Viktoriia Krylas

“How dress codes affect students’ academic performance?”

Dress codes are policies that dictate the type of clothing that students are
allowed to wear in schools. The implementation of dress codes has been a
subject of debate for many years. While some argue that dress codes can
have a positive impact on students' academic performance, others believe
that they can have negative effects. This essay will explore the ways in
which dress codes affect students' academic performance.
One of the main ways that dress codes affect students' academic
performance is by creating a conducive learning environment. Dress codes
that require students to wear appropriate clothing can help to reduce
distractions in the classroom. Clothing that is too revealing or provocative
can be a source of distraction to both the wearer and others around them.
Dress codes can also promote a sense of unity and identity among students,
which can create a positive learning environment and foster a sense of
community in the school.
In addition, dress codes can also help to reduce social and economic
disparities among students. Students from different socioeconomic
backgrounds may not have access to the same type of clothing, and dress
codes can help to level the playing field. For example, dress codes that
require students to wear uniforms can help to reduce the stigma associated
with wearing cheap or outdated clothing.
However, dress codes can also have negative effects on students' academic
performance. Dress codes that are too restrictive or too lenient can create
confusion and frustration among students, which can affect their
motivation to learn. For example, if the dress code is too strict and does not
allow students to wear clothing that they are comfortable in, they may feel
resentful and not engage in the learning process. Conversely, if the dress
code is too lenient, students may feel unsure of what is appropriate to wear
and may be distracted by what others are wearing.
Another negative effect of dress codes is that they can limit students'
freedom of expression and creativity. Students may feel constrained by
dress codes and unable to express themselves through their clothing
choices. This can be particularly problematic for students who rely on their
clothing as a form of self-expression or cultural identity. Moreover, if
students are forced to conform to a dress code that does not reflect their
cultural or religious beliefs, they may feel excluded or discriminated against,
which can lead to a negative impact on their academic performance.
Furthermore, dress codes can also perpetuate gender stereotypes and
contribute to a culture of body shaming. Dress codes that dictate what is
appropriate for girls to wear, such as skirts or dresses, can reinforce the
idea that girls are sexual objects and can be blamed for the inappropriate
behavior of boys. Moreover, dress codes that prohibit certain types of
clothing, such as leggings or crop tops, can shame students for their body
type and reinforce negative body image issues.
In conclusion, dress codes can have both positive and negative effects on
students' academic performance. While dress codes can create a conducive
learning environment, promote unity, and reduce socioeconomic
disparities, they can also limit students' freedom of expression, create
confusion and frustration, and perpetuate gender stereotypes and body
shaming. Therefore, it is important for schools to carefully consider the
impact of their dress codes on students and strive to strike a balance
between promoting discipline and respecting students' individuality.
Schools should also ensure that their dress codes are inclusive, culturally
sensitive, and promote a positive body image. Ultimately, the goal should
be to create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and
valued, which can help to improve their academic performance.

[1]Uniforms and Dress Codes: Selected Research and Readings. Education

Commission of the States. http://www.ecs.org/html/IssueSection.asp?
issueid=145&s=Selected+Research+%26+Reading

[2]“Cheyenne Tribe Files Suit Over School Dress Codes,” by Chet Brokaw.
USA Today. September 18, 2009.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-09-18-tribe-dress-
code_N.htm

[3]Student Expression: Clothing, Dress Codes and Uniforms by David L.

Hudson, Jr.
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/speech/studentexpression/topic.as
px?topic=clothing_dress_ codes_uniforms