Primary and secondary school uniforms have come under fire in a recent internet campaign with many online users pitying students for having to wear such “ugly” uniforms.

Last week, the China Youth Daily’s social investigation center conducted a survey on primary and secondary school uniforms. Out of 3505 people researched, 82.6 percent had worn the loose-fitting sports tracksuit style uniforms in their school days. 51.2 percent of the respondents deemed the uniforms to be “ugly”. 55.2 percent of those who responded have school aged children in their families.

Uniforms lead to lack of confidence

Zhang Xiaodong (pseudonym) has been studying in Beijing for five years. In Zhang’s recent memory, the school uniforms have always been the same. “In autumn and winter we wear sports uniforms. They are really loose-fitting and large. Skinny students can fit both of their legs into one of the pant legs. In the summer, girls can wear a skirt with shorts built in, but they are so ugly that no girls wear them. Instead, we chose to wear the same pants as the boys wear.”

Xi’an website editor Qi Fei commented, “On my way to work, I always see students wearing baggy uniforms, carrying their large bags, walking with their heads down. They seem timid and not at all lively or youthful.” In her opinion, clothing helps people express themselves. If students are wearing the wrong size uniform or wearing a uniform that they hate, it may have a negative impact on them.

The survey shows that 52.1 percent of respondents believe that the loose-fitting tracksuit uniforms are a reason for students’ lack of youthful energy and confidence. 39.1 percent of respondents believe that the tracksuits are detrimental to fostering aesthetic awareness and taste in students. 35.4 percent of respondents believe that the uniforms make the students less accepting of campus culture and 25.0 percent agree that the tracksuit uniforms confuse ideas of gender in students. 

A symbol of fair education

Liu Chunbing, a teacher at Beijing’s Dingfuzhuang middle school believes that the concept of the tracksuit school uniform is not just about aesthetics: there were many other factors that went into the design of the uniform. The tracksuit uniform is nice-looking and loose. Students are less likely to be injured while wearing them. Moreover, students wear them for other sports and activities outside of school so it is harder for them to get lost as everyone recognizes them as young students. The uniforms make it easy for the school to easily supervise students.

Secondary school teacher Hui Ling agrees. She also pointed out that the unity stemming from mandatory uniforms can prevent students from caring too much about name brand clothing. In this, poor students are less vulnerable to discrimination. “Uniforms are a symbol of a united school as well as a symbol of fair education.”

The survey respondents believe that there are certain benefits to the tracksuit style uniforms. 58 percent believed that the uniforms play a part in reducing comparisons between students. 36.4 percent agree that the uniforms reduce discrimination and 13.3 percent believe that they reduce puppy love between young students.

For many, the school uniform is a recollection of their youth. “We wore that white shirt, with blue pants that the school required. Our parents would prepare them, no matter the weather. On special occasions we would all stand together, wearing the uniform with spirit,” retiree Li Xinfu recalls his bygone school days.

Should uniforms reflect individual personality?

The survey shows that 59.2 percent of participants believe that uniforms should be designed to reflect individual personality. 19.1 percent of respondents opposed this statement and 21.7 percent said that it was hard to say. 70.3 percent believe that wearing more attractive uniforms would allow students to gain self-confidence.

“In terms of individuality, the current education system places a strong emphasis on uniformity. The uniform is an external manifestation of this educational philosophy.” Qi Fei believes that gender roles and other aesthetic concepts are objective realities, therefore schools should teach students how to correctly view these differences rather than evade them. The establishment of correct ideas of gender awareness, values and aesthetics is very important in a child’s growth.

Xu Ning spoke to reporters on how the schools select the style of uniforms. As students do not have a mature viewpoint on the issue, the uniforms are selected under the guidance of the Board of Education. Students do not have a say in the matter.

More complex uniform designs would mean high costs and high prices for students which would increase the burden on the families of poorer students; however, Qi Fei believes that only a minority of families cannot afford the cost of a school uniform and that the school should help these families by giving them a reduced price.

What should uniform designers pay attention to? The survey shows that most respondents believe that school uniforms should be attractive or nice-looking (62.9 percent) as well as practical (60.8 percent). Other respondents agree that the uniforms should have cultural connotations (58.3 percent), that it was important for uniforms to all look the same (50.6 percent) and to be simple (50 percent). Others thought that the uniforms should have a distinct look for each sex (47 percent), have controlled prices (44.6 percent) and help students show off their individual personality with customization options. (24.9 percent)