M-A Physical Education uniforms, arguably the pinnacle of freshmen embarrassment, have graced the football and soccer fields for decades. With an exclusive interview from longtime P.E. teacher Amanda Bianchi and some inspiration from current students, this article has all you need to make your uniform stylish for the new year.
There are a few key things to remember when creating your unique look in order to remain in good standing with your teacher’s requests. Not to mention, students sign a contract saying that they will wear it at the start of every year. “The reason that we wear P.E. uniforms is so we can identify who’s in our class,” Bianchi said. “They just need to be maroon and gold, our school colors.”
It’s widely known that these uniforms—composed of enormous, mustard-yellow shirts and maroon shorts that meet the knee—are not the most flattering. The overwhelming majority of students agree, with many having passionate cases against them. “I don’t like them at all,” freshman Elise Sondag said. “They’re just really big and baggy. They should make different sizes for women and men so it fits better.”
When searching for a flattering fit, look to brands that you know and trust. Many popular brands like Lululemon and Uniqlo offer pieces in colors that are P.E. approved.
So as long as your outfits prioritize the ability to move, you can wear whatever you want—just remember to keep the Crocs out of your gym wardrobe.
“I don’t like the shorts,” freshman Aziza Shaikh said. “They’re super uncomfortable.” Shaikh switches out the provided shorts for a pair of burgundy shorts from Lululemon. “Because the shorts are really long, I personally think that these are way more breathable, and I can move more in them,” she said.
Dropping a fortune on your outfit is not required to create a cute fit. Brands like Target, Amazon, and Marshalls have great pants, leggings, and shorts in the correct shade and for a lower price—not to mention they can really elevate your look. These more affordable options give students a chance to choose clothes that can look, feel, and fit better.
Let’s not forget the inevitable colder weather that is just around the corner this winter. While the classes must move on in the curriculum, the weather doesn’t always cooperate with the outdoor units. Sweatpants and sweatshirts soon become staples in freshmens’ P.E. closet.
“Outerwear is a big topic. We want you to change clothes so you don’t wear your black school hoodie with the T-shirt that you wore to school underneath,” Bianchi said. This means that you can keep your regular school day hoodie on if you changed into your P.E. shirt underneath.
Don’t bring your complaints to Bianchi or the rest of the P.E. department because they are not in control of the things that you wear or the designs that are on them. If real change were to occur to the clothing requirements, it would have to be brought up with the people in charge of Bear Wear. Believe it or not, these controversial outfits are chosen by Athletic Boosters.
While these uniforms might not be the most flattering, perhaps there is a method to their madness. With a large student body to serve, the Athletic Boosters most likely have to balance inventory management and costs. They must be able to consistently and equitably distribute uniforms for all students, meaning diversity in styles isn’t a top priority. And after all, they aren’t our local department store—they are volunteers with strict parameters to work within and years of physical education culture to uphold.
Still, one doesn’t need to like the uniforms to be heard; yet again, the teenage voice prevails. “It’s too bright,” sophomore Atticus Loh-Ratan said. “At least make the yellow less bright.”
Sophomore Brian Herrera doesn’t have the same burning hatred for the uniforms as others. “I think they’re okay,” she said. “But I wish the shorts were above the knees.”
“First of all, the shirts are too baggy. Same with the shorts, they are baggy too,” freshman Jessica Hidalgo said. “I don’t like the shade of yellow. We should have a policy to allow students to wear all black.”
“They are bad because they exist,” sophomore Jack Murphy said. In his second year of P.E., he’s made up his mind. “We just got to get rid of them.”
Students at M-A are not complete complainers. There are ways, as modeled in many classes, to construct a cute, comfortable look while still complying with the framework required by the P.E. department.
Remember these things when going through your closet or taking a trip to the store: students’ clothing must be maroon and gold (our school colors), students actually have to wear different clothes than the ones they rocked to school, and students must wear appropriate shoes.
With the P.E. uniforms, it is more than just looking good. Physical education should be enjoyed, and the clothes that are required should reflect the same. Is it time for a new uniform? Maybe not, but there are still countless ways to make it unique and your own.
