July 27, 2023 | 0 min read
School uniforms have a reputation of being – for lack of a better word – uncomfortable.
The words itchy, scratchy, stiff, and irritating come to mind. But why is it that school uniforms have this unfortunate claim to fame?
There are many reasons why the recommended school uniform options influence discomfort for kids. From the overly starched and thick materials, to the majority synthetic fabrics used, the *recommended* school uniforms were not made with comfort in mind.
Not only is this a bummer for your kids when it comes to their daily ease of life, it’s also doing a disservice to their ability to focus, learn and achieve milestones academically. When we’re uncomfortable, it’s harder to pay attention and more challenging to stay engaged, because discomfort can be distracting.
But it doesn’t have to be this way – as a parent, you aren’t forced to use the *recommended* school uniforms – these are just suggestions. Instead, you can find the school’s desired styles and colors, made with comfortable and breathable fabrics, from outside companies.
We highly recommend choosing 100% knit cotton styles – below are a few reasons why we find it to be a more comfortable choice for school uniforms:
For us, the most important characteristic for comfort in school uniforms is FABRIC CHOICE.
Softness – if it’s not comfortable, what’s the point? Comfort is a primary driver of why we make clothes. The cotton fabrics we choose are made to be super cozy – for us, knit material is softer and also allows for more flexibility, making it easier for your kids to be active in their outfits.
Breathability – contrary to its synthetic counterparts, cotton is known for its breathability, natural hypo-allergenic and antibacterial qualities. So instead of stifling you (like polyester can), cotton helps your skin breathe, and helps you regulate your body temperature.
Safer For Sensitive Skin – for kids with sensitive skin or sensory sensitivities, cotton and other natural fibers are always a great place to start. These fabrics are less likely to cause a reaction and they tend to be softer than most synthetic materials.
While not every school requires uniforms, we think no matter what, your kids should have access to comfortable, breathable clothes to wear to school. These characteristics matter, because they have a direct impact on how eager your kids are to learn and how able they are to focus while at school.
Click the link below to explore our 100% cotton uniform styles that are made in Los Angeles, CA.
Written by: City Threads Cofounders Shayna Samuels & Joe Willis, and Kestrel Jenkins, responsibility consultant & host of the Conscious Chatter podcast.
