12 Dress Code Violations That Got Students Suspended Back Then
These 12 outdated dress code violations once got students suspended — some of them for reasons that seem downright ridiculous today.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
School dress codes used to be so strict that breaking them could land you in serious trouble — or even send you home. From harmless accessories to natural hairstyles, students were punished for expressions of style that wouldn’t raise an eyebrow today. These 12 violations highlight just how much attitudes toward student appearance have evolved over time.
1. Wearing Denim Jeans
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Once labeled as rebellious or too casual, jeans were actually banned in many schools during the ’60s through ’80s. Wearing them could be seen as a challenge to authority or even linked to delinquency.
2. Mini Skirts Above the Knee
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Skirt length was strictly policed, often with the “fingertip rule” or measuring tapes involved. Anything considered too short was deemed “distracting” and grounds for removal.
3. Wearing Band T-Shirts
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Rock band T-shirts — especially ones featuring Metallica, KISS, or Nirvana — were often banned. Administrators claimed they promoted rebellion or inappropriate behavior.
4. Colored Hair or Streaks
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Dyeing your hair pink, blue, or any “unnatural” color was an instant violation. Schools viewed it as a disruption to the learning environment.
5. Tank Tops and Spaghetti Straps
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Showing shoulders used to be a serious offense, especially for girls. Dress codes labeled tank tops as “too revealing” regardless of the context or temperature.
6. T-Shirts with Political Messages
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Any clothing with slogans, peace signs, or political statements was often forbidden. Schools feared disruption or controversy, even if the messages were peaceful.
7. Visible Bra Straps
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Even accidental strap slips could lead to disciplinary action. Female students bore the brunt of this hyper-policing, often being accused of causing distractions.
8. Wearing Hats Indoors
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No matter the type — baseball cap, beanie, or fedora — hats were strictly banned inside the school building. Considered disrespectful or disruptive, they were often confiscated on sight.
9. Sagging Pants
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This style, popularized in the ’90s, was met with swift punishment in schools across the country. Some implemented “pull up your pants” rules or even had students wear belts provided by the school.
10. Graphic or Cartoon Tees
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Shirts featuring comic book characters or funny sayings were surprisingly off-limits in some schools. They were seen as childish, distracting, or inappropriate for a “serious” learning environment.
11. Wearing All Black
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All-black outfits were sometimes viewed as signs of depression, goth culture, or rebellion. Some schools unfairly targeted students who dressed this way, claiming it promoted negativity.
12. Visible Tattoos or Body Piercings
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Any form of body art was once strictly banned — especially facial piercings or visible tattoos. Students were told to cover them or remove piercings on the spot.