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Japanese Schoolgirl Uniforms
From Virtual Japan
Japanese Schoolgirl Uniforms have been used since the 19th century when the first uniforms were introduced. Since then, they have become universally used in almost all public and private schools and in many women’s colleges. The word for uniform in Japanese is seifuku and the Japanese schoolgirl uniform has taken on much more of a symbolic role in the vision of Japan held by many outside cultures.
Contents |
Use
Early schooling by elementary school students involves the wearing of simple pleated skirts and white blouses though many low level schools do not require uniforms. When Japanese students reach middle school, they are required to start wearing uniforms and girls will often start wearing the traditional sailor uniform, which derives from Meiji era military dress, based on European naval tradition. However, many schools have also moved toward a more modern western school uniform with white blouse, tie, and blazer for girls instead of the sailor uniform.
Additionally, schools will often have a summer version of their uniforms for hotter months, with girls wearing a lighter weight uniform and a tartan skirt. Most schools also have uniform for sports and physical activity as well and prohibit additional accessories such as hats, patches, bags, or loose socks. Additionally, some schools will regulate how a student wears their hair, shoes, and book bags as well.
Sailor Uniform
The sailor outfit worn by many female middle school and high school students dates back to 1912 when Fukuoka Jo Gakuin University Principal Elizabeth Lee introduced it from the concept of the British Royal Navy uniform. The blouse consists of a sailor style collar and girls wear a pleated skirt. There are seasonal variations as well with varying sleeve lengths and fabrics for the elements. Variations to the ribbon on the blouse include ties, bolo ties, and neckerchiefs. Additionally, socks and shoes are often included with the uniform.
Outside of School
Because of the international and cultural significance of the sailor uniform, having been used in Japan for over 90 years, it has become a symbol of youth and femininity and has also become a popular fetish item, sold second hand to shops such as burusera. The sailor outfit has also taken on a large role in otaku culture with many anime, manga, and dojinshi characters wearing the sailor outfit in new or provocative ways.
These stylized uniforms in pop culture imagery has had a major effect on how western audiences view the uniforms, seeing them as a hip, counter-culture aspect of the Japanese lifestyle rather than a standard of female youth. Thus, cosplay in western culture will often involve sailor outfits along with various changes to the normal formula.