Student Dress Code

Each student has the responsibility to dress appropriately for the school environment. Wearing apparel, hair, and general appearance shall not disrupt the classroom, be unusually provocative, or violate the health and safety rules of the school. Hattiesburg Public Schools student dress/grooming shall follow the guidelines as outlined for the 2024-2025 school year.

Minimum Dress Requirements

  • Clothing must cover from the top of the shoulder and extend down to mid-thigh. No see-through or mesh garments. 
  • Size-appropriate clothing is required; oversize clothing is prohibited. 
  • Undergarments may not be exposed. Undershirts must be tucked in. 
  • Hats, headbands, wave caps, bandanas, hairnets, and combs in the hair are not permitted 
  • No gang-related, alcohol, tobacco, or drug-related writing/images on backpacks, shoes, or clothing 
  • Pierced ears for earrings are acceptable. Other visible body piercing is not allowed 
  • If belts, suspenders, or straps are worn, they shall be worn in place and fastened. “Sagging” or “low-riding” is prohibited 
  • Sunglasses or shades may not be worn. 
  • Students are prohibited from wearing additional “patches,” pins, tattoos, earrings, jewelry, or any other item that may be considered lewd, profane, obscene, vulgar, suggestive, distractive, or which may harass, threaten, intimidate, or demean other groups; or which display illegal merchandise or contraband; or any item which may distract from the educational process. Gold or silver grills may not be worn to school. 
  • Backpacks (Grades 6-12): Mesh and/or clear plastic backpacks ONLY; handbags/purses must not exceed 8½ inches x 11 inches (standard notebook paper)

Tops

  • Shirts: Solid purple, solid gold, solid navy blue, or solid white collared shirts only. 
  • Sweatshirts/sweaters/vests: Solid purple, solid gold, solid navy blue, or solid white. May not be worn/carried around the waist, neck, shoulders, etc. 
  • Approved Hattiesburg Public Schools team jerseys, warm-ups, spirit t-shirts, or sweatshirts may be worn on specific days as indicated below or as designated by the principal. 
  • Grades PK-5 Fridays only & Grades 6-12 may wear approved spirit shirts daily
  • Shirts are to be tucked into pants, skirts, shorts, and skorts 
  • Coats/Jackets must conform to the minimum dress requirements. 

Bottoms 

  • Pants/shorts/skirts/skorts: Khaki, Black or Navy Blue – or Denim jeans (shades of blue or black) 
  • If a belt loop exists on clothing, a belt should be worn. 
  • No sweatpants, zip-off, low riders, leggings, jeggings, tights, or joggers. 
  • All bottoms must come at least to the knees, but no shorter than mid-thigh. 

Shoes 

  • Closed-toe and heel shoes (no slides or slippers) must be worn at all times and should be safe for the school environment. 

The principal may designate certain days during the year as “Free Dress” days, and students will not have to wear uniforms on those days only. Students who fail to adhere to the dress code policy will face disciplinary consequences. If you have questions or concerns about the appropriateness of attire, please contact your child’s principal.