Kids aren’t always allowed to wear tank tops to school and it is not appropriate either. As there are school dress codes, they should wear the uniform. However, schools may approve of wearing this clothing whenever there are sports activities, physical exercises, or field trips involved.
Table of Contents
Introductions
Every school has a uniform guideline to follow. School dress codes symbolize and reflect a lot to maintain the school’s identity and regulations. However, during physical exercises or field trips, children sometimes are allowed different flexibility. Then, are kids allowed to wear tank tops to school? Let’s explore the answer in this article. You will also know about people’s opinions supporting and against it, and alternatives of this for a student.
Understanding the School Dress Code
School uniform isn’t just a set of clothing that differentiates the school from other institutes. Rather school uniforms fulfill several goals and regulations that the institute wants the students to follow. Those are:
- School dress code promotes uniformity, regardless of children’s family status.
- It promotes safety and minimizes distractions. In many countries, vehicles stop to let the students pass as they are recognized by uniforms.
- It encourages a focused environment and reduces distractions inside the school perimeters.
- Kids’ school dress nurtures group identity.
- It teaches children to become accustomed to a professional and systematic dress code.
Therefore dress codes need to
- Include some guidelines for example length, and restrictions of graphics, letters, or printings.
- Should respect diversity like religion, culture, institute’s tradition, country, etc.
- Take feedback from other students and their guardians to ensure their relevance to the school community.
Can kids wear tank tops?
No, kids can’t always wear these tops even though they are comfortable, and convenient dresses. There are some factors to check for that. Such as
- School regulations
Most students are to follow dress codes which vary between male and female students. If your child’s school approves of these tops or crop tops during physical activities or sports programs, then children wear them. On the contrary, some private and public schools have their internal style, guide, and school-provided custom design sportswear and don’t allow such tops.
- Issues with look and health
It doesn’t offer a modest look for they are way more expressive for a child’s body. Also, the clothes show too much skin and this may cause sunburn issues as well.
- Outside activities
Let’s say your child’s school has a field trip and there is clothing freedom. Then, tank tops can be an option if there is a learning purpose and you want your children to stay distraction-free.
- Climate consideration
When the weather is too hot, that is the time children can wear tank tops for comfort. However, this isn’t convenient when wearing other seasons. But you can have it wear your child by matching it with other outfits.
- Gender neutral clothes
Clothes greatly affect a person’s thinking in different ways and also other people’s thoughts on a person’s clothing. Such tops are generally neutral, any student can wear them. This may cause an internal effect on gender identity. So, many parents are against their children growing up having these thoughts.
Arguments for and Against Tank Tops
Children wearing shorts and these tops have both acceptance and dismissal opinions, no matter how convenient this clothing is.
Here is what is said in supporting it.
Comfort
Tank tops offer optimal support for children’s bodies, they are made of breathable fabrics for example cotton, often lightweight. Being sleeveless, it is a good option for wearing during summer as it doesn’t cause many issues for the children but rather ensures better airflow.
Physical activities supported
Children are active all day long and require frequent changing of clothes. These are the perfect clothing, it is comfortable to wear, have big arm holes where air passes through easily, and thus benefit children’s sports or other physical activities.
Fashionable design
There are various designs, styles, colors, and patterns, even based on occasions, of tops available in the market for children. It supports children’s choices and fulfills their requirements of staying comfortable all day long.
Vitamin D intake
Vitamin D has manifold benefits for children’s growth and development. This top being different from other clothes, supports this factor. While wearing it, children don’t get fully wrapped up, rather certain parts of their body remain exposed to the sun, ensuring vitamin penetration into the child’s body.
Easy to take care
Even if children frequently change tank tops, the washing and caring process of this garment isn’t very difficult. Also, it doesn’t need many severe items to get cleaned. Such convenience has made this clothing a good fit for wearing every day.
Easy to style up
Tanktops can also be worn with other clothing pieces to offer your child a smart look. Such as with tee shirts, jackets, cardigans, full-sleeve shirts, etc. And this is not only for a casual look but also for any occasion.
Now let’s check what opinions are against it.
Overexposure
The tank top structure is way wider, it has narrow shoulder support, and wide open arm holes, which guardians think doesn’t aid much on their body. This is not modest-looking clothing for them, who are religious and have modest beliefs.
Not professional clothing
Guardians who think children’s personalities should be developed at an early age are against wearing this garment as this doesn’t look professional at all.
Sunburn effect
Though vitamin D helps, elders think this cloth doesn’t keep the children’s bodies harmless. Rather UV rays may cause more harm. Also, they might get sunburn, tan skin, or other skin disease.
Body stature fit issue
Not all children’s bodies have the same build. Children who are different from average might feel self-conscious or develop low-self esteem due to wearing this clothing. As the arms are very much exposed, this might make children get triggered by negative comments from peers.
Prohibitions
Many education institutes prohibit children from wearing tank tops due to non-professional looks, modesty standards, security issues, or violation of school dress codes.
Not suitable for all seasons
The year is not all about summer. There are rainy days and chilly days, and tank tops don’t suit other weather or climates than summer. So, this is a limitation and according to many elders, this isn’t the right choice to pick.
Alternatives and considerations
If you don’t want your children to wear tank tops there are other alternative clothes that you can let them wear.
However, boys have fewer alternatives for tank tops than girls. Boys styles are pretty straightforward and girls have a wide range of variations in shoulder straps, neck parts, body shape designs, etc.
Here I have mentioned some.
But remember, tanktops aren’t clothes that you can ban as they offer comfort, what you can do is to have your kids wear other garments like wear hoodies, shirts on top of it, such as shirts to adjust the exposed look.
Boys Can Wear
Hooded tank top: Hooded tank tops offer a casual look. It can be worn with anything, however wearing it with denim suits pretty perfectly.
V-neck tank top: This tank top is also somewhat different from the regular athletic ones. Its armholes aren’t that wide. So, it offers a good appearance.
T-shirt: These garments feel comfortable and offer more coverage than the mentioned tops. You will find different styles, designs, and sleeve lengths (such as full-length, half-length, and three-quarter) of t-shirts in the market for children.
Short-sleeve tees: These clothes are suitable for different seasons and occasions. This is available in different sleeve lengths and is suitable for any age students.
Polo shirts: These shirts offer stylish looks and are a good alternative to tank tops. It can be worn at any functions and formal occasions.
Short-sleeve button-up shirts: They cover hands. There are various designs, patterns, and styles of outfits available for children.
Girls Can Wear
Thick strap tank top: This is one of easy shoulder coverage providing tanktops, convenient for those who are conscious of their body. It is available in v-necks, scoop-necks wearable with loose pants or skirts.
Halter tank top: This is a stylish-looking top, there is no sleeve rather the bodice and neck are connected with two straps.
Cap sleeve tops: Girls can also wear cap sleeve tops that have slightly high shoulders offering a little coverage than the tank tops. This is like a merge between sleeveless and no sleeve, though it offers coverage, it also gives a sleeveless look.
Sleeveless blouses: It has nearly the same design however the armholes are more hidden and protective offering more coverage. It is wearable with different other clothes, can be worn in different conditions and occasions, and is suitable for both formal and casual looks.
Off-Shoulder tops: This clothing doesn’t have any shoulders, rather it leaves the neckline open providing a stylish look. It can be worn with other tops as well.
Button-up shirts: They offer complete coverage, yet ensure comfort and breathability. It is made of various fabrics and patterns and is usable for creating a professional or casual look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Are tank tops allowed in all schools?
Answer: Not all schools approve of wearing tanktops as each of the education institutes is regulated based on its own set of rules, but some private and public schools allow it.
Question: What is considered appropriate attire when it comes to wearing tank tops in school?
Answer: If your kids’ school allows wearing tanktops, make sure it has reasonably wide straps and use other tees or tops so that they don’t look very exposed.
Question: Can students wear tank tops regardless of gender?
Answer: Yes, tank tops are gender-neutral clothes, both girls and boys can wear them. But girls do need more coverage while wearing it. Therefore, many parents don’t approve of their girls wearing it.
Question: How do the policies of dress codes regarding tank tops vary between elementary, middle, and high schools?
Answer: The policies of dress codes may vary regarding elementary, middle, and high schools. Children in elementary schools don’t have much physical growth, so they can wear tank tops. However, for middle and high school children, schools might have different policies.
Conclusion
So, that’s the end of the discussion. I hope now you understand the reasons for not allowing kids to wear tank tops in school. Though this is a controversial topic, the judgment or decision lies up to you and your child. If both of you are comfortable, nothing wrong with wearing it, if not then don’t. If both of you have different opinions, don’t force it, talk it out with your child.
