Starting this academic year, Russian schools will implement a new GOST standard for school uniforms, developed by Rosstandart. According to Russian authorities, this will help eliminate social disparities between children from families with different income levels. However, many parents are currently dismayed by the “standardized” uniforms.
The new GOST introduces stricter criteria for evaluating fabric quality and defines a list of essential items included in the school uniform set. The document emphasizes that the regulations do not restrict design freedom and allow for individual school branding elements—such as logos, patches, and decorative hardware.
Manufacturers marketing products as school uniforms must now comply with the updated regulations. This will simplify quality control and reduce the risk of counterfeit products.
According to the GOST, the main components of school uniforms include blouses, jackets, blazers, cardigans, jumpers, sweaters, turtlenecks, shirts, pinafore dresses, skirts, trousers, shorts, as well as overalls or semi-overalls.
Outdated Designs
The guidelines suggest that uniforms should be comfortable and appealing to students. The recommendations advise avoiding bright colors and opting for natural materials: cotton and linen for autumn and spring, wool and cashmere for winter.
Recently, an example of a GOST-compliant uniform was showcased, but parents on social media have already mocked the design.
“This is humiliating for young girls. It looks like old ladies’ clothing,” one comment read.
Many users also questioned whether the uniforms would be provided free of charge or require expensive purchases.
“Did they copy this from politicians’ suits? Kids will look like they’re attending parliamentary sessions. Good thing my eldest is homeschooled—might have to pull the younger one out too (though not just because of the uniform),” another user wrote.
“Funny how they immediately went for maid and waiter outfits,” others commented.
Earlier estimates suggested that preparing a child for school in 2025 would cost parents around 13,000 rubles.
The price of clothing and footwear varies by gender and purchase type. A new suit and shoes for a boy cost approximately 3,300 rubles, while a similar set for girls is slightly more expensive at 3,800 rubles.
Sports attire also differs in price: boys’ new gear costs around 3,100 rubles, while girls’ sets are slightly cheaper at 2,700 rubles.
Another significant expense is backpacks and stationery, with new items costing parents roughly 6,500 rubles.
The most expensive purchase remains a child’s study setup, with a new desk and chair averaging around 18,000 rubles.
