If you’re a teacher, then you know there is a clear difference in the type of clothing certain teachers wear. Clothing can often be an extension of our personalities and it’s no different for teachers. Teacher style can serve as a useful tool for sussing out what role and personality type a teacher has and even the subject they teach. Beyond has come up with a few funny teacher stereotypes based on clothing styles that you’ve probably noticed at work. 

Teacher Sterotypes: The Professionals

Teachers who don this style are usually known for their traditional no-nonsense attitudes. Because of this, they are often SLT members or in head of department positions. They are almost always in a suit, instantly identifiable by their clicky-clacky high heels or super shiny Oxfords or brogues – polished is an understatement. They come to work suited and booted because they believe taking pride in your appearance means you’ll take more pride in your work. You won’t find a crease or speck of lint one these folks, they are way too meticulous for that. 

Teacher Sterotypes: Comfy Queens

Unlike the professional people, the comfy clothing crew like to keep things low-maintenance. They are allergic to fitted clothing and ardently avoid anything that needs to be ironed. These teacher stereotypes prefer clothing of the baggy, snuggly variety. It’s all about soft fabrics with incredible stretch, if shoes have padded soles count them in! This style usually appeals to history teachers and members of staff who’ve been teaching far too long. In a job that means teaching and supervising young people all day, can we really blame them for wanting to be comfortable?

Teacher Sterotypes: Plain & Simple

Simple style is the lovechild of comfy and professional. These teachers want to make somewhat of an effort but refuse to sacrifice massive amounts of comfort in the process. They are known for wearing loose fitting casual clothes then throwing on a blazer, funky lanyard or accessories to jazz things up. This style focuses on wearing neutral colours so it’s easy to combine and plan outfits. English and Maths teachers are well known for rocking this style. They think about what you’ll be doing throughout the day and choose their outfit accordingly.

Teacher Sterotypes: Art Nouveau

This style is where all the quirky Art, Drama and even some Music teachers unite. The essence of this style is self expression. Teachers with an artsy style use every opportunity to let their clothes do the talking. Is it bright? Is it patterned? Is it embellished? If the answer is yes to any of those questions then sign them up. They love flowy, bold styles that make them stand out at every staff meeting. Just like their subjects, they believe personal style should be creative and fun. They love scarves, jewellery and never miss a chance to get their toes out in some flip-flops or sandals.

Teacher Sterotypes: Sports Day Chic

This style is usually exclusive to PE teachers. They are always sports-day-ready in their laid-back athletic shirts, polos, jogging bottoms, leggings or their all-time favourite – shorts! Most of them must have super human body heat as they seem to don shorts even in the most finger-numbing cold weather. Their style is not complete without a sports watch that they use to tell you all about how many steps they did that day and how amazing bike riding is for cardiovascular health. Trainers are the only ‘work’ shoes that make sense for them so you’ll never catch them without their favourite pair.

Thinking Of Buying New Clothes?

A new year is the perfect time to reinvent yourself and that includes your personal style. No matter what your style is, if you’re looking to build a new work wardrobe there’s a few simple tips to remember to ensure you have clothes that work for you. Teacher stereotypes aside, whether you’re a zip-up or button-down kind of teacher, here’s some food for thought:

1. Keep it affordable

Affordability varies depending on your budget so this tip has to be personalised to you. You don’t need to blow all your cash on work clothes. Instead, consider picking out key items you’d like to wear regularly and spend accordingly. Things like coats, blazers and shoes can often cost a bit more but you’ll get your money’s worth if you focus on the cost per wear. If you’re someone who loves neutral colours, it doesn’t make sense to buy neon coloured clothing you never wear, spending wastefully doesn’t get you very far. Buy clothes you will wear.

2. Make it manageable

If you cannot stand ironing, pick materials that don’t need to be ironed. If you love wearing heels, pick a heel height that’s appropriate and comfortable for you. Getting dressed for work shouldn’t add more stress to your day. If you’d like to minimise and simplify your clothing, consider building a capsule wardrobe. If it does nothing else, it will help streamline your decisions for the day.

3. Choose Quality over Quantity

Contrary to popular belief, buying a lot of super cheap clothing will not save you money in the long run. It often leads to having to replace items frequently due to damage. This eventually costs you more money so the savings you thought you made in the beginning aren’t savings at all. Avoiding fast fashion and picking more expensive staples by shopping on ebay, depop or asos marketplace could be a game-changer. Investing in quality clothing is worth every penny because they last! Teachers have very dynamic jobs so quality clothing will serve us better.

Did we forget any teacher stereotypes? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to read even more of our blogs here! You can also subscribe to Beyond for access to thousands of secondary teaching resources. You can sign up for a free account here and take a look around at our free resources before you subscribe too.