Elementary teachers are role models for young children, so they must dress appropriately. However, as the world becomes more progressive and moves away from strict dress codes, many old clothing rules no longer apply. So, what exactly should elementary teachers wear?
Elementary teachers should wear smart casual attire, including shirts, tailored trousers, and comfortable footwear. However, the specific clothing they should wear depends on the school district. While some communities have relaxed rules, others might be more strict.
The rest of this article will discuss the best and worst things to wear, as elementary teachers need to know what they should wear before stepping into the classroom for the first time.
The Best Clothing Choices for Elementary Teachers
Although the dress codes for elementary teachers vary by district, the basic requirements are generally the same. In most cases, you must dress modestly, ensuring you don’t reveal too much skin or undergarments.
For example, you should avoid see-through clothing or clothing that reveals too much cleavage.
However, it’s essential to look at COVID-19’s impact on teacher dress codes.
School dress codes have been pretty strict in the past, but the recent pandemic has calmed things a little because teachers could wear more comfortable clothing in their homes (while still getting their work done). And this trend
seems to have made its way to the classroom in certain districts.
Furthermore, the relaxing of dress code rules after the pandemic has had no adverse effect on students thus far.
Still, it’s essential to understand the most appropriate things to wear. I’ll discuss this below in the following few sections.
Blouses/Shirts
Blouses and shirts are generally the most appropriate for elementary teachers to wear on their torsos. They are professional, cover the arms and mid-section, and are usually comfortable to wear. You can find blouses and shirts in many stores and choose various colors and patterns.
While some school districts require teachers to wear blouses and shirts with collars (especially male teachers), this isn’t always the case. However, to be fully prepared, you should check your district’s rules.
In many districts, male teachers may also be required to wear a tie (and even a blazer in some cases).
To learn more about the most appropriate male teacher attire, watch this YouTube video by Ryan Devlin:
Tailored Trousers
Another suitable clothing choice for elementary teachers is tailored trousers. These trousers should:
- Fit appropriately (they shouldn’t be too loose or too tight).
- Cover the legs completely.
- Be an appropriate color (bright, distracting colors are generally not appropriate).
Regarding trousers, it’s best to stick with neutral colors to avoid distractions. But again, be sure to check your district’s dress code.
Appropriate Skirts
Elementary teachers can usually wear skirts, but they must be a suitable length. For example, wearing a skirt that barely covers your buttocks wouldn’t be appropriate. While it’s OK to wear this attire outside of the classroom, it’s certainly not suitable to wear it inside.
Most districts require skirts to be around knee-length, but some might not have such strict rules. You can wear tights with your skirt if you wish, but this isn’t a requirement.
Comfortable Footwear
It would help to consider what footwear is best for the classroom. Elementary teachers should wear footwear that’s comfortable but formal. The following would generally be best:
- Loafers
- Pumps
- Sandals (if the weather is too hot for regular shoes)
- Chukka boots
It’s important to remember that these recommendations are general. Like other clothing items, the shoes you are allowed to wear will depend on your school district.
However, some shoes are generally not permitted in most schools. They include:
- Flip-flops: Although sandals (like Birkenstocks) may be permitted during the warmer months, flip-flops are not appropriate.
- Trainers: Trainers like Nike and Adidas brands are usually not appropriate for elementary teachers (unless you’re teaching P.E.)
- Super high heels. Although moderate heels are generally OK, it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear super high heels that you would wear when going to the club.
Clothes Elementary Teachers Should Avoid
Now that you know what elementary teachers should wear, you might want to learn more about what they shouldn’t wear. Unfortunately, it’s often necessary to sacrifice comfort for business-casual attire when you’re an elementary teacher.
To ensure you’re better prepared for your first day, let’s look at the pieces of clothing you should avoid:
Anything Too Tight or Revealing
It’s best to avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight or revealing. This may include:
- A top that reveals a bra underneath.
- A top that shows cleavage.
- Trousers that are too tight.
- A tight skirt or dress.
Some of these rules might seem ‘old-fashioned’ or conservative to some people, but they apply to many other kinds of workplaces, too. And since you’ll be teaching young children, it’s essential to be professional and focus on education rather than wearing tight/revealing clothing.
Loungewear
Elementary teachers should avoid wearing loungewear, which includes:
- Sweats and joggers
- Jumpers
- Hoodies
While jumpers and hoodies are generally considered inappropriate in most school districts, some might be more lenient (mainly if it’s a cold region). So, as mentioned previously, be sure to check your district’s rules regarding jumpers and hoodies.
Alternatively, you could ask a member of the administration.
Fitness Clothing
Fitness clothing is not appropriate for elementary teachers unless they teach a P.E. or other sports class. Fitness clothing includes:
- Leggings
- Shorts
- Sweats
- Trainers
- Vest tops
So if you’re planning on going to the gym after work, you should bring your sports clothes in a bag rather than wear them during working hours. Once the class is over, you can change into whatever you want!
Anything Too Casual
As an elementary school teacher, you must avoid wearing casual clothes (unless otherwise permitted). Casual clothing includes:
- Jeans
- Denim shorts
- T-shirts
- Clothes that are loose-fitting/baggy
Some schools might have specific days where teachers can wear casual attire. Others might allow teachers to wear casual clothing every day. On the other hand, some districts might never allow teachers to dress casual.
So, if you’re unsure of the rules in your school, it’s best to stick with business casual for the first few weeks to see what other teachers wear.
Furthermore, the dress code in private schools is usually stricter than in public schools, meaning teachers must dress formally daily.
A lot of private schools have uniform requirements for teachers and students. For example, all teachers and students must wear uniforms at Admiral Farragut Academy, a private school in Florida.
Can Elementary Teachers Wear Jewelry?
Elementary teachers can wear jewelry if it isn’t distracting. For example, a simple necklace and wedding ring would be appropriate. It might not be appropriate to wear too much jewelry at once or jewelry that’s too flashy. However, these rules will depend on the school district and administration.
Below are different jewelry pieces that elementary teachers can wear (in moderation):
Necklaces
It’s okay for elementary teachers to wear necklaces if they’re not too distracting or inappropriate. For example, wearing a Playboy necklace would be inappropriate, but wearing a small flower necklace would be okay.
Anything too sparkly or flashy might be deemed inappropriate because it may distract students. You shouldn’t run into any issues if you wear a modest necklace.
Rings
It’s acceptable for elementary teachers to wear rings, particularly wedding and engagement rings. However, like with necklaces, you should avoid wearing anything too flashy. It’s also probably best to avoid wearing too many rings at once (for example, wearing a ring on every finger).
Bracelets
Another piece of jewelry that’s generally fine to wear as an elementary teacher is a bracelet. In most cases, you’ll be wearing long sleeves, so your bracelets won’t be highly visible in the first place. But even if they become visible, it won’t be an issue.
Therefore, if the bracelet isn’t offensive or distracting, it should be fine to wear it.
Watches
You don’t have to be concerned if you like to wear watches because they’re perfectly fine to wear if you’re an elementary teacher. Whether it’s an Apple watch or a traditional one, you shouldn’t run into any issues with the administration staff.
You could also argue that a watch is necessary because it gives you an instant reminder of the time without having to check your phone or a clock!
Can Elementary Teachers Have Tattoos?
Elementary teachers can have tattoos, but some districts might make it necessary to cover them. It’s usually never permitted to display offensive or inappropriate tattoos, so you should cover them if you have any.
While tattoos were a big no-no for elementary teachers in the past, rules have certainly relaxed over the years. As long as they are inoffensive and appropriate for children to see, it shouldn’t be an issue to have tattoos. However, it’s important to remember that all schools will have varying requirements regarding tattoos.
It’s best to avoid getting face tattoos because they’re impossible to hide, and it might prove difficult to pass an interview if you have one.
It’s also good to avoid getting hand and neck tattoos (because they’re tougher to hide) if you want to be an elementary teacher, although many school districts might not have any issues with tattoos in these locations.
However, even if the faculty and administration are okay with visible tattoos, some parents might have complaints or worries, as some tattoos may distract children, especially if they’re large or on the face.
But as long as your tattoos are moderate in size and appropriate in a school setting, there shouldn’t be any significant issues.
Can Elementary Teachers Have Piercings?
Elementary teachers can have piercings in most cases, but it’s best to keep them modest. Many districts won’t allow face piercings on the nose or cheeks. Ear piercings are usually accepted, so you shouldn’t run into any issues with those.
Below, I’ll examine different piercings and whether or not they’re acceptable in a teaching setting.
Ear Piercings
As I briefly mentioned above, ear piercings are usually acceptable if you’re an elementary teacher. They are generally the least distracting because they’re not on the face, making them harder to notice and get distracted by. It’s best to go with studs or tiny hoops instead of large hoops.
The bigger the earrings, the more distracting (or unprofessional) they might seem.
Nose Piercings
Nose piercings might be appropriate if they’re small studs. Large hoops likely won’t be accepted in most districts, so you’d be required to remove them. Since nose piercings are in the middle of the face, they are more distracting than ear piercings (especially if they’re large).
However, while some districts may not allow nose piercings, some might allow moderately-sized nose piercings.
Belly Button Piercings
Belly button piercings are generally acceptable because your belly button won’t be on display. Since school dress codes don’t allow teachers to show their midriff, a belly button piercing wouldn’t be of concern.
However, if a teacher has an extensive belly button piercing (to the point where it sticks out from their clothing), removing it or replacing it with a minor piercing might be best.
Eyebrow Piercings
The rules surrounding eyebrow piercings on elementary teachers are similar to those on nose piercings. Generally, if the piercing is petite and not distracting, it should be okay. But if it’s large, you might need to remove it. In some districts, they might be prohibited altogether.
Like nose piercings, eyebrow piercings are on the face, so they’re more likely to be distracting for students.
Cheek Piercings
Cheek piercings may be allowed in certain districts, but others will prohibit them. In fact, many conservative schools will likely prohibit cheek piercings (and possibly other facial piercings).
For example, the LaSalle Parish School Board in Louisiana prohibits all piercings (other than standard ear piercings). Plus, only women are allowed ear piercings in this school. So, check with your district to find out whether cheek piercings are appropriate or not.
Lip Piercings
Like other piercings, lip piercings will be allowed in some districts and not in others. However, most conservative communities are less likely to allow elementary teachers to have lip piercings.
On the other hand, some school districts will have more lenient rules, particularly in areas that aren’t as conservative. Again, it largely depends on the location and administration of the school when it comes to lip (and other facial) piercings.
Can Elementary Teachers Wear Dresses?
Elementary teachers can wear dresses, but they must be an appropriate length. Usually, dresses and skirts should be no shorter than knee length. Also, mini dresses and skirts aren’t permitted in most schools.
For example, the Dallas Independent School District requires teachers to wear dresses and skirts no shorter than three inches above the knee. However, you can wear dresses slightly longer than this if you wish.
If you’re wearing a dress, you will also need to ensure your top is adequately covered (for example, your arms and chest area). However, if your district allows short sleeves due to hot weather, the dress doesn’t have to cover your arms.
All dresses should fit appropriately, meaning they shouldn’t be too tight or loose.
Can Elementary Teachers Have Long Beards?
Elementary teachers can have long beards if they’re well-kept and clean. But some school districts might not allow beards that are too long, so it’s good to check before you begin work.
Although most districts have some kind of dress code (some more strict and detailed than others), others don’t.
For example, the school district of Philadelphia doesn’t have a specific dress code–this means that teachers can dress and groom themselves however they want, as long as it’s not offensive or inappropriate. So, a long beard would be acceptable in this instance.
If you need to keep your long beard for religious purposes, and your school does not permit it, you should speak directly with the administration staff for more information.
Can Elementary Teachers Wear Makeup?
Elementary teachers can wear makeup if it’s not too distracting. In some school districts, wearing heavy makeup (including dramatic eyes) won’t be acceptable. It’s best to stick with business-appropriate makeup, which is generally not highly noticeable.
A light foundation or tinted moisturizer is best for the face. For the eyes, you should consider light, neutral colors and a small amount of mascara (if you want). But of course, makeup isn’t necessary for elementary teachers.
If you’d rather avoid makeup altogether, that’s completely acceptable too.
Unless otherwise stated in your district’s handbook, you should avoid bright eye colors and intense eyeliner. It’s also best to avoid bright lip colors because this could distract students.
Final Thoughts
As an elementary teacher, you are responsible for setting an excellent professional example for your students. While the rules surrounding clothes and accessories have become more lenient in recent years, there are still certain things you shouldn’t wear.
To recap, the best things for an elementary teacher to wear include:
- Shirts and blouses
- Tailored trousers
- Knee-length skirts
Things to avoid include:
- Too many facial piercings (or any facial piercings in some districts)
- Revealing clothes
- Flip-flops
- Casual trainers
- Jeans and t-shirts
Sources
- Education Week: Is It Time to Relax Teacher Dress Codes?
- YouTube: What Not To Wear (Male Teacher Edition)
- Admiral Farragut Academy: Benefits of Uniforms in Private Schools
- Education Corner: Can Teachers Have Tattoos in the United States?
- LaSalle Parish School Board: Employee Dress Code
- Texas Association of School Boards: Employee Standards of Conduct
- School District of Philadelphia: Employee Handbook
