What Mandatory School Uniforms Look Like in 14 Different Countries

There are many opinions of whether or not school uniforms are necessary. Those who support this idea say that uniforms help to make kids more disciplined, equal and united, and parents don’t have to think about what clothes to buy for their kids. Those who are against uniforms say that such approach kills individuality and doesn’t impact the educational process at all.

We at Bright Side don’t want to argue; we wish to simply show you what uniforms kids wear in different countries around the world. Indeed, many of the uniforms look quite trendy and practical.

Japan

The Japanese school uniform for girls, “seifuku,” is famous all around the world thanks to anime cartoons and manga comic books. It consists of a blouse in sea style and a pleated skirt that becomes shorter and shorter the older girls get. Shoes with a small hill and knee socks are absolutely necessary. They even wear them in winter. In order not to let the socks slide down, girls use special glue.

Great Britain

School dress code is very strict in England. The very first uniform was blue. This color was believed to teach kids how to be organized and calm (and it was the cheapest kind of fabric). Now every school has its own school uniform and symbols. Some schools even have such strict rules that they don’t allow students to wear shorts in very hot weather. This summer boys at one school went on a strike and came to school wearing skirts. After this, many schools made gender-neutral uniforms.

Australia

The Australian educational system borrowed many things from Great Britain. Their school uniforms resemble the British ones very much, only they are more open and light. Many schools also require students to wear hats due to the very hot climate.

Cuba

There are a few variations of uniforms in Cuba: white top with yellow bottom, and blue top with dark blue bottom. They also have white shirts and red sundresses or pants with a necessary element — a tie, which the Soviet students are very familiar with (though it can be both red and blue).

Indonesia

In Indonesia, the school uniform colors are different depending on the stage of education. The top is always white, but the bottom can be red, dark blue, or grey. The most interesting part comes later: after the students pass a national exam, they celebrate their “freedom” by painting each other’s uniforms different colors using markers and spray paint. Farewell school!

China

Chinese students have a few sets of uniform: for holidays and ordinary days, for summer and winter. Everyday uniforms for girls and boys are almost identical and they look a lot like sportswear.

Ghana

All children in the country are required to wear a uniform, but Ghana, like the majority of African countries, has very low incomes and a very high level of poverty among its population. So, buying a uniform is one of the obstacles that doesn’t allow many kids to get an education. In 2010, the government spread the uniform for free across different towns.

Vietnam

The dress code in elementary and secondary schools is quite ordinary, but the girls from high school can wear a white national costume- “ao dai.” In some schools, girls wear them only on special occasions and ceremonies, and others require the costume to be worn every day.

Syria

The school uniform in Syria was changed from the dull khaki to brighter colors (blue, grey, and pink) long before the military conflict due to political reasons. It symbolized the wish to live in peace in the Middle East. Maybe one day...

Bhutan

Another country where school students wear a traditional national costume is Bhutan. The girls’ clothes are called “kira” and the boys’ are called “gho.” Kids used to carry all textbooks and school supplies in the clothes, but now they have backpacks and other bags. Still, some use their clothes to carry something.

South Korea

In South Korea, kids study from morning till evening. It is no wonder that many of them think that schools are a romantic place since they spend most of their lives there. Dress code is required and regulated by schools themselves, but uniforms are quite popular even outside schools and among celebrities.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, students have to wear white uniforms. Girls wear dresses with ties, but the sleeves and collars can be different. Boys wear white shirts and blue shorts. On special occasions, boys wear white shorts. We wonder how long they stay clean.

North Korea

In North Korea, school uniforms are mandatory: girls wear dresses and boys wear shirts with pants. But the most curious part of the uniform is the obligatory red scarf that is a symbol of support for the North Korean political party.

India

Most Indian schools have mandatory uniforms. Boys have to wear a buttoned-shirt with short sleeves, a pair of short pants, socks, and dark shoes. Girls, however, wear both a knee-long tunic and pants with shoes.

Which uniform did you like the best? Share your opinions in the comments!