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AIBU?

Would it be such a bad idea to just allow smart trousers to be school uniform, and not skirts?

118 replies

Stanky · 29/05/2016 21:17

I've seen many debates about school skirts being too short, and head teachers sending pupils home if their skirt is too short. The primary school we go to has had battles over girls wanting to wear shorts under their summer dresses. They say that this is not allowed due to "hygiene reasons". I still don't really understand what that means. I remember being at school myself and feeling peer pressure to roll my skirt up short, and look as much like Britney Spears as possible.

AIBU to think that it would just be easier to have all the children wear smart trousers or shorts for school uniform? Would that be such a bad thing? No more worrying about flashing underwear whilst playing or bending down, and ladders in school tights. Wouldn't really have to be so worried about shaving legs. Just seems like there's really no need for skirts. They're not practical at school, and they seem to open all sorts of cans of worms.

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IoraRua · 29/05/2016 21:18

I'm a teacher, and yabu Grin
Although tbf I'm primary so this isnt an issue with us usually.

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IoraRua · 29/05/2016 21:19

Grr no - yanbu! Yanbu!

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abbsismyhero · 29/05/2016 21:21

no i agree if they are going to hitch there skirts up to knicker level they should wear trousers and shorts in the summer however most schools allow girls to wear trousers but not shorts in the summer which seems a bit weird to me

it would save a lot of hassle

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Scarydinosaurs · 29/05/2016 21:24

Trousers are more troublesome than skirts! And the skinny ones just as impractical.

Put everyone in boiler suits and be done with it!

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abbsismyhero · 29/05/2016 21:24

i have to admit im not a uniform fan most of it seems impractical they always choose nice colors then give them dry markers that apparently wash out (they don't they really don't) it needs an overhaul some practical everyday clothing that wash well would suffice

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calamityjam · 29/05/2016 21:26

my dc's school has a trousers only policy for girls. It's ok except for summer when its gets a bit warm, but I suppose it is only the same for the boys.

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MrsSpecter · 29/05/2016 21:27

Yanbu.

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Emochild · 29/05/2016 21:28

Dd has aspergers with sensory issues but attends mainstream school

Uniform (secondary) is tailored trousers, not skinny fit or wide leg

14 pairs of trousers I had to buy and return (she won't try on in shops) plus all the pairs that were deemed unsuitable without buying them -made trouser shopping a nightmare

I could have walked into asda and bought any skirt

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ApocalypseSlough · 29/05/2016 21:28

Shorts are great. All DCs should live in them IME.

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dementedpixie · 29/05/2016 21:29

My dd likes skirts though and doesn't even own school trousers so yabu

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SaucyJack · 29/05/2016 21:30

YABU.

Mine are both still at primary school and there is nothing in the uniform to stop them wearing trousers or shorts..... they just like ginghams.

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Stanky · 29/05/2016 21:30

That sounds tough Emochild. My dc also has sensory issues and SN. They should allow a child with sensory issues to wear what they're comfortable in, as part of meeting their needs.

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MrsSpecter · 29/05/2016 21:32

emo there are lots of boys with sensory issues too, their parents will be going through that too.

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bigbuttons · 29/05/2016 21:32

So what exactly is wrong with short skirts? Are you saying the girls are at fault? The feminists will have a field day.

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Emochild · 29/05/2016 21:36

MrsSpecter

I appreciate that but if there are options that would reduce sensory issues for any child then they shouldn't be off limits

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dementedma · 29/05/2016 21:39

In Scotland and girls here wear trousers,leggings,shorts etc.
Uniform rules seem pretty lax in the State system here.

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Stanky · 29/05/2016 21:43

I'm not bothered about short skirts personally, but I just observe that school skirts seem to come with a lot of rules and regulations, and cause a lot of debate. I just thought that if everyone wore trousers and shorts to school, teachers could concentrate a bit less about how many centimetres above the knee the skirts are, and a bit more on education. Also, girls might be allowed a little more freedom of movement, as skirts can feel a little restricting at times. I remember even a windy day could present a risk of some sort of Marilyn Monroe spectacle. Trousers just seem a bit more practical for school.

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MrsSpecter · 29/05/2016 21:45

I appreciate that but if there are options that would reduce sensory issues for any child then they shouldn't be off limits

Yes this is true, all the children should have the option of skirts.

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curren · 29/05/2016 21:45

Yabu. There should be a choice.

Dds school dies have the issues with being too short. The logo is on top and bottom. You can tell straight away if it's rolled up

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Boiing · 29/05/2016 21:50

Yanbu. I was in the playground the other day and this 9 year old boy was having a brilliant time on the swings, his female friend was trying to as well but spent the whole time grabbing at her skirt / trying to wedge it tightly around her legs while on the swing. Made me feel so sad. I remember my legs going numb in assembly because we had to sit on the floor and the only way not to show my knickers was to sit in a way that made my leg numb. I don't understand why they aren't all just in tracksuits (like many Chinese schools), much more practical and comfy. Why do we dress schoolchildren like bankers?

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Stanky · 29/05/2016 21:57

Boiing, that's exactly the sort of thing that I meant. The boys can play freely in their uniform without a care, but the girls have to worry about adjusting their skirts all day.

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steppemum · 29/05/2016 22:01

dd1 will only wear trousers, in school and out.
dd2 hates trousers unless very cold or impractical (and she has stretched the limit of impractical to the limit) She only wears skirts.

Their primary school allows trousers or skirts, and allows shorts in summer, and allows cycle shorts under dresses in summer. So all very easy.
dd1 secondary has trouser or skirt, in a set design, so no skinny trousers or lycra minis allowed. Skirts worn with thick tights so no flashing of knickers

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MsMarple · 29/05/2016 22:02

They should have a choice to wear either trousers or a skirt, but not be forced into trousers. Personally I feel really uncomfortable in them, and look rubbish too: being forced to wear them through my teenage years would have caused far too much angst, at a time when I had plenty enough already!

There is always some palaver or another about uniforms, trousers too tight, too baggy, skirts too short/too long, ties not done up - it doesn't matter what the uniform is some child somewhere will want to customise it. You might as well give them a choice, within reasonable parameters, and then everyone might be able to get on with some work rather than fretting about clothes and pulling uniform-related sad faces for the papers!

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AndNowItsSeven · 29/05/2016 22:05

Yabu , girls wearing trousers as uniform look really scruffy. I would associate them with a under achieving comp.

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Mari50 · 29/05/2016 22:05

I have to admit on my commute to work I pass a few high schools and the length (or lack thereof) of the girls skirts is depressing. I recently pulled over to advise one young woman that her 16inch long flared skirt was tucked tightly into her knickers and while I'm sure anyone walking upstairs behind her would have had a great view of them anyway I figured that wasn't the look she was going for (obviously I just said- Em, excuse me but your skirt is tucked into your pants)
God knows how I'll cope when it's my own daughter leaving the house in a pelmet.

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