The evolution of school uniforms in France
First introduced under Napoleon, school uniforms have evolved considerably since then. Although no longer mandatory in France, they are still present in some schools. Let's take a look back at the evolution of school uniforms in France over time.
School uniforms in France under Napoleon
During his reform and reorganization of the French education system on May 1, 1902, Napoleon established a system in secondary schools heavily based on military discipline. This marked the birth of the school uniform in France. It closely resembled the military uniforms of the time. It consisted of a jacket or vest with gold buttons, blue breeches, and a round hat for children under fourteen. After that age, students wore a bicorn hat, in the style of the military. The uniforms were adorned with embroidery indicating the name of their school.
In 1803, it was the turn of the municipal secondary schools to adopt uniforms. These consisted of a coat and frock coat made of green cloth, with white buttons. Just like the high school uniform, the uniform featured an embroidered "secondary school" along with the name of the institution.
This uniform, heavily inspired by military culture, remained in use in private colleges and high schools throughout the 19th century and even into the first half of the 20th century. Initially, it was made to measure, but department stores gradually began developing their own models in dedicated sections or through mail order.
The uniforms share more or less the same characteristics from one school to another: a dark woolen cloth, most often navy blue, a military cut or one inspired by sailor suits, breeches, and one to three rows of gold buttons. A kepi or a brightly colored cap sometimes replaces the bicorn hat. The uniform is completed with a cape or coat.
School uniforms for girls
When girls were allowed to attend school at the end of the 19th century, they were initially dressed in white gowns, later blue with white collars for those from noble families who were poor. The outfit was completed with a ribbon worn as a belt, the color of which varied according to age. However, most schools adopted the same navy blue uniforms as for boys.
In the 20th century, girls wore a pinasuble dress as a uniform, in black, gray, or navy blue, inspired by gymnastic dresses. It consisted of a pleated skirt and a tunic with a bodice, with or without sleeves. This outfit was particularly useful for distinguishing students from private schools.
Later, school became secular, free and compulsory, but clothing represented a significant investment for families until the 1960s. This is why the idea of the uniform faded away in favor of the smock and apron, which allowed students to protect their clothes.
School uniforms in the 20th century
Boys are usually dressed in breeches that reach mid-calf, a belted jacket or tunic, a cap or beret, and high boots. Girls, on the other hand, wear a dress, with an apron for the younger ones.
More generally, younger students wear smocks to avoid getting dirty. The smock, also called an apron, is most often made of blue linen. Then, the designs gradually evolve, following current fashion trends. Notable changes include the addition of details such as yokes, embroidery, or sleeves of varying lengths.
The 20th-century apron was made of canvas or cotton, buttoned at the front. For younger children and girls, the apron was most often buttoned at the back.
It's not exactly a uniform, as each student has a smock that differs from their classmates'. Depending on factors such as parents' income, the smocks vary in length, style, and color. In public schools, the rule is often stricter, and students generally wear more coordinated outfits.
During the interwar period, blouses adopted a unisex cut . From the 1930s onwards, the cut became the one we know best today: a blouse with long sleeves, buttoned at the front and with a collar.
From school uniforms in private schools to smocks, French student attire has evolved considerably over the last two centuries. While uniforms are no longer mandatory, smocks remain necessary in some French schools. They can be very useful for protecting against everyday dirt and grime. The Uniform Workshop 's mission is to provide you with high-quality, personalized smocks tailored to your needs.