A new national standard (GOST) for school uniforms is now in effect in Russia, emphasizing conservative, business-like, and comfortable attire for students. The standard, developed by Roskachestvo, applies to everyday uniforms for all schoolchildren but excludes sportswear and footwear.

The implementation of the new standard is voluntary, with each school deciding whether to adopt it. General recommendations include uniform color combinations, style, and clothing assortment to create a restrained and strict image.

Permitted clothing items include blouses, shirts, vests, jackets, cardigans, sweaters, turtlenecks, dresses, sundresses, skirts, shorts, trousers, and overalls. Tailoring shops will adhere to standards for both boys and girls, considering children’s height and build.

Symbols of antisocial youth groups and promotion of unlawful behavior are prohibited. However, school and state emblems are allowed on clothing.

Practical aspects are also addressed, such as ensuring hardware lacks sharp or protruding edges. Specific criteria for fabric durability, wrinkle resistance, pilling resistance, and colorfastness are outlined.

Clinical psychologist Anna Leushina views regulated clothing positively, noting that business attire can distinguish the school environment and foster a sense of belonging. She suggests that uniforms can help children understand social conventions and reduce distractions related to fashion competition.

A seamstress from a Kemerovo atelier specializing in school uniforms stated that they have not observed significant changes in school uniform requirements. They continue to produce standard items like skirts, sundresses, jackets, vests, and ties in school colors and with logos.

Parents and children have mixed reactions to the new standard. Some, like Ksenia Zavyalova, believe uniforms stifle individuality. Ksenia’s daughter Vasilisa dislikes wearing the uniform vest.

Other students, like Mark, find uniforms acceptable if they are comfortable. However, he wishes for more colorful options. His mother, Elena, believes strict uniformity can hinder creative thinking.

Inna Tyukalova appreciates that uniforms can reduce social inequality, but stresses the need for comfortable and aesthetically pleasing designs.

The GOST standards are advisory, allowing parents to choose schools with dress codes that align with their preferences.