When should I start buying uniform?

[bangingmyheadoffabrickwall]

Total novice!

I am a teacher but my DS is starting school in September. I have browsed the uniforms at various shops but I am yet to make it to the local shop for logo jumpers and t'shirts.

I think I am in denial!! I keep wanting to take a look, but keep putting it off.

When is the 'right' time to go uniform shopping? Especially shoe shopping! In the past I have seen endless queues outside Clarks for shoe fitting!

I am finding it all a mind-field!

[MummyBtothree]

I always wait until the summer holidays for buying the clothing and shoes, about the second week in. I've left it later before and struggled to find what I need.

[OvO]

I'm in Scotland so timings are different - some schools have already finished and mine finishes on Friday (and back third week of August).

I've already ordered the logo'd stuff and have bought polo shirts. I'll leave it until a 2 weeks before school starts back to buy trousers and 1 week before for shoes.

Leave it too long and you end up with a lot being sold out in the size you need.

[MummyBtothree]

Shops often don't replenish their school uniform stock so when it's gone its gone. That's how it seems around here anyway.

[Felyne]

20% off at M&S at the moment. I've bought everything except shoes, which I will do when I can tolerate a trip to a shop with a four year old...

[jacksoncannery]

I just came on to say about 20% in M&S until 5th July. I'm getting the logo-ed stuff and shirts/ trousers from them this week. Will hold off on the shoes though.

[onemouseplace]

I buy all my non-logo stuff now in the M&S 20% off sale. I generally err on the side of caution for growing into stuff, so have never had a problem with them growing too much.

Logo bits I pick up at some point in the summer holidays, but our school uniform shop is usually well stocked.

School shoes I get about 3 weeks before term starts, and the (independent) shop I go to is happy to exchange for a bigger size if they do outgrow them in that time and they are unworn.

[onemouseplace]

Also, check whether they need PE kits straight away or not. Mine didn't go into proper PE kits until after Christmas.

[BishopBrennansArse]

I've bought all trousers/skirts and eldest' sling sleeve shirts from Asda already.

Logoed jumpers, polo shirts etc will be first week or second week of summer hols.

New bags third week.

Shoes/trainers etc a week before they go back.

[BishopBrennansArse]

To add the stuff I've got already is all next size up.

[MummyBtothree]

I took part in the Matalan school uniform trial on here and was very impressed. They have loads of different ranges and their trousers and skirts are all have stain guard and secure hem. I found the trousers much better quality fabric than the ones I usually buy from Asda.

[bangingmyheadoffabrickwall]

Thanks everyone!

I saw the M&S sale and nearly bought but TBH I chicken out!

I might go at the weekend to get trousers etc. Tough times with trousers because he is needing aged 6 (I think) due to long legs but find all trousers need pulling in as far they go. He needs to 'fatten up'

Might pop back at the weekend and see what they have. Failing that, I will check out 1st/2nd week of the summer holidays. Shoes I will get 2 weeks before as I think he will be ready for the next size up by then (he is a 10.5 now!)

Then there is the school bag, lunch bag, ...

[DullUserName]

If you have to order logo stuff, do it asap. Tesco had terrible problems last year and failed to cope with demand. August orders came very late or got cancelled :-(
Get the shoe shopping done before mid-August. Take snacks and bribes!

[Mrmoonmrmoon]

Book an appointment online for Clarks - you bypass the queues!

[Acopyofacopy]

If you have a tall and skinny child try M&S longer length! You can buy a "younger" size that will fit around the hips and they will be a perfect length.

[ShelaghTurner]

Most of our stuff is logoed so will get in school shop on Friday. Can only buy school blouses and summer dresses elsewhere so have already done that (they go back in summer uniform) and have booked appt for school shoes for end of August. Haircuts same day and job's a good 'un.

Then all I have to do is buy shares in Kleenex and it's all done.

[FoxesOnSocks]

I've everything clothing wise bought already (though mine are finished for the summer). They go back last week of August bit worried they might have a growth spurt! All non logo stuff was bought in the 20% off M&S and the reciept states I've till the mid August to return.

[TheHuffAndPuffALot]

Our school pta sells nearly new uniform, with the profits going back to the school, and you pay only a quarter of the shop prices. Might be worth checking with your school before heading to the shops.

[kimlo]

I've got mine. I most of it in m and s while they have 20% off. I ordered the logo jumpers and pe stuff online a couple of weeks ago because I have been caught out with them being really busy and not coming in time before.

The shoes I will get as late as possible.

[Acopyofacopy]

Second stamptastic! I have saved hours, no, days since I got a stamp from them! If you have more than one child only get your surname.

[noramum]

I found that the smaller sizes are very fast out of stock.

Logo-items via the M&S website are currently also on offer.

I just bought shoes as DD ripped the sole on a nail in our building site chaos at home. She just grew anyway so no chances she grows again. The shop we buy from is always packed in August and with a child with limited choice in brands I have to go early to avoid coming home empty handed.

[GreenSand]

Yes yes yes to M&S longer length trousers, if waist size is your issue. My y2 moved into age 5 last winter.

[Blossom4538]

Anyone know best place for winter school tights by any chance? Any tips for preventing them going bobbly? I have bought M&S, Sains and George, all went bobbly pretty much straight away! Like the knee socks from M&S though :-)