From choosing what to wear every morning to finding stylish but appropriate clothes for school, what a student wears is a big aspect of their identity. One of the most controversial aspects of Bolles’s dress code today is the tucking-in-shirts rule. Whether it is the discomfort or disfashion of the look, most students have disregarded this new policy in retaliation.

Since the founding of the school in 1933, the dress code has repeatedly evolved . Beginning as a boy’s military academy, the school had a formal dress code of slacks and oxford shirts. In 1962, Bolles changed to an academic all boys school but retained the formal dress code. When the school became co-ed in 1971, the girls dress code was dresses. Throughout the years the dress code has varied for both sexes with an overall trend of increased informality.

Over the last ten years, the dress code has become an increasingly contentious issue between administrators and students alike. Fashion, leadership, and reputation have been the three main considerations for any major or minor adjustments to the rules.

Fashion is one of the largest drivers of dress code evolution. With new trends and cultural shifts happening so often, Bolles responds by adjusting its restrictions to fit them appropriately. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bolles took a more comfortable approach to the dress code due to relaxed fashion trends.

The school board also considers leadership to be one of the main variables in deciding the dress code. One of Bolles’ most vital missions is to prepare students for college and the workplace, which the school board executes through the requirement of professional attire. By abiding by the dress code, Bolles students are preparing for the world of business casual as they hope to take on higher positions in their futures.

Furthermore, students who attend Bolles have a reputation to hold in and out of the classroom. By dressing professionally they not only uphold the school’s reputation, One of Bolles’ most vital missions is to prepare students for college and the workplace, which the school board executes through the requirement of professional attire but the reputation of themselves. Thus, tucking in shirts creates a more professional look which adds to the business casual attire.