Shopping Ideas to Stay in the Dress Code

CAPTION: Cartoon by Maya Wong (’28)

As the new school year begins, an old problem has resurfaced at the high school campus: students and the school administration continue to struggle over the HBA dress code. The most commonly observed dress code violations during the first weeks of school had to do with uniform bottoms, many of which were too short or not the right type.

Besides having to be in a solid color of black or khaki, according to the HBA high school student handbook, “all pants need to be ankle-length” and “yoga, sweat pants, pajama pants or jogger pants” are not allowed. (Cargo pants were previously on the disallowed list but have recently been added to the approved options.) For shorts, skirts and skorts, the handbook states that their length “needs to be of conservative nature and provide coverage to at least mid-thigh for both males and females. Hems must be at least fingertip length (or longer) when arms and fingers are fully extended alongside hips.” Additionally, “shorts cannot be cargo, board, denim, stretchy/spandex/sweat-pant material, or shorts with fringes or holes. In addition, there should not be a slit up the side and shorts should not ‘flare’ or open loosely at the legs.”

To help students find affordable options that meet the dress code, the Eagle Eye has compiled a list of online retailers that current students have used to find approved school bottoms. This list is not exhaustive and we do not endorse any of these products. Students should still ensure that these options meet the dress code before wearing them to school.