Plus size school uniform

[GottaFindTchange]

Not sure where best to post.
DC2 will start secondary school in Sept. I cannot find suitable school trousers as he is obese.
He has got through primary school by wearing shorts (Next age 13, elasticated waist, charcoal grey and stretchy, like short joggers.)
I've tried the plus sizes for children on the high street but they are not big enough. ( I have been in touch with some retailers because, for example M&S's plus sizes are in some cases less than one inch bigger on the waist than their normal size.) Have also tried several brands from specialist shop Sturdy Kids but, despite sending a FORTUNE on postage and returns, nothing is right. I'd really just like black school trousers with an elasticated waist...)
Any ideas of where else I could try please?
(Not looking for advice on diet or lifestyle thanks, we are on NHS diet and exercise programme)

[Fitzsimmons]

I searched for "men's smart elasticated trousers" and found these

www.chums.co.uk/menswear/trousers/elasticated-waistbands

Would they work if you turned them up at the legs?

[IceSwan]

What about trying women's elasticated black trousers?

[crunchtime]

i wouldn't worry about buying him trousers now for september.
by september he will have lost some weight and grown a bit and the ones you buy now won't fit.

[GottaFindTchange]

Thanks for your reply Fitzsimmons. Will have a closer look at these. Have never heard of Chums before. The problem is, DS2 is 4ft 11, so as well as having to chop about 12" off the bottom, adult trousers are just too long in the rise, ie from waist to "gusset"( can I say that???). So the gusset dangles round his knees!!!

[Passthecake30]

What about men's short fitting trousers but shortened? Or would the length be completely wrong?

[Passthecake30]

Ah you've answered that. Maybe a seamstress can adapt something?

[GottaFindTchange]

Iceswan Thats a genius idea- so long as I could cut any incriminating labels out, he would never know...

[crunchtime]

moreforkidsuk.com/product/black-boys-plus-size-sturdy-fit-half-elasticated-waist-trousers-32-36-inch-waist/

[GottaFindTchange]

crunchtime I am trying to be prepared in advance and find a suitable style and supplier before buying...I'm really hoping he will grow upwards between now and September.

[ShatnersBassoon]

There are four full month's until he's due to start, in which time he'll have lost a significant amount of weight and probably got taller. Don't panic and buy him ladies trousers now.

[GottaFindTchange]

Passthecake I had thought of having trousers specially made but wondered if the price would be prohibitive? Does anybody have any idea what a seamstress might charge for their time, to make a pair of elasticated trousers?

[KeepCalm]

Asda or Tesco black cargo trousers and have them cropped up. They cost about £12 and another £5 to have them altered.

[anon99827]

Going to sound silly but have you tried women's petite? My mum is a chubby lady but short so things come up super long on her. Worth having a look? Couldn't tell the difference between men's and women's plain black trousers anyway!

Good luck hope you manage to find something

[tiddlyipom]

Have you tried here OP moreforkidsuk.com/product/black-boys-plus-size-sturdy-fit-half-elasticated-waist-trousers-32-36-inch-waist/
They go up to a 36 inch waist.

[tiddlyipom]

Wish there was an edit feature!
They have some black trousers going up to a 44 inch waist on their website.

[TheVanguardSix]

www.sturdykids.co.uk/

DC1 has been wearing uniforms from them since he was about 6 years old, so ten years now.
Thank God for them.
There's always a niggle of sadness that we never got away from buying from Sturdy Kids. I was always hoping he'd slim down and get our trousers from M&S/John Lewis/our local uniform supplier.
Anyway, as I said, thank God for Sturdykids... from primary to senior school, they've been fantastic.

[TheVanguardSix]

Oh I feel foolish... I just read in your OP that you've already had the pleasure of dealing with Sturdy Kids.
OP, if I can advise, the best trousers are made by Innovation. Stick with Innovation. The other brands for sturdy lads are not as good/not as comfortable. DS is a big lad, always has been. I've tried every brand Sturdy Kids offers, but Innovation trousers always work out the best. You can have them altered. It is a fortune, but I think the problem is that the likes of you and I are buying in a niche market. They can charge what they like because parents like us need what they sell.

Zeco shirts are great but the trousers, again, have been a bit amiss. Try the Innovation ones. Measure his inseam as well. It's worth dressing them well (for their confidence).

It is really hard buying for an obese kid. It's very stressful. I can just buy off the rack with my other two, but for my eldest, clothes shopping has always been tricky.

[Notsooriginalwerther]

I don’t have any advice on where to shop but I just wanted to wish you luck with the NHS diet, it will be a very positive lifestyle change so good on you both for taking a step towards a healthier life :)

My brother, when he was at school to my knowledge at one point was a 40” waist on his trousers and my mum had to cut the waistband either side for more room, it was heartbreaking for them both and his confidence plummeted. He’s now 21 and is about 5”9 and hasn’t a 30” waist. It can be achieved it takes determination and getting back on the wagon but he’ll get there!

Good luck!

[Notsooriginalwerther]

• has a

[GottaFindTchange]

Thanks all for your practical suggestions and supportive comments. I'm so grateful. You have given me some more ideas to try.

TheVanguard- I'm interested in your comment that only one of your DCs is overweight. I'm in the same position and it baffles me. My elder DS (16) is rake thin (20th centile BMI) and always has been. He eats/ drinks rubbish (as well as good food) and does no sport.
DS2 (10) is obese. Does 4 hours of sport after school per week. Walks to school and back every day. I've cut back snacks and portion size. He's never had a fizzy drink in his life.... Yet his weight is steadily increasing

[TheTroutofNoCraic]

I have 4 sisters, the youngest was obese, the rest of us were very thin. She was a secret eater, hiding the wrappers of her snacks under her mattress. I know you aren't asking for diet advice etc but it might be something to watch out for.

I am a primary school teacher, and honestly, the amount of kids who were bigger when I taught them in PS, that I've seen as slim teens is actually staggering. Don't worry too much, hormones regulate etc and your son is active and healthy!

[GottaFindTchange]

Hi TheTrout. Thanks for your reply. I genuinely don't think he is, or has been, a secret eater. He's only 10 now so, for all his life, his access to food has been controlled. I have never known him help himself to food at home. I don't recall missing stuff from cupboards. I have never found any wrappers under the bed etc
He has neither the money nor the opportunity to buy food for himself.
His worst habit is weetabix for supper every night- but I can understand him being hungry in the evening after an early tea and an hour's sport...

[notapizzaeater]

Look on eBay for BHS generous fit trousers, only things that ever fit my child.