The Truth about Dress Codes and Uniforms Research Paper Example

Teenagers use clothing as a way to express themselves to others. Clothing also boosts confidence and helps improve mental health. Schools seem to be willing to limit students’ self-expression and mental health for academics. Students across the globe are required to wear uniforms during the academic school day even though no evidence proves uniforms lead to better academic achievement (Reidy 4). Uniforms have been used as early as 16th century England (“History of School Uniforms”). School uniforms and dress codes have been used as a way to keep order among students. The approach to uniforms and dress codes schools use has not changed since being first introduced. Students are forced to dress the same as everyone else and are not allowed the right to wear what they choose. Students throughout the country are starting to challenge their school’s dress code policies (Friedmann, 3). Countless protests against dress codes and uniforms have made headlines throughout the country. Many students argue dress code rules are unfair and cause more problems than solutions. Dress code rules target certain students over others. Dress codes and school uniforms are archaic principles which limit self-expression, are sexist, and harm students' mental health. 

Uniforms and dress codes have had little to no change, even with societal changes in views on clothing. America started using school uniforms in the 1900s for parochial and private schools and began use in public schools in the 1980s (“School Uniforms throughout History”). School uniforms usually consisted of a knee-length skirt, a button-up shirt, and in some cases, a tie. Clothing has changed dramatically since the 1900s. In the 1950s, women wore dresses with “nipped-in waist[s] and full skirt[s],” and men wore suits or “narrow trousers [and] velvet-collared jackets” (Fashion History Timeline). Nowadays, both men and women wear jeans and a t-shirt. Today’s fashion is much more relaxed, but school uniforms have not changed as drastically. While some schools allow female students to wear pants, many schools still require a knee-length skirt. Students across the country have protested against their school’s dress code. Newsweek, New York Times, and CNN are a few news outlets that have showcased the protests. In 2021, students of Sweetwater High School in South County San Diego and San Ysidro High School held a walkout in protest of sexist dress codes (Handy, 1).

To start, clothing is one of the main ways young people express themselves, and uniforms hinder self-expression. Teenagers use clothing as a way to show their personality to others. Students have no way of putting themselves apart from each other or showing their personality when they all wear the same uniform. A uniform “hampers expressive rights” (Reidy, 10). Not only do uniforms and dress codes hinder self-expression, but they also prevent students from expressing their thoughts on world events. In 1969, students from Des Moine were threatened with suspension after wearing armbands in protest of the Vietnam War; the incident resulted in a supreme court case (Renita, 1). The first amendment allows freedom of speech, and schools have no place to tell students not to protest for what they believe. 

Secondly, dress codes often put more emphasis on female students rather than male students. Dress code rules for males are few compared to the rules for females. Girls are told not to wear spaghetti straps, leggings, shorts, and many other clothes, which schools deem distracting. Male students, on the other hand, are told to keep their hair short and look presentable. Administrations often take female students from class for their clothing and are either required to go home or change clothes. This disrupts both the class and the individual student’s education, but if left alone, disrupts no one's education (Friedmann 2). This shows even though when dress codes are meant to eliminate interruptions in the classroom they do the opposite. The rules make the female students “ashamed of their bodies” (Whitman 1). School is not a place to feel less than because of clothing decisions. The rules are crafted in such a way female students feel they are not treated as equal to their male counterparts. In short, the focus of dress codes is placed on females over males. 

Additionally, dress codes and uniforms put sexual attention on minors. Dress codes of 25 New Hampshire schools were analyzed. Researchers found the analysis recorded most of the dress codes targeted girls (Grullon Paz, 1). The policies which targeted the girls had rules on covering breasts, cleavage, collarbones, and shoulders (Grullon Paz 1). The rules of dress codes give the impression for girls to cover themselves because boys are unable to control themselves if they do not. Spaghetti straps and leggings are not distracting when young men are taught not to sexualize females. Instead of punishing girls for their choice of fashion, society must teach young men to respect women despite the clothing they wear. Saying the girl’s clothing is distracting to male students also gives the perception boys are “weak” and "incapable” of regulating their responses to people (Whiteman, 2). 

Lastly, restricting children’s ability to express themselves can have harmful effects. Taking away children’s self-expression hurts the student’s sense of self. “Adolescents that struggle with identity and autonomy are at a greater risk of suffering from mental health disorders,” said Dr. Kimberly Harrington-Delgado (Bernal and Brager 1). Not being able to show personality leads to “self-harm or rebellion” (Bernal and Brager 1). Monitoring children’s appearance could “lower self-esteem and promote negative body image” (Bernal and Brager 1). This reveals telling children what to wear each day and giving large restrictions on clothing is detrimental to their mental health. Academics already take a toll on a child’s mental health, so adding stress by regulating clothing is ineffective when it comes to grades. 

On the other hand, dress codes and uniforms provide unity for schools. By having every student wear the same uniform, bullying because of clothing choice is limited. Many students have “less fear of unacceptance” in school when not having to worry about what to wear each day (Aaron 10). Parents also do not worry about fighting with their children on what is appropriate for school. Having uniforms also strengthens the security of the school; it is easier to “identify intruders” on campus (Aaron 12). Dress codes which prohibit clothes to display crude messaging or images help to prevent disruptiveness within the classroom (Whitman 4). 

In summary, dress codes and uniforms are more trouble than they are worth.. Dress codes are made up of discriminatory rules giving certain students advantages over others. Teenagers use clothing as a way to show their views. Uniforms interfere with a person’s ability to communicate their thoughts and personality. They are detrimental to students’ mental health. Students feel dress codes and uniforms put more stress on an already difficult academic day. Whether or not an outfit meets dress code standards is just one more thing students have to worry about. Dress codes and uniforms are unnecessary and problematic.