School uniform information from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia...

School uniforms are common in elementary and secondary schools in many nations. School uniforms are the best known form of student uniform, other types of which include uniforms worn by students participating in higher vocational training, for instance in health related occupations.

Traditionally, school uniforms have been subdued and professional. Boys' uniforms often consist of dark pants and light-colored shirt, plus a jacket in cold weather. A girl's might consist of a skirt and blouse. The gender-specific uniforms have been a point of contention, and some schools permit female students to choose either skirt or trousers. The use of a blazer or suit-like jacket has come into favour in some areas.

In continental Europe, uniforms have not been required in public (state-sponsored) schools. Private schools, though, often have a school uniform or a strict dress code. This is different in the United Kingdom however, where the majority of state schools adopt a uniform, for a more formal look.

School dress codes generally dictate what can't be worn by any student, such as sheer or midriff-baring blouses, clothing with ads for beer and alcohol, or low-rider jeans. A school uniform policy generally dictates what must be worn by all students, such as solid color polo shirts in school colors in American public elementary schools with a uniform policy.

The efficiency of uniforms is often debated.

A study published in The Journal of Education Research by David L. Brunsma, of the University of Alabama, and Kerry A. Rockquemore, of the University of Notre Dame, found that student uniforms neither improved attendance and discipline nor decreased drug use. Uniforms did not significantly improve academic performance or students' attitudes toward school. Peer-group relations were not improved. The study also found that uniforms had a negative effect on student attitudes.