DS1 is 15 and probably about 6ft 1 or 2. For the last school year he’s been wearing age 16 school trousers from Sainsbury’s which have been great, but they’re probably a bit short on him now.
Anyone got any tips on the best shops to go for school trousers for him? I need charcoal grey. I tend to use H & M for his non school stuff as I refuse to pay for decent stuff when he’s grown out of in 6 months, plus he’s not at all fashion conscious so isn’t bothered about having the right brand. Although, actually, I assume his growth speed is slowing down now, and I don’t mind spending more on decent school trousers that he will wear every day, as he will get the use out of them.
I don’t rate M and S stuff now at all because their hems on EVERYTHING always seem to come down after a few weeks because they use that cheap machine stitch that is very loose and catches easily then just unravels. I had a Next pencil skirt which did the same thing so maybe their quality is going the same way.
Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.
Teenagers
School trousers for giant teen boys?
CurlyhairedAssassin · 22/08/2019 11:59
God I could have written this! Just ordered 16/17 age trousers from ASDA, which seemed to be the only shop going above age 15, and they were a good couple of inches too short on ds, who is 6'1" and only 13.
Watching with interest to see if anyone has any good ideas. I think we're going to have to try menswear, although most men's trousers are way too big around the waist.
We've got years of school uniform buying yet
I know what you’re saying, JoJo, but why SHOULD I have to fix a hem after a couple of weeks wear? It shouldn’t be seen by manufacturers as an acceptable way of producing things.
The only thing that used to wear out M&S school trousers before about 6 years back was if rough play in the playground meant that the knees wore eventually, or if the hem was slightly long and wore ever so slightly against their shoes (after being worn by DS2 after DS1 had grown out so perfectly understandable!)
A few years back I did persist with M and S school trousers for a whileas I thought it was maybe a faulty batch, but it kept happening so I switched to Next and the hems were sewn more robustly so it didn’t happen. was happy with them for years until he grew out of the longest size in the long range, and then someone on here recommended Sainsbury’s as they went up to age 16. They have been brilliant for this past year. No hems coming down!
I did think about just getting him men’s trousers from Next but as I say, the last item I bought from there the same thing happened with the hem so it’s put me off.
If Sainsbury’s and Asda can produce robust items, surely M and S can when they charge more?! 
. Are they spending all their budget on marketing costs or websites something instead?
I just don’t necessarily think the phrase “you get what you pay for” is true these days. Not In clothes shops anyway. Don’t get me started on nasty low quality pleather shoes that cost more than they’re actually worth in terms of materials..... Too many shops that you used to go for for decent quality high street stuff have really declined in quality but not reduced their prices accordingly. It’s shoddy.
. Ah well, it’s why I hate clothes shopping, and I guess this is why I am asking for advice about quality school trousers!
DS is 14, 6' 2" so I feel for you OP! Go online & buy standard uniform trousers from David Luke; massive range of sizes (waist and leg length), range of styles ( skinny, slim, classic and wider thigh - great if your DS plays rugby 
) adjustable waists and very hard wearing. Better quality and fit than the high street retailers & I think they may even be vat free because they're still classed as children's wear (so better value). I've let down hems mid-school year with no problem, there's plenty of fabric to play around with. Also hems ate properly reinforced so they wear well and there's no tide mark left when you let them down.
-
Best linen trousers for women: cropped, tapered and wide-leg stylesA good pair of linen trousers is a true summer staple. Find your perfect fit with our edit of the best, whatever your style or budget.
Read more -
Best dungarees for women: stylish and flattering options to add to your wardrobeComfy, stylish and versatile. Dungarees can be dressed up with a statement blouse or down with a simple tee. We round up the perfect pairs to add to your wardrobe this year.
Read more -
9 best waterproof trousers for womenThere's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing. These waterproof trousers will protect you from the elements, whether you're facing drizzle or downpours on dog walks, school runs or leisurely strolls.
Read more
Well I measured him today. @DrunkenUnicorn your son’s measurements are staggering! 
DS is definitely 6ft 1. He has a 30 inch waist and a 32/33 inside leg. Good news is that he tried his Tui age 16 ones from last year on and they still fit him now I’ve let the adjustable waist right out so they’re sitting slightly lower down at the waist. I think looking at the curve on his red book graph his growth rate may be slowing down a little bit. But looks like he might end up at 6ft 3 when fully grown.
Ds2 (13) is a different matter. After years of hardly growing and being very average height and weight he is growing at a rate of 1cm a month these past few months. he’s piling on the weight even faster though so I hope he has an even bigger growth spurt to even it out a bit otherwise i’m Going to have to keep an eye on what he’s eating. He looks a bit tubby at the moment!
Funny how they’re all different shapes and sizes in the same family.
I’ve had some good advice here for when DS1 grows out of his Tui trousers so thank you all.
You're very welcome mama. FYI I've always found Rockport shoes really good ( and easily available online) . Its difficult to get an 10/11 year old, with an 'adult' shoe size, school footwear that doesn't look like it should be worn with a suit. Especially if he wants to wear shorts even in midwinter
It's much easier now I have a 14 year old with size 12/13 feet.
Newsletters you might like
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.