(ARA) - Are you searching for school uniforms this year? If so, you're not alone. Nearly a quarter of U.S. schools maintain school uniform policies that dictate what students must wear to school. If your child is one of the 12 million students required to wear uniforms this school year, you certainly have some questions.

Why are more school districts considering school uniforms?

Educators and other proponents of school uniforms see them as a progressive way to provide a concrete and visible means of restoring order to the classroom. Though research data does not yet point to a clear link between dress and students’ behavior or performance, mounting anecdotal evidence supports the theory that by eliminating all symbols of class, clique, and gang affiliation, kids from varying economic and social strata will find themselves on a level playing field. In economically deprived communities, where family hand-me-downs or the wrong pair of sneakers can lead to feelings of shame or inadequacy, uniforms can be an especially useful tool. By removing the distraction of material possessions, students can focus on learning and get serious about schoolwork. Uniforms also can increase school spirit by making students from very diverse backgrounds feel part of a "team."

Do school uniforms work?

Long the exclusive regimen of parochial and private schools, school uniforms are relatively new in the public education system. The first public school district to implement a system-wide school uniform policy was Long Beach Unified School District in 1994.

Results vary by school, but these positive changes are not the exception. A 2000 survey of the National Association of Elementary School Principals reported that 67 percent of principals in schools with uniforms saw an improvement in their students' concentration level, 62 percent saw a positive effect on school safety, and 40 percent believed uniforms helped to improve attendance.

Are school uniforms costly?

Actually, school uniform wardrobes can cost parents significantly less than they would spend on other clothing and can be very cost effective over the long run. The cost of a standard school uniform wardrobe for a school age child can be as low as $100 to $150 for a single school year. Conversely, the cost of outfitting a child in non-uniform clothing can be significantly greater. In an environment where appearance is over-marketed, many kids feel pressure to "fit in" -- and parents feel an obligation to ensure their children are outfitted in the latest fashions. As children grow increasingly label-conscious, designer wardrobes for the school year can cost upwards of several hundreds of dollars.

Can I get financial assistance to pay for school uniforms?

Most school districts mandating the use of school uniforms offer some alternative funding method for needy families. In some communities, local businesses donate towards uniform funds. Some schools recycle the uniforms of graduates. Other school districts make budgetary allowances for economically disadvantaged students. The approval process for most schools considering uniform policies is contingent upon the availability of uniforms for students in need.

Where can I buy school uniforms?

In 2004 uniform sales rose to more than $1.5 billion and retailers have responded to the surge in demand. School uniforms are taking over children's clothing retail departments in stores across the country including discount merchandisers like Kmart, Target and Burlington Coat Factory. The increasing demand for comfortable, durable, stylish and affordable uniforms has led to lots of new choices.

"Burlington Coat Factory has seen the demand for school uniforms rise rapidly over the past 14 years," says Mary Rose Bilello, Vice President and Youth Merchandise Manager of Burlington Coat Factory. Their uniform selection includes styles from leading makers such as Lee School, US Polo and Izod.

As far as networking with local schools, store management contacts the local school districts to find out what their requirements are. "We can fulfill a need for special items in as little as two weeks if our vendors have the styles and quantities available," says Bilello. Though some stores have larger selections than others, there is a designated uniform 'shop' within most stores with clearly marked displays and signage.

What are the basic requirements and the latest trends?

The average school-issued wardrobe will include the following:

*4 tops: short and long-sleeved knit or woven shirts

*4 bottoms: shorts, skirts, skorts, pants, or jumpers

*2 sweaters

*4 pairs of socks / tights

*2 pairs of shoes

While the traditional blazer, white blouse, plaid skirt for girls; dark slacks, white shirt, school tie for boys remain as standards in school uniforms, the style of today’s uniforms is more relaxed to suit the times. At Burlington Coat Factory styles for next fall include most of the basics for boys and girls -- pants (navy) and shirts (white). Girls have scooters (skirts), jumpers, pants, and blouses with cute sleeve details (elastic and bell sleeves) and collars.

The basic button-down is made special for girls with eyelet, lace or Peter Pan collars, pintucks and pleats. Cargo, corduroy and "zip-off" pants are available for boys. Retail uniform departments also offer one-stop shopping with accessories like hair barrettes and headbands, ties, belts, book bags, jackets, and coats. Boys sizes are 4-14 and girls 4-14.

Courtesy of ARA Content