Teacher uniform opinions

[Sandals12]

I'm a home economics teacher with two young children about to return after maternity leave. To take the thinking and work out of choosing an outfit each day I was contemplating making myself a uniform. Tapered, navy smart trousers, smart trainers, polo shirt plus jumper with school logo. Or maybe a fleece over polo with logo?

Any thoughts? Would it look professional. I was thinking because we are a practical subject it would make sense for various reasons.

I've worked with a couple of professional blokes in their 50s who wear a pink shirt on Wednesdays in reference to Mean Girls. You could do a whole week that way. Favourite colour Mondays, Taco Tuesdays (red to hide the stains!) Or even a rainbow based scheduling system.

Maybe mixing it up makes more sense in a school though, given students tend to see you on the same day each week.

In general I think streamlining and systemising is a great idea.

@TwinklingStarlight I love it, just imagining these men in their pink.

I've since ordered fuschia, turquoise and navy polos with logos, navy and bottle green logo jumpers (choice of colours were limited in the brand that fitted) and a navy light weight fleece (no logo). I already have a sky blue jumper, a blue jumper and a maroon one from before plus a couple of logo t shirts. Then I can wear all these options with navy trousers. I've lost a bit of weight so my slight muffin top that was annoying me is gone so I'm an 8-10, feeling slightly better about my return to work but still dreading it!:-(

I would hate it. I’m not a regular size. I’ve had to wear uniforms for different jobs before I was a teacher and the corporate look was always uncomfortable in one way or other e.g. fit, fabric. In one sense I wear my own uniform I guess black or navy trousers, cardigan and selection of similar tops so I don’t have to think about what I’m wearing too much.

@clopper I suppose the difference is I was able to choose my trousers and polos etc rather than being forced to wear what someone else had chosen. I spent 4 hours in m and s trying on countless navy trousers. Really happy with my choice as good material that won't require too much ironing. Looks smart with button front but an elasticated insert at back, best if both I think.

I do this but have black trousers and several striped Breton tops and a blazer.

I did a summer school and had t shirts made and it was great so jeans and t shirt each day.

Your link is from 2011? So 11 years ago.

I don’t know of any mainstream secondary schools where polo shirt, trainers and fleece / jumper would be considered smart enough for teaching staff, with the exception of the PE department.

There’s a school near me which has a uniform for the sixth form, which is quite odd, but what’s really strange is that years 7-11 are in blazers, shirts and ties while y12-13 are in polo shirts and crew-neck jumpers. They look like overgrown primary school pupils next to the younger students and I’m afraid what you describe might have a similar effect.

So I've been wearing my 'uniform'. These days mainly coloured polo with plain navy fleece, navy trousers and plain white trainers.

Nobody has commented to my face although one pupil said I looked like I worked in a dentist. I wore pale blue polo that day so thats maybe why. The trainers have been great for busy practical lessons and I feel more productive bring able to move more comfortably and my step count has risen. I spent most of my life in an apron so probably not too noticeable. The very odd day when not cooking ill wear a dress, tights and flat boots so still comfy. So overall I'm pleased with my decision, mornings are so handy and I feel a better teacher during busy lessons!

All our DT staff wear logoed polo shirts, we’ve got staff hoodies and coats too.

Is DT design and technology. Interesting. I think you can get away with it in a practical (sometimes messy) subject.

Yes, saves on ruining your own clothes with paint, varnish etc

It's odd, isn't it? I haven't heard it called that for about 20 years!

If you're allowed to wear trainers, go for it. No staff apart from PE are allowed to where I work. I've noticed our food tech teachers all wear a chef's white jacket over their clothes, embroidered with their names.

I was a teacher of Home Economics and I had a black trouser suit and a navy one, both with skirts. I also bought a checked blazer which went with both colours. I had many plain colour blouses and that was it. The subject should never have been taken off the curriculum.

It’s not off the curriculum, it’s called Food Tech at my school

So what? Is there legislation that all schools must call each subject whatever your school decides.

There has already been a link to the Ofqual page. What more do you want?

All the food tech teachers where I’ve worked wear chefs jackets.

Weird response. The poster before @MrWhippersnapper said that Home Economics had been removed from the curriculum and they were pointing out that it hasn’t, it has just been renamed.

What are you talking about ?? A pp said it had been taken off the curriculum. Try reading the thread before making nonsense comments

I spend enough time fielding the "it's not fair that you're allowed to wear x, why can't I" stuff that I'd resist a staff uniform until my last breath. I'm an adult, not a student.

Our food tech teachers wear chefs whites with embroidered names. They look great.

I suppose as long as we're all concentrating on our jobs and turning up looking presentable, then each to their own.