Keeping Warm in Uniform

Rethinking Uniforms in Winter

Photos by Mary Kate Kise/Maclay Andalusian

With the fun and festive holiday season approaching, temperatures are also dropping. These cold temperatures are not suitable for the traditional Maclay uniform meant for warmer weather. During the winter season, students are permitted a bit of freedom when it comes to jackets and outerwear, but the bottoms include limited options. As a result, students are facing a new challenge of trying to stay warm while adhering to the rules. The upper school students have been warned many times to stop breaking the rules. However, as the school continues to formulate their policies this year, further clarity and compromises on dress code should be made to protect students from the cold weather while maintaining a degree of formality.

Uniforms are an important new addition to Maclay’s “One School” policy, creating a sense of unity and community amongst students. Uniforms are set to reduce distractions and foster a cohesive community that values learning. However, contrary to this goal, the uniform requirement during the winter has caused confusion. According to the handbook, students are permitted to wear solid colored jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters in Maclay approved colors. This policy allows for a variety of options. The Maclay approved colors include navy, grey, white and Carolina blue. However, many of the students and faculty members are under the impression that black and cream are within school policy. The school should specify whether black and cream are acceptable colors for outerwear during the colder months.

Additionally, there are very limited options for bottoms within the school policy during the winter. While boys can wear pants in any Maclay approved color, it is much more complicated for girls—during the warmer days, girls can wear skirts in Maclay approved colors. However, skirts are both impractical and uncomfortable during the winter season. Even though some girls turn to wearing pants, it is difficult to find options that fit comfortably. Furthermore, the school handbook does not specify any material restrictions when it comes to pants. This leaves room for the potential of leather, corduroy and an overall broad variety. Some students and faculty members are under the impression that only dress pants are allowed, and many students are confused if sweatpants are allowed to be worn underneath skirts. The handbook states that students are allowed to wear leggings in Maclay approved colors under skirts but does not provide specifications with sweatpants. Additionally, black leggings and tights are a popular pick for underneath skirts, but black is not listed as a Maclay approved color. The handbook’s description is vague, and both students and faculty could benefit from further clarification.

Many other private schools in the United States allow jeans to be worn in certain temperatures. Given that Maclay students are permitted to wear jeans on Fridays, extending that rule to colder months seems reasonable and practical. Jeans offer greater warmth and comfort, allowing students to focus on their studies. Overall, implementing a seasonal uniform policy that adapts to the temperatures can contribute to the “One School” community that Maclay strives to create. The alternative of jeans would provide students with more options to stay warm in winter without deviating significantly from the established uniform.

As Maclay alters their new uniform policy, the administration should consider these changes. To eliminate confusion, the colors and materials of outerwear and bottoms should be further specified. The cold weather calls for adaptability, such as allowing jeans, to the policies that will help students stay warm and focused in classrooms. Overall, these approaches will deliver students and the faculty more positive experiences with the uniform.