Figure 1.--Here is a playground scene from Chennai in Tamil Nadu during the early-2010s. Tamil Nadu is one of the two southern-most states of India, dominated by the Tamil people. We see a group of girls from a private school wearing their uniforms. Notice the classic British gym slip styles and the use of a belt purely for decorative purposes and coordinated with he tie. The importance of British school styles is interesting given the animosity many Indians hold toward Britain. India's growing middle-class since the market reforms beginning in the 1990s has significantly expanded the private sector as parents prioritize quality education for their children, including the girls. Notice the uniform complexion of the girls and the absence of any dark faces.

School uniform in India and and despite the political division Pakistan as well can be quite varied, especially for the girls. We see two basic alternatives. The first choice is traditional South Asian styles. The second choice is Western, basically British styles. State primary schools tend to have very basic uniforms, usually western shirts and pants/skirts. This is important because much of the Indian population is still very poor. Secondary schools and private schools tend to have more elaborate uniforms and often regulations about hair. Private schools are very important in India. While much of the population is still poor, India has made huge progress since the market reforms of the 1990s began. And much of the rising middle class attach great importance to a quality education for their children, including the girls. The traditional uniform for girls is normally a 'salwaar kameez', a very popular woman's garment throughout South Asia, meaning Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as well. It encompass a dizzying variety of styles. The salwaar kameez is a combination of a knee-length tunic with short or long sleeves, baggy pants, and dark lace-up shoes done in all kinds of combination and styles as well as many bright colors and elaborate trim. The British style uniforms often includes buttoned-shirts and knee-length skirts, socks, and dark lace up dress shoes. The gym slip is a popular choice. We also see light-weight summer dresses. The continued popularity of British-styled uniforms is interesting given the animosity that many Indians still hold toward Britain.

Related Style Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Long pants suits] [Knicker suits] [Short pants suits] [Socks] [Eton suits] [Jacket and trousers] [Blazer] [School sandals]

Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Page
[Return to the Main Indian school uniform garment page]
[Return to the Main Indian school uniform page]
[Return to the Main Indian country page]
[About Us]
[Activities] [Chronology] [Clothing styles] [Countries] [Debate] [Economics] [Garment] [Gender] [Hair] [History] [Home trends] [Literary characters]
[School types] [Significance] [Transport and travel [Uniform regulations] [Year level] [Other topics]
[Images] [Links] [Registration] [Search] [Tools]
[Return to the Historic Boys' School Home]

Created: 2:32 PM 6/21/2024
Last updated: 2:32 PM 6/21/2024