Dress Students Codes People Shopping Clothing Warm Weather Clothes

Most American "public" (owned by the government, not by a private business) schools do not make students wear "uniforms" (a type and color of clothing worn by all people in a group). However, most schools do have "dress codes," or rules about what students can and cannot wear while they are at school.

Many dress codes were created to "prevent" (not let something happen) students from dressing too "provocatively" (in sexually exciting ways) or from dressing in ways that "distract" (take away the attention of) other students from their studies. Other dress codes were created to prevent students from wearing clothing associated with membership in a "gang" (a group of young people who are violent and participate in illegal activities).

Dress codes for female students might "specify" (say in detail) that skirts be at least a minimum length. They might also "prohibit" (not allow) tank tops. A dress code could say that "bra straps" (the elastic part of a bra that goes over a woman's shoulder) must not be seen. Some dress codes also limit the amount and type of jewelry and makeup that can be worn.

Dress codes for male students might specify that "baggy" (very large and shapeless) pants are not allowed, or at least not if they "reveal" (allow to be seen) the boy's underwear. The dress code might also prohibit T-shirts that have "foul language" (bad, impolite words) or inappropriate "images" (pictures, photos, drawings).

Some people argue that dress codes "inhibit" (limit) students' self-expression. Other people argue that dress codes are necessary to create a safe, "inviting" (welcoming) learning environment.