President of the National Congress of Honduras is currentl ...
approved a decree introducing a single uniform of white shirts and blue pants or skirts in all Honduran public schools.


Hungary

In September 1973, the "school coat" (Hungarian: ''iskolaköpeny'') had become compulsory for all schoolchildren in the
Hungarian People's Republic The Hungarian People's Republic ( hu, Magyar Népköztársaság) was a one-party socialist state from 20 August 1949 to 23 October 1989. It was governed by the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party, which was under the influence of the Soviet Uni ...
. In 2012 there was consideration to reintroduce it, but the idea was quickly abandoned. Currently there are no school uniforms in public schools in Hungary.


India

Uniforms are compulsory in India in both public and private schools. The boys' uniforms are often made of a light-coloured shirt, long trousers usually blue, white or black, and those of the girls are often a shirt and a skirt. Most schools employ this form of uniform however
Shalwar Kameez Shalwar kameez (also salwar kameez and less commonly shalwar qameez) is a traditional combination dress worn by women, and in some regions by men, in South Asia, and Central Asia. ''Shalwars'' are trousers which are atypically wide at the wa ...
is prescribed in some of the rural north Indian areas but rarely seen in urban areas. Many schools require students to wear uniform shoes, ties and ID cards, and comb their hair down and keep it clean and short. Long hair is tied in braids. Uniform is one of the most important components of school life and is taken very seriously in India. Many government-run schools across different states also provide free uniforms and school bags to the students. Some institutions also require the use of a tie, especially the schools run by private institutions, and the Indian education system does not prohibit the children on the ground of religion. There is no discrimination on the basis of religion in the field of education in India. That's why all the children are allowed to wear the same uniform, no matter what religion you belong to. However, most of the schools, whether public or private, prohibit students to have a dyed hair or males to have a ponytail.


Indonesia

In
Indonesia Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guine ...
, school uniforms are mandatory for every student. They can be simply described as below for each stage of education: * Primary schools or ''Sekolah Dasar'' (''SD'') students wear a white short-sleeve shirt with red shorts for male students, and below-knee skirts for females. * Lower secondary schools or ''Sekolah Menengah Pertama'' (''SMP'') require navy blue shorts or trousers with a short-sleeve white shirt for male students. Females wear a below-knee-length or long navy blue skirt and short-sleeve white shirt. * Upper secondary schools ''Sekolah Menengah Atas'' (''SMA'') require blue-grey trousers with a short-sleeve white shirt. Females wear a below-knee-length or long blue-grey skirt, and wear short-sleeve or long-sleeve white shirts. Public schools in Indonesia tolerate religious freedoms. For example,
Muslim Muslims ( ar, المسلمون, , ) are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition. They consider the Quran, the foundational religious text of Islam, to be the verbatim word of the God of Abrah ...
girls may opt to wear long-sleeve shirts, longer skirts, and jilbab to cover their heads. Most
schools in Indonesia A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes compul ...
also have a
batik Batik is an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth. This technique originated from the island of Java, Indonesia. Batik is made either by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a spouted tool called a ''ca ...
uniform, usually worn on Thursday or Friday. This kind of uniform consists of a batik short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt, with long or short trousers for SMA and below-knee or long skirts for females. The motifs and colours of batik depend on the school. Some schools tend to issue ties and/or vests for their students. These ties and vests may vary from school to school in colour and sewing pattern, even among public schools. Nowadays, with the increase of private schools in Indonesia, most private schools have their own signature school uniform. Most consist of shirts with shorts or trousers for males, and skirts for females, only with differences on the colour. Every school has its own standard grooming. Males are not allowed to have long hair. Accessories are also normally prohibited for males, except for watches. Females are usually allowed to use simple accessories such as watches, earrings, and sometimes bracelets. Wearing nail polish is usually not allowed. Most schools pay attention to the shoes that can be worn. Black or white sneakers with white laces are the most common shoes. Few higher-level students, such as in ''SMA'' or ''SMK'', are normally required to wear black leather shoes. The school badge is usually put on the right sleeve of a shirt, consist of school's name and location, and some have their own school's logo. Others prefer to wear the school's logo as a lapel or breast plastic or metal pin. The emblem of OSIS (''Organisasi Siswa Intra Sekolah''), or School's Intern Student Organization, is put on the shirt's left pocket. Students' names are usually on the right side of the shirt and embedded by sewing, ironing or as a detachable badge. Some schools (usually "SMP" and "SMA") distinguish the grade of their students by stripes on the official ties issued or an emblem below the school emblem (it can be stripes, chevrons or numbers). Nowadays some schools require the students to wear an Indonesian flag school badge sewn on top of their left pocket. The
scouts Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement employing the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking ...
(pramuka) uniform is used in many schools in Indonesia at least once a week. It consists of light-brown short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts, with dark-brown shorts or trousers, and below-knee skirts or longer for females. The common day to wear the scout uniform usually falls on Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. Furthermore, on certain occasions (usually on ceremonies or competitions), the uniform should be worn as full dress, with red and white scarf/tie, dark brown beret, rope, dagger and scout's stick. The scout uniform has two breast pockets. Above right pocket is the student's name. The
Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia The Pramuka Movement of Indonesia ( id, Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia), officially the Praja Muda Karana Scouting Movement ( id, Gerakan Kepanduan Praja Muda Karana), is the national scouting organization of Indonesia. Scouting was founded in the ...
(Indonesian Scout Movement) logo is sewn on the left pocket (for male students). On the right sleeve there are scouting organization's location, number and logo, while on the left sleeve usually are the student's scouting team logo and chevrons denoting his/her grade. Male students wear International Scout Organization logo above their name and female students on their lapel.


Ireland

In
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
, almost all primary and secondary schools require students to wear a uniform. These can vary from school to school but for the most part include trousers for male students, a skirt or pinafore for female students and a shirt, a jumper and a tie. In recent years many schools also offer the option of trousers for female students. Some schools require blazers rather than jumpers. Some primary schools now let their pupils wear a school tracksuit rather than a formal uniform. Primary and Secondary schools under the patronage of
Educate Together Educate Together () is an educational charity in Ireland which is the patron body to "equality-based, co-educational, child centred, and democratically run" schools. It was founded in 1984 to act as the patron body for the new multidenomination ...
, have no school uniforms in their network of over 100 schools. In recent years there has been criticism, including by the
Department of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
of the requirement that a school uniform jumper must have the school crest or name imprinted onto it and of the practice where a school's uniform can only be bought from a certain supplier, which can markedly increase the price of a uniform. As well as rules regarding the wearing of a uniform many schools have regulations regarding hair, footwear, the growth of facial hair for males, the wearing of makeup and the length of school skirts.


Israel

According to former Education Minister
Limor Livnat Limor Livnat (; born 22 September 1950) is an Israeli former politician. She served as a member of the Knesset for Likud between 1992 and 2015, and was Minister of Communications, Minister of Education, and Minister of Culture & Sport. Biogr ...
, about 1,400 Israeli public schools require pupils to wear uniforms. School uniforms used to be the norm in the state's early days, but have since fallen out of favor. However, in recent years, the number of schools using school uniforms has been increasing once more. Many teachers, parents and students are in favor of returning the school uniform to common use to prevent the deepening of the gap between affluent children and those less well-off. Nowadays school uniforms are mainly associated with "national religious" schools within the Israeli system of education. Schools for
Arab citizens of Israel The Arab citizens of Israel are the largest ethnic minority in the country. They comprise a hybrid community of Israeli citizens with a heritage of Palestinian citizenship, mixed religions (Muslim, Christian or Druze), bilingual in Arabic an ...
also frequently require uniforms: for girls, it is often a
pinafore A pinafore (colloquially a pinny in British English) is a sleeveless garment worn as an apron. Pinafores may be worn as a decorative garment and as a protective apron. A related term is ''pinafore dress'' (known as a ''jumper'' in Ameri ...
to be worn over trousers and shirt. In the
Haredi Haredi Judaism ( he, ', ; also spelled ''Charedi'' in English; plural ''Haredim'' or ''Charedim'') consists of groups within Orthodox Judaism that are characterized by their strict adherence to ''halakha'' (Jewish law) and traditions, in oppos ...
or ultra-Orthodox school system, uniforms are compulsory in essentially all girls' schools. In the vast majority of these, the style adopted by the Beit Ya'akov network is used: a sky-blue, button-down, open-collar, loose-fitting blouse with an Oxford-blue, pleated skirt that comes to just below the knee and dark stockings. In cold weather, a Yale-blue sweater may be added. A small fraction of schools alter the colour scheme to pink and burgundy, while otherwise retaining the same overall appearance. In boys' schools there is usually not an identifiable school uniform, distinct from what is considered acceptable for ordinary street wear. However, the standards of acceptable street wear for boys and men in Haredi communities are so precise and exacting that in almost all cases all of the boys in a particular school will be dressed identically. In non-Haredi schools today, school uniforms in Israel consist only of a shirt with the school logo. In the summer, the uniform shirt is a simple T-shirt, while in the winter, the shirts worn are warm or hooded sweaters. Although the shirts are uniform, they usually come in various colours, and allow students to customize and express themselves even while wearing a uniform. The shirts sell for a very small amount of money, so that even the less well-off can acquire them.


Italy

In Italy, school uniforms are uncommon, partially because child uniforms are associated with the era of
Benito Mussolini Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (; 29 July 188328 April 1945) was an Italian politician and journalist who founded and led the National Fascist Party. He was Prime Minister of Italy from the March on Rome in 1922 until his deposition in 194 ...
before World War II when children were placed according to their age into Italian Fascist youth movements and had to wear uniforms inside and outside school. However, until the early 1960s many high schools required girls to wear black ''grembiule'' (resembling a doctor smock) on top of their clothes: no uniform was required for boys. Nowadays, many pre-schools advise parents to dress their children with a ''grembiulino'', i.e., a small ''grembiule'', usually shorter and more colourful, that can be purchased cheaply. Some elementary schools advise some kind of ''grembiule'' for the younger pupils. Sometimes girls are required to wear a pink or white ''grembiulino'', while boys may be required to wear a short cotton jacket, usually blue or black. In other cases both boys and girls may be required to wear a more neutral blue ''grembiule''. Some parents send their children to school in a ''grembiule'' even if the school does not require it. Poet and children's writer
Gianni Rodari Giovanni Francesco "Gianni" Rodari (; 23 October 1920 – 14 April 1980) was an Italian writer and journalist, most famous for his works of children's literature, notably '' Il romanzo di Cipollino''. For his lasting contribution as a children's ...
has described adult life as "a school without ''grembiule'' and school desk". In 2004 the Italian chapter of WWF warned that synthetic ''grembiuli'' were harmful to pupils. In July 2008 Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini proposed the re-introduction of the compulsory smock in public schools, provoking a debate in the Italian press.


Iran

Iranian schools generally employ uniform policies but students cannot legally be compelled to wear them.


Iraq

School uniforms are worn in Iraqi public schools.


Ivory Coast

In October 2003, the Ivorian government abolished the compulsory wearing of school uniforms in all schools. By 2012, compulsory school uniforms had been re-implemented.


Japan

Japan introduced school uniforms in the late 19th century. Today, school uniforms are almost universal in the public and private school systems. They are also used in some women's colleges. The Japanese word for uniform is . In the majority of elementary schools, students are not required to wear a uniform to school. Where they are required, many boys wear white shirts, short trousers, and caps. Young boys often dress more formally in their class pictures than they do other days of the school year. Girls' uniforms might include a grey pleated skirt and white blouse. Occasionally the sailor outfit is used for girls. The uniform codes may vary by season to work with the environment and occasion. It is common for boys and girls to wear brightly coloured caps to prevent traffic accidents. It is normal for uniforms to be worn outside of school areas. However, this is going out of fashion and many students are wearing casual dress. The Japanese junior- and senior-high-school uniform traditionally consists of a military style for boys and a
sailor outfit A sailor suit is a uniform traditionally worn by enlisted seamen in a navy or other governmental sea services. It later developed into a popular clothing style for children, especially as dress clothes. Origins and history In the Royal Navy, th ...
for girls. These uniforms are based on
Meiji era The is an era of Japanese history that extended from October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912. The Meiji era was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization b ...
formal military dress, themselves modeled on European-style naval uniforms. The sailor outfit replace the undivided
hakama are a type of traditional Japanese clothing. Originally stemming from (), the trousers worn by members of the Chinese imperial court in the Sui and Tang dynasties, this style was adopted by the Japanese in the form of in the 6th centur ...
(andon bakama 行灯袴) designed by
Utako Shimoda was a Japanese educator and poet of the Meiji and Taishō period. Born in present-day Ena, Gifu, she was the founder many educational organizations, including what is today Jissen Women's University. She had international influence, and was ...
between 1920 and 1930. While this style is still in use, many schools have moved to more Western-pattern
parochial school A parochial school is a private primary or secondary school affiliated with a religious organization, and whose curriculum includes general religious education in addition to secular subjects, such as science, mathematics and language arts. The ...
uniform styles. They consist of a white shirt, tie,
blazer A blazer is a type of jacket resembling a suit jacket, but cut more casually. A blazer is generally distinguished from a sport coat as a more formal garment and tailored from solid colour fabrics. Blazers often have naval-style metal buttons ...
or
sweater vest A sweater (North American English) or pullover, also called a jumper (British English and Australian English), ...
with school crest, and tailored trousers (often not of the same colour as the blazer or sweater vest) for boys and a white blouse, tie, blazer with school crest, and
tartan Tartan ( gd, breacan ) is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Sc ...
skirt for girls. Much like the male uniform, the
gakuran The Japanese school uniform is modeled in appearance similar to that of the European-style naval uniforms. It was first used in Japan in the late 19th century, replacing the traditional kimono. Today, school uniforms are common in many of the J ...
, the sailor outfit bears a similarity to military-styled
naval A navy, naval force, or maritime force is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval warfare, naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake-borne, riverine, littoral zone, littoral, or ocean-borne combat operations and ...
uniforms. The uniform generally consists of a
blouse A blouse (blau̇s, 'blau̇z, ) is a loose-fitting upper garment that was worn by workmen, peasants, artists, women, and children.The Concise Oxford English Dictionary It is typically gathered at the waist or hips (by tight hem, pleats, parter ...
attached with a sailor-style collar and a
pleat A pleat (plait in older English) is a type of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and securing it in place. It is commonly used in clothing and upholstery to gather a wide piece of fabric to a narrower circumference. Pleats are cat ...
ed
skirt A skirt is the lower part of a dress or a separate outer garment that covers a person from the waist downwards. At its simplest, a skirt can be a draped garment made out of a single piece of fabric (such as pareos). However, most skirts are fi ...
. There are seasonal variations for summer and winter: sleeve length and fabric are adjusted accordingly. A ribbon is tied in the front and laced through a loop attached to the blouse. Several variations on the ribbon include ties,
bolo tie A bolo tie (sometimes bola tie or shoestring necktie) is a type of necktie consisting of a piece of cord or braided leather with decorative metal tips (called aiguillettes) and secured with an ornamental clasp or slide. Popularity In the United ...
s,
neckerchief A neckerchief (from ''neck'' (n.) + ''kerchief''), sometimes called a necker, kerchief or scarf, is a type of neckwear associated with those working or living outdoors, including farm labourers, cowboys and sailors. It is most commonly still seen ...
s, and bows. Common colours are navy blue, white, grey, light green and black. Shoes, socks, and other accessories are sometimes included as part of the uniform. The socks are typically navy or white. The shoes are typically brown or black
penny loafer Slip-ons are typically low, lace-less shoes. The style which is most commonly seen, known as a loafer or slippers in American culture, has a moccasin construction. One of the first designs was introduced in London by Wildsmith Shoes, called the W ...
s. Although not part of the prescribed uniform, alternate forms of legwear (such as
loose socks thumbnail, Loose socks in Japan are a style of baggy sock worn by Japanese high school girls, as part of culture. This style of socks has also become popular among American teens and college students who are fans of Japanese anime and manga. T ...
, knee-length stockings, or similar) are commonly matched by more fashionable girls with their sailor outfits. Regardless of what type of uniform any particular school assigns its students, all schools have a summer version (usually consisting of a white dress shirt and dark slacks for boys and a reduced-weight traditional uniform or blouse and tartan skirt with tie for girls) and a sports-activity uniform (a polyester track suit for year-round use and a T-shirt and shorts for summer activities). Depending on the discipline level of their school, students may wear seasonal and activity uniforms in the same classroom during the day. Students may attempt to subvert the system of uniforms by wearing them incorrectly or by adding prohibited elements such as large
loose socks thumbnail, Loose socks in Japan are a style of baggy sock worn by Japanese high school girls, as part of culture. This style of socks has also become popular among American teens and college students who are fans of Japanese anime and manga. T ...
or badges. Miniskirts have been very popular in Japan, where they became part of school uniforms, and they came to be worn within the
Kogal is a Japanese fashion culture that involves schoolgirls wearing an outfit based on Japanese school uniforms (or their actual uniforms) but with very short skirts. The short skirts are worn irrespective of the season. The girls may also wear l ...
culture.


Jordan

Uniforms are compulsory in Jordanian public schools. Male students in elementary and secondary schools wear khaki uniforms. Female elementary students wear blue uniforms and their secondary counterparts wear green ones. Girls are also allowed to wear jilbabs provided they're either grey or dark blue.


Kazakhstan

Uniforms are worn in Kazakhstani schools. In January 2017, the
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
announced a ban on the wearing of religious symbols in schools.


Kenya

School uniforms are generally compulsory in Kenyan public primary and secondary schools. A 2018 World Bank study found that Kenyan students receiving subsidized school uniforms reduced absenteeism by 37%.


Kiribati

Uniforms are worn in I-Kiribati schools.


Kosovo

In the
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commonly referred to as SFR Yugoslavia or simply as Yugoslavia, was a country in Central and Southeast Europe. It emerged in 1945, following World War II, and lasted until 1992, with the breakup of Yug ...
, some schools enforced a mandatory uniform consisting of a navy blue "apron". Some Kosovan schools require uniforms. 'Religious uniforms' are officially banned in Kosovan public schools.


Kuwait

Most schools in Kuwait have a uniform.


Kyrgyzstan

The first recorded use of school uniform in Kyrgyz schools was in 1918. In the
Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyzstan,, pronounced or the Kyrgyz Republic, is a landlocked country in Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the south, and the People's Republic of China to the east ...
, school uniforms are worn by students throughout the public education system.


Laos

School uniforms are worn in Laotian schools.


Latvia

On 11 November 1928, a standardised school uniform was introduced across all Latvian schools: for girls, a dark blue dress with a white collar and dark apron; for boys, a dark suit with a high collar. Uniforms continued to be mandatory throughout the
Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic The Latvian Socialist Soviet Republic ( lv, Latvijas Sociālistiskā Padomju Republika, LSPR) was a short-lived socialist republic formed during the Latvian War of Independence. It was proclaimed on 17 December 1918 with the political, economi ...
era. After largely falling out of use following independence, many schools have readopted uniform policies in the early 21st century.


Lebanon

In Lebanon, most schools adopt school uniforms. They are usually composed of a shirt (usually with a pattern) and/or a
polo shirt A polo shirt, tennis shirt, golf shirt, or chukker shirt is a form of shirt with a collar. Polo shirts are usually short sleeved but can be long; they were used by polo players originally in India in 1859 and in Great Britain during the 1920s. ...
, a jumper, skirts for girls and trousers for boys. Some public schools do not require school uniforms.


Lesotho

In Lesotho school uniforms are still compulsory. Many poor families can not afford them, which is one of the reasons for the high dropout rate in primary schools.


Liberia

Uniforms are compulsory in Liberian schools. In October 2021, the Ministry of Education rebuked certain private and faith-based schools for compelling students to purchase uniforms directly from the institutions.


Libya

Uniforms are worn in Libyan schools.


Liechtenstein

In September 2011, a primary school in
Triesen Triesen () is the third largest of Liechtenstein's municipalities. It contains several historic churches dating from the fifteenth century. It also has a weaving mill from 1863 that is considered a historical monument. The population is around 5, ...
adopted a voluntary uniform of logoed polo shirts following a campaign by the local parents' association.


Luxembourg

Luxembourg has no history of school uniforms in its public and private school systems.


Madagascar

Malagasy public and private schools require uniforms.


Malawi

In Malawi, school uniform is widespread but not necessarily compulsory. The
UNICEF UNICEF (), originally called the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in full, now officially United Nations Children's Fund, is an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing Humanitarianism, humanitarian and Devel ...
-backed government scheme Social Cash Transfer Programme frequently subsidizes the cost of uniform. On 29 June 2021, female members of the
National Assembly In politics, a national assembly is either a unicameral legislature, the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or both houses of a bicameral legislature together. In the English language it generally means "an assembly composed of the repre ...
dressed in primary school-style uniforms to promote girls' education. Minister of Education
Agnes Nyalonje Agnes Nyalonje is a Malawian politician who has served as the country's Education Minister since July 2020. Education Nyalonje has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Malawi, a postgraduate diploma in pers ...
was sent out of the chamber for not complying with the dress code.


Malaysia

In
Malaysia Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
, school uniforms (
Malay Malay may refer to: Languages * Malay language or Bahasa Melayu, a major Austronesian language spoken in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore ** History of the Malay language, the Malay language from the 4th to the 14th century ** Indonesi ...
: ''Pakaian Seragam Sekolah'') are compulsory for all students who attend public schools. Western-style school uniforms were introduced to present-day Malaysia in the late 19th century during the British colonial era. The present design was standardised beginning in January 1970. Today, school uniforms are almost universal in the public and private school systems. The uniforms at Malaysian public schools are as follows: Students are required to wear white socks and white shoes, or black socks and black shoes with the above uniform. For modesty reasons, most schools require female students who wear the baju kurung to wear a plain-coloured
camisole A camisole is a sleeveless undergarment or innerwear typically worn by women, normally extending to the waist. The camisole is usually made of satin, nylon, silk, or cotton. Historical definition Historically, ''camisole'' referred to jackets ...
underneath. In addition to these, schools usually have badges that must be sewn or ironed on to the uniform — generally at the left chest. Some schools require students to sew their name tags in addition to the badge. For upper forms, students generally have to wear a school-specific tie, except those who are wearing the baju kurung. In Malaysia, Muslim girls tend to wear the baju kurung. Most of them start wearing a white ''tudung'' (Malaysian version of the Muslim headscarf or hijab) upon entering secondary school, for religious reasons. Non-Muslim girls tend to wear the pinafore. Some non-Muslim girls wear the baju kurung but without the tudung. Muslim boys may wear baju melayu at school on Fridays, often with a
songkok The songkok or peci or kopiah is a cap widely worn in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the southern Philippines, and southern Thailand, most commonly among Muslim males. It has the shape of a truncated cone, usually made of black or emb ...
hat, to be dressed for going to the mosque for prayers at lunchtime. Girls who choose to wear the pinafore, especially those attending co-ed schools, usually wear shorts under their pinafore to allow for carefree movement as the skirt only covers up to the knee. Those who wear the baju kurung tend not to wear shorts under their long skirt as their skirt covers their legs. Students who hold positions in schools such as School Prefects, Librarian and Head Class often wear different uniforms than regular students. Therefore, some schools have prescribed the wearing of Ties for students who have positions in the school and some schools require the wearing of Ties to all students. Some schools have ties as standard issue; even then, the ties are generally reserved for school events and public appearances, and are not part of the everyday school uniform. The tropical climate makes them uncomfortable. The
hairstyle A hairstyle, hairdo, haircut or coiffure refers to the styling of hair, usually on the human scalp. Sometimes, this could also mean an editing of facial or body hair. The fashioning of hair can be considered an aspect of personal groomin ...
of students is given attention by schools and the Ministry of Education. Schools do not allow students to dye their hair. For boys, there is usually a maximum length allowed, for example, the hair must be a few centimetres above the collar, and no sideburns are allowed. Violation of boys' hair regulations is often punished with a
caning Caning is a form of corporal punishment consisting of a number of hits (known as "strokes" or "cuts") with a single Stick-fighting, cane usually made of rattan, generally applied to the offender's bare or clothed buttocks (see spanking) or ha ...
; some offer the alternative of an enforced haircut at the school (although the result of the haircut may be deliberately made to be humiliating as part of the punishment). The use of
hair gel Hair gel is a hairstyling product that is used to harden hair into a particular hairstyle. History Analysis of ancient Egyptian mummies has shown that they styled their hair using a fat-based gel. The researchers behind the analysis say that t ...
is prohibited in some of the stricter schools, to prevent excessive hairdressing. Girls' long hair must be properly tied up, often into a
ponytail A ponytail is a hairstyle in which some, most or all of the hair on the head is pulled away from the face, gathered and secured at the back of the head with a hair tie, clip, or other similar accessory and allowed to hang freely from that point ...
. Some schools dictate the colour and type of hair accessories that can be used. Some prohibit even girls from having long hair. Wearing
make up Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protect ...
in school is prohibited. Schools usually enforce their uniform code thoroughly, with regular checks by teachers and prefects. Students who fail to comply may be warned, given demerit points, publicly punished, sent home from school, or caned.


Maldives

School uniforms are widely worn in the Maldives.


Mali

Unlike most African countries, uniforms are not mandatory in Malian public schools. However, they are compulsory in private schools.


Malta

Children in Malta are obliged to wear school uniforms.


Marshall Islands

Marshallese schoolchildren wear uniforms.


Mauritania

In August 2021, education minister Maa El-ainine Ould Eyih announced a compulsory uniform would be imposed in all Mauritanian public schools.


Mauritius

School uniforms in Mauritius are generally compulsory. Mauritius being a former British colony, has been using the system from back then. The students have to wear uniforms from primary school until higher secondary level. However, there are a few private schools that are based on the French system and do not require the student to wear school uniform.


Mexico

In Mexico, students from all public primary and secondary schools, and some public high schools are required to wear uniform. Most private schools require uniform even since nursery school, however, many private secondary and high schools are opting to eliminate it. Mexican uniforms have the school's logo and colours. Most Mexican schools have 2 types of uniforms: one for P.E. and another for regular school days. Many public secondary schools have a different regular uniform for each grade, especially for girls. Uniforms usually consist of the following (but may vary by school): * Regular ** Boys *** Polo shirt **** Vest or sweater **** Cloth trousers **** Socks **** Black shoes ** Girls *** Polo shirt *** Vest or sweater *** Knee-length skirt or dress (called jumper), pleated most of the time *** Knee high socks (white for most public schools) *** Black
mary janes Mary Jane (also known as bar shoes or doll shoes) is an American term ( formerly a registered trademark) for a closed, low-cut shoe with one or more straps across the instep. Classic Mary Janes for children are typically made of black leather ...
(elementary school) / black laced shoes (secondary school) * P.E. Note: The uniform is unisex most of the time. ** Polo or shirt ** Open sweatshirt ** Sweatpants ** socks and trainers (preferably white) Nowadays, a complete school uniform set cost can go up to US$98.39 for girls, and US$102.32 for boys, which contradicts the uniforms implementation original goal during the
1930s File:1930s decade montage.png, From left, clockwise: Dorothea Lange's photo of the homeless Florence Thompson shows the effects of the Great Depression; due to extreme drought conditions, farms across the south-central United States become dry a ...
: to reduce clothing costs and avoid
classism Class discrimination, also known as classism, is prejudice or discrimination on the basis of social class. It includes individual attitudes, behaviors, systems of policies and practices that are set up to benefit the upper class at the expense of ...
. On 2019, Mexico City's government announced a new Law that permitted pupils to choose whether to wear the trousers or skirt version of their regular uniform, regardless of their gender. If successful, this new practice might be implemented in other states of the republic.


Federated States of Micronesia

The use of school uniforms is sporadic in Micronesian public schools.


Pohnpei

Students at
Bailey Olter High School Bailey Olter High School, formerly Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS),
." Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia Washi ...
wear uniforms.


Moldova

In 2018, the
Democratic Party of Moldova The European Social Democratic Party ( ro, Partidul Social Democrat European, PSDE) is a centre-left, populist social-democratic political party in Moldova. Established in 1997, the party holds pro-European views, and is an associate member of th ...
called for all Moldovan schools to adopt school uniform policies. The
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
backed the call but stressed uniforms could not be made mandatory. A survey of 300,000 students, teachers and parents recorded 82% of respondents as being in favour of introducing uniforms.


Transnistria

In October 2014,
Vladimir Bodnar Vladimir Bodnar (born December 26, 1942 in Stara Ushytsia village, Kamianets-Podilskyi Raion, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukrainian SSR) is a politician and community leader from Transnistria. He is co-chairman of the Joint Control Commission which was fo ...
proposed the introduction of compulsory uniforms in Transnistrian schools. In April 2020, education minister Alla Nikolyuk renewed this proposal.


Mongolia

In Mongolia, school uniforms are widespread in the public school system.


Montenegro

In the
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commonly referred to as SFR Yugoslavia or simply as Yugoslavia, was a country in Central and Southeast Europe. It emerged in 1945, following World War II, and lasted until 1992, with the breakup of Yug ...
, some schools enforced a mandatory uniform consisting of a navy blue "apron". In August 2016, education minister Damir Šehović launched a school uniform pilot programme at Savo Pejanović Primary School in Podgorica, consisting of compulsory polo shirts.


Montserrat

Students attending
Montserrat Secondary School The Montserrat Secondary School, often referred to for short as MSS, is the only pre-16 years of age secondary school on the island of Montserrat. The school's campus is currently located in Salem. Prior to 2004 it was responsible for Montserrat ...
, the island’s only high school, wear uniforms.


Morocco

Historically, Moroccan primary and secondary schools students have worn the "apron" (Arabic: المريلة ''almarilati'').


Mozambique

Mozambican schools require students to wear uniforms.


Myanmar

School uniforms A school uniform is a uniform worn by students primarily for a school or otherwise an educational institution.They are common in primary and secondary schools in various countries. An example of a uniform would be requiring button-down shirt ...
are mandatory throughout public schools in
Myanmar Myanmar, ; UK pronunciations: US pronunciations incl. . Note: Wikipedia's IPA conventions require indicating /r/ even in British English although only some British English speakers pronounce r at the end of syllables. As John C. Wells, Joh ...
, from kindergarten until the 10th standard. The current uniform rule, known as the "White-Green", was mandated in 14 February 1966. From kindergarten to the 4th standard, the compulsory uniform for boys is a white shirt and green pants, which can be short or long. Shoes and Burmese sandals may be worn. The uniform for girls is similar, consisting of a white blouse and a skirt or pants. From the 5th standard until matriculation, traditional Burmese attire is considered appropriate school uniform. The uniform for boys is a white shirt (with an english collar or a
mandarin collar A mandarin collar, standing collar, band collar or choker collar is a short unfolded stand-up collar style on a shirt or jacket. The style derives its Western name from the mandarin bureaucrats in Qing-era China that employed it as part of th ...
) and a green sarong called a pahso, along with Burmese sandals. For girls, a traditional Burmese blouse (either the ''yinzi,'' with a front opening, or the ''yin hpon'', with a side opening) and a green sarong called a
htamein A longyi (; ) is a sheet of cloth widely worn in Burma (Myanmar). It is approximately long and wide. The cloth is often sewn into a cylindrical shape. It is worn around the waist, running to the feet, and held in place by folding fabric over wi ...
are worn, along with Burmese sandals. Public school teachers also have to wear the same traditional attire uniform as the students.


Namibia

School uniforms are common in almost every school in Namibia, both private and state.


Nauru

Nauruan schools require students to wear uniforms.


Nepal

School uniforms are compulsory in Nepal in both public and private schools. The boys' uniforms are made of shirt with long or short sleeves, long trousers with various colours set by their school and girls uniforms with similar colours are often a shirt and a skirt. Many schools require students to wear shoes, ties and ID cards, and schools has strict policies with hair styles and required to comb their hair down and keep it clean and short. Long hair is tied in braids. Uniform is one of the most important components of school life and is taken very seriously in Nepal.


Netherlands

School uniforms are very rare in the Dutch education system. Their use is confined to international and private schools.


Bonaire

Bonairean schools operate dress codes of uniform polo or T-shirts with "smart" pants and shoes.


Saba

Saban schools require students to wear uniforms. The
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment ( nl, Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid; SZW) is the Dutch ministry responsible for social affairs, relations between employers and employees, social security, trade unions and emancip ...
offers grants to help residents meet the associated costs.


Sint Eustatius

Statian schools require students to wear uniforms. The
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment ( nl, Ministerie van Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid; SZW) is the Dutch ministry responsible for social affairs, relations between employers and employees, social security, trade unions and emancip ...
offers grants to help residents meet the associated costs.


New Zealand

Traditionally, many New Zealand intermediate and
high school A secondary school describes an institution that provides secondary education and also usually includes the building where this takes place. Some secondary schools provide both '' lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper seconda ...
s, and state-integrated and private
primary school A primary school (in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and South Africa), junior school (in Australia), elementary school or grade school (in North America and the Philippines) is a school for primary e ...
s, have followed the British system of school uniforms, although it is common in state schools for the boy's uniform to have a jersey and grey
short trousers Shorts are a garment worn over the pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" because they ...
rather than a blazer with tie and long trousers. This usually consists of a variety of the following apparel: for boys, a business-style shirt with an official school tie, and long or short trousers; and for girls, a blouse, and a plain and/or
plaid Plaid () may refer to: Fabric * Full plaid, a cloth made with a tartan pattern, wrapped around the waist, cast over the shoulder and fastened at the front * A synonym for tartan in North America * A plaid shirt, typically of flannel and worn du ...
(usually
tartan Tartan ( gd, breacan ) is a patterned cloth consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Tartans originated in woven wool, but now they are made in other materials. Tartan is particularly associated with Sc ...
) skirt, and in some schools, especially in the
South Island The South Island, also officially named , is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand in surface area, the other being the smaller but more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman ...
, kilts. Both sexes wear an 'official' school jersey. Blazers and jackets are of varied colours according to the school - dark or light blue, grey, crimson, scarlet, green or black. Some follow the British practice of having contrasting colours edging the lapels and jacket fronts. Caps have generally been discarded since the 1970s but in many primary schools there is a compulsory broad-brimmed floppy hat, in the school colours, to help prevent sunburn. Where short trousers are worn, boys are usually required to wear long socks, and garters are compulsory in many schools to hold socks up. Since 1990 an increasing number of schools, especially in the North Island, include sandals as the standard summer footwear. Many schools also allow students to attend barefoot, with a relatively large number of students choosing to do so. During the 1980s and 1990s there was a tendency for the traditional uniform to be replaced by cheaper and more 'modern' options:
polo shirt A polo shirt, tennis shirt, golf shirt, or chukker shirt is a form of shirt with a collar. Polo shirts are usually short sleeved but can be long; they were used by polo players originally in India in 1859 and in Great Britain during the 1920s. ...
s,
polar fleece Polar fleece is a soft napped insulating fabric made from polyester. Uses Polar fleece is used in jackets, hats, sweaters, sweatpants, cloth diapers (nappies), gym clothes, hoodies, pajamas, blankets, and high-performance outdoor clothing. ...
tops, or a complete doing away with uniforms in favour of mufti. Intermediate schools usually provide the option of skirts or culottes for girls and sometimes shorts while boys will wear shorts. Bike shorts or tights are sometimes worn under girls' skirts and dresses. Some high schools have introduced trousers as an option for girls instead of skirts, however demand is low with several
Christchurch Christchurch ( ; mi, Ōtautahi) is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Canterbury Region. Christchurch lies on the South Island's east coast, just north of Banks Peninsula on Pegasus Bay. The Avon River / ...
high schools estimating only 1% of girls at their respective schools wear trousers.


Tokelau

All three schools in Tokelau enforce uniform policies.


Nicaragua

On 18 September 1979, an administrative decree introduced a mandatory uniform of white shirts and blue pants or skirts in all Nicaraguan public and private schools.


Niger

Uniforms are worn widely in Nigerien schools.


Nigeria

School uniforms are used in
Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...
for all public and private schools from nursery school through primary and secondary school. This originally came with the introduction of western education by Christian missionaries and the tradition continued during the colonial era up till the current era of independence. Some schools have so-called mufti days where this requirement is voided.


Niue

Niue's sole primary and secondary schools both require uniforms.


North Korea

All
North Korea North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the northern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and shares borders with China and Russia to the north, at the Yalu River, Y ...
n students in schools are required to wear uniforms. Makeup is prohibited until graduation from high school. Dress codes in universities vary with some requiring uniforms and others requiring formal wear.


Norway

School uniforms are generally absent from the Norwegian education system, except in certain international schools.


North Macedonia

In September 2014, school uniform was made compulsory for all elementary students in the Municipality of Aerodrom in Skopje. Several secondary schools in Skopje also enforce uniform policies.


Oman

In March 2019, the
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
announced Omani public school students would be required to wear dishdashas for the 2019/2020 academic year.


Pakistan

The school uniforms are compulsory in most schools in Pakistan. Both the public and the private schools have mandated uniforms. Boys uniforms are often made of a light-coloured shirt, long trousers usually brown or blue. The girls often wear Shalwar Qameez suit or in some schools shirt and skirt.


Palau

School uniform is compulsory for Palauan schoolchildren.


Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinean schools generally require uniforms.


Palestine

In 2019, the
Hamas Hamas (, ; , ; an acronym of , "Islamic Resistance Movement") is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist, militant, and nationalist organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Bri ...
administration in Gaza imposed a new dress code on schoolgirls aged under 17. The previous public school uniform of a skirt and a denim shirt was replaced by black or navy
abayas The abaya "cloak" (colloquially and more commonly, ar, عباية ', especially in Literary Arabic: '; plural ', '), sometimes also called an ''aba'', is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in par ...
, plain colored shoes and headscarves.


Panama

School uniform is mandatory in Panamanian schools. A Ministry of Education decree temporarily relaxing these rules for the 2022 academic year caused controversy, with parents fearing it would lead to a rise in bullying.


Paraguay

Paraguayan schools started to introduce uniforms at the end of the 19th century.


Peru

School uniforms are used in Peru. Almost all private schools, especially the British ones, use schools uniforms.


Philippines

School uniforms (
Filipino Filipino may refer to: * Something from or related to the Philippines ** Filipino language, standardized variety of 'Tagalog', the national language and one of the official languages of the Philippines. ** Filipinos, people who are citizens of th ...
: ''uniporme'' or ''kasuotang pampáaralán'', "school attire"), are commonplace in public schools and required in private schools. Some private schools allow civilian clothing on special days, typically parties, school holidays or last day of school before a break. There is usually no uniform in universities and progressive schools, except for official athletic wear in physical education classes, and in specific schools such as the
University of Santo Tomas The University of Santo Tomas (also known as UST and officially as the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila) is a private, Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. Founded on April 28, 1611, by Spanish friar Miguel ...
. Public school uniforms for primary levels are typically white, short-sleeved, buttoned-up shirts, with long skirts for girls and navy blue or khaki, knee-length trousers for boys. Uniforms for public high schools and private schools vary widely in pattern and colour, but most often reflect the official school colours. Muslim girls in some higher institutions are often required to wear a white
hijab In modern usage, hijab ( ar, حجاب, translit=ḥijāb, ) generally refers to headcoverings worn by Muslim women. Many Muslims believe it is obligatory for every female Muslim who has reached the age of puberty to wear a head covering. While ...
, and may be allowed much longer skirts than Christian girls. Some school uniforms in the Philippines bear resemblance to Japanese ones. The material for these usually loose uniforms are often light and suited to the country's tropical climate (e.g. cotton). * Primary school ** Boys *** White polo shirt and **** Navy blue short trousers and Navy blue trousers; ''or'' **** Navy blue long trousers **** Blazer or vest (some international schools) **** tie (some schools) ** Girls *** Cream-coloured blouse and checkered skirt; ''or'' *** Sailor uniform with knee-length checked or plaid skirt *** Blazer or vest (some international schools) *** tie (some schools) ** Boys *** White polo shirt and **** Brown trousers; ''or'' **** White polo shirt with black trousers; ''or'' **** White trousers (generally only for prefects) **** Blazer (some international schools) ** Girls *** White or yellow blouse (with tie) and checked skirt; ''or'' *** Sailor uniform with knee-length checkered skirt *** Blazer (some international schools) In 2008, the
Department of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
ordered that students are no longer required to wear uniforms. This was to enable poorer families to save money for basic needs.


Poland

School uniforms are not compulsory in Poland and absent from the vast majority of Polish schools. The idea of school uniforms in Poland did not exist before the early 20th century. In the
People's Republic of Poland The Polish People's Republic ( pl, Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa, PRL) was a country in Central Europe that existed from 1947 to 1989 as the predecessor of the modern Republic of Poland. With a population of approximately 37.9 million nea ...
, uniform ceased to be compulsory in most schools during the 1980s due to economic issues. Since then, there has been made only one effort to reintroduce uniform into Polish schools - by the former minister of education
Roman Giertych Roman Jacek Giertych (; born 27 February 1971 in Śrem, Poland) is a Polish politician and lawyer; he was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education until August 2007. He was a member of the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish parliament) fr ...
, in 2006. It was then decided that school uniform would not be enforced by the state onto the whole country, but would be a matter decided upon by the principal of each school respectively. Initially this was meant to permit only a
dress code A dress code is a set of rules, often written, with regard to what clothing groups of people must wear. Dress codes are created out of social perceptions and norms, and vary based on purpose, circumstances, and occasions. Different societies an ...
, but this was later modified in 2007 to address school uniform. From 2007, all
primary school A primary school (in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and South Africa), junior school (in Australia), elementary school or grade school (in North America and the Philippines) is a school for primary e ...
s and
middle schools A middle school (also known as intermediate school, junior high school, junior secondary school, or lower secondary school) is an educational stage which exists in some countries, providing education between primary school and secondary school. ...
were to enforce compulsory uniform, whilst
high schools A secondary school describes an institution that provides secondary education and also usually includes the building where this takes place. Some secondary schools provide both '' lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper seconda ...
and other forms of further education were given the choice to decide on their own. The appearance of school uniform was decided upon locally, which meant that "uniform" in most schools consisted of a jacket or shirt only - selected by the school management purely to avoid breaking regulations (the rest of clothing was still up to the students to decide). By mid-2008, compulsory school uniforms were repealed and it remains so to this day.


Portugal

Students are required to wear uniforms at most Portuguese private schools, especially those in Lisbon and Porto. Use in state schools is rare.


Romania

School uniforms were introduced to Romania in 1897 by academician
Theodor Costescu Teodor D. Costescu (March 15, 1864 – March 25, 1939) was a Romanian educator and politician. Costescu was born in Rovinari. After graduating from the University of Bucharest with a degree in natural sciences, he became a teacher at Craiova in 18 ...
when they worn by students in
Turnu Severin Drobeta-Turnu Severin (), colloquially Severin, is a city in Mehedinți County, Oltenia, Romania, on the northern bank of the Danube, close to the Iron Gates. "Drobeta" is the name of the ancient Dacian and Roman towns at the site, and the modern ...
. Its use broadened in tandem with
Spiru Haret Spiru C. Haret (; 15 February 1851 – 17 December 1912) was a Romanian mathematician, astronomer, and politician. He made a fundamental contribution to the ''n''-body problem in celestial mechanics by proving that using a third degree approx ...
's educational reforms in the 1900s. Uniforms fell out of favour somewhat in the 1990s due to their association with the
Socialist Republic of Romania The Socialist Republic of Romania ( ro, Republica Socialistă România, RSR) was a Marxist–Leninist one-party socialist state that existed officially in Romania from 1947 to 1989. From 1947 to 1965, the state was known as the Romanian People ...
. In August 2022, Minister of Education
Sorin Cîmpeanu Mihai Cîmpeanu () is a Romanian politician who served as Minister of Education in Ciucă Cabinet. He had previously held the same position in Ponta IV and Cîțu cabinets, and, between 5 and 17 November 2015, acted as Prime Minister of Roma ...
spoke in favour of making school uniform mandatory in Romanian schools.


Qatar

Qatari public and private schools require students to wear uniform.


Russia

During the
Soviet period The history of Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union (USSR) reflects a period of change for both Russia and the world. Though the terms "Soviet Russia" and "Soviet Union" often are synonymous in everyday speech (either acknowledging the dominance ...
, a standardised "universal" school uniform was worn by all schools. Originally of a military style with peaked cap and high collared tunic, by the 1980s boys wore a functional dark blue pattern with shoulder patches. For formal occasions such as the first day of term, girls wore white lace collars and aprons dating back to the reign of
Catherine the Great , en, Catherine Alexeievna Romanova, link=yes , house = , father = Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst , mother = Joanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp , birth_date = , birth_name = Princess Sophie of Anhal ...
. During the initial post Soviet period from 1994 to 2013, the mandatory uniform policy was abandoned and pupils generally wore casual clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweaters. However, uniforms were reintroduced under a new education law in September 2013.http://one-europe.info/school-uniform-the-russian-experience Among the supporters of the new uniform law of 2013, arguments included tackling social inequality, but also putting an end to the controversial problem of whether school students are allowed to wear traditional religious clothing to school. Each school can now choose its own uniform. Also, there are many instances in which schools do not enforce the rules on school uniform. Generally, schools without school uniforms enforce dress-code, with "business-casual" style of clothes.


Rwanda

Most Rwandan schools enforce a uniform policies. In general, girls are made to wear skirts and dresses while boys wear shorts or trousers.


Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Department of Community Development, Gender Affairs and Social Services operates a School Uniform Assistance Programme to assist citizens with the costs of compulsory uniforms in Kittian and Nevisian schools.


Saint Lucia

School uniforms are worn in Saint Lucian schools.


Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Vincentian schools enforce strict uniform policies.


Samoa

School uniforms are mandatory in Samoan schools.


São Tomé and Príncipe

São Toméan schools require students to wear uniforms.


Saudi Arabia

In August 2015, ahead of the 2015-16 academic year, new standardised uniforms were introduced for all girls studying in Saudi public schools, Quran memorization schools and schools for illiterate adult women.


Serbia

In the
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, commonly referred to as SFR Yugoslavia or simply as Yugoslavia, was a country in Central and Southeast Europe. It emerged in 1945, following World War II, and lasted until 1992, with the breakup of Yug ...
, some schools enforced a mandatory uniform consisting of a navy blue "apron" (Serbian: кецеља ''kècelja''). In 2016, Minister of Education Mladen Šarčević called for the introduction of uniforms in Serbian schools. In September 2017, at least 100 primary schools had adopted school uniforms. Since then, the municipality of
Medijana Medijana ( sr-cyr, Медијана) is one of five city municipalities which constitute the city of Niš. It is the central and the most populous city municipality of Niš with the population of 85,969 inhabitants. Geography The municipality b ...
has annually provided cohorts of new primary school students with uniforms at the start of the academic year.


Senegal

In 2021, the Senegalese government announced plans to generalise the wearing of compulsory school uniforms in all public and private schools by 2023.


Seychelles

Uniforms are compulsory in Seychellois schools. In January 2006, Director General of Schools
Jeanne Simeon Jeanne may refer to: Places * Jeanne (crater), on Venus People * Jeanne (given name) * Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc, 1412–1431) * Joanna of Flanders (1295–1374) * Joan, Duchess of Brittany (1319–1384) * Ruth Stuber Jeanne (1910–2004), Amer ...
announced standardised uniforms for primary schools based on region, with each having its own uniform colour: *North (Anse Etoile, Beau Vallon, Bel Ombre, Glacis and La Retraite): Big and small blue-green stripes *East (Anse Royale, Anse Aux Pins, Cascade and Takamaka): Red stripes *Central (Bel Eau, Mont Fleuri, La Rosière and Plaisance): Red with small squares *West (Anse Boileau, Baie Lazare, Grand Anse Mahe and Port Glaud): Blue stripes *Inner Islands (Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette): Small dark-green squares All secondary school students wear white poplin blouses and shirts. Boys in all schools wear khaki pants while girls wear blue skirts.


Sierra Leone

Uniforms are prevalent in Sierra Leonean schools. At present, most uniforms are made from poplin or cotton, although there are a few private primary schools that use locally-produced gara tie-dyed cloth.


Sint Maarten

School uniforms are compulsory in Sint Maarten schools.


Slovakia

In Slovakia, use of school uniforms is confined to private and international schools.


Slovenia

In the
Socialist Republic of Slovenia The Socialist Republic of Slovenia ( sl, Socialistična republika Slovenija, sh-Latn-Cyrl, separator=" / ", Socijalistička Republika Slovenija, Социјалистичка Република Словенија), commonly referred to as Sociali ...
, schoolchildren were obliged to wear the red-starred blue cap and red scarf of the
Union of Pioneers of Yugoslavia Union of Pioneers of Yugoslavia ( sh-Latn-Cyrl, separator=" / ", Savez pionira Jugoslavije, Савез пионира Југославије; sl, Zveza pionirjev Jugoslavije (ZPJ); mk, Сојуз на пионери на Југославија) ...
. Since 1991, use of school uniform in Slovenia has been limited to private institutions, such as
British International School of Ljubljana The British International School of Ljubljana (BISL) is a school in Slovenia that caters to over 230 students from over 40 nationalities, ranging from 2 to 18 years of age. It welcomed its first students in 2008 and became an executive member of C ...
.


Solomon Islands

Solomon Islander schoolchildren wear uniforms.


Somalia

In the
Somali Democratic Republic The Somali Democratic Republic ( so, Jamhuuriyadda Dimuqraadiya Soomaaliyeed; ar, الجمهورية الديمقراطية الصومالية, ; it, Repubblica Democratica Somala) was the name that the socialist military government gave to Som ...
era, uniforms were worn widely in Somali schools.


Somaliland

In the autonomous
Republic of Somaliland Somaliland,; ar, صوماليلاند ', ' officially the Republic of Somaliland,, ar, جمهورية صوماليلاند, link=no ''Jumhūrīyat Ṣūmālīlānd'' is a ''de facto'' sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, still consid ...
, school uniforms are mandatory.


South Africa

As in many other former British colonies, all South African private and public schools have a uniform, and it is compulsory in all public schools and in the vast majority of private schools for children above pre-school level. Uniform types vary less between public and private schools than they do across regions, where schools in more rural areas tend to forgo the daily wearing of ties and/or blazers for boys and girls regardless of their public or private nature. However, many of these same schools will have a "number ones" uniform for special occasions that include such items. In cities such as Cape Town, on the other hand, it is more common to see formal apparel required in public and private schools on a daily basis. Many schools across South Africa also provide the choice between a summer and winter uniform, with khaki uniforms and brown shoes being very common in the summer. Although many schools allow girls to also wear trousers (especially during winter months) South African law has not required gender neutrality in school dress codes and a distinction between girls' and boys' uniforms remains. Boys of all ages are normally required to wear grey or khaki long or
short trousers Shorts are a garment worn over the pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" because they ...
with socks, and the socks are usually long when worn with shorts, as in the illustration (right). Until recently, the straw boater was a common accessory in affluent public and private high schools, although these have now become optional in some cases. Nearly all schools, public or fee paying, have sports' kits (uniforms) that often allow bare feet for junior schools, regardless of the season.


South Korea

Almost all South Korean
secondary Secondary may refer to: Science and nature * Secondary emission, of particles ** Secondary electrons, electrons generated as ionization products * The secondary winding, or the electrical or electronic circuit connected to the secondary winding i ...
students wear a uniform called "''gyobok''" (
Korean Korean may refer to: People and culture * Koreans, ethnic group originating in the Korean Peninsula * Korean cuisine * Korean culture * Korean language **Korean alphabet, known as Hangul or Chosŏn'gŭl **Korean dialects and the Jeju language ** ...
: 교복, 校服). The majority of elementary schools, except some private ones, do not have uniforms; however, the uniform is strictly monitored from the start of middle school and up. Based on Western-style ones, the South Korean uniform usually consists of a shirt, blazer and tie, with skirts for girls and trousers for boys. More recently, the uniform is often worn by celebrities who target the younger, teen audience to sell entertainment products. The school uniform and school setting is frequently used as a venue for romance. As a result, the uniform has become something akin to an expression of fashion among students. Name tags that are worn usually have different colours per grade. Oftentimes the writing is in black or white, whereas the background is coloured.


South Sudan

Students are required to wear uniforms in many schools across South Sudan.


Spain

In
Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond") , national_anthem = (English: "Royal March") , i ...
, the use of school uniforms is not compulsory in public schools at any specific point. Their usage is decided upon by school boards, with parents' thoughts and opinions taken into account. It is customary to wear uniforms in private schools, where typically girls wear shirts emblazoned with the school's emblem and a jersey skirt, while boys wear a white shirt and tie on top with trousers or shorts on bottom.


Sri Lanka

It is mandatory for Sri Lankan school students to wear a uniform regardless of them attending a government, semi-government or private school. In most government and semi-government schools, boys will wear a short-sleeved white shirt and navy blue shorts when they are in the junior grades. This will later transition to white shorts and then to white trousers towards the latter part of the school life. A tie is not always worn, but may be worn for special school events along with a long-sleeved shirt. Proper black dress shoes and socks are also a part of this uniform. Certain schools also require the uniform to have the school's insignia stitched to a corner of the pocket of the shirt. Girls who attend government and semi-government schools will wear a white one-piece dress. This may or may not have sleeves. Certain schools make wearing a tie mandatory for girls and some may have a plastic badge or the school's insignia stitched to the dress. Proper dress shoes and socks are mandatory in most schools. On special occasions, students who bear a post in a sports team, club, or association would wear a blazer that would normally be white and having accents based on the school colours. In privately run schools, the suit is very similar but the colours might differ. They range from khaki and dark green to bright blue.


Sudan

Sudanese schoolchildren are required to wear uniforms.


Suriname

School uniform is compulsory in Surinamese schools.


Sweden

Uniforms are exceptionally rare in Swedish schools, being limited to independent and international schools such as
Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket (SSHL) is a coeducational independent school for boarding and day pupils between the seventh and twelfth grades. It is located in Sigtuna, Sweden. The school is attended by Swedish boarders, local children an ...
and the Nordic International School. In 2017, the Swedish Schools Inspectorate ruled students at Nordic International School's Norrköping campus could not be disciplined for not complying with the school's uniform policy.


Switzerland

In Switzerland, use of school uniforms is limited to international and other private schools.


Syria

Up until 2003, public school students in
Ba'ath Party The Arab Socialist Baʿath Party ( ar, حزب البعث العربي الاشتراكي ' ) was a political party founded in Syria by Mishel ʿAflaq, Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn al-Bītār, and associates of Zaki al-ʾArsūzī. The party espoused B ...
-governed Syria wore military khaki-coloured uniforms. In April 2003, the
Ministry of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
announced plans to replace these with unified blue uniforms for all elementary students; pink and blue uniforms for intermediate schools students; and gray, blue and pink uniforms for secondary school students. In September 2003, the new uniforms were implemented as planned.


Taiwan

As Taiwan experienced a long period of Japanese colonial rule, it is influenced by Japanese culture and the uniform style can be said to be close. However the school uniforms in the two countries are not identical. There are a total of 471 Taiwanese high schools. All schools have two sets of uniforms, a summer uniform and a uniform for winter. According to the provisions, sportswear is worn. Summer Elementary school (Chinese: 國小):White short trousers and shirts are most common for the boys, while girls will wear a pleated skirt Junior high school (Chinese: 國中):Males wear short-sleeved shirts with shorts. Females wear shirts with pleated skirts or skirt trousers. Some schools have sailor uniforms. Senior high school (Chinese: 高中):Short sleeved shirts with long trousers for males, pleated skirts for females in public schools; private schools will always have skirts Winter Long trousers and long sleeved shirts are worn in most schools. In the past, many schools had khaki uniforms but this has been phased out with the exception of a few schools.


Tajikistan

School uniforms are worn in Tajikistani public schools.


Tanzania

School uniforms are a mandatory requirement in Tanzanian schools.


Thailand

: :: ' Uniforms are compulsory for all students with very few variations from the standard model throughout the public and private school systems, including colleges and universities. The dress code in primary and secondary grades for boys comprises dark blue, khaki, or black shorts with a white open-collar short-sleeved shirt, white ankle socks or long dark socks, and brown or black trainers. Female students, wear a knee-length dark blue or black skirt, and a pale white blouse with a loosely hanging bow tie. The bow tie is dropped in favour of an open-necked pale blue shirt from Matthayom 4. The girls' uniform is complemented by white ankle socks and black school shoes. The student's name, number, and name of the school are often embroidered on the blouse or shirt. Some independent or international schools have uniforms more closely resembling British school uniform standards, and boys in senior high school grades may be allowed to wear long trousers. The standard dress for children in kindergarten is a red skirt and white blouse for girls, and red short trousers and a white shirt for boys. In all Thai schools, one day per week, usually Wednesday, is dedicated to scouting, when beige scout uniforms for boys and dark green guide uniforms are the rule, both wearing yellow neckerchiefs. The hairstyle of students is also given attention by schools and the Ministry of Education. Males are not allowed to have long hair. Some prohibit even girls from having long hair. The use of accessories is prohibited for males, while females are sometimes allowed to use simple accessories. Some schools dictate the colour and type of hair accessories that females can use. Thailand however has a few international schools that do not require uniforms.


Togo

Upon independence in 1960, Togolese public schools retained the mandatory khaki-coloured uniforms that were introduced during French colonial rule.


Tonga

In Tonga all schools require a uniform. Uniforms are usually in the colours of their respective churches and Red for Government Schools. Catholic schools are usually light blue, Wesleyan (Royal Blue), Anglican (Navy Blue) and LDS Schools (Green). A ta'ovala bordered with school colours and a
tupenu Tupenu is the Tongan term for a wrapped garment also called a sarong, lungi, or lava-lava, worn through much of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Arabian peninsula, the Horn of Africa and Oceania. It is analogous to the kilt worn in Scotland. The ...
are usually worn by boys with a white button-up shirt. Pupils usually wear shorts and a white button up shirt. Nearly all Tongan secondary schools require girls to wear a pinafore dress with a white shirt, except for Catholic schools, which allow a striped blouse and skirt. Pupils are usually required to wear Roman sandals in English-medium schools, and thongs (flip-flops) in most other schools.


Trinidad and Tobago

School uniforms are worn in all Trinidadian and Tobagonian public schools.


Tunisia

As of 2017, Tunisian public high schools enforce dress codes which apply exclusively to female students, obliging them to wear long blue gilets.


Turkey

Up until 2012, school uniforms were used in all public and private institutions. There were several exceptions and most kindergartens did not require school uniforms. The uniforms varied in their appearance; primary schools used one-piece blue uniforms, while in secondary and high schools boys wore dark grey trousers with white shirts, jackets and a tie. Girls had skirts and shirts coloured like the boys' uniform, plus a tie. Most private institutions have their own uniforms. School uniforms for primary schools were black until the 1990s. None of the universities or higher-education institutes have uniforms. School uniforms abolished in 2012 and schools gave a poll to families to select uniform or casual cloths. Dress code says that students' shoulder should be covered, girls cannot wear leggings or miniskirts. This caused a controversy in Western cities since some students were wearing mini's, shorts and leggings. New law says that students can wear hijabs at school but it's prohibited to wear makeup, tattoos, piercings, dyed hair, etc. School uniforms have a long history in Turkey. They were first introduced because normal clothing would give hints about the child's family's economic situation. In order to prevent groupings amongst children from different social classes, uniforms were accepted. However, school uniforms were officially abolished on 27 November 2012, when the Turkish Ministry of Education suddenly abolished the nationwide uniform requirement in schools (international/foreign schools are excluded) and lifted the headscarf ban for religious imam-hatip schools, prompting fierce criticism from opposition parties, unions and educators. Opponents claim that economic differences cause pedagogical traumas for children and that permitting headscarves harms secular education. Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (born 26 February 1954) is a Turkish politician serving as the List of presidents of Turkey, 12th and current president of Turkey since 2014. He previously served as prime minister of Turkey from 2003 to 2014 and as Lis ...
defended the move, saying education in uniform has drawn complaints for many years. But students attending minority schools (Greeks, Jews, and Armenians), which are also part of the Turkish Ministry of Education, have been excluded from this change, and are still required to wear school uniforms.


Turkmenistan

Uniforms are compulsory in Turkmenstani schools. Girls’ uniforms are entirely based on national costumes. They include bright green, ankle-length dresses decorated with embroidery. Male and female students must wear takhyas. Girls sport two long braids, and those with short hair attach fake plaits to their takhyas to meet the requirements. The strict dress code was imposed under President
Saparmurat Niyazov Saparmurat Atayevich Niyazov; tk, Saparmyrat Ataýewiç Nyýazow, in Cyrillic: Сапармырат Атаевич Ныязов (19 February 1940 – 21 December 2006), also known as Turkmenbashi, was a Turkmen politician who rule ...
. The obligation to wear national costume is unpopular among some ethnically non- Turkmen students.


Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos schoolchildren wear uniforms.


Tuvalu

Section 10.2.1 of Tuvalu's National Education Policy obliges all children attending public schools to wear the approved national school uniform.


Uganda

Most Ugandan public and private schools have uniforms from kindergarten through secondary school. These mostly range from dresses, skirts and blouses, pinafores, blazers, neckties for female students to shirts and trousers or shorts, blazers and neckties for male students. A few schools allow female students to wear pants. A few international schools do not enforce school uniforms.


Ukraine

In June 2019, President
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy, ; russian: Владимир Александрович Зеленский, Vladimir Aleksandrovich Zelenskyy, (born 25 January 1978; also transliterated as Zelensky or Zelenskiy) is a Ukrainian politicia ...
repealed a 1996 decree that had obliged Ukrainian secondary school students to wear compulsory uniforms.


United Arab Emirates

Uniforms are compulsory in many schools across the United Arab Emirates. In June 2013, the Abu Dhabi Education Council standardised the uniforms for pupils in public schools across Abu Dhabi. Uniforms include options for varying weather conditions

Boys in Kindergarten and Cycle 1 (Grades 1 to 5) can wear either a long-sleeved shirt and trousers or a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Tie, winter blazer, and cardigan are optional. Boys in Cycle 2 and Cycle 3 (Grades 6 to 12) wear a
kandoora Kondur or Kandoora is the largest village in the Sukhnag River valley, located on the eastern banks of the Sukhnag River. It lies on the Beerwah-to-Doodhpathri road and is from Srinagar, the largest city and summer capital of the union territo ...
(traditional white robe) and ghetra (head scarf). Pullover sweater or blazer are optional Girls in Kindergarten or Cycle 1 (Grades 1 to 5) wear a long sleeved shirt with either a school dress or skirt. Cardigan, blazer, and scarf are optional. Girls in Cycle 2 or 3 (Grades 6 to 12) wear a long sleeved shirt with a choice of a skirt or two different styles of dress plus a scarf. Cardigan or blazer are optional. These are only for the schools with the Arabic curriculum, not the other schools. Private schools in the UAE require a school uniform. It can range from a T-shirt or a simple white/black polo bearing the school logo to a more complete uniform with a button up shirt worn with a skirt, shorts or trousers. In the British schools, there is a blouse and either a skirt or trousers for the girls or a button up shirt with trousers. Shirts bear the school logo. Certain schools have certain codes on the use of makeup (some don't condone it at all) and the sporting of bracelets/jewellery.


United Kingdom

While school uniform is common in the United Kingdom, there is no legislation enforcing it in any of the three separate legal jurisdictions of England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and enforcement of school uniform policy and dress codes is generally for individual schools to determine. However, schools do have to take into account Equality legislation in dress policies to prevent discrimination on grounds such as age, sex, race, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation. School uniforms are required to be similar in cost for both boys and girls, to be reasonably low cost, and to tolerate religious freedoms, e.g. allowing male Sikhs to wear turbans and female Muslims to wear headscarves. In order to ensure that policies are fair and non-discriminatory schools are expected to consult widely with staff, pupils, parents and governors when introducing or amending dress policies.


England

In 2011, more than 90% of English secondary schools had a compulsory uniform. School uniforms were first introduced on a large scale during the reign of
King Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is best known for his six marriages, and for his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disag ...
. The uniforms of the time were referred as "bluecoats", as they consisted of long trench-coat-style jackets dyed blue. Blue was the cheapest available dye and showed humility amongst all children. The first school to introduce this uniform was
Christ's Hospital Christ's Hospital is a public school (English independent boarding school for pupils aged 11–18) with a royal charter located to the south of Horsham in West Sussex. The school was founded in 1552 and received its first royal charter in 1553 ...
in London (now in Sussex). The
Elementary Education Act 1870 The Elementary Education Act 1870, commonly known as Forster's Education Act, set the framework for schooling of all children between the ages of 5 and 12 in England and Wales. It established local education authorities with defined powers, autho ...
introduced free primary education for all children. The popularity of uniforms increased, and eventually most schools had a uniform. During this period most uniforms reflected the trends of the age, with boys wearing
short trousers Shorts are a garment worn over the pelvic area, circling the waist and splitting to cover the upper part of the legs, sometimes extending down to the knees but not covering the entire length of the leg. They are called "shorts" because they ...
and blazers until roughly the age of puberty and then long trousers from about 14 or 15. Girls mainly wore
blouse A blouse (blau̇s, 'blau̇z, ) is a loose-fitting upper garment that was worn by workmen, peasants, artists, women, and children.The Concise Oxford English Dictionary It is typically gathered at the waist or hips (by tight hem, pleats, parter ...
s, tunic dress and pinafores. These uniforms continued until the 1950s when after the Butler reforms secondary education was made free and the school leaving age was raised to 15. These reforms encouraged schools to implement uniform codes that were similar to other schools. Distinct "summer" and "winter" uniforms were sometimes required, particularly for girls, for whom dresses were mandated for summer and gymslips for winter. In the 21st century, the typical primary school uniform is fairly casual while secondary school uniform is often formal. Uniform in primary school is generally a polo shirt or
T-shirt A T-shirt (also spelled tee shirt), or tee, is a style of fabric shirt named after the T shape of its body and sleeves. Traditionally, it has short sleeves and a round neckline, known as a ''crew neck'', which lacks a collar. T-shirts are general ...
, a jumper with the school logo, and trousers or shorts or a skirt. The typical secondary school uniform is a blazer, white shirt or blouse, a tie, trousers or skirt, and black shoes. Some primary schools have more formal uniform, with tie and blazer, and for secondary schools to require only a jumper. Uniforms sometimes match the school colours, but are most commonly found in blue, black and grey.


Scotland

Scottish law Scots law () is the legal system of Scotland. It is a hybrid or mixed legal system containing civil law and common law elements, that traces its roots to a number of different historical sources. Together with English law and Northern Ireland l ...
is not specific on the question of school uniform. Generally, the school must provide information on its policy on clothing and uniform and the Education Authority must provide written information on its general policy on wearing school uniform. Some Education Authorities do not insist on students wearing a uniform as a precondition to attending and taking part in curricular activities. Children cannot be disciplined for not wearing a uniform if their parents do not want their child to wear it. However, a child that simply refuses to wear the school uniform can be disciplined by the school if it thinks that academic or disciplinary problems might be caused by the refusal. Many schools do have a policy covering the wearing of school clothing. The policy may state that certain items must be worn and that other items cannot be worn, for example, jeans. Schools must take religious and cultural requirements into account when drawing up a school uniform policy. Although the way that the uniforms are worn is usually not an issue, some state schools may have regulation on the subject (e.g. height of ties, whether the shirt is tucked in or not), the selection of clothes worn, whether they follow the policy, can be very strict. For example, in black and white uniform schools, wearing colours such as grey or wearing white shoes is forbidden. However, in schools that only use a basic uniform (e.g. jumper and trousers) the policy is often less strict.


Wales

The
Welsh Assembly Government Welsh may refer to: Related to Wales * Welsh, referring or related to Wales * Welsh language, a Brittonic Celtic language spoken in Wales * Welsh people People * Welsh (surname) * Sometimes used as a synonym for the ancient Britons (Celtic peopl ...
issued detailed guidance to governing bodies on uniform and appearance policies that begins by making explicit, "There is no education legislation specifically covering the wearing of school uniform or other aspects of appearance such as hair colour and style, and the wearing of jewellery and makeup. However, as part of its responsibility for the conduct of the school, a governing body can specify a uniform that pupils are required to wear and other rules relating to appearance."


Northern Ireland

The
Northern Ireland Executive The Northern Ireland Executive is the devolved government of Northern Ireland, an administrative branch of the legislature – the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is answerable to the assembly and was initially established according to the ter ...
supports poor families with the cost of paying for school uniforms with a £350 primary school uniform allowance. This is claimed via local Education and Library Boards for parents in receipt of income support. At the end of August 2009, there were 24,135 successful applications for the grant. The most common secondary school uniform in Northern Ireland is a shirt, blazer and sweater with a tie and a skirt or trousers. The uniform (most likely the sweater and tie) may change after Year 12 (final year of compulsory education). The uniform in primary school is similar to those used in the Republic of Ireland.


United States

Most schools in the United States do not require uniforms. More traditional private schools and other specialized schools sometimes require an informal uniform, called a standardized dress code. Policy regarding school-appropriate dress, and the extent of enforcement, will vary by school and school district. Progressive private schools do not require school uniforms. A study conducted in 2000 found that only 23% of public, private, and sectarian schools had any sort of uniform policy in the United States at or before 2000. Over the subsequent decade, more public schools, specifically those in urban areas, instituted stricter dress codes. For instance, red, white, or blue polo shirts with a logo, with navy or khaki bottoms and a belt, was the uniform policy imposed at Palmer Elementary School in
Houston, Texas Houston (; ) is the most populous city in Texas, the most populous city in the Southern United States, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, and the sixth-most populous city in North America, with a population of 2,304,580 in ...
. Schools may also have polo shirts and trousers as a uniform. The schools that do require uniforms, or a more common
standard Standard may refer to: Symbols * Colours, standards and guidons, kinds of military signs * Standard (emblem), a type of a large symbol or emblem used for identification Norms, conventions or requirements * Standard (metrology), an object th ...
dress code A dress code is a set of rules, often written, with regard to what clothing groups of people must wear. Dress codes are created out of social perceptions and norms, and vary based on purpose, circumstances, and occasions. Different societies an ...
in inner city neighborhoods, tend to be more casual than those in Britain or other commonwealth nations. Commonly, students wear collared, buttoned shirts, with a tie for boys and a tie for girls, worn with khaki trousers, and a belt, depending on the age of the school's student body. Skirts of a modest length are occasionally an option for girls. Dress codes vary widely among private schools, although a
Catholic school uniform A Catholic school uniform in North America typically consists of a pleated and plaid skirt or jumper (a sleeveless dress), Mary Jane or saddle shoes, a button-down shirt, and a sweater for girls, while boys' uniforms consist of a button-down sh ...
tends to keep the shirt and tie.


Research studies and legislation

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) conducted a phone survey of 755 principals in 2000, which revealed that 21% of public schools had a uniform policy; 23% had firm plans to create one. Adolfo Santos, a political science professor at the
University of Houston–Downtown The University of Houston–Downtown (UHD) is a public university in Houston, Texas. It is part of the University of Houston System and has a campus that spans in Downtown Houston with a satellite location, UHD-Northwest in Harris County. Fou ...
, stated that many Hispanic communities in the United States choose uniforms because many immigrants originate from countries with schools requiring uniforms. Sylvan I. Alleyne, Velma LaPoint, Jennifer Lee and Harold W. Mitchell of ''
The Journal of Negro Education ''The Journal of Negro Education'' was a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal published by Howard University, established in 1932 by Charles Henry Thompson, who was its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years.Alleyne et al. 418 In the United States, literature regarding public school student clothing and behavior cites anecdotal viewpoints from teachers. The literature discussed opinions on faculty, staff, and other employees on how to deal with student dress issues.Alleyne et al. 418-419 A 2003 article of ''The Journal of Negro Education'' said that research and reports regarding the beneficial impact of school uniforms was not conclusive. Despite the
federal government of the United States The federal government of the United States (U.S. federal government or U.S. government) is the national government of the United States, a federal republic located primarily in North America, composed of 50 states, a city within a fede ...
issuing a set of guidelines encouraging school uniforms in public schools, as of 2003 political support varied.Alleyne et al. 419 In 1994, the
Long Beach Unified School District The Long Beach Unified School District is a school district headquartered in Long Beach, California, United States. Established in 1885, Long Beach Unified School District now educates 81,000 students in 84 public schools in the cities of Lon ...
, in
Southern California Southern California (commonly shortened to SoCal) is a geographic and Cultural area, cultural region that generally comprises the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. It includes the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the second most po ...
, required school uniforms in all elementary and middle schools. This began a trend for uniforms in American
elementary Elementary may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * ''Elementary'' (Cindy Morgan album), 2001 * ''Elementary'' (The End album), 2007 * ''Elementary'', a Melvin "Wah-Wah Watson" Ragin album, 1977 Other uses in arts, entertainment, an ...
public schools, especially in
urban Urban means "related to a city". In that sense, the term may refer to: * Urban area, geographical area distinct from rural areas * Urban culture, the culture of towns and cities Urban may also refer to: General * Urban (name), a list of people ...
school districts.
President Clinton William Jefferson Clinton ( né Blythe III; born August 19, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. He previously served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again ...
praised the idea in his 1996
State of the Union Address The State of the Union Address (sometimes abbreviated to SOTU) is an annual message delivered by the president of the United States to a joint session of the United States Congress near the beginning of each calendar year on the current conditio ...
, saying that "if it means that teenagers will stop killing each other over designer jackets, then our public schools should be able to require their students to wear school uniforms

The adoption of school- or district-wide uniform policies (or "standardised dress codes", less rigid than uniform requirements and allowing some leeway in parameters) has been motivated by a need to counter " gang signals, gang clothing" or the pressure for families to purchase upscale-label clothing (to avoid the ostracism of their children by "fashion cliques"), as well as to improve
morale Morale, also known as esprit de corps (), is the capacity of a group's members to maintain belief in an institution or goal, particularly in the face of opposition or hardship. Morale is often referenced by authority figures as a generic value ...
and
school discipline School discipline relates to actions taken by teachers or school organizations toward students when their behavior disrupts the ongoing educational activity or breaks a rule created by the school. Discipline can guide the children's behavior or ...
. The proportion of U.S. public schools requiring uniforms had increased from 3% in 1996 to 25% in 2010.


American Samoa

All public school students in American Samoa wear school uniforms.


Guam

Since 2008, Board Policy 401 has made school uniform mandatory in all Guamanian schools.


Northern Mariana Islands

In 2009,
Hopwood Middle School Hopwood Middle School, formerly Hopwood Junior High School, is a secondary school in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, a part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System. Hopwood Junior High School (HJHS) was founded in ...
on Saipan introduced a mandatory school uniform, requiring students to wear blue or gold shirts.


Puerto Rico

In
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (; abbreviated PR; tnq, Boriken, ''Borinquen''), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ( es, link=yes, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit=Free Associated State of Puerto Rico), is a Caribbean island and Unincorporated ...
, the
Department of Education An education ministry is a national or subnational government agency politically responsible for education. Various other names are commonly used to identify such agencies, such as Ministry of Education, Department of Education, and Ministry of Pub ...
requires all students to wear school uniforms, with only medical exemptions.


US Virgin Islands

Schools on the
United States Virgin Islands The United States Virgin Islands,. Also called the ''American Virgin Islands'' and the ''U.S. Virgin Islands''. officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are a group of Caribbean islands and an unincorporated and organized territory ...
require uniforms. Some schools require female students to wear skirts.


Uruguay

Uniforms are compulsory in all Uruguayan public schools. The design has been the same since the 1900s, a white coat with a blue ribbon on the neck. It was implemented to promote social equity amongst students of different social backgrounds.


Uzbekistan

In August 2017, President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev (Uzbek Latin: ''Shavkat Miromonovich (Miromon o‘g‘li) Mirziyoyev'', Uzbek Cyrillic: Шавкат Миромонович (Миромон ўғли) Мирзиёев ; born 24 July 1957) is an Uzbek politician ...
proposed the introduction of a standardized compulsory uniform across all Uzbek public primary and secondary schools. In August 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan formally adopted a resolution to enforce the new uniform policy beginning in the 2019/20 school year. In July 2022, Minister of Public Education announced the standardized uniform policy will be implemented gradually through 2025.


Vanuatu

School uniforms are widely worn in Ni-Vanuatu schools.


Vietnam

Most schools in
Vietnam Vietnam or Viet Nam ( vi, Việt Nam, ), officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,., group="n" is a country in Southeast Asia, at the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, with an area of and population of 96 million, making i ...
require uniforms. The rules on uniforms vary between schools and areas. The most common type of uniform consists of a white shirt with the school emblem on the left sleeve and navy/black trousers for boys or skirts for girls, with a
red scarf The red scarf is a neckerchief worn by young pioneers of several countries during the communist era. In the Soviet Union it was known as ''pionerskiy galstuk'' (пионерский галстук, i. e. pioneer's neckerchief), in Vietnam as ''kh ...
for students from grade 3 to grade 9. Many schools (usually private or famous public schools) have their own designed uniforms, which often include bows, ties or vests/blazers. The white
áo dài The (English pronunciation: ; (''North''), (''South'')) is a Vietnamese national garment worn by both sexes but most commonly by women. Besides suits and dresses nowadays, men and women can also wear áo dài on formal occasions. It is a ...
, representing the purity and innocence of youth, is used by high school girls in Vietnam, but nowadays, most schools only require it for important events or ceremonies, since wearing áo dài is uncomfortable for daily use. The image of a high school girl with
nón lá Nón lá (Chữ Nôm: 𥶄蘿; ) or nón tơi (𥶄𥵖) is a type of Vietnamese headwear used to shield the face from sun and rain. Nón lá is a typical symbol of the Vietnamese people. Nón lá is a common name for many types of hats in Vietn ...
and white áo dài on a bicycle is considered symbolic. There are also uniforms for physical education in Vietnamese schools. This usually includes shirts and
tracksuit A tracksuit is an article of clothing consisting of two parts: trousers and a jacket usually with front zipper. It was originally intended for use in sports, mainly for athletes to wear over competition clothing (such as running shirt and shorts ...
s. Both outfits have the school emblem on the chest. The tracksuits are popular in the north, where they are often worn in the winter, even outside of gym activity. There are no specific shoes for Vietnamese students. However, flip-flops, slippers, and especially high heels are forbidden. Sandals and boots are allowed, although students normally wear sneakers or flats to school. Dyed hair, nail polish and make-up are explicitly banned in virtually all schools.


Venezuela

School uniforms are used in
Venezuela Venezuela (; ), officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ( es, link=no, República Bolivariana de Venezuela), is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many islands and islets in th ...
. By Venezuelan decree, uniforms are required at all schools in all grades. Boys wear navy trousers and girls wear navy skirts or trousers, depending on the school. The shirts have short sleeves and the colour varies by the level in which the student is. Students in nursery wear yellow shirts, while students in kindergarten wear red shirts. From first to sixth grade, students wear white polo shirts. From seventh to ninth grade they wear light blue polo shirts, and from tenth to eleventh grade they wear beige polo shirts. These shirts are to be stuffed inside the trousers with a black belt. Black dress shoes are the norm in public school, however some private schools can be more flexible with the shoes to be worn.


Yemen

Uniforms are worn in Yemeni schools.


Zambia

School uniforms are ubiquitous across Zambian government and private schools.


Zimbabwe

School uniforms are worn in most Zimbabwean schools, but these policies are not legally mandated.


See also

*
Uniform fetishism Uniform fetishism is a particular type of clothing fetishism in which an individual is sexually aroused by uniforms. It is a form of sexual fetishism. Uniform fetishism has been associated with a variety of different uniforms, including schoolgirl ...


References


Bibliography

* Alleyne, Sylvan I., Velma LaPoint, Jennifer Lee and Harold W. Mitchell. "Black Educators' Views on Middle School Students' Dress and Uniforms: Addressing Challenges from Commercialism." ''
The Journal of Negro Education ''The Journal of Negro Education'' was a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal published by Howard University, established in 1932 by Charles Henry Thompson, who was its editor-in-chief for more than 30 years.Available at
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Available at
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. {{DEFAULTSORT:School Uniform School uniform Education issues Children's clothing