Toddler-size School Uniforms

Uniform Requirements

Though requirements for school uniforms will vary from school to school, most have this in common:

• Polo or button-down shirts in navy, light blue, white, or red.
• Slacks, shorts, or skorts in black, navy, or khaki (no jeans).
• Pants must be belted at the waist.
• Shirts must be tucked in.
• Hair must be neatly groomed.

Measuring for Proper Fit

Some toddler uniforms are sized differently than regular kids' clothes. Unless you plan to have your toddler try on the uniforms, it is advisable to take your child's measurements. If you are ordering your toddler's school clothes from an online uniform company it is essential that you measure.

School Uniforms Warehouse offers a helpful tipsheet on measuring for toddler-size uniforms. These tips are especially helpful if you will be ordering online. If you are shopping at a department store, the most important numbers to have are your child's height, weight, and inseam. The inseam is the measurement of the inside seam of a pant leg.

Shopping for Toddler-size School Uniforms

Toddler-size school uniforms are available at many of the places that sell regular kids' clothes. Target, WalMart, Kohl's, and JC Penney, for example, all sell school uniforms. Not all locations stock toddler-size school uniforms, though, so you should call or visit your local store to find out if they carry the size you need.

Most toddler-size school uniforms are generic and can be purchased at any kids' clothing store. For example, if your child's school requires a white polo shirt, that can be found at any store that sells children's clothes, even if it isn't specifically labeled as a school uniform.

Shopping Online

If you prefer to shop online for your toddler-size school uniforms, you can find them at the following sites:

• School Uniform Warehouse offers a variety of toddler-size clothing including pull-on pants and polo shirts in a variety of colors.
• All Heart Kids sells toddler-size uniforms made by Dickies and French Toast.
• Nordstrom sells toddler-size scooters, polo shirts, and pants online.
• JC Penney sells pleated skirts, scooters, and polo shirts in toddler-sizes.
• French Toast manufactures school uniforms from size 4 and up. This site also has a search function allowing users to find specific school dress codes and uniform requirements online.

Additional School Uniform Resources

With proponents saying uniforms decrease violence and opponents saying they rob children of self-expression, school uniforms continue to be a hotly debated topic. Here are some websites devoted to this divisive subject.

• Manual on School Uniforms -- This article from the US Department of Education offers a discussion on the reasons behind school uniforms.
• School Uniform Articles -- This collection of articles offers opinions and arguments on each side of the school uniform debate.