School uniform varies in price depending on the retailer, the child's age and the style of uniform itself. But what can we do to reduce the cost of uniform? In this article we look at how to keep the price of school uniform affordable for parents and carers across the country, and how to make uniform last longer.
What does the Government Have to Say?
The UK Government strongly encourage the use of
school uniform as a way of promoting a sense of belonging and identity and setting an appropriate tone for education. The Government also state that parents should not have to think about the cost of uniform when choosing schools to apply for and that it is up to the schools to ensure their uniform is affordable.
Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to buying school uniform, it is tempting and sometimes the only option for some parents to opt for the cheapest garments. However, if your budget allows, it may be worthwhile investing in higher quality garments. Better quality uniform will last longer, be more durable and in turn mean parents spend less overall.
Boys School Uniform
Boys School Shirts
Boys school shirts can vary in price from anywhere from £1.50, to £30 and above. However, for the best quality and value for money look for a heavyweight, polycotton fabric with strengthened seams. Heavyweight fabrics help to keep shirts looking smarter for longer and are less likely to tear. Strengthened seams also help shirts to last wash after wash and are great for active young children.
Our Prices
Boys Short Sleeve Shirt 3 - 13 years £7.50
Boys Long Sleeve Shirt 3 - 13 Years £7.50
Boys School Trousers
Boys school trousers are slightly higher in price than school shirts, but can still be found relatively cheap. However, trousers tend to wear a lot easier than shirts, especially when it comes to rambunctious little boys! Look for trousers with extra stain protection such as our Teflon Coated Ecolite fabric trousers. For younger children, elasticated waist trousers are also great for making toilet trips easy.
Our Prices:
Junior Boys School Trousers (2 - 16 years) with elasticated waist and Teflon coated Ecolite fabric £9.99
Boys School Jumpers and Sweatshirts
The school jumper/sweatshirt is an essential for autumn and winter school days. If your child's school allows fleeces can also be an excellent way to keep warm in colder weather while still looking smart for school.
Our Prices:
V Neck School Jumper (22" to 36") £9.50
Crew Neck School Jumper (20" t0 46") £8.95
Girls School Uniform
Girls School Shirts
Like boys school shirts, girls school blouses can also vary in price from very cheap to significantly more expensive. However, like boys school shirts, it is also important for girls school shirts to be durable and survive wash after wash. You may think you're saving money getting the ultra cheap shirts but as all parents will know, school shirts need to be washed frequently. That's why we recommend going for a slightly better quality shirt with reinforced seams. That way, your little ones shirts will last the entire school year, if not longer.
Our Prices
Girls Short Sleeve Revere Collar School Blouse (3 yrs onwards) £7.99
Girls Long Sleeve Revere Collar School Blouse (4 yrs onwards) £7.99
Girls School Skirts
Whether school skirts are compulsory or optional at your child's school most girls will wear a skirt at some point during their school life. School skirts may be one of the school clothing items that vary the most in price as they come in so many different styles. The cheapest styles tend to be pencil skirts while the more expensive styles tend to be pleated styles as these require more fabric and a longer manufacturing process.
Like school trousers, we recommend looking for school skirts with a Teflon coating or equivalent stain resistant finish. If you are buying a skirt with pleats, look for 'stitched down' pleats which help the garment to retain its shape wear after wear.
Our Prices:
Box Pleat School Skirt (Superior Quality) - (2 - 20 yrs) £8.95
Lycra Pencil School Skirt (Superior Quality) - (9 yrs - Size 18) £12.99
Girls School Trousers
If your schools uniform policy allows, trousers are a great option for your little one. While skirts look smart, trousers are a bit more practical for young children and more comfortable for older kids. We recommend keeping both an option in your kid's school wardrobe; keep about three of your child's most preferred option and one of the other. If you want to save money, look for quality over quantity, your child won't need a pair of trousers for every day of the school week.
Our Prices:
Rib Hipster School Trousers (2 yrs onwards) £9.50
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