Student Dress Code & Clear Backpack Policy

DeSoto ISD encourages all students and families to review the district dress code and campus expectations before the first day of school.

The student dress code is designed to promote appropriate grooming and hygiene, maintain a positive learning environment, minimize distractions, support campus safety, and foster a culture of excellence across all campuses.

Approved Attire

Tops/Shirts

  • Solid green, gold, black, white, or gray collared shirts
  • Short-sleeve or long-sleeve polo shirts
  • Button-up shirts
  • Small logos (1 inch or smaller) located on the chest
  • Layered shirts, provided the combination remains compliant with dress code expectations

Bottoms

  • Black, khaki pants
  • Shorts, capris, skirts, jumpers, and cargo-style bottoms in approved colors
  • Shorts must be at least fingertip length
  • Skirts and jumpers must be at least knee length all the way around
  • Pants must be worn at the natural waist
  • Belts may be worn as needed to prevent sagging

Shoes

  • Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes

Outerwear

  • Sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, coats, and hoodies of any color
  • A solid green, gold, black, white, or gray collared shirt must be worn underneath
  • Standardized dress colors are preferred

Items Not Allowed

Tops/Shirts

  • Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, camisoles, tube tops, or halter tops
  • Crop tops or low-cut shirts
  • Clothing with inappropriate language, images, or graphics
  • Shirts or tops with holes
  • Transparent or see-through clothing not worn over compliant attire

Bottoms

  • Wind pants, yoga pants, athletic pants or shorts, sweatpants, or knit joggers
  • Leggings, tights, or jeggings worn as pants
  • Pajamas, robes, or other sleepwear
  • Jeans or pants with holes, rips, or frayed areas that expose skin or undergarments above fingertip length
  • Visible undergarments
  • Visible sliding, biking, or compression shorts
  • Gym uniforms or athletic shorts
  • Skirts that do not fit at the waistline

Shoes

  • Open-toe or open-heel shoes
  • Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, or house shoes
  • Shoes with wheels
  • Steel-toe boots or shoes
  • Stiletto heels

Headwear & Accessories

  • Bonnets
  • Bandanas
  • Durags
  • Kerchiefs
  • Hats, caps, visors, and berets
  • Head scarves unless approved for religious or medical reasons
  • Hoods worn on the head inside the building
  • Sunglasses unless approved for medical reasons
  • Blankets or throws

Clear Backpack Requirement

All students are required to use clear backpacks as part of the district's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. This measure supports campus safety while helping students remain focused on learning.

Additional Information

Students enrolled in the district's Choice Programs may have additional dress code options as determined by each campus's Site-Based Decision Making (SBDM) committee.

Campus administrators have final authority in determining whether a student's attire complies with the dress code. Students who do not meet dress code expectations will be expected to correct the issue. Repeated or severe violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.