Its that time when you’ll be dusting off your backpack and working out if your school uniform still fits – or maybe you’ve bought brand new things for the return to school.  Uniforms have been part of school history for centuries so here’s some fun facts all about these outstanding outfits.

One of the First School Uniform Was… Blue!

One of the earliest recorded school uniform was introduced in 1552 at Christ’s Hospital in London, where students were dressed in long blue coats and yellow kneehigh socks. That “bluecoat” uniform helped poorer children look more like their wealthier classmates, reducing social differences. Amazingly, students at that same school still wear a version of that historic uniform today.

An Even Older Uniform Order from 1222!

Back in 1222, the Archbishop of Canterbury ordered students to wear a robe-like garment called the cappa clausa – one of the earliest official dress codes for students. This shows that making students wear special clothing is a tradition over 800 years old! It might not be as fancy as modern blazers, but it started the whole uniform tradition.

Uniforms Can Actually Help You Listen

A study reported in the International Journal of Educational Management found that students who wear uniforms are better listeners in class. Uniforms seem to help promote discipline and reduce distractions, so teachers don’t have to wait as long for students to focus. That focus might even help students do better at school.

School Uniforms Improve Attendance (Especially for Girls)

Researchers at the University of Houston found that introducing a uniform policy led to a 7% drop in absence rates among middle and high school girls. Uniforms probably make getting dressed easier and more predictable, improving punctuality. So, wearing a uniform might help students spend more time learning and less time getting ready.

Pick a colour!

38% of schools in America choose blue as part of their uniform colours maybe because blue looks neat, calm, and classic. Grey is more widely used in England, showing how different cultures pick colours for school uniforms. Colour choices can make a uniform feel traditional or trendy!

Costly Uniforms Are Nothing New

Some schools now require branded uniform items that cost families up to £400 in the U.K. That’s a lot of money for just to get dressed! This high cost goes against the original idea of uniforms saving money by making students look similar. 

Scotland Says Uniforms Are Cool but Blazers Can Be Optional

Scottish education officials recently encouraged schools to drop traditional blazers if they’re too expensive or uncomfortable. Many schools still love their uniforms for tradition and school identity, but they’re also adding “uniform exchange shops” to help families get gear affordably. It’s a fun mix of tradition and practicality.

Japan’s Sailor-Style Uniform is a Fashion Icon

In Japan, middle- and high-school girls often wear a sailor-style uniform a blouse with a sailor collar and pleated skirt adopted from naval attire in the early 20th century. Boys wear a military-style jacket called a gakuran, inspired by Prussian military uniforms. These uniforms became so iconic that students often customise things like sock style or skirt length to express their individuality.

South Korea’s School Uniforms Have a Long History

The first school uniform in South Korea was introduced in 1886 at Ewha Girl’s University, featuring a traditional red blouse and skirt. Over time, uniforms evolved into western-style blazers, ties, and skirts or trousers especially for middle and high school students. Now, uniforms are even used in Kpop and teen dramas, making them wildly popular and fashionable! 

Uniforms Are Everywhere – except when they’re not!

In many countries like the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, uniforms are common and reflect pride, identity, or equality. But in countries like Italy, they’re rare in schools because they’re tied to Italy’s Fascist past so Italian schools usually don’t use uniforms. Instead, younger children might wear a simple, colorful smock called a grembiulino just for protection, not tradition.