I'm a fashion expert – where to buy the best school uniform that'll last all year

The Sun

2 days ago

SCHOOL may only just be out for summer but it's already time to think about uniform for the next school year.
And where better to pick up all the essentials than your local supermarket?
Here, Emily Regan presents the best new supermarket schoolwear modelled by Ruben, five, and Molly, seven.
NUTMEG AT MORRISONS: Best for value
AN affordable school uniform range, simplifying shopping with flat pricing across all sizes and age groups.
The collection also boasts practical benefits designed for busy families, including easy-iron fabrics and 'pro-white technology', which ensures shirts and polos stay brilliantly white and resist fading through the countless washes they are put through.
RUBEN SAYS: 'I like these trousers the most out of all of them, they fit best.'
MUM AISLING McINTYRE, A HAIRDRESSER, SAYS: 'I didn't know that Morrisons offered school uniform, so I'm really surprised with the quality of it. The trousers are a great length and the adjustable waistband has so many loops, which is a plus.'
MOLLY SAYS: 'All my friends and I wear flares at the weekend so it's cool to wear them to school.'
MUM HELENA MORGAN, A WRITER, SAYS: 'The flare shape feels more individual in style plus they have no uncomfortable flies or fastenings, which makes life easier.
'It's all really well-made, I can't believe it's from Morrisons.'
Jumper (two pack), £7; polo shirt (three pack), £4.95; trousers (two pack), £10
Cardigan (two pack), £8; polo shirt (three pack), £4.95; trousers, £6
F&F AT TESCO: Best for year's guarantee
5
GREAT news for busy parents, F&F school uniforms are now available to buy online for the first time, following the brand's e-commerce relaunch.
Its range offers quality designs at fantastic prices, with features such as adjustable waists, stain resistance and reinforced seams, all starting from just £3.
Plus, for ultimate peace of mind, every item – including PE kits – comes with a one-year guarantee for easy in-store replacements.
RUBEN SAYS: 'I love wearing shorts to school. These ones are comfy and not too tight.'
MUM AISLING SAYS: 'The sizes come up a little big but I don't mind as they do have an adjustable waistband so they'll grow into it. It also feels like it'll wash well.'
MOLLY SAYS: 'The top is really soft and I can undo the buttons all by myself.'
MUM ELLIE SAYS: 'The fabric feels really good quality and I love the trousers – they're really thick, which means they'll be hard-wearing. Plus, the elasticated waist makes them easy to pull up.'
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you can't get targeted help from your council, you might have some other options available to you.
In some areas, you can talk directly to your school, which might be able to offer you clothing.
Or, you might be able to get cheap garments from low-budget shops or charity stores.
Some charities offer help to families in need too.
But bear in mind charities often have a limited amount of money to give and usually have specific criteria which must be met in order to get a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Meanwhile, you can always try approaching your nearest Citizens' Advice branch.
If you don't know where your nearest Citizens' Advice branch is, you can find out by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you're not eligible for a school uniform grant you might be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
TU AT SAINSBURY'S: Best for longevity
WITH a uniform range built for comfort, confidence and daily wear, Tu at Sainsbury's range is pretty perfect for tackling playground antics and busy school days.
This year's collection boasts colour-retaining fabrics, permanent pleats and reinforced knees. Plus, easy-dressing options such as pull-on styles and touch-and-close fastenings ought to ensure stress-free mornings for the family.
Designed to withstand frequent washes, it's a range with longevity in mind, made to last all term and beyond.
RUBEN SAYS: 'I don't normally like wearing long sleeves but this one feels comfy. I could wear it all day.'
MUM AISLING SAYS: 'These trousers are crisp and live up to the perfect-crease label, which is great as I won't need to iron them after every wash.
'I usually shop the kids' school wear from TU so it's good to know they've maintained their great quality.'
MOLLY SAYS: 'This pinafore design is different to any I've seen before and I think all of my friends will like it.'
MUM ELLIE SAYS: 'Although these are really smart pieces, the buttons are quite stiff so Molly wouldn't be able to do them up herself. The pinafore is a little on the short side but I do love the unique design.'
Short-sleeve shirt (two pack), from £4; pinafore, from £6
Long-sleeve shirt (three pack), from £4.50; trousers (two pack), from £7
MARKS & SPENCER: Best for independent dressing
5
THIS year M&S has upped its school uniform game with clever new features designed for growing kids and busy parents.
Expect adjustable waistbands to effortlessly accommodate those sudden growth spurts.
M&S has also added stain- resistant technology, anti-crease fabrics and scuff-resistant shoes, significantly boosting their popular hand-me-down quality, making uniforms last even longer.
Features like extended zips and velcro top buttons make it easier for kids to dress themselves.
RUBEN SAYS: 'I like the top – it's really soft. I wish this was my school uniform.'
MUM AISLING SAYS: I'm really impressed with M&S, I love that the top button has a hidden velcro fastening – this means Ruben can get dressed himself with ease in the mornings.'
MOLLY SAYS: 'This dress is so comfortable and I love the heart button zip.'
MUM ELLIE SAYS: 'I also love the zip on this dress as it zips all the way down the front. This is much easier to get on than ones with buttons or zips on the back.'
Dress (two pack), from £14
Short-sleeve shirt (three pack), from £9; trousers (two pack), from £11
GEORGE AT ASDA: Best for non-iron range
5
PRIORITISING comfort, the new back-to-school range at George at Asda replaces scratchy labels with soft neck labels.
The collection also tackles common bugbears with 'easy-iron' garments, 'stay-white technology' and print-on waistbands, which aim to make getting ready for school much smoother for both kids and parents.
RUBEN SAYS: 'The jumper feels light and red is my favourite colour.'
MUM AISLING SAYS: 'The trousers are great quality. They are iron-free and they still look really smart, which I love – and the adjustable hems mean that they will last him all year.'
MOLLY SAYS: 'I love this cardigan – it's fleecy inside so it'll keep me cosy.'
MUM ELLIE SAYS: 'I'm a fan of permanent pleats. It means I don't have to spend ages ironing them in, plus the polo top feels really thick and like it'll last.'
Jumper (five pack), from £12.50; polo shirt (two pack), from £3; trousers (two pack), from £8