Uniform care tips to make items last longer
Proper care of your child’s school uniform can help to extend their lifespan, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your DC always looks their best.
Here are some helpful guidelines to help you maintain uniform quality:
Washing instructions
Always check care labels first, and wash uniforms in colder temperatures to prevent shrinkage and colour fading. Protect buttons and reduce wear on outer surfaces by turning garments inside out before washing.
Laundry supplies
Using gentle detergent will help keep uniforms looking fresh.
Drying instructions
Air-dry whenever possible to minimise fabric stress, although with the UK’s weather this might not always be easy. Investing in a heated clothes airer will certainly help. If using a tumble dryer, use low heat and remove items promptly after the cycle finishes to reduce wrinkles.
Ironing
Use appropriate heat settings for each fabric type and iron shirts and trousers inside out to avoid shine marks. Upgrading your iron and ironing board will help give you a crisp finish, too. Although, with Tesco, you can often get your hands on easy iron and/or non iron pieces, like these school shirts.
Stain removal
Investing in stain resistant clothing can significantly help reduce the amount of stains you have to combat while your LO is at school. For example, Tesco has stain resistant pieces like these shirts. However, if needed, treat stains promptly with appropriate methods. For ink or grass stains, remember to pre-treat before washing.
Adding your child’s name
Our users recommend adding your child’s name to their belongings. A fabric pen, stickers, stamps and sew-in labels can all do the job.
Rotate sets
If possible, it’s helpful to have multiple sets of uniform to rotate throughout the week - this will reduce wear on individual items in the long run.
Repair items
Address small issues like loose buttons or minor tears quickly to prevent further damage. It’s helpful to have a stocked sewing kit to hand. It helps, however, to scout out items that have extra reinforcement from wear and tear, like these trousers by Tesco.
Shoes
Polish shoes regularly to keep them in good condition - although, if you invest in scuff resistant shoes from the get-go, this should help to reduce the amount of times you’re reaching for the shoe polish.
Things to consider when school uniform shopping
Check your DC’s school uniform list: you’ll most likely receive a welcome pack ahead of your child starting the new term. This is a great starting point as it tells you what you need, and also if there are any changes for the upcoming school year.
Make sure you have accurate sizing: it helps to measure your child before you start buying their uniform.
Remember, kids can get messy: whether it’s pen stains, school dinners or mud from the playground, children can acquire new stains very quickly. Stain resistant or machine washable garments are helpful to have and will last longer with the proper care.
Consider the weather: the weather here in the UK changes regularly. Hot and cold surges are unpredictable. So, it’s important to prepare a range of uniforms for different weather conditions.
Buy school uniform in advance: buy as early as possible to avoid getting caught up in the rush for uniform towards the end of August.
About Tesco
Tesco is committed to providing quality, value, and convenience, ensuring parents and carers can confidently prepare their children for the school year ahead without the need to shop around.