Wearing the same uniform every day at school is believed to enhance students’ sense of equality and foster a more inclusive school environment. By standardizing attire, uniforms help to prevent socio-economic disparities from becoming evident in the school setting, thereby mitigating discrimination and exclusion based on appearance and personal backgrounds. This uniformity also plays a significant role in reducing instances of mocking and bullying among students, as it minimizes opportunities for such behaviors rooted in differences in personal dressing around school environments.
In 2011, Mongolia established a key standard titled “MNS6232:2011 Semi-woolen Fabric for Student Uniforms. Technical Requirements” which outlines the quality indicators for semi-woolen fabric used to make school uniforms. This standard was developed to ensure that the materials used to make school uniforms meet specific criteria regarding quality and safety for students. The standard requires that all imported materials intended for student uniforms comply with these established specifications, ensuring that they are consistent with the technical requirements set forth. The implementation of this standard began in February of that year, marking a significant step towards improving the quality and consistency of school uniforms.
Two years after the introduction of this standard, the Government of Mongolia issued a resolution aimed at supporting the national production of student uniforms. This initiative was designed to boost local manufacturing and support national industries and markets in the long term. As a result, from the 2013-2014 academic year onwards, national manufacturers began supplying the market with student uniforms. To facilitate this transition and encourage local production, 23 billion MNT was allocated to student uniform manufacturers as concessional loans. These funds were provided through the Employment Promotion Fund and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, with the goal of promoting local employment and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Despite these efforts, questions persist regarding whether national manufacturers are fully embracing their responsibilities by sewing high-quality uniforms that meet the standards set for students’ health and further achievements and convenience at school. In specific, there are concerns about whether the uniforms produced are genuinely lightweight, warm, and stretchy creating a suitable environment for students to study while being appropriately suited to the needs of children. Additionally, there is scrutiny over whether these uniforms are made from high-quality materials that are entirely safe for students’ health.
Dominance of Chinese-made clothes on the market
As the new academic year approaches, with less than a month remaining, parents are increasingly concerned about which company’s or even countries’ uniforms to choose for their children. Many parents are eager to support national production and purchase domestic uniforms, however they are met with the challenge of rapidly rising prices that often do not correspond with improvements in quality. Consequently, many parents are compelled to opt for the more affordable or Chinese-made uniforms that are readily available in the market. For instance, a mother shared, “I bought my daughter’s uniform from Erlian Hot for around 15,000 MNT. It’s much more expensive here. It’s not like she’ll wear it forever.” This sentiment is echoed by many parents who prioritize cost-effectiveness, leading them to choose Chinese uniforms over domestic options.
This trend raises significant concerns about the long-term sustainability of national manufacturers and the potential erosion of local craftsmanship. To gain insight into these concerns, a small survey was conducted among mothers with two to three school-going children regarding their priorities when it comes to purchasing school uniforms. The survey results highlighted a divide in opinions. Some parents believe that national uniforms are of superior quality and are less harmful to the health of children, while others find domestic uniforms to be poorly made and overpriced, favoring the Chinese alternatives. For example, citizen S stated, “Initially, I bought domestic uniforms, but later switched to Chinese ones. I now alternate between them. My eldest son changes his trousers and shirts three times a year, while my middle school daughter received new uniforms in the spring.” Another mother commented, “National uniforms are of low quality. Shirts lose color and tear quickly. Trousers and jackets also wear out fast and are uncomfortable. I bought a Chinese shirt and a better outer jacket.” These differing viewpoints underscore the need for improved consistency and quality control in domestic manufacturing. Additionally, some parents appreciate the ease of washing and ironing Chinese shirts. While acknowledging that these shirts might emit a strange smell when ironed, they are generally perceived as more convenient and user-friendly. On the other hand, there remains a group of parents who believe that Chinese uniforms are less breathable and pose potential health risks for children.
Despite the government’s mandate for national manufacturers to provide high-quality, affordable, healthy and semi-woolen uniforms, there has been a noticeable failure to meet these obligations. The increasing preference for Chinese-made uniforms reflects a loss of market share by national manufacturers. Particularly in rural areas, most parents opt for Chinese uniforms due to their affordability and availability. This shift highlights the competitive pressure faced by local producers and the need for significant improvements in the quality and pricing of domestic uniforms. Although official statistics on the proportion of students wearing domestic versus Chinese uniforms are lacking, observations at schools reveal a noticeable prevalence of Chinese uniforms. These uniforms are often more vibrant in color and feature larger emblems, which some parents perceive as indicators of higher quality.
8 domestic companies have mandate to produce school uniforms
In the last academic year, approximately 771,000 children attended both public and private schools, with around 10 national companies involved in sewing their uniforms. For the current academic year, eight companies, including “Buteelch Uils”, “Shilmel Zagvar”, “Oulen Mench”, “Torgon Khiits”, “Tumur Trade”, “Erd Sulj”, and “Shuten Uul” will supply uniforms. These companies are mandated to provide healthy, high-quality and wool-blend uniforms. Since 2013, these manufacturers have collaborated to produce and distribute uniforms through designated sales outlets. An exhibition and sale of school supplies and uniforms began on August 1, aiming to streamline the production process and standardize uniform quality across various regions.
In 2019, Mongolia updated the technical requirements for student uniforms to ensure that the materials used are safe for health, retain heat, are breathable, and absorb moisture effectively. It remains unclear whether Chinese uniforms adhere to these standards. The existence of a student uniform market in Mongolia has led many Chinese companies to participate, resulting in a proliferation of imitation products. Prices vary depending on the Chinese manufacturer, with shirts averaging at 25,000 MNT and domestic ones ranging from 35,000 MNT to 40,000 MNT. For instance, the “Shilmel Zagvar” company offers primary school shirts at 35,000 MNT, sarafans (for girls) or jackets (for boys) at 78,000 MNT, trousers at 49,000 MNT, and ties at 6,000 MNT. Middle school jackets are priced at 95,000 MNT, skirts at 56,000 MNT, trousers at 60,000 MNT, shirts at 38,000 MNT, and ties at 9,000 MNT. High school jackets range from 108,000 to 120,000 MNT, skirts at 58,000 MNT, trousers at 65,000 MNT, shirts at 40,000 MNT, and ties at 9,000 MNT. Prices for uniforms from “Buteelch Uils” are comparable, ranging from 116,000 to 165,000 MNT for primary school, 192,000 to 196,000 MNT for middle school, and 211,000 to 230,000 MNT for high school uniforms. Overall, prices have not seen significant increases from the previous year.
Parents often face confusion regarding the quality of materials used in uniforms. Some companies claim to source their materials from South Korea, ensuring they meet required standards. However, the inconsistency in material quality and the lack of transparent information about manufacturing practices contribute to parental uncertainty.
Will primary school children wear polo shirts?
The Minister of Education, P.Naranbayar recently convened an urgent meeting to address various issues, including student uniforms and the academic year. During this meeting, instructions were given to relevant specialists to explore the option of introducing polo shirts for primary school students. A comprehensive study of standards, materials, and prices was requested to ensure that any changes meet the required criteria. As a result, some parents are delaying their uniform purchases, awaiting further developments. This potential shift aims to offer a more comfortable and practical option for younger students.
The design and material choices for student uniforms have been a subject of controversy since their inception. Criticisms often focus on the discomfort and restrictiveness of current designs. Manufacturers argue that wool content and eco-friendly materials are necessary to withstand Mongolia’s harsh climate, but there is a growing call for more comfortable and user-friendly designs. Internationally, student uniforms prioritize comfort and practicality, with polo shirts being a popular choice. Some private schools in Mongolia have already adopted polo shirts, but whether public schools will follow remains uncertain.
The ability of national manufacturers to meet this demand in a timely manner is also in question. Implementing polo shirts in public schools would require significant adjustments in production processes and supply chain management. For instance, according to P.Naranbayar, to introduce the option of polo shirts in school uniforms, a dedicated working group will be established to develop proposals for revising the standards. This group will comprise representatives from government agencies, the private sector, professional organizations, and parent associations. The group will also thoroughly examine the process of updating the uniform guidelines, with a view to implementing these changes beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
Furthermore, some companies, such as “Tumur Trade” report no official communication from the ministry regarding the production of polo shirts, despite their existing contracts with private schools. They criticize the import of synthetic, allergy-inducing Chinese polo shirts, emphasizing the need for high-quality, reliable domestic clothing. The potential health risks associated with synthetic materials highlight the importance of rigorous quality control.
Countries that prioritize military and children’s clothing production often prefer locally made, high-quality garments to ensure health and safety. National manufacturers emphasize this point, advocating for the well-being of students through superior-quality uniforms. In Mongolia’s educational system, student uniforms are a crucial component designed to enhance the learning environment. Beyond mere identification and conformity, uniforms foster a sense of belonging and unity among students. They help to reduce socio-economic differences and promote a collective identity, while also creating a more disciplined and focused learning atmosphere. The choice of materials and design is carefully considered to ensure practicality, durability, and comfort, reflecting a commitment to students’ well-being and overall educational equity.
