Girls are set to win the right to wear shorts and pants at every Victorian state school.

In a victory for parents who have long complained about girls being forced to wear restrictive dresses and skirts, Education Minister James Merlino has vowed to ensure all girls have the option of wearing shorts or trousers.

Mount Eliza student Jess, 9, finds shorts a lot more practical than dresses and wears them to school each day.. Credit:Joe Armao

"I am currently considering ways to ensure girls are provided the opportunity at all government schools to wear shorts and pants," Mr Merlino said.

"While the vast majority of schools already offer the option of female students wearing shorts or pants, it is something I would expect all government schools to do."