Fort Worth Country Day’s uniforms are iconic; the classic plaid, the jumpers, the oxford shirts and the anxiously awaited Senior Polos. But because of students making their voices heard, some additions may be made to the classic uniforms. Upper School Head Abby Abbott pulled together a committee of students to talk about the uniforms. They met and talked about what they liked and didn’t like and what they might want to change. 

“Students had a lot of ideas for modifications… No one argued to get rid of the uniforms wholesale, which is great because that was never on the table, and it was clear that the FWCD plaid is still beloved,” said Abbott, “So really, the question was, how can we honor our wonderful tradition and make sure we’re comfortable in the uniforms?”

One addition to the pre-existing uniforms is already in the works. Based on student feedback, there will be an update to the skirt. Instead of just having two pleats, the skirts will now be pleated all around. Because of manufacturing time, they aren’t expected to be available to students until January 2027 at the earliest. Students will be able to choose between either skirt option. 

“I’m really excited for the new pleated skirt option,” said Uniform Committee member Lucy Wegman ’27, “I think it’s going to give us more options especially when it’s hotter outside because the jumpers can get really hot.”

Additionally, there have been discussions concerning adding another option for shirts besides the traditional oxford. Students on the uniform committee have voiced a desire to instead allow underclassmen to wear polos, an honor usually reserved for Seniors. 

“I think it’s a good idea [for everyone to wear polos] because obviously the collared shirts are uncomfortable, but I also think there should be something that makes the Senior Polos different because the Senior Polo has always been a privilege,” said Uniform Committee Member Alisha Mehta ’28, “It’s a Senior privilege that everyone looks forward to since their freshman year because it’s something different.”

“One option brought forth by the committee is that seniors would have a special color reserved for them and would still be the only class with their graduation year embroidered,” said Abbott. 

There has not yet been a decision made on the matter, and Abbott said that she wanted to confer first with the current sophomore and freshman (class of 2028 and 2029) because the earliest it would go into effect is their senior and junior year (2027-2028 school year).

“”I’m of two minds here,” Abbott said. “I love the idea that you have to wait for something special, and senior year is incredibly special. It’s a big milestone… At the same time, I’m not in love with the mindset that students should be uncomfortable for three years in order to earn the right to something their senior year. No decisions have been made, but it’s something we’re thinking about.” 

The rest of the uniform will stay the same for now. Boys will still be required to wear white or blue oxfords with khaki or navy shorts or pants. Girls will still have to wear a white or blue oxford with a skirt, jumper, navy or khaki shorts or navy or khaki pants if they choose. When the new skirts come in, they will have the option to wear those or the old ones. 

Seniors will still have the ability to wear their Senior Polos, which Abbott said would not be changing anytime soon, and would still be a special thing for the seniors. 

“It never made sense why we switched from polos to button-downs in middle school… I don’t get why we had to wear button-downs… Even if we won’t get the privilege of having polos throughout Upper School, other people should,” said Junior Brodie McCullough ‘27, who is an Original at FWCD.

No final decision has been made regarding the wide adoption of polos. Sophomores (2028) and freshman (2029), please approach Mrs. Abbott with any opinions regarding the adoption of polos for everyone.