Uniform recommendations

SunSmart recommends that school uniform/dress code policies include the following minimum standards.

1. Clothing to cover as much of the students' skin as practicable

Summer uniform/dress codes could include:

• a shirt with at least elbow-length sleeves (although 3/4 length sleeves provide better protection from the sun)
• a collar that sits close to the neck, above the collarbone. Scoop necks, v-necks or any other necklines below the collarbone are not recommended
• longer style skirts/shorts/pants at least to the knee (although 3/4 length shorts/pants provide better protection from the sun).

Sports uniform/dress codes where the need for sun protection must be balanced with the practicalities of playing sport could include:

• a shirt that covers the shoulders well; tanks tops are not recommended
• a collar that sits close to the neck, above the collarbone; scoop necks, v-necks or any other necklines below the collarbone are not recommended
• longer style skirts/shorts/pants at least to the mid-thigh (although knee-length skirts/shorts/pants provide better protection from the sun)
• rash vests or t-shirts for outdoor swimming.

2.  A sun protective hat to be worn outdoors from September to April

Choose one of the following styles:

• broad brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5 cm
• bucket or ‘surfie-style hats' – with a deep crown and brim of at least 6 cm
• legionnaire hats with a flap that covers the neck. The side flap and front peak should meet to protect the side of the face.

Baseball caps are not recommended; however schools may consider caps as part of their sports uniform where a sun protective hat may restrict vision or be unsafe for particular sports.

View SunSmart's submission to Education and Training Committee [pdf 263K] inquiry into dress codes and school uniforms in Victorian schools.

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