The premise of uniforms

[emmett_the_sane]

I propose the following theory:

The basic idea behind any uniform is to put someone in a set of clothing that nobody would generally wear by choice.

Comments

[terpsichoros]

I disagree. Many uniforms are rather stylish, and would be voluntarily worn by people. Much women's fashion of the 19th century was derivative of military and naval uniforms of the era. Many corporate uniforms of today are essentially casual wear with a corporate logo. There is a "uniform" of sorts worn by a certain type of attendee at Scottish festivals (black t-shirt, sunglasses, modern kilt, boots) that has evolved without any authority imposing it, but by the choices of the wearers.

The real point of a uniform is to make all the wearers have a standardised appearance, to make them easily recognizable, and to aid in subsuming the individual personality into the collective.

[emmett_the_sane]

I bow to any use of the word "fashion." You win.