Sir, – Like Mary Feely ("School uniforms not fit for purpose", Opinion & Analysis, September 3rd), I never cared for wearing a school uniform during the "best days of my life". While I do "get" a lot of her points, her prescription for comfort of the child's PE outfit of tracksuit, polo shirt and trainers leaves a lot to be desired.
God help us if this is what has come to be deemed acceptable for mainstream daywear in 2014. Yet, of course, she is right and it is deemed acceptable. We can see that all around. Neatness of dress is rapidly becoming anachronistic. However, the purpose of a “tracksuit” is explained in its title. Why must everything be dumbed down under the justification of “comfort” and “convenience”?
Sure, the A-line skirt or V-neck sweater might be tweaked for something less “horribly scratchy” but not at the expense of steering children towards of some degree of professional attire, and while Ms Feely (and many others) may find men’s neckties passé, some, albeit a minority, of men still appreciate how a nice, elegant tie sets off a neat suit.
There is a difference to be drawn between comfortably casual and sloppy. Tracksuits in the classroom would be in the latter category and a poor example to instil in children for their future. – Yours, etc,
DAVID MARLBOROUGH,
Rowanbyrn,
Blackrock, Co Dublin.