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

Just to add, (because I sound like a right whinge, lol)

Getting free uniform to test was great fun

But if I'd bought the uniform with my own money, I'd be really not happy about the whole - going twice, still having no trousers that fit and not qualifying for free parking thing.

I know I could have taken my DCs with me and made them try on clothes, but then I'd have come away with just the shirts still, lol - and I never shop like that. Never, ever, it's just so not something I'd ever do voluntarily.

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 and cost of items were good

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

Sizing was not good. You could get a 6/7 and then a 8/9. My 7 year end up with a 6/7 blouse that fitted nicely but had to get her a 8/9 skirt which was to big round waist (I put a tuck in it) as the 6/7 skirt was too small

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 really like the blouse and skirt, they were girly

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

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

Not great, it seemed as squashed together not much space, when there are loads of other people trying to look at same time. The choice wasn't as good as other stores, very limited sizes.

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.

My first impression was that I had walked into a jumble sale and I considered turning round and walking back out again!! There were open packets and items on the floor, nothing was in the right place......

The white polo shirts I bought DD were very thin, and seemed to be an 'off' white sort of colour, they had some embroidery on the pocket but unfortunately this just looks like a stain on the top until you get up close, there was nothing else available in her size. The only trousers I could find in DD's size did not have an adjustable waist so were no good as she is very tall, but also very skinny!! In the end I bought her a pinafore dress which is reasonable, but not what I would've chosen for school wear normally.

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

As I mentioned above, the trousers I found which would've fitted dD in the leg didn't have an adjustable waist. The pinafore fitted fine, the polo shirts were a little on the baggy side but OK under the pinafore.

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 wasn't over impressed with the uniform, she finds the polos scratchy when they haven't been dried in the tumble dryer and the embroidery itches her.

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

Although they seemed cheaper in comparison to M&S (where I normally buy uniform), the quality wasn't as good and therefore I think that they would have to be replaced more often than a more expensive item. I think that the items which can be purchased in ASDA and Tesco are a better quality at a similar price.

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

A nightmare!! Perhaps if I had been shopping earlier in the month I would have found a better selection of items in DD's size, but I was disappointed in the selection and have purchased a few items from elsewhere to make up for what we couldn't get in Matalan (and the polo shirts which have been relegated to the draw!)

My DDs uniform has been fine, washes well but looks creased on the line. Quality is good, I got a couple of dresses, a couple of skirts, a swimming costume, p.e. T-shirts and polo tops.
I was surprised how much I got for £30 though it was hit and miss whether what she wanted was in her size and things were often on the wrong rack.

another update - am I allowed?

Well, have realised (and do remember this now) that I actually got 4/5 in the sweatshirts as not sure if they do anything any smaller but it was all they had. They are def the same length as M&S 3/4 sweatshirts, but about 20 million times wider! I took it off the line yesterday and DH was stood next to me (he has NO interest in any clothes) and said "What's THAT?!" He said it looked like a peg bag or something DS looked ridiculous in it the other day as it looked like he had someone elses jumper on, but any smaller and it would be riding up although tbh it already gave that impression as it was so wide.

Sorry to seem so negative on the plus side, he found it much easier to get off by himself still, another plus point - I really do need a peg bag............

1. The uniform looked like much of the other supermarket type uniforms out there . Cost was much in line with Tescos and Sainsburys which I had looked at.
2. I had to buy year 6/7 for my five year old as he is tall and his trousers did not have a hem to let down.
3. My son is in his first year of school so all his uniform is a novelty at the moment so cannot comment on whether he likes it or not .
4. As prices are comparable to other uniform outlets think that they are not paticularly good value for money
5. Our local Matalan was geared up more for girls than boys so a little disappointed in the lack of choice for my son.

Just thought I'd do another update - I managed to get uniform from Matalan on my second visit.

There were no white polo shirts to fit my 7 year old but I managed to get age 10 shirts for my 9 year old plus age 9 trousers, socks and pants. I could not get jumpers to fit either boy. The trousers fit really well but the shirts are massive - usually age 8-9 are too small!

The clothes seem good quality, and were comparable in price to supermarket clothes. There was not a good selection of uniform for boys - much more in stock for girls, also everything was crammed into one corner so was quite difficult finiding what I needed - but at least the uniform had been moved from behind the paydesks!

Thank you for the vouchers - I appreciated the opportunity to add some extra items to my son's school wardrobe.

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 the uniform was reasonable quality but the trousers weren't as thick as the normal supermarket ones that I buy so I gave them a miss, and the yellow t-shirts which you sold (and is part of my sons uniform) appeared really pale and washed out so I didn't get those either opting to pick some up from somewhere else which is a shame.

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

The coat I needed to go up a size in as it was too tight around the body and the jumper also needed a bigger size being short on the arms in his age's size however it is now very roomy in the body.

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 liked the range of styles in the coats but they were all black or charcoal- very boring, please consider that boys like colour too not just girls!

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

The clothing was a similar price to the supermarket I normally get his uniform from but the be honest I dont think the quality is good which is a real disappointment as your store is more convenient for me.

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

I found shopping for uniform fine however I am always dissapointed abou the range of boys clothing generally everytime I go in there as there is not nearly the choice in styles, colours etc that girls have, there is only about half the amount of floor space :(

But thanks very much for giving me the opportunity to test the clothing out, it has been very much appreciated :)

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.

Considering the price, the items were good quality and a good fit. The price is a big attraction.

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

I would nomrally buy a 5-6 but the pinafores i brought the next size up as they seemed short. The polo shirts for girls fit well in her normal size.

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 is not keen on wearing dresses at the moment, but we've had no complaints or itchiness, scratching, or anything else that we've had complaints about before.

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

Yes, Excellent quality for money. I would definatley buy again.

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

This was the only downside. The store local to me, has very unhelpful staff, messy store, and not a huge selection to choose from.

I forgot to say what we brought. Two pinafores, a skirt, 4 polo shirts and a plain cardi. age 5-6 for dd who is 5.

I can't complain about the washing and wearing of the itmes. all washed well and tumble dried. pinafores didnt need ironing so a bonus. slight shrinkage in the length of the polo shirts but they are under pinafores anyway and i did tumble dry them.

Hi testers

We've already asked you for your initial impressions of the Matalan school uniform you bought. Now we're on to the second (and final) stage of feedback, now that you've had your uniform for a while and your DCs have hopefully been putting it through its paces! Everyone who adds a second lot of feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three high street vouchers (one worth £250 and two worth £50).

Below are some questions to get you started. Please feel free to add your own comments/suggestions as well.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks very much for taking part,
MNHQ

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

I will give answers both for the blouse and trousers I bought my DD seperately from the adult womens section, and the PE shorts which were the only thing I could find to fit her using the vouchers

The blouse and trousers are excellent and still look like new

Ditto with the PE shorts

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

All items have washed really well. I'm very impressed and they come out of the washing machine not even creased, so need very little ironing.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

Yes all items have kept their shape. I didn't get anything with pleats though

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

My DD loves the uniform and finds it comfortable, and she says the PE shorts are comfortable and she likes them as they are a bit longer than her old ones and don't show so much leg.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

The buttons on the blouse and trousers are fine, all still going strong.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would recommend it yes, but I would suggest to anyone with a tall teen that they try the womens section of Matalan rather than the back to school

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

Has worn well. Haven't had any stains to deal with. Skirt isn't bobbly at all.

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

Shirts and skirt have washed well. Shirts still white. I don't do ironing but can't say they've needed it.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

No pleats here but all in good shape.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

DD still likes the shirts and skirt - no complaintsat all from her.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

All good.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would. It appears to be doing OK. I hadnt bought uniform from Matalan before but will certainly look again next time we need some. It definitely compares with our usual supermarket uniform.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

So far so good! I think the sweatshirts will suffer the most and as already said, they look ridiculous on my son (bad shape) so not been keen to put them on him to much! No stains to deal with.

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

After first wash i thought the t shirts were going to become awful but they haven;t and are much much easier to get on over my DS's head than the M&S ones we have - they have washed well, still very whiten and easy to iron. I do not tumble dry any uniform so not sure how they would be if tumble dried every week.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

Yes t shirts kept shape well, trousers we haven't worn yet because they are just far too big and couldn't get any smaller!

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

Been fine all along apart from sweatshirts which he looked uncomfortable in, they are just a bad shape!

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

Have been fine.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Maybe - but would not be my first choice I would say the trousers are better quality than M&S cheapy ones (with adjustable waist) though slightly more expensive and even though the polo shirts feel a bit flimsy, once ironed and on they look good - so maybe I would for some things!

Once again, have very much appreciated being able to take part in this - so thank you

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

I have to say that I am impressed at how durable the uniform has turned out to be. There was one stain that took a couple of washes to remove but the rest has been great. My son definitely wears his uniform with a vigour that requires a tough fabric and it has so far coped well!

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

They have been washed many many times already and still look brand new, particularly the polo shirts. Actually, they dry well too which means the ironing hasn't been needed!

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

I haven't bought anything with pleats. The tops have all kept their shape. The trousers seem a little thinner and therefore I am expecting them to wear out first.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

Yep, all comfortable and no noticeable shrinkage or change to shape and comfort.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

So far so good!

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

As uniform I would definitely recommend. However, the shopping experience wasn't great and so I would struggle to recommend the overall Matalan experience.

Thanks so much again for letting me take part in this test, it is great.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

The skirts and tops have worn well. One pair of trousers wash particularly well and all stains seem to wipe off even without washing! One pair of trousers (yoga style) have bobbled badly but are so comfortable that DD is continuing to wear them as a preferred pair.

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

Coped well, apart from the one pair of trousers, see above. I barely have to iton the skirts and other trousers and the t-shirts have kept their shape. They have shrunk a little, but that may be me.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

Oops, see above! The pleats did stay in the skirts but I have now ironed them out easily.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

I think everything was comfortable from the off and continues to be. I am a little concerned that as the weather gets colder DD might be cold in some of the trousers (not the bobbly ones, these are lovely and thick) compared to last years ones from M&S. Saying that perhaps she'll be more comfrtable indoors when the heating is on high as it seems to be in her school during winter.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

All are coping well.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definitely suggest it as somewhere else to look in addition to the usuals - particularly if someone was on a budget as I found the prices to be very competitive.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

It's worn very well, thanks. The pinafore dress is durable as it's DD's favourite and she wears it most days. Have found it easy to get stains out of the white shirts with a bit of Vanish (other stain removers are available).

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

It's coped well. The dress feels quite stiff when it comes out of the machine but line drying seemed to soften it (am also using more fabric conditioner). There's a little bobbling on the cardigan, but hardly noticeable.

I don't iron, sorry.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

The skirt still has pleats. The clothes have kept their shape.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

No complaints from DD so I take it the uniform is comfy. She's been complaining about her tights - not from Matalan - so the rest must be OK.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

Fine, nothing's broken.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would. It looks nice and has worn well. Thanks v much.

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, sizes appear small. Cost - Matalan used to be cheaper for uniform, some things like coats are now a lot dearer than they used to be.
Q2 How did you find the sizes? Did they fit well?

I found the sizes 1 or 2 sizes smaller than you need.

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!)?

Well, as I was buying for a boy I cannot answer as he has as much interest in uniform as he would if I were buying bread! Not in the least bit interested in style or cut!

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

Fairly good value for money I would say.

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

Terrible, hardly any range or sizes.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

Yes, apart from the cardigan, which has bobbled slightly and lost it's colour slightly (red, gone a bit dull, which is not bad as it was meant to be maroon but it's still good to wear. DD got lily pollen on a poloshirt but this faded in the sunshine

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

The items wash and iron really well, the labels said 'non-iron' if tumble dried, but they need a warm iron IMO

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

The pleated pinafore had kept it's smart look, the poloshirts are still in shape, the cardigan is not so great. I think I'd want to spend more money on this and expect it to last longer

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

DD doesn't like wearing the pleated pinafore, it's too long in the body for her (drop waist) and she finds the belt gets in the way when they have to sit on the floor, but the looser fit one is a hit. She hates the trousers as much as I did when I bought them. She can't get them up and down and they are very thin fabric

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

Surprisingly well! None have fallen off completely

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would if they were looking for budget items and the supermarkets were out of stock. AFAICS they aren't anything special and it's easier to buy them in with your shopping TBH. To convince me to go there again, as a 'specialist' uniform shop I'd want thicker fabrics and more choice for all sizes, and for them to stock maroon jumpers/cardis and outerwear

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

Uniform has worn well - the shirts which were too big haven't shrunk which is a mega bonus imo, usually I find the tops shrink and look tatty quickly and I am so glad to say this is not the case! I have had problems with stains - ds's school has this summer created a new playarea, which currently, has lots of red mud - this mud is not coming out at all - not even with stain removers. That said... it isn't just the matalan shirts affected so it is not brand specific.

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

Shirts washed well, creases but not hugely so, I have been able to avoid ironing (my bug bear!). Trousers, socks and pants have all washed well. None have shrunk.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

Have all kept their shape.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

Ds still finds the uniform comfortable - he has moaned about the sleeves being too long but that is just him! Apart from that, he has said a great deal... he's a boy!!

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

No problems noticed.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I would - has washed well and apart from the annoying mud stain, all still look new. There has been no bobbling on the socks or trousers so I feel confident that the uniform will last a while and hopefully the year. Prices are competitive. The only complaint I have was the difficulty getting uniform due to lack of available sizes and choice (and being behind the paydesk...). Thanks for the vouchers x

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

I think it is still quite early to tell. Only a few weeks since the start if term and many people will not have been exclusively using the Matalan uniform, but also using stuff they already had. However, I can say that so far everything is fine apart from the knees on the trousers wearing a lot faster than expected (with no more carpet time than before! Mire desk work in fact!).

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

Ironing the polo shirts is a pain, they get very creased. They are also looking a bit floppy now they've been washed a bit. Everything else ok.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

As mentioned above, the polo shirts are looking floppy, losing their shape a bit.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

Comfortable. No change from start, but 8 yr old boys are maybe not the best to ask about this sort of detail

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

As mentioned above, a few weeks is not long enough to be 'used a lot'. So far, fastenings are ok, though.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would because it is as good as supermarket stuff (no better) and if there is a matalan near you, it's worth using them for the convenience.

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

In general, the uniform has worn well. I cant really comment on the trousers, as dd hasnt really worn them that often due to their length, but the black trousers that I thought may become damaged very quickly have actually stood upto the test. She wore them in some really bad rain, and so were absolutely ringing wet and she was tramping all over the bottom of them. The cardi has stayed lovely and soft, not like her other one (from a supermarket) which quickly became a bit cardboard-like. And the blouse is still fairly white looking. We have only had one stain on it (paint), which I soaked first as I always do that, and it came out fine.

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

The uniform has coped really well. It is all still quite soft, none of the colours have faded or greyed, no bobbling, and no stains left behind either. It all still looks as good as new.

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

Everything has still kept its shape really well, and the pleated skirt is still pleated.

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

Dd loved her uniform. She absolutely adores the cardi as it is so soft and she loves the detailing on the blouse and skirt.

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

Everything seems to have done really well. Nothing has broken.

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

I would definately recommend Matalan. The uniform is competitively priced, its lasted well, and there are some lovely pieces within the range. My daughters skirt has been complemented on lots of occasions as its a wee bit different from your run of the mill uniform. All the pieces my daughter got were just great, and she has asked that we get her skirts and blouses from there again!! Id say that was the best praise there!!

1. Has the uniform worn well or not? Would you say it's durable? Have you had to tackle any nasty stains? If so, were they easy to get out or not?

everything's worn well and still looks lovely. Have been able to wash out paint etc. Only problem has been the white blouses going grey, I'm not sure what caused that - normally I don't separate darks and lights but it seems I should have! Ah well luckily DD's school accepts grey shirts too

1. How has the uniform coped with being washed repeatedly? And how easy or difficult is it to iron (if applicable!)?

coped ok with washing except aforementioned colour issue. Mostly really easy to iron apart from the fiddly bits like pleats/buttons etc but that's normal (unless I'm just crap)

1. Have the items you bought kept their fit and shape well or not? If you bought any items with pleats in, did the pleats stay in or not?

everything has kept its shape. Pleats have stayed although DH did say next time I buy uniform can I choose non-pleated items as they are a PITA to iron!

1. If your DC found the uniform comfortable to start with, do they still find it so? If they originally found it uncomfortable, have they found it more comfortable with time or not?

yes still comfy, at least DD has never complained, and she isn't the type to keep quiet :o

1. How would you say the zips, buttons or other fastenings on the items you bought have coped with being used a lot?

yes, no problems at all :)

1. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend Matalan school uniform to a friend? If so, why? If not, why not?

yes - have told people already! Would recommend because of decent prices, nice looking items

Tis PontyMython here btw :o

Thanks again for the vouchers - such a relief to have had some help with uniform cost.