Menswear & Uniform

Uniform is defined as "an identifying outfit or style of dress worn by the members of a group of a given profession, organisation or rank", and ironically the word uniform (outside of fashion deifition) represents "identical" or "consistant". So here we can see where the word comes from and what it is all about.

Uniform has been used for centuries for many different reasons, but essentially it is like branding, i think. You see someone in a perticular uniform and you autimatically feel a certain feeling, whether good or bad, and you know what this person represents and where you stand immediately. Even wearing a uniform of some kind can empower you. Army uniforms give a sense of belonging and protection, police with power and aggression, and a sports uniform with belonging, personal empowerment, confidence and contribution. They are obviously functional as well, but i think its the feeling they impose on others that is most interesting here.

Careers requiring strong uniform and uniformity generally appeal to those who strive to belong to a group, or contribute as a group. they wish to be identified in some way, especially as a member of the group they are associated with. Many of these people thrive on taking orders and need the social interaction and security a group provides. I would bet that any artistic professional, designer, entrepreneur or inventor (who are renoun for their high creativity, making them more 'fearless and individual') would cringe in the instance of wearing a uniform, or by being identified as a member of a group. They are individuals.

In the case of school uniforms, it is all about control and uniformity. They keep children from expressing creativity and individuality, and if you do you will be punnished. At the same time, however, they also ensure that the students are 'classless', so you cannot identify the rich from the less rich by a means of what they wear, which in turn assists in keeping all children equal. I dont think this works, however. As a creative person myself i feel that it inhibits creativity, as in school we had a colour code with strict rules. Pushing these rules, not enough to get in trouble, but enough to feel like you are different to the others is empowering as an individual.

Overall i feel it is about conformity first, individuality last. I think some people take the feelings associated with the uniforms to instil power over others. Studys show that most people arent all that trusting of those in uniform.