School uniforms around the globe
While school uniforms are relatively uncommon in French schools, they are present in many schools around the world. Discover school uniforms from around the globe!
European countries
As in France, school uniforms are very rare in Europe. However, some European countries have adopted them.
When school uniforms are mentioned, the first country that comes to mind is the United Kingdom. The English uniform is a tradition that has endured for centuries and is a true emblem of English culture. For boys, it consists of a light-colored shirt, a tie, a jacket adorned with the school crest, and trousers or shorts, depending on the season. For girls, only the lower part of the uniform differs, with a skirt or a kilt.
Ukraine is also a country fond of uniforms. Boys' uniforms remain fairly traditional, consisting of a shirt, tie, jacket, and dress trousers. Girls' uniforms, on the other hand, consist of a pinafore dress and an embroidered blouse.
Maltese children also wear uniforms to school. These are quite similar to English uniforms and vary from school to school.
Asian countries
Many Asian countries require school uniforms, unlike the European continent.
In China, the most common school uniform is a tracksuit. This choice is based on two main reasons: being made of nylon, it is inexpensive for families and suitable for schoolchildren who engage in physical activity every day.
The Japanese school uniform was popularized by manga. For boys, it consists of a white shirt, a tie, a jacket, and trousers. The girls' school uniform, called a "seifuku," consists of a white blouse, a pleated skirt, a jacket, and a bow tie. A randoseru, a hard-sided backpack, may also be required by the school. It is generally black for boys and red for girls.
The gyobock is the school uniform in South Korea, and it varies depending on the school. For boys , it consists of a jacket, a white shirt, a tie, and trousers. Girls wear a bow tie instead of a regular tie and a pleated skirt with white socks instead of trousers. In Korea, the more beautiful and detailed the uniform, the more expensive it is and the more prestigious the school. A student's standing in society is often determined by the beauty of their uniform.
Bhutan is also a country where students wear uniforms to school. Schoolchildren wear a traditional garment called a “kira” for girls and a “gho” for boys. The gho is a tunic tied at the waist and lined to include a pocket on the front. The kira is a garment that reaches the ankles and is completed with a short jacket (toego).
In Turkmenistan, children also wear uniforms in school. Girls wear a long green dress and their hair is styled in two braids. Boys are dressed more traditionally in black trousers, a white shirt, and a black tie. All the children wear a small traditional hat called a tahya.
In Vietnam, secondary school girls can wear the ao dai, a white national dress. Some schools may require it only for certain occasions and ceremonies, while others may require it for everyday wear.
African countries
School uniforms are also worn in some African countries.
In Ghana, originally, the uniforms were “classic” inspired by the English style inherited from colonization, but they have evolved to become purely African with typical prints to celebrate the continent’s heritage.
In Uganda, school uniforms vary. Girls wear a plain colour dress with a white collar and boys wear a shirt of the same colour with shorts.
In Ivory Coast, girls wear a white shirt and a blue skirt and boys wear a khaki outfit consisting of a shirt and trousers.
In Sierra Leone, students wear blue and yellow outfits: a yellow shirt and blue shorts or a skirt.
Countries of America
On the other side of the Atlantic, uniforms are also present in some countries.
In Canada, school uniforms are mandatory in private schools. They consist of a shirt, sometimes with sweaters or sweatshirts. Some schools have replaced skirts with pants.
In Mexico, uniforms are mandatory in public schools and some private institutions. Uniforms consist of a plaid skirt or pants, a white shirt, a tie, and black shoes.
In Colombia, students wear uniforms to school. Girls wear a white shirt with a pinafore dress or a plaid skirt, along with knee-high socks. Boys wear a white shirt and trousers that match the colors of the girls' dress or skirt. Schoolchildren have an everyday outfit and a sports outfit.
In Cuba, there are two distinct uniforms, one for primary school and one for secondary school. In primary school, children wear a white shirt and red bottoms (skirts for girls and shorts for boys), as well as a red pioneer tie. In secondary school, students wear mustard yellow bottoms instead of red ones.
In Haiti, most schools are private and require uniforms. Haitian uniforms are generally brightly colored. Girls wear a white shirt with a pinafore dress and also use colorful hair accessories. Boys also wear a white shirt and shorts instead of a skirt.
Countries of Oceania
The Oceania continent, having a colonial heritage, sees countries adopting the wearing of uniforms, as in Great Britain.
In Australia, school uniforms are very similar to British uniforms but are generally lighter and more open due to the climate. Boys wear trousers or shorts, a jumper, and a shirt or t-shirt. Girls wear a skirt or dress, a jumper, and a blouse or t-shirt. For all Australian schoolchildren, the school uniform may include a blazer, tie, and hat.
New Zealand follows the British tradition: students wear uniforms from primary school through secondary school. Boys wear trousers and girls wear a kilt, along with a shirt and sweater. Each school has its own color.
Whether for reasons of equality or tradition, school uniforms remain a part of daily life for many schoolchildren around the world. Although not widespread in France, how would you imagine a French school uniform?