Cost of School Uniforms for Boys

Some people feel that the cost of school uniforms for boys is slightly less expensive than those for girls. Others feel that requiring the purchase of specific clothing for school is unnecessary and costly.

Do uniforms save parents money? That is often the argument in favor of mandatory uniforms. Many schools proclaim that requiring uniforms for students will actually save parents money. They point out that parents will only have to buy a few pieces of clothing for their children, and this clothing should last throughout the entire school year. In some cases, this reasoning holds true. Others, however, argue that other clothing must still be bought for kids to wear outside of school, so the expense could actually be more.

Regardless of your opinion on uniforms, when you consider the cost of school uniforms for boys, you need to consider how much clothing your son will actually need. In the past, uniforms were associated with the more exclusive, often private, schools. These schools typically required higher end clothing, including blazers and ties. While some schools, particularly in Europe, may still require this extensive wardrobe, the majority of schools' uniform requirements in the United States are more relaxed. Typical uniform clothing pieces for boys often include the following:

• Shirts-An average of 4 to 5 short-sleeved and 4 to 5 long-sleeved shirts will typically be enough to carry a boy through the school year. Your school system will specify style and color requirements. Most schools stick to solid colors, such as white, navy, or khaki. Shirts are usually made of woven or knit material.
• Pants-Unless otherwise specified, shorts usually aren't allowed for boys. Instead, the standard pants are usually khakis, but again, your school system will clearly state the expected clothing style. Purchasing 3 to 5 pairs of pants should be enough to last your child throughout the school year.
• Shoes-Your school system may list a variety of acceptable shoe styles, such as tennis shoes or loafers. They may also list shoes that aren't allowed, like sandals.
• Accessories-Accessories could include belt, socks, etc., but these may not have to follow specific requirements. Check with your school as you make out your shopping list.

If you shop wisely, you may be able to purchase most, if not all, of your child's school clothes for under $200. If you can afford to purchase new clothing, that's great, but there are other buying options.

• Make your own-The problem with this option may be finding the exact material that is required for the clothing, but you may be able to save some money if you can find good deals on the material.
• Used clothing-Check with your school first. Some schools take in clothing donations from students who have graduated or outgrown their clothes. You can also look in local consignment shops, classified ads, and even on eBay.
• Buy ahead-Clearance and end-of-season sales can yield great results. The main problem with this kind of thinking is estimating your child's size a year in advance.
• Financial aid-In some cases, you may qualify for financial assistance from your school district as well.

Where can you purchase school uniforms for your boys? There are numerous department stores that offer school uniforms, including the following:

• Target is a great place to purchase uniforms. You can buy pants and shirts often for under $10 each.
• JC Penney may be a bit more pricey, with shirts as much as $17 or more and pants around $24, but the quality and selection is great.
• Kmart also offers a nice selection of uniforms with shirts running from around $10 to $15, and pants listed for around $15 or $16.
• Lands' End may be a bit more expensive than Target and Kmart, but this store has a nice selection of slim and husky sizes.

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