What Is a School Uniform Called in Ireland? Names, Styles, and Local Traditions

In Ireland, the school uniform isn’t just clothing-it’s a quiet part of daily life that connects generations. Walk into any primary or secondary school in Dublin, Cork, Galway, or even a small village in County Kerry, and you’ll see the same familiar sight: navy blazers, white shirts, grey trousers or skirts, and ties with school crests. But what do people actually call it? The answer isn’t as simple as ‘uniform.’ In Ireland, it’s often just school uniform, but locals also say ‘the dress’ or ‘the get-up’ depending on the region and school. Some parents even refer to it as ‘the school gear’-especially when they’re rushing to find a lost tie before 8 a.m.

What’s in a Name? How Irish Schools Label Their Uniforms

There’s no official term for school uniforms in Ireland. Unlike in the UK, where you might hear ‘blazer and tie’ or ‘full kit,’ Irish schools rarely use formal names beyond ‘uniform.’ But each school has its own variation. At St. Mary’s NS in Limerick, the uniform is called ‘the navy set’ because of its deep blue blazer. In Galway, some secondary schools call it ‘the grey and white’-referring to the standard grey skirt or trousers and white shirt combo. In rural areas like County Mayo, you’ll hear older generations say ‘the school clothes’ as if it were a single item, not a collection.

What makes it uniquely Irish is how little the language changes. You won’t find terms like ‘preppy’ or ‘prep wear’ used here. There’s no trend-driven slang. It’s practical, no-nonsense naming. The uniform is simply what you wear to school. The only time it gets a special name is when it’s tied to a school’s identity-like the ‘St. Brendan’s tie’ or the ‘CBS Monkstown blazer.’ These aren’t just clothes-they’re symbols of belonging.

What Does a Typical Irish School Uniform Look Like?

The standard Irish school uniform hasn’t changed much since the 1980s, and that’s by design. Most schools follow a simple formula: a navy or black blazer, a white or pale blue shirt, a tie with the school crest, grey or black trousers for boys, and a grey or black skirt (usually knee-length) for girls. Socks are plain white or navy, and shoes are black, lace-up, and leather-no trainers, no sneakers, no boots. The rule is strict: if it’s not black and polished, it’s not allowed.

For primary schools, it’s simpler. A plain jumper (sweater) in school colors-often navy, green, or maroon-is worn over a white shirt. Ties are rare below sixth class. In places like Kilkenny or Sligo, many schools still use the traditional ‘pinafore’ for girls, especially in Catholic-run schools. In some rural areas, like Donegal or Wicklow, children wear cardigans instead of jumpers because the weather is too damp for thin layers.

Footwear is non-negotiable. Brands like Clarks, ECCO, and Dunnes Stores’ own ‘Schoolwear’ line dominate. You won’t see Nike Airs or Adidas Stan Smiths in Irish classrooms. The Department of Education doesn’t ban them, but every school handbook says: ‘Black, closed-toe, lace-up shoes only.’ And parents know-buying the wrong shoes means a trip to the school office before 9 a.m. to swap them out.

Where Do Irish Families Buy School Uniforms?

Buying a school uniform in Ireland is a rite of passage. Most families don’t shop online. They go to the same local stores year after year. In Dublin, it’s Dunnes Stores on Grafton Street or the uniform shop next to the Catholic church on Rathmines Road. In Cork, it’s the ‘Uniform Depot’ on Douglas Street. In Galway, families head to ‘The Uniform Room’ on Dominick Street-where the owner, Mrs. O’Connor, remembers every child who’s walked through the door since 1995.

Many schools partner with local retailers. For example, the ‘St. Patrick’s NS Uniform Pack’ is sold exclusively at Lidl in Tipperary, while the ‘CBS Ballina Uniform Bundle’ is only available at the town’s independent tailor, O’Neill’s Sewing Centre. These aren’t big chains-they’re small businesses that know exactly how many blazers to order before September.

Second-hand uniform swaps are common, especially in working-class areas. Facebook groups like ‘Galway School Uniform Exchange’ or ‘Cork Uniform Swap’ have thousands of members. Parents post: ‘Girls’ size 12 grey skirt, barely worn, €5.’ Others reply: ‘Need two navy jumpers, any size.’ It’s practical, frugal, and deeply Irish. Nobody judges. Everyone understands.

Why Do Irish Schools Stick to Traditional Uniforms?

There’s no law in Ireland requiring uniforms. But nearly every school has one. Why? Because it’s about fairness, identity, and tradition. In a country where income inequality is still visible, the uniform levels the playing field. A child from a council estate in Limerick wears the same blazer as a child from a detached house in Dalkey. No logos. No labels. No competition.

It’s also about belonging. In schools with strong histories-like Blackrock College, Synge Street CBS, or St. Louis Secondary School in Monaghan-the uniform carries decades of pride. Alumni still wear their ties to reunions. Some keep them in boxes after graduation. One man from Waterford told me he wore his old school blazer to his wedding because ‘it felt like the right thing to do.’

Even the weather plays a role. Ireland’s damp, windy climate means uniforms are designed for durability. Wool blends, reinforced seams, and waterproof linings are standard. You won’t find thin polyester here. The blazers are made to last three years. The skirts are cut long enough to avoid knee exposure in the rain. It’s not fashion-it’s function.

Changes and Controversies in Ireland’s School Uniforms

Change is slow, but it’s coming. In recent years, some schools have started allowing trousers for girls, and a few have dropped ties for younger students. In 2023, a school in Bray became the first in County Wicklow to let students wear gender-neutral uniforms-no skirts, no trousers, just a choice of navy or grey tunic. It sparked debate, but also quiet support. Parents in Cork and Louth told local papers: ‘It’s about comfort, not control.’

Still, most schools resist change. The uniform is seen as part of the school’s soul. In 2022, a proposal to replace the navy blazer with a hoodie in a primary school in Waterford was voted down by parents 92 to 3. One mother said: ‘If they want warmth, they can wear a coat. The uniform isn’t about comfort-it’s about respect.’

Even the colors matter. Green is rarely used-too tied to nationalism. Red is avoided in some Catholic schools because of its association with rebellion. Navy, grey, black, and white dominate. They’re neutral. They’re quiet. They’re Irish.

What Happens When the Uniform Breaks?

It happens. A button pops. A tie gets stained with lunch. A skirt shrinks in the wash. In Ireland, you don’t throw it out. You fix it. Most families have a local seamstress or tailor they trust. In Belfast Road, Belfast, it’s Mrs. Byrne. In Limerick, it’s ‘The Patch Lady’ on Clare Street. In Galway, many take their uniforms to the same shop that does the church altar cloths-because they know how to handle wool, thread, and tradition.

And if you can’t fix it? You borrow. You swap. You wait for the next uniform sale. You don’t buy new unless you have to. Because in Ireland, the school uniform isn’t something you replace-it’s something you pass on.