Australian school uniforms, like those in other countries, have changed over time. The first school uniforms were simply copies of English school uniforms. The Australian school system was set up by English colonial administrators. They were schooled and trained in England and set up Austalian schools along the same line as English schools, complete with English school uniforms. We have collected some information about modern Australian school uniforms, but little information about earlier historical eras. We believe, however, that the further you go back the more similar Australian chool uniform is to European school uniform.

The 19th Century

Australia's history of European settlement is quitelimited. Substantial nymbers of Europan settlers did not arrive until the mid-19th century. The state schools did not require uniforms for elementary age children. We see children in the 19th century wearing a wide variety of garments. Some children dressed up for school. We also see many children wearing pinafores. Secondary schools, which were attended by only a small number of affluent children, basically adopted the uniform of the English public (private) school. Many private schools were formed in the 19th Century. These schools, like the state schools, were set up by English educators. They adopted the ethos and educational sysyem, as well as the uniform of English preparatory and public schools.

The 20th Century

HBC has much more information about Ausdtralian school uniform in the 20th century.

Early and mid-20th century (1900-45)

We note numerous Australian school photographs from the early 20th century. The boys look much like English boys, so much so that it is difficult to distinguish them, although th background some times suggests the location. We note both schools that wore uniforms and others that note. Early in the century some boys wore sailor suits, but this was less common after World War I. As in England, short pants were very common, perhaps becuse of the climate even more so than in Englnfd. Australian schools continued to use English school uniforms through the 1950s. Even more so than English boys, Australian boys wore short pants school uniforms. Even at secondary schools short pants were common. Some schools, both state and private schools to wear short pants. Despite the warm climate in Australia, boys commonly wore blazers and kneesocks. Caps were also common.

Figure12.--This portrait of an Australian primary school was probably taken in the 1970s. Schools varied. This school required a uniform.

Post-war era (1945-1970)

Changes began to take place in Australian school uniforms during the 1960s. Some primary schools, as in England began to adopt simple uniforms. The boys wore short pants and kneesocks. The secondary schools continiued to wear English school uniforms. Caps went out of style in the 1960s and blazers were less commonly worn. Boys, even older boys, continued tomwearvshort pants and kneesocks. This differed from England where older boys no longer wore short pants school uniforms, except for a few traditional private schools.

Figure 2.--Australian private schools through the 1970s and into the 1980s often required all boys, even the older boys, to wear blazers, ties, short pants, and kneesocks. A few private schools still do.

Late 20th century (1980-1999)

Notable changes in Australian school uniform occurred during the 1980s. Many changes more in tune with the Australian climate were introduced during the 1980s. Many casual styles replaced the more formal English styles. Blazers and ties became increasingly less common. More older boys began wearng long pants to school. Many schools introduced seasonal uniforms with long pants during the winter and shorts during the summer.

The 21st Century

Many Australian schools continue to require uniforms in the early 21st century. The styles vary widely from school to school. Australian uniform styles are increasingly casual, especially at public schools. There are also regional variations. Some schools have incorporated sun-safe styles. Some schools still have more formal uniforms with blazers and suits. Most of these scgools with formal uniformsa re private schools.

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Created: April 25, 1998
Last updated: 1:05 AM 6/29/2005