Uniforms
Incarnate Word Academy maintains a code of dress and grooming consistent with its character as a private, Catholic, college-preparatory school. This code contributes to a seriousness of purpose, a constructive learning atmosphere, and the development of sound personal habits and a positive self-image.
To teach the total child, teachers and administrators will instruct students with regards to proper and acceptable dressing and grooming habits. This is to include stressing neatness, cleanliness, acceptability, and appropriateness. Students should be dressed in such a manner that instruction is enhanced and not hindered. Neatness, cleanliness, and appropriateness are to be the guiding factors.
The entire staff will enforce the dress code. Violations of any of the policies listed herein will result in disciplinary action and/or being sent home. Students are expected to be in proper attire when they arrive on the campus.
Parents are expected to support this policy by ensuring that their children wear only the approved school attire.
Dress Code Information
- Approved Uniform Vendors
- Elementary Level
- Middle Level
- High School Level
- IWA Free Dress Days for Monthly Recurring Donors
Approved Uniform Vendors
Below is a list retail providers who carry clothing the meets IWA dress code standards
- IWA Spirit Store: 2917 Austin Street - Room #121, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 | (361) 883-0857 ext. #166 | Visit Website
- Academic Outfitters: 1334 Airline Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 | (361) 806-9208. | Visit Website
- Land's End: 1-800-963-4816 | Visit Website | Elementary Level School Code: 900099904 | Middle Level School Code: 900127986 | High School Level Code: 900151788
Elementary Level
Elementary Level Dress Code
Download the Elementary Level Dress Code and Grooming Regulations.
All students are required to attend class in proper uniform. Uniforms are to be purchased from Academic Outfitters and/or Lands’ End. Upon occasion, parents may happen on clothing of the same style, color, etc. at another retail store that is more feasible/affordable for them. Any school apparel of regulation style and color should be presented to the administration for review prior to applying the school logo. If school apparel is acceptable, it can be embroidered locally.
Girls Daily-wear Uniform
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All girls will wear the regulation red or navy blue polo shirt with the IWA logo;
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IWA blue and red plaid skirt, shorts, or long pants – skirts and shorts should extend to at least the top of the knee, no shorter than 2 inches above the knee; all girls should have at least one skirt for weekly Mass and formal, school-wide events
- Solid white crew socks that measure at least 2” above the ankle bone (including bobbysocks edged with solid red or navy or IWA plaid) or knee socks.
- Footwear: solid white, solid black, or a combination of white and black athletic shoes with white or black shoelaces (Montessori Primary and Traditional Pre-K and K students may wear shoes with velcro until they can tie their shoes) - no other colors (not even on the logo) are permitted; wheels, lights, sounds, or any other add-ons are not allowed;
- Only solid white, short-sleeved or sleeveless undershirts or undergarments are acceptable;
- Red, navy, or white shorts may be worn under skirts;
- If the weather extends below 60 degrees, navy, white, or red full-length leggings or tights may be worn; sweatpants and knee-high leggings are unacceptable;
- Navy or red IWA sweatshirts and/or solid navy, red, or white sweaters or sweatshirts; grey IWA sweatshirts, when designated by the athletic coaches, may also be worn
- Hair must be the student’s natural color; highlights, extensions or tinsel are not permitted
- Modest hair accessories in combinations of red, navy, and white; no tinsel
- Religious medals and single post earrings only - one single post earring may be worn per ear;
- No make-up or colored nail polish may be worn; clear nail polish(on natural nails) and lip balms are acceptable; nails should be kept short and neatly trimmed.
- Solid red, white or blue sweaters or jackets may be worn inside the classroom.
*When the weather dips below 40 degrees, coats, hats, scarves, and/or gloves, any color, are acceptable for use outside.
Boys Daily-Wear Uniform
- All boys will wear the regulation red or navy blue polo shirt with the IWA logo;
- Khaki regulation pants or walking shorts (our Montessori Primary and Traditional Pre-K and K may wear shorts with an elastic waistband with no belt); all boys should have at least one pair of long pants for formal, school-wide events;
- Black or brown belt;
- Solid white crew socks that measure at least 2” above the ankle bone;
- Footwear: solid white, solid black, or a combination of white and black athletic shoes with white or black shoelaces (Montessori Primary and Traditional Pre-K and K students may wear shoes with velcro until they can tie their shoes) – no other colors (not even on the logo) are permitted; wheels, lights, sounds, or any other add-ons are not allowed;
- Only solid white, short-sleeved or sleeveless undershirts are acceptable;
- Compression shirts and leggings are not acceptable;
- Navy or red IWA sweatshirts and/or solid navy, red, or white sweaters or sweatshirts; grey IWA sweatshirts, when designated by the athletic coaches, may also be worn;
- Religious medals may be worn;
- Boys' hair should be well-groomed and trimmed above the top shirt collar and top of ears, not covering the ear, and above the eyebrows.
- Solid red, white or blue sweaters or jackets may be worn inside the classroom
*When the weather dips below 40 degrees, coats, hats, scarves, and/or gloves, any color, are acceptable for use outside.
All Fridays
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All students may wear red IWA spirit shirts or school-sponsored even shirts (like Fall Fun Night)- shirts must be tucked in;
- Regular, plain-fit, non-faded, non-ripped, non-decorated BLUE jeans; Students may wear blue jean shorts or skirts that are no shorter than 2 inches above the knee; and, regular uniform tennis shoes and socks.
The regular school uniform will be worn on all early dismissal days unless the early dismissal day is a Friday.
Additional Considerations
Students shall be in compliance with the dress code prior to arrival at school. For any dress code violation a student may be sent to the office. Parent/guardian will be notified and will have to bring their student the appropriate clothing if necessary. Parents are asked to ensure that clothing is kept clean and presentable, replacing faded and tattered clothing when needed.
Dress Other Than Uniform Or Free Dress
(Includes attire for free dress days, social events, spring pictures, class pictures, etc.)
Students are expected to dress in a way that reflects the values of modesty, neatness, and good taste. The following guidelines apply:
General Dress Guidelines
- Clothes should be neat, modest, and tasteful.
- Shirts, blouses and dresses must:
- Fit properly - not oversized or tight-fitting
- Have sleeves - cap sleeves, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, or tops with cut-out sleeves may only be worn under a jacket, shrug, or acceptable outer layer
- Not show midriff
- Not have low necklines
- Modest dresses and shirts without low necklines are permitted.
- Sheer fabric clothing must be worn with appropriate undergarments.
- Only clothing that is not torn, tattered, faded, or excessively worn may be worn.
- Full-length jeans, slacks, or capri pants (mid-calf) are permitted.
- Blue jeans with pockets may be worn only on approved days or for approved events.
- Shoes must be worn at all times unless specific permission is granted by the administration.
- Shorts that are no shorter than 2 inches above the knee are allowed.
- Clothing may not display:
- Advertising slogans
- Suggestive or offensive language or images
- Emblems or symbols that are inappropriate
Not Permitted
- Shorts shorter than 2 inches above the knee. (rule will be strictly enforced)
- Faded, skintight, tattered, or torn jeans
- Pajamas unless otherwise allowed for a special school-wide occasion by school administration
- Low-rise pants
- Make-up
- Any other clothing or accessories deemed inappropriate by the administration
Middle Level
Middle Level Dress Code
When parents and students accept the invitation to enroll at IWA Middle Level, the agreement is that students will wear the appropriate uniform every day and during all school functions where the uniform is required. It is the responsibility of all students to dress properly each day for school. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the faculty and administration to enforce the dress code at all times. Students should observe the high standards of both neatness and cleanliness. Any distraction caused by a student's dress or grooming will be dealt with as a disciplinary matter.
Standards of dress and appearance for all Middle Level students include:
- Uniforms should be clean and free of stains and wrinkles. Shoes should be in good repair.
- Shoes are part of the school uniform and should be worn as intended. Any student requesting an exemption regarding shoes due to medical necessity must present medical documentation and meet with the respective administrator to determine specific dates for the exemption.
- All clothing should be labeled with the student's name.
- Clothing or accessories that are out of uniform may be confiscated and kept in the Middle Level Office.
- Hair must be appropriately groomed and of a natural color and shade.
- Mass uniform is to be worn only on Wednesdays and special occasions.
- Spirit uniform is to be worn only on Fridays and special occasions.
- Notice: all students are required to purchase at least one red polo shirt.
If in doubt regarding a uniform item, bring it to administration for approval before it is worn.
IWA-ML Uniform Code Updates
- Where to purchase: All academic uniforms will be available at Academic Outfitters (preferred) or Lands' End. All athletic/wellness uniform pieces, athletic bags, and wind suits are to be purchases through Incarnate Word Academy Spirit Store.
- When to purchase: the earlier, the better.
- Sweaters: All approved classroom sweaters must be approved and have the school logo on them. They can only be purchased at Academic Outfitters or Incarnate Word Academy Spirit Store.
- Wellness/Athletic Uniform: This uniform is required for all students.
- Wellness/Athletic Uniform, Wind Suit: Optional for all athletes.
The following uniforms are usually worn on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays:
Girls' Daily Wear Uniform:
- Plaid skirt, as approved by IWA (skorts are not permitted)
- Skirts must be no shorter than 2 inches from top of the knee
- Solid white crew or knee-high socks - no logos, patterns, low-cut, or athletic socks are permitted
- Skirts/blouses must be tucked in at all times
- Solid black, dark brown, or tan leather dress shoes
- SOLID White (preferred), gray, or black tennis shoes with laces may be worn on days other than Mass days.
Boys' Daily Wear Uniform:
- Khaki pants
- Solid black or brown leather belt with small buckle
- Solid red, white, or navy polo shirt with IWA logo
- Only a solid white undershirt is permitted - no designs or writing
- Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
- Solid white crew socks - no logos, patterns, low-cut, or athletic socks are permitted
- Solid black, dark brown, or tan leather dress shoes
- SOLID white (preferred), gray, or black tennis shoes with laces may be worn on days other than Mass days
The following uniforms are usually worn on Wednesdays or Holy days of obligation:
Girls' Mass Uniform:
- Length of the skirt must be no shorter than 2 inches from the top of the knee.
- Red hair accessory
- Solid white crew or knee-high socks - no logos, pattern, low-cut, or athletic socks
Boys' Mass Uniform:
- Navy pants
- Solid black or dark brown leather belt with small buckle
- Solid white long-sleeve or short-sleeve oxford shirt, tucked in - IWA logo required
- Red tie to be purchased at Academic Outfitters ONLY
- Only a solid white undershirt is permitted - no designs or writing
- Solid white crew socks - no logos, patterns, low-cut, or athletic socks are permitted
- Solid black, dark brown, or tan leather dress shoes
The following uniform is usually worn on Fridays:
Girls and Boys: T-Shirt Day Uniform
- School spirit t-shirt
- Non-faded blue jeans with pockets. Jeans may not be cut at the seams, faded, tattered, or torn.
- Solid black or brown leather belt
- Solid white crew socks - no logos, patterns, low-cut, or athletic socks are permitted
- Gym shoes (tennis shoes)
The following items are not permitted:
- Shorts
- Faded, tattered, or torn jeans
- Non-IWA hoodies or unapproved outerwear
- Low-rise pants
- Baggy pants
- Cargo pants
- Bermuda pants/shorts
- Boots
- Make-up
Administration has final say on what is considered appropriate.
Grooming and accessories:
- Boys' hair must be cut so that is above the shirt collar, above the eyebrows, above the ear, and not covering the ear.
- Any extreme hairdo (including but not limited to hair coloring, partial shaving, or lining of the head) is not permitted.
- Nail polish must be light and natural color - French tips are permitted and preferred.
Revised 06.30.23.sa
High School Level
High School Dress Code
Download the Dress Code and Grooming Regulations.
Logos
Brand logos will not be permitted. The Incarnate Word Academy logo will be mandatory on all polo shirts.
- Approved Logo
- Solid White or Solid Red Colored
- Stitching Only
Shirts
✓ Solid colored collared polo with the appropriate IWA logo (Shirts must be approved by administration)
✓ Must be tucked in at all times and be long enough to be able to stay tucked in all day
NOT APPROVED: Capped sleeves, tight or form fitting shirts; undergarments or midriff exposed; low cut necklines; shrugs, crop sweaters, jackets, rips or holes, tattered, frayed
Pants, Shorts, Capri Pants
✓ All pants, walking shorts, capris are to be worn at the natural waist with a belt.
✓ Bottoms must be a cotton twill fabric in either a Khaki, Navy or Black color
✓ Shorts must be two inches above the knees or longer
NOT APPROVED: Jeggings and/or any other Lycra, spandex, etc.; type fabric; tight fitting bottoms; wide-legged, oversized; rips or holes; wind suits, sweat, warm up or stretch pants, JNCO’s; cargo pants or shorts; low rise; tattered, frayed; jeans of any color except on special designated days; skirts or dresses
Outerwear
✓ IWA letterman jackets & sweatshirts
✓ College Sweatshirts
✓ Solid or multicolored sweaters (no logos)
✓ School shirt must be worn under jacket or sweater
NOT APPROVED: Trench coats/overcoats; hooded sweatshirts; school issued athletic wear; shrugs, crop sweaters, non-compliant jackets; ripped, tattered, frayed or holes; name brand logos; pullover jackets and/or sweaters; No Jackets are Allowed in Classrooms
Shoes
✓ Students shall wear appropriate footwear for protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds, participating in school activities, or on school transportation.
NOT APPROVED: House slippers; shower shoes; flip flops; backless sandals
Mass Day & Special Occasion Attire
✓ Khaki pants worn with a belt
✓ Solid RED polo shirt
✓ Closed toes shoes (only type of shoe allowed)
NOT APPROVED: Any other color polos, pants or capris; sandals, flip flops, or house slippers; rips or holes; tattered or frayed
Wednesday Club Shirt Day
✓ IWA sponsored club shirt (must be tucked in at all times and be long enough to be able to stay tucked in all day)
✓ All pants, walking shorts, capris are to be worn at the natural waist with a belt
✓ Bottoms must be a cotton twill fabric in either a Khaki, Navy or Black color
Friday Spirit Day Dress
✓ Only blue denim jeans are allowed with an IWA school polo, IWA spirit shirt, IWA sponsored club shirt or IWA sports shirt. Jeans must be full length and appropriately fastened at the waist.
Hair, Shaving, Earrings, Tattoos, Body Piercings
✓ Hairstyles are to be neat and well groomed;
NOT APPROVED:
Male students’ hair touching and extending below the eyebrow, touching side-to bottom of ear, sideburns below the bottom of the ear; touching the back-top of shirt;
- Unusual hairstyles such as; Mohawks, hair designs, non-natural hair colors, etc.
- Unshaven faces (a $5.00 fee will be imposed for shaving cream and a razor);
- Unusually extreme fads in jewelry and makeup;
- Visible tattoos and body piercings (including nose piercings);
- Earring(s) worn by male students at school or any school sponsored event;
- Fingernail polish worn by male students at school or any school sponsored event;
**Please visit our website for full dress code information.
Disclaimer: No student shall wear any garment which includes any item that depicts the occult, gang membership, death, suicide, violence, gambling, beer, sexual connotations, tobacco, drugs or alcohol. This includes belts, jackets, buttons, or trademark emblems generally associated with the above. After a third dress code infraction, disciplinary action will be taken.
The above is a guideline for students to follow. All possibilities for attire and grooming cannot be covered. Therefore, we encourage students to use good judgment in selecting school attire. The final word in attire and grooming is left to judgment of the administrators.
IWA Free Dress Days for Monthly Recurring Donors
By setting up a minimum of $25 recurring monthly gift to the IWA Fund, donors earn a set of IWA Free Dress Wristbands for the school year to be redeemed on generally the second Friday of each month. This is a great way to support IWA while giving the students something fun to look forward to.
As a participant in this program, your student(s) will enjoy free dress days where no standard school uniform is required. Students can participate in these fun days of self-expression and individuality while showcasing their personal style and creativity. The IWA Free Dress Wristbands must be worn on the designated Free Dress Days below to enjoy free dress. Students are expected to follow the IWA dress code guidelines for free dress at their Level.
2025-2026 Free Dress Days
Fall 2025 Spring 2026
August 14, 2025 January 9, 2026
September 12, 2025 February 13, 2026
October 17, 2025 March 20, 2026
November 14, 2025 April 10, 2026
December 12, 2025 May 8, 2026
Your generosity is a fantastic way to support the IWA Fund, and these free dress days offer students something exciting to look forward to. For additional details about the IWA Free Dress Program or the IWA Fund, please visit https://www.iwacc.org/giving/