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

poor DD is going to fail miserably with me as her parent - can't even follow simple instructions

i bought 2 x 2 packs of polo shirts
1 x single polo shirt
1 x pinafore
1 x scalloped edge cardigan
1 x trousers
pack of 2 x grey tights

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 have a 6 year old boy and a 5 year old girl. I opted for my son to be the trialist and I have to say I was very glad I went for the boy uniform instead of the girl uniform. His trousers look smart and interchangeable with any other mid-priced uniform although I was a bit confused by the subtle differences between different styles that all seemed to have different prices. The polo shirts felt nice when taking out of the packet. I also bought him a grey coat which isn't fancy but wipes clean, has a warm fleecy lining and fits well over school uniform. The girl stuff was mostly much more tacky, flimsy and attempting some cheapy-looking fashion statement.

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

He is tall for his age but I found the age 7 and the age 8 both fitted pretty well. The polos are generous which will be useful after a few shrinking tumble dries! The coat fits well at an age 8 which is a comparable size for him to other mid-priced uniform stores.

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 isn't in to styling but he is definitely in to cut and fit. He had strong objections to the trousers that only had an elasticated waist - apparently they felt horrible. The adjustable ones were just fine. He hasn't complained about wearing any of it. I liked the fact that the trousers were a decent darkish grey rather than cheap and pale.

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

Mostly yes but they have only had a couple of washes so far. Ask me again in 3 months! The coats are pretty pricey and there are fewer offers in store to incentivise me to buy more. I found myself putting stuff back so I only went £10 over my voucher limit.

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

Hideous to be honest. There was a stand at the entrance that was just a mess. The sizing was all over the place, the pricing was weird and there was obviously only stock in a few sizes and colours.

There was no sign directing me to the back of the store where there was a whole uniform section - that would have been much more helpful. The sizing availability was very very limited and I found lots of the packets of tops had been raided so there weren't the right numbers of items in each pack. Very frustrating.

The trousers have subtle differences but quite marked price differences and the stock was not laid out in an intuitive or helpful way.

There were also no plain school socks for boys, only sports socks in white or colours. Lots of girlie tights and socks though. It didn't look like they had run out of the boys stuff, just that it wasn't on offer.

The fact that I didn't have a great experience in the store and that the stock was badly displayed and short on sizes means I wouldn't rush back to buy more.

Sorry, forgot to say what I bought - pack of polo shirts, cotton shirts, summer gingham dress, pinafore, skirts, and blue cardigan.

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.

polo-shirts - fine - reasonable value - but thin - haven't washed them yet - not as good quality as Next - they fit quite well

They were no trousers in a size 12 or 13 in the whole store for boys - tried on a pair of age 11 for (large) 10yo DS2 but they didn't go anywhere near him. There were no navy blue trousers for boys either - we live in an area where navy blue is required for several schools.

white shirts look fine - fit well - value was good - these have washed well so far

PE shorts fit well (in a size 12) - quality isn't great but they are fine for PE

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

There was very little in either a size 12 or 13. No trousers, sweatshirts, coats or PE tops.

The age 11 trousers did not fit my 10yo, too small, but the age 11 polo shirts are huge.

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 likes it - he likes the longer length of the polo shirts and is choosing to wear these a lot. He's not so keen on the shininess of the PE shorts. The white shirts are just white shirts.

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

Not sure yet - I'll need to wash them first - the polo shirts are definitely quite thin.

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

Not very much selection for boys at all but masses for girls. No navy trousers at all when local schools require it. Very little uniform in ages 12-13, couldn't have bought all his uniform at all. Section a bit of a mess - random things on random displays - mixed trousers together so it was hard to know what you what you were looking at. Very nice checkout assistant, but a very long slow-moving queue.

Thanks for letting me try the uniform.

I failed entirely to say what I bought didn't I:

Pinafore dress
Tights
Trousers
Airtex type tops X 3

Doh - for DD (4 - nearly five) and DS (just 3)
Dress and tights were for DD
Trousers and tops were for DS (though DD fit into the trousers so she wears them too). My children are freakishly identical in size despite the age gap.

I bought 6 pairs of school trousers.

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.

Fit for my 5 year old is perfect in length and waist, fit for my 7 year old was massive on length and waist so they had to be taken up though the waist was adjustable which was great. First impressions are that the trousers are as good quality as the ones I usually get from Next (they are previously the only brands I've ever bought that lasted and wore/washed well). I thought that the trousers were a fantastic price and again less than I'd usually spend.

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

age 5 trousers were perfect all round, age 7 were especially long.

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!)?

Both boys happy with the trousers though neither of them is especially fussy about the style they wear to school.

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

So far I'd say they were good value as I spent considerably less than normal on trousers that certainly appear to be as good quality but will have to see how they wash this week. There didn't seem to be any shoddy or loose finishing on them.

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

It was really easy to find the school items - they were right inside the entrance and well signed. They had lots and lots of stock in all sizes and items from what I could see - we were spoilt for choice in various styles of trousers and every style had the sizes I needed. I was dreading our trip as we left it till the week before they returned to school but although it was fairly busy the queues were small. The only problem I had was that when paying with the vouchers the staff didn't know what to do with them and the Manager had to be called so there was a small delay whilst they sorted it out. I was worried about them not being accepted at all!

I have one school age daughter she is 6. I bought some polo shirts, pinafore dress, skirt and some cardigans.

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 found there was a real mix of quality I found some of the uniform to be quite cheap looking buit other bits good quality.The cost was the same as the stuff in sainsburys and tesco . The range of colours good i often find my daughters school colour difficult to get hold of ( royal blue but the store i vivsited had loads)
Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

my daughter is slim and very small for her age. I found the skirts too wide ( this is normal) but also quite short so when her waist is that big there is no way it would be long enough

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!)?

she loved it

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

yes they are definitley good value

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

it was quite crammed into a corner and was quite dark. definitley hard to get round with a buggy and 2 kids. the stock was also very jumbled so all the pinafores of the same style were not in the same place so it took quite a long time.

The staff were very friendly and helpful.

thank you for the uniform

I've already posted my first review but wanted to add something.

I saw in the shop some white Sports Shirts which looked like polo shirts but instead of the three buttons to the collar, they just had a small V neck with the collar above iykwim? I was very tempted indeed to get these instead of the white polo shirts because the quality of the material was excellent and more what I would expect from daily wear polo shirts. I didn't because my son's headmistress would probably put me on the naughty step for not following uniform policy and because ds would panic if he didn't look the same as his friends.

If Matalan made their normal buttoned polo shirts out of this stronger, thicker, material then I would probably buy as many as I could NOW to cover the rest of the primary years

Firstly, thank you MN and Matalan - the vouchers arrived before the e-mail notification so were a lovely surprise

I had nominated 12 yo ds as trialist and bought him 2 x 3 packs short sleeved shirts, 2 x black trousers, pack of 2 gym shorts and pack of black socks. Also bought dd's age 4 & 6 belted pinafores from my own money.

Q1. Was pleased with the overall quality especially the pinafores and trousers although the shorts looked a tad thin. I had a look at the jackets while I was there but felt they looked a bit cheap. Was pleased that they seemed to sell everything I would need including gym kit.

Q2. The trousers in an age 12 fitted ds across the waist and in length but were huge across the front/hip area and had to buy an age 11 which I dont think will last too long. Everything else was sized pretty well.

Q3. DS isnt into fashion but he hasnt complained about being uncomfortable which I think is important and he definately looks smart. The girls love their pinafores!

Q4. I do think what I purchased gave good value for money however was more expensive than the supermarket which I would have thought would be Matalans target price range. Was probably on a par with M&S pricing but was of comparable quality so am pleased overall.

Q5. The uniform section was not signposted anywhere and was really in a mess with different items/colours all hung on the wrong rails. I had meant to buy one of the pinafores in an age 4/5 which is what it said on the hanger but when we got it home it said on the label it was age 5/6 so has been put away to try on again after Christmas. We also had to search through about 7 different rails to find the trousers in the correct size! Didnt see any staff on the shop floor to ask for help but it was very busy and despite there being a long queue it went down very quickly.

Q1

I took a chance and got school shoes! So far so good. The fit was fine and the style ( slip on moccasin type) were what ds wanted to start upper school with. Perfect fit. No scuffs or marks on yet. Also got sch trousers. Bit long but good fit elsewhere. Socks also. They don't bag or fall down

Q2

All fits well. Bought age 12 trousers even tho ds is 13, but still a little long. More because ds is a little short yet. Shoes, a perfect size 5! Shirt collars seem comfortable

Q3

Ds VERY happy with the shoes, his friend asked where they were from as he also liked them. Trousers are standard, as are socks. Andshirts.

Q4

Seem good value so far. All washed well. Time will tell on this one u think

Q5

In store was busy and not much choice left. I think the range should be extended. Helpful staff though. And good layout

WELLIESANDPYJAMAS...I got one of those for ds2[4 1/2] for P.E.I know what you mean.We dithered over it for schooliform poloshirt too

Hi Doobydoo - thanks for reading my extra bit. So you dithered like me?! And then chickened out, like me?!

They are a better quality material, aren't they? The polo shirts with logo on that our school sell are made of a similar quality material but they are not cheap. It'd be great if something similar was available on the high street.

Agree...haven't washed it yet though...will let you know on Monday,if he remembers to bring home PE Kit!

I bought a pair of standard pull on trousers age 9. I also bought 2 pairs the next size up which are a little too big at the moment ? these were only available in the pleated front version and slightly more expensive.
I also bought a waffle trophy neck T-Shirt for sports and a two pack of sports shorts.

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 trousers and sports wear seem to be of similar quality to other store uniforms in a similar price range.

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

The fit, unlike other store trousers, were much better than I had expected.
DS (9) is a little shorter in the leg and rounder in the tummy than your average 9 year old so this is always a problem ? usually need to buy for the waist and take up the legs. The age 9 leg/waist ratio were a better fit but have very little room for growth. The next size up are a little too big on the waist, but I got them anyway just incase the size 9?s shrink in the wash or DS decides to grow again before next term.

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 passed any comment other than to confirm that the trousers are comfortable. I don?t think 9 year old boys are that bothered either way about school uniform black trousers?mine isn?t anyway!

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

Will need to see how they stand up to wear and tear as well as how long it takes for them to get that ?washed out? look before I can really comment on value for money, but my initial thoughts are that the trousers are little bit more expensive than the ones I usually buy, but if they last longer then it?s worth it.

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

Shopping for the uniform was a nighmare to be honest. There was very little choice for boys. Seemed to be loads of style options/colours/sizes in the girls section.
The distribution of school uniform items in random places around the store made finding things very confusing.
The store I visited was completely out of stock of white polo shirts in the 8-11 age range ? zillions of blue or red available, but the school only allows white.
When I eventually found someone to enquire whether they had more stock of the polo shirts elsewhere, I was told to check behind the checkouts?.There was a display of white polo shirts but I was not able to reach them to look at the sizes. The check out staff were too busy being check out staff to be able to assist so I gave up in the end and bought the polo shirts else where.

Im doing the testing with my 6yr old DD. we bought the pleated skirt,with detailing, two pairs of trousers (one grey and one black), blue cardi and white blouse, all age 6 or 6/7.

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 seemed to be a good range in the store that i visited, though not much in dd's size!!We managed though. I loved the blouse and the skirt-both alot better than some of the plainer stuff we normally buy from Asda or tesco. ANd the cardigan felt lovely and soft. The only bad thing was the black trousers. They are very thin. The cost is very comparable to what i would normally pay for uniform, and the quality seems as good (apart from one of the pairs of trousers).

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

The cardi and blouse are both a perfect fit (age 6/7). The skirt fits well too (age 6/7) The trousers however seem massively long, though they fit well around the waist (age 6).

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 the blouse and skirt are lovely. She's not fussed normally about trousers anyway but she hasnt complained or otherwise about them. Lots of mums have asked about the skirt as its very different and she quite likes showing it off!!!

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

I thougt they were quite good value, certainly on a par with what i normally pay. I will reserve judgement on the black trousers however. Im not confident that they will last long, certainly given that they are long and DD stands on the back of them.

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

It was fine. I visited the store early monday morning so stress free. Only downside was not many things in DD's size but our schools had been back just over a week already which might explain it.

I got uniform for my DS age 10
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.
DS wanted shirts rather than polo's. I couldnt find any short sleeved ones in his size (8-9) so we had to go for long sleeve ones. They are quite thin compared to his M&S ones. The trousers appeared to be good quality, similar to the ones he has from TU and similarly priced. DS likes that they are a deep grey and he also got a pair which are a combat style which he really likes.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well? They do fit well - the shirts are a bit wider than other shirts he has had before which he likes as he doesnt like things too tight. The trousers are a good fit and can be adjusted to a real slim fir which DS needs.

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 was upset he didnt get short sleeve shirts, but apart from that he doesnt really care. He really likes the combat trousers as the extra pockets means he can hide things in them

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not? I actually wasnt expecting them to be so dear, I thought they were more expensive than ASDA/Tesco (although I do think the quality is slightly better) The price is closer to what I pay at M&S normally. I think the trousers are good VFM but the shirts are not such a great deal IMO, as the material is thin and feels cheaper*

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store? I was actually pleasantly surprised. Last time I had been to matalan (about 3 years ago) it was a bit of a jumble sale with things everywhere and the childrens area was terrible. I was pleasantly surprised to find it all well laid out and looking much better. I had forgotten that you needed a Matalan card to shop there but that was easy to sort. The shop was busy but people were served quickly.

I bought 2 packets of 2 long sleeved shirts and 2 pairs of black trousers - both size 16 yrs, boys, then a pair of button up black trousers with diamonte and buttons and a pair of black elasticated waist trouser both girls size 11 yrs, for DS 15 and DD 11

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?

It got complicated so I think I'd be better off answering the first two together rather than individually if that's ok?

I bought the only uniform I could for DS, they literally had no other trousers and no suitable jumpers (he needs black v neck ones) the trousers were too small, I took them back and exchanged them for DD's trousers, they were too small - I'm not going back so my neighbour's 9 yr old DD will be wearing them. The shirts are also on the small side, though he can just wear them. But bearing in mind that my children aren't overweight and that I bought a size bigger for DS and that the 11 yr old trousers fit a 9 yr old, I'm not overly impressed by the sizes.

Quality and price - well they're a similar price to Asda and Tesco, but massively thinner material, in fact the shirts are slightly see through, DS has a jumper and as it's been horrible weather up here, so he's been wearing it, but I'm not quite sure what I would do if it was warmer as they're too small to comfortably wear a t shirt underneath.

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 cares not what his uniform looks like, lol, so he's got no comment on that front, the shirts are as comfortable as shirts are likely to be...the boy's stuff seemed fairly plain anyway - which I'm quite happy with.

DD prefers to wear skirts, but there weren't any bigger than a 10 yr old size - in fact I really struggled with both of them to find big enough sizes of anything, lots and lots of stock if your child was 8 or under, and not a lot of bigger sizes.

She liked the diamonte and buttony trousers, pulled this face at the elasticated waist ones - but her school isn't fussy about how plain things are, so it wasn't an issue for me.

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

Like I said, they seemed a similar price to supermarkets, but with not as good quality material, so not so great.

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

The store itself is fine, I've been before (and knew about the whole card thing, lol) nice wee uniform section...but like I said, very limited in bigger sizes. Then having to go back to exchange things, they wouldn't validate my parking because I'd only spend £4.50 and not £5 (I bought other things while I was in) but that £4.50 was on top of the two pairs of trousers I'd exchanged, so I had to pay for parking, which ok - is only 50p, but it makes taking things back more expensive than buying them in the first place.

Firstly - am SO grateful for those vouchers, £25 made a massive difference!

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.
Cost - TBH I didn't look that much as I was too giddy from having a free voucher! Still managed to spend an extra £23 after that, but I'm happy with what we got for that amount. Looked nice, I really love the embroidery and detail on some of the girls' clothing.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
Pretty good - DD is 4 but tall so we went for 6-7 on shirts/pinafores/cardigan and 4-5 on skirts.

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 thankfully isn't aware of fashion yet, though she did refuse to wear trousers. She adores the pinafores. As said above the detail is fab, makes it a bit different while still being smart.

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, they seem good value. I probably wouldn't have shopped there because they were a little more expensive than supermarket brands, but given the voucher I am very happy. The uniform is smart and comfortable for DD.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
Erm, stressful! I was a bit disappointed not to see woolly v-necks (like cardigans but without buttons) and no blue blouses for girls, but that may have been because it was quite late in the summer. Changing rooms were great but the staff weren't - they were clueless and grumpy. :(

Oops, forgot to say exactly what we bought

DD age 4 (but in bigger size as mentioned above):

• Navy cardigan with, um, scalloped edges I think? Age 6-7
• 2 different 2-packs of short sleeved white blouses (age 6-7) - one set had embroidered butterflies, one had flowers.
• 3 different grey pinafore dresses, all age 6-7 - one had a belt, one had a zip-up front, one had an elasticated back.
• 3 different grey skirts all age 4-5 - 2 pleated, one lighter grey with flowers (my favourite!)

She also tried on a pair of 4-5 grey trousers and looked gorgeous in them but refused to buy them :( damn gender stereotyping...

Was very surprised and grateful for receiving the vouchers. I never get picked for anything, so thank you!

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; massive lot of choice of trousers for DD (small skinny 8, so we went for age 7). These were what we were specifically looking for so v. pleased. Material feels thin but tough and does not look as though it would 'bobble' which is good. Not too fussy designs, just the right amount of fancy for my DD, ie a small embroidered self coloured butterfly.We got two pairs, one black and one grey.
We got a nice navy cardigan and 4 red polo shirts,I would have got white as well, but they did not have them in DD's style.
I was pleased with the amount we got for the money, it has kitted DD out well.

Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?
Yes, we always have to get trousers too small age wise for DD. The age seven fits fine, the cardigan and polo shirts comfortably baggy, as she likes them.

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 V happy to have more trousers, she was beginning to worry I might actually put her in a skirt! She approves of the style and lack of fuss.
Loves the cardigan and happy enough with the polos. V happy to have new instead of the second hand I usually force her into!

Q4 Do you think that the items you bought are good value for money? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I am happy with the value for money, they compared well with the local supermarket, and I got a generous amount for the money.

Q5 And how did you find shopping for uniform in store?
Nice and empty when I went. The uniform was a bit sidelined at the back, though, I walked past it once before I found it. As it was a month into the new term here in Scotland, that may explain that.
Obviously no-one had informed the staff about the vouchers and there was a lot of looking at them, conferring with other staff, and loud comments of
'They shouldn't be written on, no NO-ONE should write on them'
accompanied by suspicious looks at me from all members of staff, and the two people now waiting in queue behind me. When I said it was for a survey they dismissed me with
'Doesn't matter, just put them through as refund'
This was a bit uncomfortable, I must admit, though I know it's not their fault if they weren't expecting them.
When they decided how to deal with them, it was all fine and transaction completed quickly (although no smile from any member of staff, which is always a bit demoralising).
Generally though experience was fine, and I am very grateful for the vouchers.

I bought for 4 year old DS - 2 packs polo shirts, 2 sweatshirts, 2 pairs of trousers, pack of socks

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 thought they looked good, trousers felt nice quality and better than the M&S ones we already had. Thought the sweatshirts looked cheaper (even though same price as M&S) and noticed the tops are very square and wide!

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

Well, the trousers are quite long! But they didn't seem to do the smaller size in this style of trouser with the adjsutable waist - which my son REALLY needs! But he is just 4 and 50th centile for height so really he is the average boy in terms of height so guess they are over generous - that said, found the same size trousers form elsewhere the same on him.

The sweatshirts and polo tops are just too wide. I couldn't go any smaller (didn't have smaller anyway) but also as he would need the length. They are shorter than other makes Ihave but wider - so good if your child is chunky I guess!

Socks fitted well if not slightly big, but socks tend to shrink down after a few washes anyway.

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 is 4 and don't think he much cares to be honest - but had no comments of "ow ow the label is itching me" - so guess they must be fine

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

I don't think they are any cheaper than anywhere else and the trousers were the best value I reckon, though they haven't been put to the test yet. After washing jumpers and polo shirts, I do envisage them losing shape I have to say, but test of time will tell I think and will be easier to report on this more later! I saw other items for school that I thought were very poor value for money - the coats for example!

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

Not overly pleasant in some way - I found everything hard to find and was glad i went alone as spent a lot of time wandering up and down as everything was so spread out- DS would have been beside himself if I had dragged him round the stock was very poor when I went and I found it odd that they had LOADS of uniform BEHIND the cash desks, so after you had already got everything you wanted or settled for one thing, you may see another once you get to the till - it is then akward to ask to see them, check them out etc when you have a queue of people behind you - and you don't want to ask for them, then scuttle away to examine and once more ponder, when you have just been queing up for a while!!

The member of staff who served me was a bit miserable (ok a lot) and I felt like a bit of a criminal whilst she decided what the vouchers could be put through as- I think they went through as credit having already been given on something else, so I felt slightly disapproved of

On the other hand, I DID appreciate being GIVEN money to buy some uniform, very much so and for that, it was exciting! So thank you! However, I am not sure I would return off my own back, though I would certainly bear it in mind that they stock uniform, in the future. But the staff at my local store could perhaps do with some happy pills

Just lost the detailed feedback I had written, for some reason it didn?t upload when I hit the button, grrr... should have done in it word (am this time). Anyway, you want feedback on uniform not the website glitches, so i?ll go again!

Firstly, THANKS ? hugely appreciate the vouchers, they?ve really helped me to up the amount of uniform we have been able to buy.

Purchases: I bought uniform for my DD, who is four and I?m a first time uniform buyer! I got 2 long sleeved white blouses, 2 polo shirts, 1 navy skirt 2 jogging bottoms, 1 jogging top for PE and some hair clips.

Quality: Generally good enough quality, not washed any of it yet so can?t speak for how well it holds up but seems comparable to other uniform suppliers in terms of look and feel (have other uniform from Geoge, M&S and JL). That said, the skirt is already starting to bobble after just a few wears.

Look: like the flower motif on the polo shirts and skirt very much, they?re sweet. DD thinks these are great and shows them off to anyone who will listen! She loves the silver star on the jogging bottoms, which considering I haven?t managed to get her to wear trousers for about 2 years now, this is nothing short of a miracle! Thought the sleeves on the polo shirts were a little short but not too bad. Wasn?t very impressed with the jogging top ? had to get a boys one as there weren?t any for girls (which is frustrating as they do have to do PE as well as boys ? who seem to have lots of sportswear for them) and would have preferred to get something to match the star bottoms. I wanted to get plimsolls but didn?t as they did look rather cheap (got JL ones instead, which weren?t too different in price actually).

Fit: Good that the waist on the skirt is adjustable as DD is a skinny little thing. Think the sizing is fine, there is some space to grow in the age bracket but still fit her now. I think she?ll have to go up a size within the year but perhaps that?s to be expected ? and perhaps school uniform doesn?t tend to last the full year anyway??? Better fit than George by the way, their polo shirts are tiny and rise up at the front.

Child?s reaction: She LOVES having a uniform so would be pleased with anything! However, the motifs have really pleased her and as I?ve said above, she?s actively looking forward to wearing trousers (jogging bottoms with stars on) for the first time in about 2 years! She chooses the Matalan skirt over and above the other ones!

Shopping experience: Very friendly staff at desk, really pleased for me to have free clothes :)

Clothes were a bit spread out, some at front of shop and some at back. I don?t think i?d have schlepped back to the front if I hadn?t found what i needed at the back ? it is quite a stressful business shopping with kids in tow. I found the clothes were all a bit mixed up with skirts on different racks across the section. I had to delve to find the right size and see what there was to compare it too (i.e. I knew i could only afford one skirt but wanted to check it against the options, and had to really hunt these out. Would have been helpful to have all skirts together, all blouses together, all cardies together, all socks together, etc). Was surprised that there was so few options in navy, many more in grey (e.g. no navy tunics which was a shame).

I had to travel quite far to get to a store and only did so as i was going that way anyway, it would have cost more in petrol to do the journey than the value of the vouchers.

I had pretty much made my decisions through using the website in advance, and it was really a case of just seeing what was in the store and choosing between the options. Of course, the whole shopping experience was better than might have been because was so happy to have the vouchers.

THANKS.