Australian School Uniforms - Material Guide

Australian schools are not obligated by law to impose uniform requirements. However, for purposes of uniformity and harmony, most schools come up with a dress code which students must comply with. There are standards on grooming for each school and it is wise to know these rules before you embark on purchasing school regalia for your kids.

When you ask for the dress code, you can print it out to ensure that you get the colors right, since uniforms from different schools may be somewhat similar. In addition, get a list of all the items you need so you can buy them all at once. This way, you can even get a discount as most stores will have favorable offers for parents who purchase several items. A material guide will help you pick quality Australian school uniforms that will last long.

Jackets

Uniform jackets are normally at waist or hip length. Depending on the school, they may be optional, but most schools will insist on a standard jacket color and design for uniformity. Some are light weight while others are heavy, but you can buy one of each. They are available in polyester, cotton or light fleece. If you want a heavier jacket, you can go for cotton; polyester is generally a lighter fabric.

Trousers

Common colors for Australian school uniform trousers include gray, black, navy and tan. It is important to get the right shade as they can be very confusing if you are not keen. You can purchase them in twill, cotton or polyester. Again, because kids grow up very fast, you can get a larger size with a waist band. Like dresses, the hem lines can be adjusted as the child gets taller.

Dresses

School dresses come in different designs, and often short sleeved. They have hemlines which may be a few inches above the knee while some may go down to the ankle. These garments may also be in overall designs which are meant to be paired with a blouse, shirt or sweater. Dresses can be purchased in cotton, denim and polyester, or cotton twill. It is advisable to buy the next size and you can shorten the hem and have it adjusted as the child grows. This will save you money as it is much cheaper to make adjustments as opposed to buying a new set of garments.

Shorts

Shorts are mainly available in gray, tan, navy and black, just like trousers. Ensure that you get a good size, slightly above or below the knee. They can be purchased in polyester, cotton or cotton twill fabric. To make room for growth, you can get shorts with elastic bands as they fit more easily. Hemlines can also be pinned and let out as your child grows.

Shirts

Shirts get dirtier than most other school uniforms, because they are subjected to pen stains, food and dirt. The good thing is that they are easier to bleach, even though they show stains more prominently. If the school allows it, you can buy darker colored shirts that will not attract dirt easily. The above guide on Australian school uniforms will help you make a more informed purchase.


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For more information on Australian school uniforms for both boys and girls, visit http://www.schooluniformsaustralia.com.au/australian-schools.html .