NOW CLOSED Matalan school uniform testers feedback thread

[NewGirlHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the 50 MNers who have been testing Matalan school uniform with their child. Thank you for taking part - we'd like you to add feedback twice - once when your child has just started wearing the items you bought, and again in a few weeks time when you've put the uniform through its paces by wearing and washing it lots.

Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to add other comments too. In a few weeks we'll add some more questions for your second lot of feedback. Everyone who adds 2 lots of feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £250 high street voucher and two runners-up will get a £50 high street voucher each.

Please state what items of Matalan school uniform you bought and the age and gender of your child in replying.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.
Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

Thanks
MNHQ

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Seemed to be similar to supermarket uniforms, quality not as good as John Lewis or M&S even though the prices were pretty similar - especially to their regular sales prices. Missing the little details of things like a ridge around the bottom of the polo shirt collar so it doesn't stay as neat, or the elastic for the adjustable waist not being secured at both ends so there's a risk of it slipping out of your fingers and disappearing into the wasitband. I didn't buy a coat but looked at them; there was a wide variety of prices; the cheap ones looked cheap and not very warm or durable, the more expensive one looked ok but I was surprised it was quite so expensive (approx £22) - it certainly didn't look that expensive.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

They fitted OK - the polo shirts came up quite big and - in a first - the neck is plenty big enough for ds1's large head - I've usually had to go up a size in order to get a neck that is big enough for him and then the rest of the shirt looks too big.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

He hasn't really noticed it as being that different from his previous uniform. He did spot the cargo trousers which he hasn't had before (although he has had cargo shorts) and wanted those however he has complained that the pocket bit is itchy on his leg which he hasn't done about the pockets on his shorts.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Reasonable value but not particularly good in comparison with other stores and supermarkets. Fabric didn't feel particularly nice on the trousers and the polo shirts felt cheap - would have preferred to pay a bit more for decent fabric. I haven't yet done a wash so don't know how they wash but I'm guessing they won't wash particularly well, especially after a few washes. And as mentioned above, they were missing the little details that can help - grey socks with white bits on for writing names, there was a little bit of a space on the clothes label in the trousers and shirts for writing names in but I am guessing that nobody who spec'ed these has ever tried to write a name on them in labelling pen - it was much too small. Also didn't like the fact the elastic on the waist of the adjustable trousers wasn't stitched at both ends.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

A strange experience - never having shopped in Matalan before. No signposting when we got in so took a while to find the right area. The vouchers had come while we were on holiday so by the time I got there there was limited stock left and the whole place was looking very scruffy with lots of open packets and things in the wrong place. Took me a while to realise that the area was for boys and girls - lots and lots of girls things, very few boys things available and little signage to distinguish the two.

I wanted some wellies for ds1 as he has to have them for school, the only ones left in his size were Ben10 ones (that he loved, I hated!) but picked them up nonetheless. They seemed quite short compared to his previous wellies, not complaining but it would have been nice to have had the option of some longer ones (or any other ones!). However I wasn't allowed to buy these with the school vouchers you sent us as they weren't considered to be school uniform so I didn't get them - they were expensive and I was getting them because of the vouchers and weren't of good enough quality to persuade me to get them anyway as I was there.

I was very bemused when the lady at the till wouldn't sell me the items without me filling in details for and getting a loyalty card - never come across a store where it is compulsory before unless it is something like Costco. Cue a conversation where she told me to fill in details for the card, expecting me to know that I needed one (how am I supposed to know this - there are no signs up anywhere or forms to be pre-filled in either near the doors or near the tills or anywhere else in the shop), me declining because I don't want yet another store card to fill up my purse as it is the first time I had shopped there and I don't usually get a store card until I know I am a regular visitor to a shop and ending with her saying that I needed to fill in the card otherwise she wouldn't have sold me the goods. By the end of it to be honest (end of a long day, ds1 rapidly losing patience as he hates shopping at the best of time) if I hadn't had the vouchers I wouldn't have bothered to sign up and would have walked off without the items that I would have otherwise have purchased. You definitely need some more info around for people that have never been to Matalan before to explain this before they get hijacked at the till.

I can't answer the questions totally as on my trip to Matalan, there was very little uniform on sale and none in either of my children's sizes. I will be visiting Matalan again - I have 2 boys aged 7 and 9.

1.First impressions - uniform I could see looked good quality and reasonable prices.

1. No sizes available for my 7 and 9 year olds. Can't comment on fit.
2. Can't comment
3. Prices seemed reasonable and comparable to other stores so I thought items were good value for money
4. It was not easy finding uniform in store - there was a small stand of girls uniforms right by the entrance, I then had to walk all round the store to find more girls uniform and boys uniforms, where there was only a small selection available. Most of the uniform was on hangers behind the pay desks so only able to see from afar and to see up close, I had to stand in a long queue and then ask if they had items in the right sizes - not ideal when you want to go in, look and buy quickly.

I bought 3 White shirts , 2 pairs of black trousers and a pack of black socks , all to fit a 16 year old boy.

1. First impressions were its all a lot cheaper than M & S, hope its OK
2. Sizes are fine , nice long legs on the trousers . The adjustable waist is a bit pointless , as trousers are worn low slung at this age !
3. He won't be wearing the trousers apparently as the pockets are too small , need to fit a wallet and a blackberry in , and he can't .

4.Very reasonable prices , think trousers are half the M & S price.

1. A good selection was available , I am familiar with shopping in Matalan and found it easily.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Was difficult to find the right sizes, most of what I was after had sold out.
Did buy white shirts, socks, pants and trousers.
Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
Roomy
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
Seemrd to be happy with it, liked the coloured toe black socks the best.
Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Very good value
Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
Frustrating, items on wrong hangers, not enough in sizes we were after, but on saying that we did leave it until just before new term.

I wasn't part of the test group but my neighbour and I both bought matalan uniform last year. I bought my 7 year old boys trousers. The were so small in the waist that gave them
to my 4 year old and took up the legs. My neighbour gave me her sons ages 10 and the fitted my 7 year old in the waist. This has never happened to either of my sons with trousers before. I always buy exactly their age.

The trousers wore as well as any other brand I had bought. I have bought them from many other retailers.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

I bought 4 skirts (2 styles) and 2 packs of tights for an 11 yr old girl (12 this month) I thought the skirts looked very smart, the quality looks good. The finish is good and the details are nice, both skirts were belted. The prices were very low!! I bought a 5 pack of opaque tights and 2 pairs had holes in the toes after one wear! the skirts have washed beautifully, especially the belted, pleated skirt.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

My daughter is quite tall and very slim and I had to get the biggest size (13-14) for the length. The skirts are VERY short, especially the tulip style, in fact I'm not sure she will be able to wear that particular style as I am unhappy with the length. The waist is a good fit, unusually, this size would generally be far too big, so waist sizes must be very small. The tights are age 13-14 and are far too short but this is a common problem for my daughter!

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

My child is delighted with the skirts and tights. Unfortunately the length of the tulip skirt has caused some arguments! She does feel they are stylish/fashionable and comfortable. Except for the tights which I realised were far too short.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

The skirts are very good value for money, the opaque tights are poor quality however, so not good value.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store

I went to a very large Matalan at a retail park. I walked in and school uniform was the first thing I saw, right at the entrance. It was very well stocked (and this was 2 days before school started.) well organised, good display.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

The quality seemed good for the price, prices very reasonable

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

Had a real problem here. My DD is 14 and very tall, 5ft10. There were only one pair of age 15 trousers and they were 4 inches too short.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

The polo shirts had a little floral type embroidery on them which is far more suited for primary school, so my DD wasn't impressed with those. Again though I was unable to find one in her size/age, only up to age 13 was available.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

We got some PE shorts, the only thing availble that would fit my DD. They seem good quality and value for money. Seperately I bought a size 8 white blouse and size 10 31inch leg trousers from the womens section instead. These were far more suitable for my DD as they would be any teen girl and very good quality and price.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

It was good, staff were friendly and helpful, good layout of the store, everything was easy to find just a shame the sizes were too limited and maybe a little out of kilter with how tall some teens can be.

I bought trousers and polo shirts for my son who is nearly 5. I'd literally just bought quite a few items for him when I got the email to say I'd won these vouchers so there really wasn't much else I needed for him. So I bought some trousers and a dress for my daughter as well (age 9) Hope this is ok?

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.
Trousers were too long for both children (but always are for ds) Boys trousers seemed quite good quality if a bit 'stiff' but the girls trousers I bought were very thin and seemed 'cheap' The dress was good quality jersey but was too small and there were no bigger sizes. I'd say the items were of a similar quality to Tesco but more expensive.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
Age 5 items fit well, the trousers have elasticated waists which is great unlike the ones I bought from Asda. There was hardly anything in age 9-10, plenty smaller and quite a few age 13 but I struggled to find anything that would fit dd. She really liked the dress but when we got home it was too small. I actually tried to order it again online but the sizes stopped at 8-9 (jersey pinafore with the crossed straps).

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
Ds hasn't noticed. Even though dd is nearly 10 she really liked the dress and was disappointed that it was too small. She's not one for wearing dresses usually so I was pleased that she'd found one she liked but unfortunately she's too big.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
I suppose they're quite good value, but they're more expensive than Tesco so I'd probably go there as the quality is similar. Some things were even more than M&S - the boys trousers were £5.00 but I'd bought a pack of 2 from M&S for £6.00 which were better quality.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
*I found the uniform section ok, but there wasn't a huge amount of choice. I found myself looking in the next aisle for more items but there wasn't any. Otherwise, it was fine.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

We were really looking for gymslip type dresses and were not terribly impressed with the extra bits (little heart shaped zip pulls etc). That is to say DD was overjoyed and I was not. The reason being I think they are a bit tacky. It's just a personal preference but I prefer school uniforms to be plain because some schools IME do not like the fripperies.

Was also a bit put off by the ruched centre t shirts for small girls. They REALLY don't need to draw attention to their norks.

Fit for trousers in DS was awful. Waist was fine, trousers were eight inches too long. A few inches, fair dos, but he's on the 50th percentile so not exactly freakishly short. Girls dresses much better fit. In fact had to go down in the sizes to get them to fit her rather than buy for age.

Quality is variable, the fabric on the trousers is not great, the dresses, despite looking thin, seem to have coped very well with DD falling off various things while wearing them and did not even tear when she fell off the top of the slide and grazed her knee underneath (remarkable!)

The tights though, umm well they are interesting. DD looked like Nora Batty in them and they did bunch round the ankles. She refused to wear them after the first day as they gave her 'elephant legs' I washed them in a hot wash and they shrank and now fit though. Now just have to keep them away from DH otherwise he'll do the same and they'll only fit Baby Annabelle.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
See above. Trousers not so much. DD wore her first trousers today and they fell down on the walk to school. Her reception teacher showed me how to adjust them properly and she was fine. Her trousers were too long and needed turning up 4 inches.

I think the dresses are about right for length but I know from speaking to other mums in the school yard they thought the dresses were a bit long (they are just over knee length on DD) and they reckoned they'd get scuffed up when she kneeled down - time will tell. All the other little girls with M&S dresses had them on the knee or above so I think there is a difference in length at Matalan. DD has an M&S dress and it on her knee exactly.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD likes the dresses very much. But she also likes the dresses we got from M&S and Sainburys and Tesco too.

See comments above about tights. DD liked the ruched top which she insisted I buy. I still think it looks wrong. Their school is not very strict on uniforms (thank goodness) so they don't care about the dangly bits of details. But most of it is covered up with their emblemed jumpers/cardigans in any case.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

Tights yes, tops yes, trousers, middling, dresses, no.
Comparing them to similar products from Sainsburys/Tesco. Particularly bearing in mind that the week I bought them both supermarkets had 20% off offers on uniforms.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
To be frank it wasn't great. The Banbury store had a sign in the entrance with one mannequin with a school uniform on pointing vaguely to the left of the back of the store. We followed that direction but the uniforms were actually to the right of the back of the store

The uniform displays were very crowded, there was no way you could get a buggy round. We did anyway but it was hard going and DS basically had his head in a pile of clothes at all times. The uniforms were right next to grabbable level toddler books and we ended up with a tantrum due to this.

The uniform ranges were oddly laid out, sports wear flung in odd places and no sort of flow about it. The lighting in this store is also appalling making it very hard to get a good idea about colours for sweatshirts (luckily we were not looking for them but this is just general feedback). Also hard to see the difference between navy and black and grey etc. in that light.

There was very little left in smaller sizes and it seems 11-12 year olds have the choice of several hundred while a 4 year old is scraping around for anything. It was actually quite hard to spend £25 because of the lack of stock.

There were no staff in sight and I couldn't identify anywhere they could try things on.

The queue system was like the post office. You queue around a rope system and are called forward by announcement to the next available sales assistant.

I waited three minutes, there were two people serving and two people in front of us in the queue (so four people in total before us who were being dealt with). This was fine but putting rolls of wrapping paper by the queues is bad because the kids pretend they are jousting knights to pass the time unless subdued by food or threats of death.

At the till there are toddler level sweets

Sales Assistant had to go off to confer with colleagues about 'what to put the voucher through as' and they did go off into a little huddle. I think they thought I was a secret shopper or something. But she was cheery enough and offered me a Matalan card (which I took since I only have 25643 loyalty cards in my bag already )

Shopping bag worked. Had a bought something heavier like a coat there is no way it would have lasted back to the car though. Was surprised to be sent home with hangers (which I didn't really need). Would have preferred to have been asked whether I wanted them and for them to be recycled.

In conclusion, Matalan is not somewhere I would have routinely expected to go for school uniforms. Didn't know they did them at all. But was pleasantly surprised by some things (the dresses, and the tights for comedy value), however the fit is not right for my kids.

But thanks for the voucher Matalan and anytime you need your Banbury store checking out again, get in touch :)

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.
First impressions, where is my childs size?! Lots in the younger age range, 6-7 and 8-9 but not much else to be honest. Where are the sizes for older kids?!

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
I found the sizes not very generous at all! I also looked at the smaller sizes even though I was not buying those, and found them to be the same. In other words I reckon a lot of people will be buying the age or two ages above their own child.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
I think the uniform is fairly fashionable as far as uniform goes, how much interest does an average boy take in school uniform?

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, fairly good value for money.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
As before, not great as the range and sizes was so limited! You need more than this considering its the last couple of weeks of the holidays!

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

First impressions weree good, although I found that the uniform was scattered throughout the shop - some by the door, some in the uniform section and some in girls' clothes. This made it difficult to make decisions as we didn't know that there were other sizes available until we'd made choices. The quality seems good, although the material is not as thick as M&S say, but this is a plus as far as DD is concerned. The cost was competitive although a noticeable lack of 3for2 type offers you see in the supermarkets.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

We had to buy 11-12 trousers for DD, who is 8. She is tall. She is finding that the waists on the trousers are a little big and this is my one big gripe - I could find no trousers or skirts with adjustable waists - essential fo DD. One pair of trousers has a belt so not too bad.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD has chosen all Matalan items for her first week back so she must like them! The trousers have nice details which she likes. The heart shaped buckle is a hit. Definitely comfortable as I said above.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, good VFM. The two pack of polo shirts in particular.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

A bit bitty really. We spent a long time selecting in the uniform section only to find another rack of trousers in the girls' section. I would prefer for it to all be in one place. Likewise a small selection of socks in the uniform section, more in the girls' bit.

Please state what items of Matalan school uniform you bought and the age and gender of your child in replying: grey trousers x 2, pack of white polo shirts, double pack of swimming trunks, packet of black and grey school socks. For an eight year old boy.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Trousers. Very glad there were adjustable waists. Price was a bit higher than I would normally pay with no obvious difference in quality (compared to supermarket brands).

polo shirts. Far thinner than I like. I find the thinner ones stain easier and are more difficult to keep crease free. I think they will become last resort shirts for now.

Swimming trunks. Very good. Nice length, good fit. Good to have two in the pack for rotating during the week.

Socks. Ok. Would prefer single colour so that they can be more easily paired up as they come out of the laundry cycle.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

Trousers fitted better than expected. I had to buy bigger shirts because that's all they have in stock but as my son likes them bigger it hasn't been a problem. Tunks are a good fit, again better than expected. The socks are a wide range of sizing (can't remember now what it was but it is whatever a size 1 falls in to) so not as good a fit. I always think it would be better to have only two maybe three sizes in sock packs.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

He was pleased in as much as it was new! He liked the bigger shirts (but that was not by choice - see above). He loved the trunks. Fashion/style are not that big a deal to him yet so as long as he doesn't look different to his friends he doesn't care.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

It will depend on how they last, whether they make it through the school year and still be ok for other siblings.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

I visited the store about three/four days after receiving the vouchers but by then the store was low on school stock so I had to spend a while looking through everything in the hope of finding stray uniform in the right size. And they didn't have any more in the stockroom. So I didn't find the variety I'd have liked or even all the choice available on the website, but wasa pleased to have at least only left with one item in the wrong size. Staff were friendly and helpful (once they finished chatting to each other )

Q1...Fit of short sleeved shirts good for ds1[12].Long sleeved shirts he feels are too big and the collar ruches up with his tie.Polo shirts for ds2[4] looked good quality but when washed and dried have shrunk a fair bit.

Q2...DS1's long sleeved shirts too big for him and collar does not seem to lend to wearing a tie.

DS2's Polo shirts,P.E top and shorts all fit really well.Also Navy blue sweatshirt for ds2 is fab.Washes and dries well and is much more comfortable than his school logo one.

Q3...DS1 like short sleeved shirts and his sports socks and but not the long sleeved.Also as fabric quite thin he did not feel too hot/ constricted with jumper,blazer and tie.

DS2 Pleased with his sweatshirt and plimsolls and finds polo shirts soft.Think sweatshirt is great as the bottom isn't elasticated.

Q4...Polo shirts were disappointing due to shrinkage.I am pleased with everything else.So far seeming to wash well and no unravelling at the seams!Also if they wash up well for a few weeks I will be happy!

Q5...Like other posters had to search out different sizes and found uniform dotted all over the place.

Marking place will answer later :)

girls school cardi (scalloped edge) age 10/11, white ankle socks 12 - 3.5, yoga pants 2pk, girls school trousers 11. couldnt find suitable shoes or coats, suitable white underwear (all padded bras or coloured?!) No nice stuff suitable for PE kit for girls.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

The skirts looked good in the shop, but we didnt need any, so didnt buy. Instead we got socks, cardigan and trousers. Trousers were such an odd fit - very bunched at the front, even though they were good length and fit at waist. They were returned. Cardigan (scalloped edge) I thought was very short in the body, but long in arms, but it is a lovely looking on other than that. I thought the fit was a little on the small side overall for it too. Would have liked the fashion cardi, but none available in big enough size. Thought the quality was maybe on par with tesco / asda.
Socks - Would have liked knee high, but didnt have any. Prices are ok, but only if the clothes last.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
DD is 8 but wears 10/11 in most stores as tall and well built. We got the 10/11 which was biggest size available in the cardi, and it was a little on the small side as I like to buy big enough to do her at least one school year. Couldnt find any info on what sizes were made (staff didnt know either, and called another store, who also didnt know, but didnt have any bigger sizes) However, now its been washed, the scalloping has curled up, and the whole thing appears to have shrunk quite a bit.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
Scalloped edge cardi is very pretty, and DD prefers it over the jumper. She hates the socks - says they bunch up and the elastic has snapped on one.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Socks are ball-y after two washes, and have been repurposed as dusters and we went and bought m&s ones. Cardigan not as bad, though has shrunk and edges curled, so not as neat looking as it could be, but still wearable.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
Staff werent very knowledgeable, and difficult to track down in store. I asked the girl at the checkout to check for other sizes in other stores and it took 25 mins for her to get an answer at the other store, and she gossiped with other staff while on hold with them. If I hadnt have been trying to spend the vouchers, I wouldnt have waited around.

I got dd1 2 white polo shirts, 2 pairs of grey trousers, 1 pair of black trousers and 2 dresses.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Good quality and very good value for money imo.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

Dd (7) tried on the aged 6 trousers (what she usually wears) and they fitted her but only just. I doubt they would last more than a term or two. I got her the age 7 trousers with a belt and they are fine. dresses and t-shirts were spot on.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)? I took dd with me to pick the uniform and she liked most of what was on offer. She's said that the dresses in particular are her favourite.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think the uniform we have is very good value for money. In the past we've tried uniform from Marks and Spencers and John Lewis and so far I can't see enough of a difference in quality to justify the prices they charge

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

Shopping in Matalan is always interesting. there is always plenty of staff on the shop floor but it still looks like a jumble sale! I was surprised that I was able to get all the uniform I needed in dd's size. Staff are always polite and helpful. (even more so when they saw the vouchers! )

Oops forgot to add the other info you needed in previous post - jumped straight in to the questions - doh!

Bought for:
6 year old DS who is a bit on the small size for his age but seems to have a bigger than average head as I usually have to buy up a size for polo shirts/jumpers to fit over his head.

Items bought:
2x packs of 3 white polo shirts age 6 (elsewhere it said 6/7 on them which might account for larger size than I was expecting)
1x plain grey trousers age 6
1x grey cargo trousers

was going to buy wellies but they wouldn't let me with the vouchers (they were Ben10 ones as they were the only ones in ds1's size (12) in the shop, would have preferred plain ones but not sure if they would have let me buy those either. Wasn't really sure what you count as school clothes given the range of stuff that they need to take with them - coats, shoes, wellies, bags, gloves/scarves/hats etc - would any of this have counted, or just the plain stuff or none of it?

Have to have a logo-ed jumper so thought I'd wait and see which wore the best before going back to get either more trousers or shirts.

I used the vouchers to buy uniform for my DD, aged 7. I got three skirts and a pack of two tops. (She wears a school cardigan and coat, so didn't need them).

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

I liked the design of the uniform - it was trendy for DD without being too fashionable. I think there is a nice balance there.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

The skirts were too wide for her. I did have to sew the waist so that they fitted her. That said, the material was nice and thin so that it could be done without looking bulky (as so many do). An adjustable waist would have been great though.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD loves it and asks to have her uniform from there again. She loves the heart and flower design on both the tops and the skirts. Her school uniform is blue, and she loves the fact that there is a girly school uniform in blue.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, the skirts seem to be made from nice material. The tops seem okay, not such good value but okay.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

Nice and easy. I was pleased that I could go in and buy uniform the week before term started and there was still lots of choice. Usually I just go to M&S for uniform. Whilst the quality is probably not quite the same as M&S, it is cheaper and I think we will go back again.

I got uniform for DD1 (15) because DD2 is picky and didn't like any of Matalan''s stuff (she doesn't like much so not a direct criticism). We bought 4 white shirts (short sleeve) 1 skirt and a 2 pack of 'yoga pants'.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Some of the uniform in the store looked and felt a bit 'cheap' (the trousers). The shirts and skirt we got lok and feel decent quality. On a par with our normal supermarket stuff. The yoga pants feel a bit thin and flimsy but for the price are OK.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

DD2 tried on some trousers - despite being an average size they didn't fit around the waist at all. DD2 fitted into them because she is very twiggy. She ended up getting a skirt in age 12-13 which fits her well. The shirts fit nicely but again she is very thin with no chest to speak of so don't know if they would fit a more 'developed' girl the same age. The yoga pants fit nicely.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD2 flatly refused to like any of the uniform in the store. DD1didn't like the cut of any of the trousers. They are not allowed to wear 'skinny' trousers at school and she didn't like the the looser ones.
DD1 like the shirts and skirt and yoga pants

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

The prices compared with supermarket prices. Good value for money if they last the year.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

There wasn't much choice in the sizes we needed left at the end of August. DD could only take 6 items into the changing room which makes trying on different items in different sizes difficult.

I'm a novice when it comes to school uniform - DD has just started reception. But here's what I think so far.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

Perhaps because we went at the end of the Summer, there wasn't much available in my daughter's size. there was loads in 5-6 but not a huge amount available in other sizes. But we did find some stuff in 4-5.

I was impressed with the look - a friend with an older child advised me to get stuff with subtle embellishments (eg the butterfly on the zip, subtle flower design on the shirts) to help DD identify her own stuff after PE.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

The fit was good, which I appreciated because all the stuff I'd got from Tesco in age 4 was massive on DD (who is nearly 5, but quite petite).

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD thinks anything to do with school is the height of excitement and sophistication. So she was thrilled with it all. She claims it's all comfy, and it does feel nice. The shirts (not polo ones) are lovely and feel softer after washing. The pinafore dress feels a little thinner than the one from Sainsbury's but still fine.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes. They seem to be similar to supermarkets, price-wise, and cheaper than M&S.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

We enjoyed it. The shop is well laid out and, although busy, there were lots of staff on the tills. Agree with previous poster though, the sweets at toddler height along the queue weren't helpful and meant the visit ended with lots of 'I've said NO', but not really a huge problem.

Thanks matalan and mumsnet for this.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.
*There was lots of it when I walked into the shop, straight by the doorway, looked like loads of choice. Prices seemed more expensive than Tescos etc but cheaper than Next & John Lewis. I ALWAYS buy Next as my kids are skinny and tall and theirs fit the best, and last all year, so its interesting to compare. The white polo tops seemed a bit thin, although the shape was good, but tiny details missing, like a seam on edge of the collar.
Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
*The trousers fitted well, (I bought 2 pairs) although I could only find front crease trousers and I usually buy flat, jeans style trousers. But they fitted and the elastic adjusters worked well, although like someone else said, it would be better to have it stiched at some point so that it doesn't ping all the way inside. There were absolutely no other sizes for white polos apart from Age 6-7. Row after row of all the same size which I thought frankly was crap on the part of the buyer in the shop. Other colours did have a good age range, but not white which is what I wanted so didn't get them. My children will only wear Clarkes black plimsolls as they ahve a cushioned bit round the top of the heel, and Matalans looked hard and blister making, so didn't get them. I did however get a black Waxed parka style coat for £25 (I put my own money in too) which was nice and looked well made. The fleece interior was especially warm and soft and the hood was a good shape. I WISH it was in Navy though as black looks a bit too "old" iykwim.
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

• My son loves his coat, as he has a thing about cosy fleecey linings (hates shiny slippy linings) and is wearing it even though the weathers still warmish. He hasn't commented on the trousers or socks, which is a good thing so I suspect they are comfy. The good thing about the trousers is they are not pale grey, but a mid darkish grey. I find cheaper trousers are always mega pale, so thats a good thing in terms of washing. Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
• I do think they are good value, as not as cheap and flimsy as some but not as expensive and well made as others. A mid range uniform i think. Anything is good value if it gets worn. £25 for a coat is comparable with Next, but if its loved andf gets worn then that OK in my book. Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
• It was well laid out, boys and girls very separate, easy to find, but the choice of sizes in some items was appaling. (This was the Peterborough store).

Please state what items of Matalan school uniform you bought and the age and gender of your child in replying.

My son is 6 but tall so I bought him aged 7 polo shirts, PE shirts and cargo trousers.
Also bought a PE kit bag.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.
First impressions were that it is reasonable - there is nothing that makes it outstanding, no special touches, but 'it does what it says on the tin'.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
They do fit well. Trousers are a little baggier than I'd have liked but not to a clown like extent. Was glad to see the all important elastic adjusters.
(As an aside, my daughter tried the girls trousers and the waist was MASSIVE - we didn't buy any.)

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?
He loves having cargo trousers. He can be fussy with labels itching - but hasn't complained about anything this time. I think his uniform is the right balance between being practical, being fashionable, and being smart. I don't like dressing children in things that are uber-smart but they are uncomfortable in.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
So far, the trousers are definately good value. Will see how the knees last! The polo shirts are on the basic side, they don't feel as soft as other shops, so not such good value. The PE shirts on the the other hand - very good value and really soft.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
All the staff were very friendly and helpful.
The uniform section was cramped and there wasn't enough room when three families were trying to browse at once. The trousers were a right old muddle. I had to sit on the floor going through the entire lot to find three pairs in the same size and style. A lot were on the wrong size hanger. The children were bored (not just mine, all the customers') and it really didn't help that there was an enticing child high display of footballs they all kept throwing around and being told off for.
I had to get t shirts and polo shirts out of the packets to try on for size (the fitting room lady said this was fine to do) - it would have been good to have sample ones out or something.

There is one more thing I'd like to comment on; it would be good to have a fair trade option, or some details about the ethics of the clothes. The prices are so low that it does make me worry about who made them. Normally I buy from charity shops so I can buy ethically on a low budget, but with school uniform this isn't always an option.

Just realised I forgot my manners
THANK YOU VERY MUCH MATALAN AND MUMSNET

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? Please think about the fit, quality and cost of the items you bought when you answer.

The prices were cheaper than i expected, tbh. I had promised DD some trousers, but am really disappointed in the selection for girls. Jersey trousers looked really cheap and flimsy, the other style are thin and although look harder wearing, will wait and see how they survive.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

There weren't any smaller sizes than 4/5yrs, so if there will be lots of growing room, apart from the trousers for girls. They are awful. Flat fronted with really poor elastic with hardly any give, had to buy aged 5 ones and take up a hem of 3inches, so she can pull them up/down easily. If I wasn't giving feedback on a specific age etc I would have bought the boys trousers tbh. I also bought a pinafore, which is very long from the waist down, but doesn't have adjustable straps at the top. I bought tights but had to buy aged 6/7 as they are tiny!

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

DD loves it, she's not into 'fashion' as such, and even if she was, uniform isn't about showing off your taste at a young age, it's about practical clothes that can be washed easily and look smart

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think the initial outlay cost was very good, but am not holding out much hope for some of the items. Buttons are already loose, the seams aren't very straight on polo shirts and the fabrics on girls stuff was a lot thinner and more flimsy looking

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

There was a small display of uniform items right at the entrance of the store, and 1st impressions was that was all they had! After I'd found the rest, it looked pretty good actually. I 'revealed myself' to the woman at the checkout (ooer) and she had no idea that MNers were on a mission, and was really excited to think she was being scrutinised too . I told her it was the clothes we were looking at, not individual staff but she was genuinely trying her best to impress! She even told a colleague off for trying to talk to her when she was serving 'focus forwards' she said, we had a right giggle about it

I bought a black coat with fur trimmed hood and pink hearts lining, a pack of 3 white polo shirts, 2 grey skirts (one pleated, one wrapover style with butterfly embroidery) one grey pinafore dress with a zip front, total spend £32 (£30 worth of vouchers used. All in age 6-7 and for a nearly 6 year old girl.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform?

I was pleased with the items I bought, the skirts and pinafore were made out of a nice thick fabric and felt very nice quality. I was also pleased that one of the skirts had an adjustable waist which is handy as my dd is quite slim and often find that 'budget' clothing often doesn't adjust. I was amazed at how many items I bought for £30. My only criticism is that skirts/pinafores were all the same design as last year, it would have been nice to have varied the styles slightly, so dd didn't end up with identical items in the next size up.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

All the items fitted well, quite generous in size, will last dd all year. The skirt without an adjustable waist is still a bit too big. But I bought age 6-7, and dd is not six until October. The coat was a good length.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform? Did they find it comfortable? Did they/you think what you had bought was fashionable/stylish (within the limits of school uniform!)?

My dd liked the uniform, she really liked the items with small bits of girly embroidery. She loved the coat and say's it keeps her nice and warm. She also likes the polo shirts with the cap sleeves, and much prefers them to the standard unisex polo's she has. She seems to be comfortable wearing them.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes they are very good value, I was amazed at how far my £30 went, especially as I purchased a coat as well. Even though they are cheap they still appear to be good quality and look nice.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?

I visited the store in the last week of August. The Uniform was set out nicely, however there was not many different sizes left and I didn't manage to find the right size of some items I wanted (plimsoles, blue cardigan/jumper).