School uniforms are enforced with the intent of creating unity within the student body and eliminating any stress that comes with having to pick out an outfit for each day of school. Uniforms accomplish this to some extent, but in turn, they also create discomfort for many students. Many students, particularly boys, receive detention for wearing shorts that are not from Lands’ End Inc or Mills, the suppliers for Kamehameha Schools’ uniforms, even if they look very similar. They are then told to buy KS-approved uniforms, even if they have already spent money on shorts from other stores.

As stated in the handbook, “All new uniforms and special events attire must be bought from Lands’ End Inc. There are no exceptions. Uniforms that have been previously purchased from Mills, KS’ former uniform supplier are considered acceptable uniform attire as specified in the dress and appearance guidelines found in this section.” Mills and Lands’ End Inc do not have many style options for shirts, and there is only one style of shorts/skirt for girls and one style of shorts for boys. This does not accommodate the wide range of body types present in any given school.

Students should be able to wear clothing that is similar in appearance to those sold at Mills or Lands’ End Inc because it does not distract from the sole purpose of a uniform, which is to bring us closer as a student body and eliminate any stress or bullying that would occur as a result of free dress. As Kamehameha Schools strives to be the best institution it can be, providing an option for students who do not fit the limited styles of clothing currently offered would make students feel more comfortable at school, therefore creating a better learning environment.