Here are a few things I’ve picked up when buying school uniform, especially for the first time.

Buy short-sleeved shirts

Even for winter, buy short-sleeved as opposed to long. Children seem to prefer no cuffs as they are more ‘free’ and there are no fiddly buttons. I prefer them as cuffs always get filthy and never come properly clean again. Short sleeved means that often you can get two day’s wear out of the same shirt

Velcro fastening/riptape collar shirts

No fiddly top button to negotiate. Marks and Spencer do velcro instead of a top button on shirts for children up to the age of 8

How much school uniform do you need? 

Two pairs of dark trousers or two dark skirts/pinafores is enough for the week. However, I’ve found that my girls need four summer dresses for the Summer term as they tend to show up dirt more!

Pinafore instead of a skirt

For girls, I’d recommend buying pinafores. They keep everything in place (no untucked shirts, which happens instantly with the skirts) and helps avoid canteen medallions on the shirt so you can often get two days wear out of the same shirt.

Invest in heavier duty sturdy school shoes

The far cheaper supermarket ones are very appealing, but they don’t last. They are however a good stopgap if your child has a sudden growth spurt and needs another pair but the timing is wrong for buying the ‘main’ pair. Startrite are a really good fit and very durable.

Buy velcro-fastening shoes

Much faster in the mornings and much easier for them to get changed for PE

When to buy school shoes

It might be tempting to get the shoes bought nice and early, but leave buying until the last minute. Childrens’ feet have a habit of growing fast in summer! New school starters will be back at school a week or two after the other children, so these in-between weeks are a great time to go as it’ll have quietened down in the shops.

Plimsoles 

You can definitely buy cheaper plimsoles. They get such light use in the first couple of years that it’s pointless buying expensive ones.

Labelling uniform

Labelling uniform is essential. If, like me, you can’t be doing with sew on labels, invest in good iron on ones.

Got any other top tips? Share below.

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