​​Section 2-14 – Dress/Uniform Code

​Uniform is required on all school days, including field trips, unless otherwise authorized by the Administration.  When in doubt, the student should wear the uniform.

There are several important reasons for the uniform code.

• The first is that dress represents values, both religious and cultural.  Bishop Alemany, as a Catholic school, cannot allow clothing and accessories that counter to religious values of modesty, respect for others, and self-respect.
• Cultural trends that come and go often embrace attitudes directly opposed to religious and cultural values held over the centuries by civilized people.  For example, oversized, baggy clothing and shaved heads can indicate gang/crew affiliation.  Neatness, cleanliness, and simplicity are cultural values prized over generations.
• A second good reason is for practical purposes.  Good dress produces good behavior and morale.  Looking good enhances self-respect.
• A third reason is a social one.  Bishop Alemany presents itself to the public as something special:  a religious school with strong values.  The proper dress of our students shows a little bit of who we are to others.
• A fourth reason is that uniform provides for justice and equality for students of differing socio-economic status.
  
  
  Regular Uniform
  
  The uniform must be purchased from LANDS' END at http://www.landsend.com.
  
  

 
All uniform clothing must be purchased from LANDS' END.
 
Students are subject to suspension and school discipline for violations of the School Uniform Code.  Bishop Alemany reserves the right at any time to make adjustments in the Uniform Code.  Final interpretation of the Uniform Code rests solely with the School Administration.
 
Shirts – Short sleeve polo shirts purchased only from Lands' End in black, cardinal, or white with the Alemany logo are to be worn at all times.  This includes under school sweaters and jackets.  See below regarding Formal Dress, Spirit Wear, and Alternative Dress Code days. 

NOTE:  Only a plain white, black, or light gray T-shirt, round-neck sweatshirt or turtleneck may be worn under the uniform shirt.

Athletic team and club polo shirts may also be worn (if approved by the Deans' Office).  All shirts are to be worn in accordance with the dress code.  Shirts cannot be rolled up under the sleeves and do not cut/alter shirts.  (This does not include fan gear or spirit wear.)

Sweatshirts/Pullover Jackets/Sweaters – Only approved Bishop Alemany sweatshirts, pullover jackets, or sweaters with the school logo (purchased from Lands' End) worn over an Alemany polo are acceptable.  Students may wear unisex sweater vest or pullover sweater with Alemany formal logo on formal/Mass dress days over the white Oxford dress shirt.

Shoes – Shoes are to cover the entire foot.  No open toe/heel shoes are allowed.  No sandals, crocs, flip-flops, slippers, or clogs.  No high heels.  No footless tights or leggings.  Solid colored tights in white, black, or gray are allowed.

Jackets – Bishop Alemany jackets are available from Lands' End.  The only acceptable jackets are Bishop Alemany jackets or (in extreme weather only) solid color black, grey, or white heavy winter jackets or rain jackets that have no wording or insignia are permitted.

Blankets are not permitted during school hours.
 
Restrictions

• Student uniform clothing must be the proper size.  The midriff area must be completely covered.
• Hair must be clean, neat, and free from spikes.  Only natural colors are permitted, no two-tone styles.  Boys' hair is to be neat and clean, well groomed, and kept out of the face.  Bald or shaved hairstyles are prohibited – must be at least 1/4 inch long.  Sideburns may only extend to the bottom of the ear.  Extreme and exaggerated hairstyles are prohibited.  No Mohawks or “Fauxhawks" or any similar style.  The Deans may consider any “fad" hairstyle inappropriate.  Final determination of the appropriateness of any hairstyle or hair color rests with the Deans.
• Facial hair – students must be neat, clean, and well-groomed.
• No excessive jewelry, chains, or exaggerated makeup.  Wallet chains of any kind are not allowed.  Earrings in the same manner of style as gauges, expanders, or spikes are not permitted.  The ear is the only part of the body that may be pierced.
• No tattoos are allowed.  Students with previous tattoos are required to have them completely covered within the dress code guidelines at school and at all school-related functions.
• Clothing must be in good condition and free from alterations, tears, or excessive damage.
• Only neutral colored contact lenses are allowed.
• No hats of any type, bandanas, sweatbands, or beanies are to be worn on campus.
• Sunglasses may not be worn in the classrooms.
• The hoods on jackets and sweatshirts must not cover the head when in class.
  
  
  Formal Dress Code (Refer to Dress Code Chart)*

• Mandatory for Mass Days and Designate Special Occasion days.  Required for select clubs TBA.
• Girls:  Oxford shirt with school logo, uniform tie, Lands' End skirt or Lands' End slacks.
• Boys:  Oxford shirt with school logo, uniform tie, Lands' End slacks.
• Unisex:  Uniform sweater vest, button-up or pullover sweater with school logo. 
• No sweatshirts or shorts are permitted on these days.
  
  Spirit Wear Days

• Spirit Wear Fridays – Students may wear approved Alemany polo shirts and/or Alemany sweatshirts designated as fan gear or spirit wear (i.e., approved polo shirts or sweatshirts purchased from school fundraisers or from school events).
  
  
  Alternative Dress Code Days
  
  
  Alternative Dress Code is to be worn by students ONLY when authorized by the Administration.
  
  
• Casual Dress – Clothing should be appropriate for school and of a modest nature.
   
• All Students

• Shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and blouses should be without any inappropriate emblems or lettering.  Girls' tops should be appropriate and of a modest nature.
• Pants and walking shorts may be worn.  Shorts and skirts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee.  Jeans may be worn as long as they are free from rips, holes, or tears.
• No tight-fitting (spandex) clothing including yoga pants, leggings, tights, etc.
• No inappropriate off-the-shoulder or sheer clothing.
• All shoes must be closed-toe and closed-heel.
• No tank tops or spaghetti straps or tube tops are allowed.  Tops must be modest (covering cleavage and midriff).
• Clothing must fit properly
• No pajama tops or bottoms.
• No hats or beanies.
  
  
  School Activities
  
  The uniform code for school functions and activities requires that students be cleanly and properly dressed.  The nature of the activity dictates the type of dress that is appropriate.  At no time is any bizarre, immodest, or oversized type of apparel permitted.
  
  Students are subject to suspension and school discipline for violations of the School Uniform Code.  Bishop Alemany reserves the right at any time to make adjustments in the Uniform Code.  Final interpretation of the Uniform Code rests solely with the School Administration.
  
  Dance Dress Code
  
  

• All Students – All Formal/Semi-Formal Dances

• Sneakers or tennis shoes may not be worn.
• Baseball caps may not be worn.
• Purses containing valuable items may not be left unattended.
• Tattoos must not be visible, and students must follow the Alternative Dress Code pertaining to hair, piercings, and tattoos.
• Anyone with questions about the suitability of an outfit or whether a particular item meets Dance Dress Code requirements should see the Deans.
• Students inappropriately dressed will not be allowed in the dance.  (A call will be placed to parents/guardians informing them of the situation and parents/guardians will be invited to bring clothing that meets requirements.)
  
  

• Girls – All Formal/Semi-Formal Dances

• Dresses are to be formal or semi-formal.
• Skirts and dresses may not be higher than 4 inches above the knee (even if tights or leggings are worn).  If the dress has a slit, the slit cannot be higher than 4 inches above the knee.
• Dresses are not to have bare midriffs or be skin-tight.  They should not ride up as you dance.
• All necklines must be modest – NO PLUNGING NECKLINES!  Dresses may have spaghetti straps, halter-type tops, or be strapless if they meet the neckline requirement.
• Dresses that are laced together in the front cannot reveal bare skin under the lacing.
• Dresses with sheer panels or cutouts are not allowed (including any sheer material in front or at sides).
• Dresses may be open-back (not backless); sides and below the natural waistline must be covered with solid fabric (not lace or sheer material).
• Illusion dresses are not permitted; see Dean for approval.
  
  

• Boys – All Formal/Semi-Formal Dances

• Tuxedos, dress suits, or collared shirts/dress slacks are required.
• Tuxedos and suits cannot have any logo or design other than normal material patterns, i.e., stripes or plaids.
• No “zoot suit" canes or chains are allowed.
• Pants cannot be too big or sagging.
• Dress shoes are required.
• Shirts must be worn for the entire dance.  Anyone removing his shirt will be referred to the Deans for disciplinary action.
• Generally speaking, hats are not allowed.  However, if the hat is part of the formal attire, check with the Deans BEFORE the event to see if it is appropriate to wear.
  
  

• The Deans are the final arbiters on all issues related to the Dance Dress Code.
  
  
  Prom Dress Code
   
• General

• Dress shoes.  Sneakers or tennis shoes may not be worn.
• Baseball caps may not be worn.
• Purses containing valuable items may not be left unattended.
• Tattoos must not be visible, and students must follow the Alternative Dress Code pertaining to hair, piercings, and tattoos. 
• Anyone with questions about the suitability of an outfit or whether a particular item meets Dance Dress Code requirements should see the Deans.

• Students inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to board the bus.  (A call will be placed to the parents/guardians informing them of the situation and the parents/ guardians will be invited to bring clothing that meets requirements before the bus departs.)
  
  

• Girls

• Dresses are to be formal or semi-formal.
• Skirts and dresses may not be higher than 4 inches above the knee (even if tights or leggings are worn).  If the dress has a slit, the slit cannot be higher than 4 inches above the knee.
• Dresses are not to have bare midriffs or be skin-tight.  They should not ride up as you dance.
• All necklines must be modest – NO PLUNGING NECKLINES!  Dresses may have spaghetti straps, halter-type tops, or be strapless if they meet the neckline requirement.
• Dresses that are laced together in the front cannot reveal bare skin under the lacing.
• Dresses with sheer panels or cutouts are not allowed (including any sheer material in front or at sides).
• Dresses may be open-back (not backless); sides and below the natural waistline must be covered with solid fabric (not lace or sheer material).
• Dresses that appear skin-toned, tan, or nude color (or have these colors as backing, i.e., backing to a lace dress) may not be approved.
  
  

• Boys

• Tuxedos or dress suits are required.  No shorts.
• Tuxedos and suits cannot have any logo or design other than normal material patterns, i.e., stripes or plaids.
• No “zoot suit" canes or chains are allowed.
• Pants cannot be too big or sagging.
• Dress shoes are required.
• Shirts must be worn for the entire dance.  Anyone removing his shirt will be referred to the Deans for disciplinary action.
• Generally speaking, hats are not allowed.  However, if the hat is part of the formal attire, check with the Deans BEFORE the event to see if it is appropriate to wear to prom.
  
  

• The Deans are the final arbiters on all issues related to the Dance Dress Code.
  
  
• All Prom dresses must be preapproved with Prom Contracts.  If pictures are unclear, if there is a question as to whether the dress meets the Dress Code, or if the dress must be altered, students may be required to bring in the dress for approval before purchasing their Prom Bid.​

• Items prohibited by Prom Venue (items will be confiscated by Event Group security and referred to the Deans):

• Alcohol/flasks
• All tobacco products
• Any illegal substance
• Canes and “Zoot suit" canes or chains
• Glow in the dark items
• Lighters/matches
• Pens and pencils
• Sharp objects
• Water bottles
• Wallet chains
• Weapons
• Gum/open mint containers
• Containers with a screw-on cap or lid including perfume, lip gloss, cologne bottles, anything liquid
• Any item that can be used as a weapon (certain key chains, phone chargers, wires, earphones, etc.)
  
  The Deans reserve the right to request any student to change attire, to regulate against certain fashions, and to confiscate any objectionable items when they deem necessary.  The final interpretation of the appropriateness of any clothing or accessory, hairstyle or color rests with the Administration.
  ​
  CALIFORNIA STATE LAW forbids the wearing on school grounds or at school activities of sweaters or jackets with emblems or names of clubs or teams other than recognized Bishop Alemany organizations.