NOW CLOSED Trutex school uniform - feedback thread for testers

[NewGirlHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the members of the MN research panel who have taken part in the school uniform test for Trutex. Thank you for taking part - please add your feedback once your child has worn the garments and when you have washed them at least once. Each tester was able to select a shirt/blouse, a jumper/cardigan and a skirt/shorts or trousers in the colour of their choice.

Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to add other comments too. Everyone who adds their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £200 John Lewis voucher.

Please state the age and gender of your child in replying and if possible the item(s) you're referring to.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?
Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

Thanks
MNHQ

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Really good, I liked the cherry detail and DD has been happy enough to wear them. I liked the idea of a shirt, she normally wears polo necks but shirts are easier for her to get on and off

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?
DD is on the short side for her age, but she's stocky. The shirt and cardigan were big, we rolled the cardigan sleeves up by 2". I measured DD rather than going by age and I think I ordered 1 size up as she was so close to the top end of the "right" size, but they'll probably fit for a couple of years.
DD complained that the skirt was tight around the waist. Length wise it was fine (on the long side but that's good) but an adjustable waist would improve it.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?
She likes it, but she's 3 and she likes anything new. :)

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Very good quality. I've only bought supermarket brands before and these seem much nicer.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
We wash colours at 40 and white on either 40 or 60. So far they've survived well, no piling on the cardigan. The skirt was a little creased after being tumble dried but the creases fell out once hung up.
Unfortunatly DD doesn't appear to have done any painting in the past few weeks so we've not been able to test that bit, but the usual food spills etc have all washed out or been easy to sponge off for a 2nd days wear.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Yes, depending on the price and availability.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
Yes, I'd also recommend it to MIL who likes to buy DD clothes. :)

5 yr old DD
Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?

The uniform seemed to be really good quality, felt nice to the touch and DD didnt complain about it being stiff or uncomfortable.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?

The items fit generally well although I think an adjustable waist would be good addition.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?

DD didnt complain about putting it on which is a major hurdle. She said it was 'comfortable' and the jumper was a little thinner than she was used to but thats better as the classrooms tend to be very warm.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?

The quality was a lot better than I usually buy and seemed to hold up well, I am keen to see if it lasts longer than a couple of weeks.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

Seems to be coping very well with the torture DD puts her uniforms through and washes well.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?

Yes definetly

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

Yes I would

DS age 3.

Q1. Shorts nice quality, not as fashionable as M&S but fit well. A bit old fashioned compared to his usual shorts!
Q2. All fit well.
Q3. He's quite happy wearing them. Feels like a big lad now!
Q4. Feel like good quality.
Q5. Washed fine, hung up shirt to dry and wasn't any need to iron (big bonus!)
Q6. Don't know. Price is a big issue for me, would have to be at least the same price as M&S.
Q7. Don't know, I'd like DS to dress like his friends and not stick out in unusual clothes, however if it was available where I live (I haven't seen Trutex for sale here btw) and other boys his age wore it then yes, I'd recommend it.

Girl aged 7. Skirt, black cardie and shirts
Q1. First impressions very good especially loved the skirt as did my daughter. The cardigan was stylish but practical and the shirts were - the same as the ones I usually buy from next.

Q2. Sizes were good, agree adjustable waist option would help.

Q3. She loved it, no complaints which was a bonus.

Q4. Quality seemed good, and look good on my daughter.

Q5. I have no issues with how well they have washed, no bobbles after a few weeks.
Q6. Yes, my daughter especially loved the skirt so I would buy that again and the cardigan.
Q7. Yes I would

Thank you for letting me be part of the panel

Boy aged 4 - so we have been trying it on at home in preparation for school in Sept. 112cm tall. We got short-sleeved shirts, grey trousers and jersey

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Good qualit, thick cotton and trousers, soft jersey

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments?
How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?

adjusters to trousers please (but I appreciate other styles may have these) as mine is a skinnymalinks. Sizing fine otherwise, and it did fit.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?

very happy to be going to school in smart new clothes.Also very impressed with the large box it all arrived in

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?

trousers deffo better quality than supermarket ones I have bought. Made a mistake with equesting jersey as school do own sweatshirts, so could not say.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

all washed and ironed well, hasn't had an outing at school yet but trousers particularly look v durable.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?

maybe, depends on price, for reception child who will no doubt trash stuff I will experiemtn to see if cheap and cheerful lasts or if quality stuff a better investment.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

yes, especially for older ones.

Hi, DS1 (age 6) tested the uniform.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
I thought all the uniform looked to be well made. The only things I wasn't too keen on is the trousers were completely man man fibres and I thought the fabric of the jumper seemed quite thin.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?
I prefer cotton trousers for ds1 as completely polyester ones seem to irritate his excema. Also I did find the sizing a little difficult to understand (find sizing by age easier), although I did order age 7 trousers for ds although they fitted him in the leg length, the waist was a bit tight, so I don't think they will fit him in September and ds1 is not a chunky child (tall for his age though). The shirts fitted excellently and Ds1 loved having proper shirts (normally he wears polos).

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?
DS1 really liked it, as I said he really liked the short sleeved shirts. He thought the trousers were a bit too thick and tight round the waist, but he did look very smart in them.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not? I did think the quality seemed very good particularly in comparison to the cheap supermarket items that I normally buy.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
The uniform has washed very well, and has maintained it's smart look - no worn out looking knees yet which is pretty incredible.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
I have already ordered some of your Fairtrade cotton trousers for the next school year. Will definately buy Trutex in the future.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
Yes.

Thank you for letting us test the uniform.

I forgot to add DS1 would have really liked the option of pull up trousers (no zip or hook), as he is tall for his age the trousers I have to buy him no longer have this option in the size he needs.

DD aged 4

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Alll items looked very good quality and was nice and soft to the touch.DD loved the skirt.
Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments?
All fitted well...although DD does have a skinny waist
How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child? Skirt was slightly loose but tht was more to do with DD being small waisted.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?
She loves the new uniform.She likes being able to unbutton the shirts herself.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
I think the quality is very good compared to other brands.We have had uniform from supermarkets before and they havent been very good quality.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

Its bearing up well.I havent seen any bobbling at all .
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again? Yes I would
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
I certainly would.Thank you.

For anybody who is looking to buy some Trutex uniform - \link{http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductList.aspx?Filter=2|trutex&a=resetsearch\mandmdirect} have loads atm. £4.99 for twinpack Fairtrade cotton shirts & blouses, £6.99 for girls' cotton trousers & boys' grey polyester ones, £8.99 for blazers - also polo shirts, cardigans, sweatshirts, sports kit, skirts (and a couple of jumpers from specific schools!)

119 items; not all sizes in everything, & of course it's tricky buying in July for September, but worth a punt at these prices

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
I thought the blouses were nice & I liked that they seemed a tiny bit fitted. I thought the skirt felt too thin & a bit cheap & I was not keen on the cherry (although my DD liked it).

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?
The garments did not fit my daughter, even though she is very average sized & I normally have no trouble buying her clothes by size. The blouses were generally too big all over (although I still made her wear them). It may have been the style but the skirt was just too long for my DD. It was well below her knee & at least 2 inches longer than her normal skirts. My DD refused to wear it to school & I could not really blame her, it looked very long & drab, maybe it would be better in the winter with tights.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?
She liked the blouses but not the length of the skirt.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Blouses seemed nice quality, but I think the skirt seemed cheap.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Both washing OK. Skirt not worn to school so can't tell how well it would stand up to school life, but blouses are doing OK.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Not sure really. It would have to be available in a local store so my DD could try it on & I would have to see how the price compared with my normal M&S. Also I normally buy non-iron uniform.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
Not sure, I don't really feel strongly about it either way.

Thanks very much for the chance to be involved in the testing.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?

I really liked the quality of the materials, and the fit was very good.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?

maybe make the waistbands adjustable, aside from that, I was very impressed.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?

He likes it (as much as a child can like uniform)

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?

The quality is excellent. especially the hem of the trousers (the boy is a foot dragger)

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

Very well, ds is 6 and quite rough on his uniform.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?

yes, definately.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

yes.

We had jumper/shirt/shorts for 6 yr old boy

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?

I liked the feel and quality, garments seemed "heavy" and of good material.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?

Sizing good, fitted fine (though order 6yr old stuff for a 5 yr old, but he is 90% centile)

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?

Liked the shorts. Wouldn't wear the shirts, but dislikes shirts in general (is much happier in soft polos) Jumpers OK but wrong colour for school so not worn to school.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?

Washes well, but tbh so does the normal Sainsburys stuff we buy, so wouldn't say it was any better.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

Washing well and bearing up so far.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Possibly, though as I say the Sainsburys stuff we have is just as good to be honest and easier to take back if sizes etc are wrong.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

I'd say it was fine, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it over anything else.

Boy, 7, small for age, ordered smaller sizes accordingly

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?

Looked good, trousers felt good quality

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garments? How did you find the sizes? Did the garments you ordered fit your child?

Trousers (size 5) were too big around the tummy and had no adjuster, so could not be worn. I only buy trousers with an internal adjuster, whether for school or home. My son is a slender build and this is a common issue for us. I see from the comments above that you have registered this!

Shirts and jumper were the right size.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform?

He loved the jumper. Wouldn't countenance the shirts. His school wears polo shirts and although "real shirts" would be fine, he wouldn't wear them.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?

Trousers felt very nice. Same as, or better than, M&S.
Can't comment on shirts. Jumper feels good but hasn't been worn that much.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?

I can only comment on the jumper! It hasn't been washed much as he's quite clean and it was quite warm. It's doing fine so far.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?

If there were trousers to fit I may well do.

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?

Not sure I have enough to go on. I certainly wouldn't reject it.

Sorry for late comments - life was a bit hectic when the post first went up.

I can't believe from reading these threads that these peoples actually got Trutex schoolwear. I bought some shirts for DD when she started secondary and they have been awful. There are holes under the armpit and the stiffening in the revere collars have bubbled and mishapened. I bought some identical shirts at BHS at the same time and they have lasted much better and were half the price.

Thanks to all testers who have added their feedback. We've done the prize draw and can announce that the winner of the £200 John Lewis voucher is Nemoandthefishes - congratulations and happy spending! I'll email you to check I've got the right address deets for sending the voucher.