Cons About Wearing School Uniforms

School uniforms are a plus for many families because it helps to eliminate the overall cost of school clothing that a child needs for school. However, there is much debate about whether school uniforms should be mandated in schools. Many people feel that mandating uniforms takes away self-expression and causes a financial burden on families that could send their child to school in clothes that are less expensive than a uniform.

• Inhibited Self Expression: While uniforms help the school to distinguish at a glance those that belong in the school, they also limit a child's self-expression and the ability to express who they are and the things that they like. Clothing is a way for a child to express how they are feeling and the things that they like at a glance; it also helps them to make friends based on the things that they like and the clothing that they wear. Clothing choices are often based on a child's discovery of different aspects of their personality and forcing them to wear uniforms could hinder this important part of their development.


• Financial Burden: The overall cost of school uniforms can be very expensive. Unless you are doing laundry every day, a child will need several shirts, pants, skirts, and other items to complete the uniform. On average, one school uniform costs anywhere between $55- $100 depending on whether or not your child attends a private or religious school or public school. Many parents also argue that it is an unfair advantage to have to pay for uniforms as they already pay taxes for public school education. 


• Comfort: Most uniforms are very uncomfortable and made of nylon, polyester and acrylic materials that can be scratchy on the skin. Some children have sensitive skin and like to wear clothing that doesn't make them feel agitated all day long. When a child is uncomfortable in the clothing they are forced to wear, it can cause a distraction in the classroom.


• Increased bullying: children can be cruel. Children of different schools in the area that are free to make their own clothing choices may find it amusing to make fun of those that are forced to wear uniforms. Walking home in a school uniform may be an immediate trigger for others looking to tease someone about being different.