Wang Yuanyuan

    Shenzhen students have frequently complained about the old-fashioned design of their school uniforms.

    “I am very disappointed in this monochrome 1990s design,” said Lu Jialing, a Senior 1 student from Shenzhen Wenjin Middle School.

    Chinese school uniform design has never been praised by students. “We know that students have to wear clothes under certain standards, but I don’t think we have to wear some clothes that cover all the beauty of youth,” said Lu.

    “I don’t have many problems about our uniforms now. It makes me look forward to transferring to an international school in Senior 3 when I can wear an attractive uniform,” said Cheng Zhijing, a Junior 2 student living in Nanshan District.

    Students have expressed annoyance about having to wear the same clothes.

    “It makes school life less interesting when we all have to wear the same thing,” said Lu.

    Students have looked with envy to Japan and neighboring Hong Kong. “I like their designs. There are skirts, suits, shirts, dresses and shorts in a variety of colors and styles,” said Cheng.

    Students had also held uniform design competitions in their schools. “I think the students’ designs are great. The competition gives students an incentive to express themselves. Unfortunately, it is just a student activity and has no effect on the situation,” said Li Qingming, an education expert.

    Some alumni of Shenzhen schools also thought it would be better to have different uniforms for different occasions.

    “When we were at school, each school had its own uniform. I had four different uniforms. Two for sports activities in winter and summer and two for official occasions like skirts and suits. Each class could choose one to wear every day. Although they also looked awful, we could change from day to day,” said Feng Xiaoling who graduated from Shenzhen Experimental School in 2001.

    Experts have suggested the city could design new uniforms. “Students are changing and the designers can update their design to satisfy students’ tastes, letting uniform become part of the city’s culture,” said Li.

    However, many Hong Kong students like the school uniform in Shenzhen.

    “It is good that all the students wear the same. In Hong Kong, different schools have different uniforms, so people can easily judge whether you are from a good school or a bad school simply by looking at you,” said Amelee Wong, a Hong Kong student.