Since McNicholas High School was founded in 1951, it has seen many different uniform alterations, whether that be adjustments to skirt lengths, skirt patterns, shirt options and colors, or even shoe requirements. In an article from the Milestone published on February 17, 2005, “Donning the decades,” it was easy to take a deeper look at the evolution of the McNicholas uniforms.
1950s
Men: white dress shirt, brown dress pants, loafers
Women: white blouse, brown box pleated skirt, light brown blazer, calf socks, loafers
- Shirt must be tucked in
- Skirt length was 1 inch below the knee (1958)
1960s
Men: white dress shirt, brown dress pants, belt, loafers
Women: white blouse, brown shirts, navy blue colored senior sweater, knee socks, loafers
- Shirt must be tucked in
- New: Navy blue sweaters for seniors
1970s
Men: white dress shirt, blue V-neck sweater vest, dress pants, loafers
Women: white blouse, blue V-neck sweater vest, blue plaid skirt, knee socks, brown suede saddle shoe
- Shirt must be tucked in
- Skirt length was changed to no more than 2 inches above the knee (1970)
- New: Plaid skirts, V-neck sweater vest
1980s
Men: white polo, slacks, loafers
Women: white blouse, plaid shirts, ankle socks, loafers
- Shirt must be tucked in
- New: White polo
1990s
Men: white polo, dress pants
Women: white polo, plaid skirt
- Shirt must be tucked in
- Skirt length was changed to no more than 3 inches above the knee (1995)
2000s
Men: polo (black, white, navy), khaki pants, optional McNick hoodie
Women: polo (black, white, navy), plaid skirt, optional McNick hoodie
- Shirt supposed to be tucked in (many students rebelled against this rule)
- McNick hoodies can now be wore during the school day
- Skirt length changed once again, no more than 4 inches above the back of the knee
2010s
Men: polo (dark green, white, navy), khaki pants, optional McNick hoodie
Women: polo (dark green, white, navy), skirt (grey and white checkered), optional McNick hoodie
2020s
Men: polo (kelly green, white, black), khaki pants, optional McNick hoodie
Women: polo (Kelly green, white, black), skirt (khaki, grey, black, navy), optional McNick hoodie
- School color change: Kelly green and black
- New: khaki, grey, black. Navy only available for 2 years
- Shirts no longer have to be tucked in
Mrs. Ashley Brothers, math department chair and McNicholas Class of 2001 graduate said that the biggest change she has noticed since attending McNick is that the majority of the girls no longer wear pants. She stated how it was split around 50/50 with girls wearing pants and skirts. Brothers said, “It’s fashion, it is always going to change.”
Before McNick had its most recent uniform alteration, they allowed students to help with the decision. There was a panel of students of all grades, students who frequently were written up for skirt lengths, and students who followed the uniform protocol. They tried on different styles of skirts in an assortment of colors, giving feedback on comfortability, if they liked it or not, the price range they were willing to pay, etc. These students chose the uniforms we have today.
Despite the rumors about uniforms being changed for next year, McNicholas will not be making changes to the uniform. Administrative assistant to the principal, Mrs. Jennifer Tumser said that “we’re always looking to grow” and pointed out how every year the administration is presented with new and updated skirt styles to make a final decision about uniforms for the year, but that the uniform will remain the same for 2025-2026.
The McNicholas Milestone 