Top 10: If you could design a new school uniform, what would it look like?
- Comfort before style – classic, practical considerations seem to be the most significant factors when students choose what to wear to school
If you could design a new school uniform, what would it look like? Photo: Shutterstock This week’s question: If you could choose a song to replace your school song, what would it be and why?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 3pm on August 16. Tell us your name, age and school.
Anson Ng Wai-yan, 12, St Mary’s Canossian College: I would design a school uniform using solar fabric to adapt to Hong Kong’s fluctuating weather. This lightweight material is equipped with temperature-regulating functions. During the day, the fabric absorbs sunlight and reduces body temperature by up to 10 degrees Celsius. It releases this stored energy at night to provide a warming effect of 3 degrees Celsius. By wearing this innovative school uniform, students may not need an extra jacket, lightening their school bags.
Chloe Wan Tsz-ching, 14, Pope Paul VI College: I would consider cultural or religious factors while designing a uniform. Understanding students’ clothing habits and religious requirements from different cultural backgrounds is essential. I want to create a uniform that can be paired with headscarves, long sleeves and other options to meet special clothing needs. For example, adding detachable accessories, such as headscarf buckles, to school uniforms can improve adjustability.
He Mujia, 11, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: The uniform would be a colour polo shirt, according to the student’s choice. On the back of the uniform, the students would design the initials of their names in aesthetic letters with their favourite elements. The school logo would be stamped on the front. This uniform could lighten up the classroom by turning it into a splendid colour palette and showcasing the students’ creativity. Moreover, this casual and innovative design could alleviate their thoughts that school is formal and dull.
What did you struggle with in the pandemic that still affects you now?
Corinne Lee Yan-tung, 14, Pope Paul VI College: The uniform would be a colour polo shirt, according to the student’s choice. On the back of the uniform, the students would design the initials of their names in aesthetic letters with their favourite elements. The school logo would be stamped on the front. This uniform could lighten up the classroom by turning it into a splendid colour palette and showcasing the students’ creativity. Moreover, this casual and innovative design could alleviate their thoughts that school is formal and dull.
Lin Xiaoyue, 17, Pui Kiu College: The first point is to ensure that the uniform is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate all body types. The uniform should have adjustable features like elastic waistbands or straps for a better fit. I would use darker colours for colour choices as they require less washing and do not show dirt easily. Colours like black, navy, and maroon can take more wear and tear than lighter colours like white, cream, and yellow – simply because the dirt isn’t as visible.
Lee Lok-ting, 13, Maryknoll Fathers’ School: I would design a fabulous-looking suit, with a bright white shirt and dark blue trousers. The suit would be resistant to water and sweat. This will prevent students from getting smelly after PE lessons.
Jasmine Chau Tsz-ching, 14, Stewards Pooi Kei College: My school uniform design would prioritise practicality and school spirit. The shirt would be white, with blood-red skirts, a tie and a rudy belt. The school emblem would be printed on the tie’s bottom. Red is chosen for its potential to cover leaks from menstruation. A black nylon hoodie coat would be added for students to wear to school, allowing them to feel comfortable and focused on learning because this design will also help students adapt to different weather conditions.
Lin Lok-yee, 12, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Lo Yu Chik Primary School: I don’t think the uniform needs to have a fixed appearance. We can wear civvies every day, like red clothes on Monday and blue clothes on Tuesday. This can make school uniforms more diverse and comfortable for students. I would design a badge to symbolise the school which would show the abbreviation and the school logo.
Hylia Chan, 11, St. Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: It would be a crisp white shirt for both girls and boys. The boys would sport a faded reddish-orange tie, and their shorts would be the colour of sunrise and sapphire blue. The female students would wear skirts the hue of the boys’ ties, the dye symbolising hope and new beginnings. The school crest would be emblazoned on the upper-left corner of the shirt, just above the shirt pocket. The crest would display an elegant owl flying in front of the blazing sun, making it look like the bird had just escaped from a burning fire, like a phoenix reborn from the ashes. The owl symbolises wisdom, and escaping from the fire shows perseverance.
Evelyn Li, 15, Pui Kiu College: I would make it comfortable and easy to wash, using soft fabric for the school shirts and jackets with the school logo. Making the student council design the uniforms would also be a plus to make it both popular and stylish.