Starting my day with PE was the highlight of my freshman year. Being able to exercise and socialize in an open environment was a great way to start my morning. However, one disappointing memory was the flood of complaints from my peers regarding PE uniforms.
Outside of the simple inconvenience of dressing out, being required to wear the same set of clothes every class is nonsensical. It does not make sense for students to spend money on clothing that prioritizes neither comfort nor quality.
If we are required to buy specific sets of clothes, there must be a greater variety of clothing choices to better support student needs.
Including proper athletic sets with breathable fabrics is a great way to support these requirements by improving performance and comfort during physical activities, according to Elevate Rope.
Although the current uniforms are standard and recognizable, they highlight a larger issue: limited student choice. The requirement for forest green shorts and a tinted grey shirt discourages wearing clothing that could boost student performance and thereby enhance the class experience.
Furthermore, the current clothing selection does not allow students to express themselves. Local studies state that not expressing oneself through clothing can lead to lower confidence and make everyday interactions feel less authentic, according to PubMed.
Apart from their limitations, PE uniforms encourage proper hygiene and give students more freedom and flexibility to move, making the class more active, PE department lead Kyle Bonvechio said.
Nevertheless, many students do not wash their uniforms regularly. A large portion of students only own one set of clothes, exacerbating the hygiene issue. Temporarily allowing students to bring their own sets of athletic wear, even if they do not meet the requirements, could mediate this.
While the current uniforms are sustainable, reform is needed to support students in our physical education classes.
To create a positive impact, the PE department must incorporate student reflection forms that ask for feedback on current clothing options. That way, student responses can provide detailed insights into what could be incorporated into the uniform options
In response to student expression, adding more colors can help students express themselves more brightly, while also maintaining school spirit. Beyond updating current clothing, adding more eccentric clothing items such as quarter-zips, hats and other accessories would be a useful way to represent school culture, while still accommodating students.
The money spent on an athletic uniform should be equivalent to the quality of the apparel and support student preferences. Otherwise, students might as well just bring their own clothes to school instead.
