Forever Ago: Where Did School Uniforms Come From?
Hosted by American Public Media
Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Forever Ago, Joy Dolo and Hannah delve into the intriguing history of school uniforms. From their medieval origins in England to their adoption in modern-day schools across the globe, the hosts explore how uniforms have evolved and the impact they've had on education and society.

Origins of School Uniforms

Medieval England: The Dawn of School Uniforms
The journey of school uniforms begins over 800 years ago in England during the Middle Ages. At this time, education was a privilege reserved primarily for the wealthy, including royalty and landowners. Schools were often run by churches, and uniforms served as a marker of this exclusive education system.

Joy Dolo [09:00]: "The first school uniform we know about is from 800 years ago in England. This was way back at a time called the Middle Ages."

Kappa Clause: The First Uniforms
The Archbishop of Canterbury mandated that all students wear the kappa claus, a term derived from Latin meaning "closed cloak." These cloaks were floor-length with hoods and featured an opening in the front for the hands, resembling a long poncho.

Hannah [09:07]: "Kappa what now? Kappa clause means closed cloak in Latin."

16th Century: The Rise of Modern Uniforms
Fast forward to the mid-1500s, coinciding with the Renaissance and the birth of William Shakespeare. The invention of the printing press democratized education, leading to more practical and distinct school uniforms.

Hannah [10:23]: "This is around the time when playwright William Shakespeare was born, the guy who wrote Romeo and Juliet."

At Christ Hospital Boarding School near London, uniforms evolved to consist of separate clothing pieces with specific colors, such as yellow knee stockings and navy blue coats paired with matching shorts. These uniforms were provided to poor children and orphans, funded by the London community.

Hannah [11:25]: "The school is still around today and the students wear the same uniform. They still wear blue coats and yellow stockings almost 500 years later."

Spread of School Uniforms to the United States

19th Century: The Industrial Revolution and Immigration
The concept of school uniforms crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the 1800s, a period marked by the Industrial Revolution. The influx of immigrants, particularly Catholics from Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe, sought to establish their own educational institutions to preserve their cultural and religious identities.

Joy Dolo [18:35]: "A lot of these Catholic immigrants didn't feel comfortable at these public schools, so they decided to band together. Catholic immigrants started to make their own Catholic schools where students could be around other kids who shared the same religion and spoke the same language."

Adoption in American Schools
American school uniforms in the 1800s were influenced by military attire, featuring square collars reminiscent of sailor uniforms and navy blue pants paired with white button-down shirts. Over time, uniforms incorporated more colors and different jacket styles. By the 1980s, approximately 20% of American public schools had adopted uniforms, a trend that has continued globally.

Avery Trufelman [21:02]: "School uniforms didn't become more popular in America until the 1800s, just after the Industrial Revolution."

Modern-Day School Uniforms

Global Adoption
Today, school uniforms are prevalent in countries like Japan, Australia, and India, with the majority of students in these nations wearing uniforms. In contrast, only about one in five American public schools requires uniforms, though their presence is growing.

Hannah [22:35]: "Just under 20% of American public schools require school uniforms."

Pros and Cons
The debate over school uniforms remains polarized. Proponents argue that uniforms reduce distractions, foster a sense of unity, and simplify morning routines. Some studies suggest that uniforms may improve academic performance and attendance.

Joy Dolo [23:14]: "Some researchers even think uniforms might help kids do better on tests or improve their attendance."

Conversely, critics contend that uniforms stifle individual expression and can be uncomfortable. They argue that uniforms do not significantly impact student behavior and may even be a financial burden for some families.

Joy Dolo [23:29]: "And some people say uniforms make it harder for students to express themselves with their looks."

Listener Feedback

The hosts shared various perspectives from listeners regarding school uniforms:

• Pro-Uniforms:

  • Abigail from Rescue, California: Advocates for uniforms to easily identify class affiliations.
  • Alexander from Olathe, Kansas: Supports uniformity to create equality.

• Against Uniforms:

  • Devrat from India: Prefers comfortable home clothes for school.
  • Shoshi: Finds uniforms uncomfortable and restrictive.
  • Ida: Believes uniforms limit personal expression.
  • Maxine: Highlights the discomfort and impracticality of uniforms, especially in warmer climates.

Joy Dolo [24:55]: "Thanks, Abigail, Devrott, Shoshi, Elliot, Ida, and Maxine for sharing your thoughts."

Personal Experiences with Uniforms

Hannah, a uniformed student, shared her experience:

Hannah [25:06]: "I think I'm fine with them. I don't think they're bad."

She appreciated the simplicity uniforms bring to daily dressing and the reduction in peer pressure related to fashion choices. However, she noted a desire for more comfortable materials and vibrant colors to make uniforms more appealing.

Hannah [25:26]: "You don't have to rush every morning and say, oh, no, what do I wear... Or like, if you want to wear something you want, maybe, like, other people might not make fun of you because you're all wearing the same thing."

Fashion Emergency and Game Segment

Adding a playful twist, the episode features a "Fashion Emergency" with Avery Trufelman, a fashion expert, who provides insights into designing podcast host uniforms. Additionally, the hosts engage listeners with a game called "First Things First," where they order the invention dates of three clothing items: neckties, blazers, and penny loafers.

Joy Dolo [29:08]: "So you're right for number one neckties, and then you're also right for number two, for blazers."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reiterating the historical significance and continued relevance of school uniforms. Joy and Hannah acknowledge the diverse opinions surrounding uniforms and how they reflect broader societal values and trends in fashion.

Joy Dolo [28:14]: "There are pros and cons to wearing school uniforms. Either way, uniforms and fashion continue to influence each other."

Notable Quotes

• Joy Dolo [09:00]: "This was the first known example of a school making students wear a specific kind of clothing."
• Hannah [10:23]: "And clothing for students became a lot more practical than that big old cloak called the Kappa classa, which is a really cool name."
• Avery Trufelman [17:03]: "Hi. Okay, I'm here for the fashion emergency."
• Hannah [25:11]: "Or like, if you want to wear something you want, maybe, like, other people might not make fun of you because you're all wearing the same thing."

Final Thoughts

Forever Ago successfully unpacks the rich history of school uniforms, highlighting their origins, evolution, and the varied perspectives surrounding them today. Whether uniformed or not, the discussion underscores the broader themes of identity, equality, and expression within educational environments.

This episode was written by Ruby Guthrie, produced and fact-checked by Nico Gonzalez Whistler, and edited by Sandon Totten and Shayla Farzon. Engineering assistance was provided by Victoria Valjarado and Jean Baron, with sound design by Rachel Breese. Original theme music by Mark Sanchez. Special thanks to Avery Trufelman and all contributors who shared their insights.