...marked clearly across the back with the child's full name in large letters

[FlatheadScrewdriver]

Currently starting the uniform labelling. New school so the full horror of things to label. (Please presume I am already labour-saving where possible re Stikins etc.) I have reached the lab coat / art wrap whatever we are calling it. It has to be labelled with the full name in big letters across the back - so it can be easily read and yelled when a teacher spots the pupil about to set themselves alight, I presume. The guidance cheerfully suggests iron-on letters or sharpie - I don't have the former, and as it's very dark material I don't see how pen would show. So, like my poor mother before me thirty years ago I am embarking on a wonky chain stitch...

I have questions:

1. Is this common?
2. In case my child ever outgrows this (and believe me I sized for growth when buying), have I missed anything about how this could be done more easily?
3. I went to a girls' school. Do boys have to have lab coats blazoned with full names too? If not, why not?
4. Anyone interested in doing it for me...????

Sew a rectangular piece of lighter material on then Sharpie the name on to that? Still a bit of a faff but considerably less fiddly.

Ooooooh. Yes, that would have worked! Doh.

Lots of workwear embroidery shops about - this type would be around £5-10 depending if you have you child doubled barrelled everything!!

Ring and ask

I remember this from being at (girls' grammar) school myself. Never seen it anywhere I've worked. I had white running stitch which didn't look great but did the job. I was very jealous of the girl who had hers embroidered beautifully in baby blue with a fancy K at the start of her name!

Silver marker pen.

Or white fabric pen, but they are a bit harder to get hold of.

Had not thought of out-sourcing it to actual shop. Clearly I was thinking too small.

I am saving the list of ideas though!

My daughter has her name in big letters across the back of school Hoody.
Costs £3.50 in uniform shop

I outsource the lot! I hate sewing

Ds’s school uniform used to have to be labelled on the outside. I thought it was a good idea - kids and staff could check easily if another was wearing it. School policy changed a couple of years ago. Shame.

Be greatful if you've avoided the "label must be 2" from collar, at. 90° angle to the sleeve with x font and y size" instructions!

My poor friend (well she's not because it's for indi school) had such specific instructions - even down to where one socks labels must go!
I told her that's why they get longer summers - label sewing time is included

Just came across my DD’s lab coat from school - dark blue with very wonky chain stitch across the back. Not the first time I had slightly regretted her long name !

Is that not what tippex is for

I bought a stamptastic saved me hours

Our school now has a supply of art smocks and lab coats that they give out as needed. As they are only three sizes makes sense.

I am indeed counting my blessings for a fairly short name (but regretting the lack of the sensible school policy above, of just having a set of school-owned ones available).

@youarenotkiddingme they specify the FONT????!

I told her that's why they get longer summers - label sewing time is included

Is she by any chance in N Ireland?

we had to label black/dark purple PE kit. too tight to fork out for new labelling equipment, and too lazy to sew, I graffitied it with metallic nail polish.

Did the nail varnish strategy survive the washing machine? This is critical to my decision-making!

I don't think I ever brought either my lab coat or art smock (I'm fairly sure they were different although I only remember my bright blue lab coat, I think I might have had a white apron for art) back home until I finished school. My kids are at university now and went to a no uniform school but I think I would have got them to paint the name on themselves.

yes, but this is a teenager's PE kit, so only sees the inside of the washing machine three times a year.

Gloss paint - once dried - doesn't come off anything . Try painting her name in that!

Is it too late and too unreasonable to consider a name change? I’m sure there are great one letter names out there.

Sharpie do a metallic set gold, silver, bronze