As a girl who grew up wearing unpractical uniforms in Puerto Rico where almost everyday is 80 degrees, I understand how children want their uniforms to be comfortable, practical and special. During the summer I interned at Elie Tahari Ltd where I worked as a production and design intern, for which Orta Blu was one of the primary denim supplier. Having explained my prior knowledge and understanding about Orta Blu denim and about the hot weather I designed what I believe is the best solution to many problems that uniforms face.

Among the problems I found were the climate, children growth, fitting restrictions, practicality, and inexpensive production. For each one of these statements I developed a concept based on a stylish (not trendy) classic uniform that could last a child more than three years. In the group of people that were interviewed many mentioned how difficult is for them to buy expensive uniforms that last about a year because their children grow too fast.
Within the different solutions for each gender, I found that if I could defeat arm and length restrictions the uniform concept would be a successful one. Here are some of the ideas that were implemented into my concept:
1- Four inches hem allowance extension: For each four designs hem allowance was placed in sleeves, shirt, dress, and pant hems to drop down as the child grows. Hems will be serge and secured by a cached stitch that could be removed if needed.
2- Underarm: the armhole area is one of the most uncomfortable one because does not allow for air to flow and gets smaller once the child starts to grow. For this particular case I used bell sleeves for girls and dropped the armhole depth for boys allow the air to flow and children to grow.
3- Wrap around style: this style has been around for many, many years. All shapes and sizes have worn it because of its practicality. The hip area was adjusted to a dropped hip and 1920’s squared look to fit as many sizes as possible.
4- Binding detail in girl wrap around: The reason why I chose binding in the girl’s designs and not buttons or any other fastening is because binding strips allow the dress to expand and to give room around the chest and hips. The bows were placed strategically for girls to play and dance safely. Some of the binding strips start from the side seam and others from style lines.
5- Pencil pouch at wrap round dress hem: we acknowledge how difficult could be for the parents of these children to afford a pencil case or pouch. Bearing this in mind, both dress designs have a pencil pouch attached to the bottom with stitches that create pencil pockets, similar to the pencil pockets found in messenger bags. You might be wondering what happens with the stitching that shows. Do not worry; the stitching forms part of the design aesthetic on the outside!
6- Drawstrings: in the boy’s pants the adjustment factor is drawstrings. This paper-bag waist style is better than elastic because gives fabric when needed, unlike elastic that simply pushes in and tightens uncomfortably the waist area.
7- Reflective fabric piping: Many of these children have to walk long distances to get home. The solution; Have you ever seen a police officer uniform that reflects with light at night? If you have not seen one it is a reflective fabric that at night glows and allows others to see the person wearing it, but it does not reflects during the daylight.

By addressing each one of these problems a successful uniform has born. Whenever I picture a young boy or girl in one of my designs I see a free spirited child with a big smile on his/her face feeling proud because is attending school. I have worked in many charitable organizations dealing with less fortunate children. Is an honor to know that my future career might benefit many families though this project.