Trutex school uniform - feedback thread for testers. NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

This thread is for the members of the MN research panel who have taken part in the school uniform test for Trutex.

Thank you for taking part - please add your feedback once your child has worn the garments and when you have washed them at least once. Each tester was able to select a item in the colour / size of their choice.

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

Please state the age and gender of your child in replying and the item(s) you received and tried with your child.

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

Thanks
MNHQ

Just a point, I can see the catalogue without registering but it doesn't appear to show the prices (or perhaps I am missing them somewhere??).

Bit of a faff.

Boy age 7
2 x slim-fit black trousers age 7

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
A1 I was impressed with the feel of the fabric and the seams and hems appear very sturdy

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
A2 I felt that the front part of the waistband was very stiff and thought it might rub, but my son said it felt okay. I ordered the trousers that were best fit for my son's inside leg measurement knowing they would be 2 inches too big round the waist but the elasticated back doesn't really pull them in enough so an adjustable waistband would have been better.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
A3 He thought they were really smart and was keen to wear them but after one day complained they were too hot, he has been wearing school shorts on really warm days so has only worn these a few times. The fabric is a lot heavier than the M&S trousers he had been wearing this term, so I hope these still fit him in the autumn when the weather cools down.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Q4 So far the quality seems better than the M&S and John Lewis trousers/shorts but as I've only washed them once I think it's too early to say for definite.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Q5 Again it's too early to say, the 'no fabric conditioner' is a bit of a pain. I assume it's to do with maintaining the stain resistance?

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Q6 Both DC have always had Trutex polo shirts and sweatshirts as they are the brand offered by the school uniform supplier, DS2 has no problem wearing his brothers hand-me-downs, the polo shirts are very hard-wearing but the sweatshirts tend to fray at the cuffs after a few years.
I wont be buying these trousers unless the style is changed to an adjustable waistband.

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

ps. thanks Mumsnet & Trutex for the trousers

Just had a look at that Trutex link and I agree with pp about having to register, why bother when I can go to Amazon and buy them with 1 click?
Oh and I have just bought some Trutex smart shorts from an ebay shop, it was just too easy

Ah okay I've spotted the 'full catalogue' button now (really didn't see it first time) but although I can find the same trousers, and select a size and colour, there's no price or 'add to basket' button

I guess you have to register just to get a basket and price? I've never come across this with any other shopping website and it does seem designed to put shoppers off, tbh. I will register now because of the product trial (thanks for the trousers, they are great), but I know I wouldn't have otherwise as I generally resist giving my details unless there's a compelling reason to do so.

Okay, I can't register, because the system 1) won't recognise the town we live in and 2) tells me that the name of my child's school is 'incorrect' (it isn't). Is it supposed to be exclusive?

Boy, age 5, 2 short sleeved white shirts.

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Seemed good quality and I liked the way the top button was easier to do up as DS struggles with this.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
I do not think there was anything that could be improved other than maybe using velcro for the top button as DS still struggled with it. The sizing seemed a bit large for my DS but he has only just turned 5 and is quite small for his age so it may be true to size for an average child.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
He doesn't like it because he feels it is too big but seemed fine once it was on.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Quality seemed fine, good material but would prefer a cotton option. Quality seems equal to the M&S uniform we had already bought this year a better than Tesco.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
It is washing well at the moment and has kept its colour mostly considering I chuck them in with anything. Day-to-day school life is again fine, they seem pretty well wearing.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Yes if the price was good.

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

Hello - a message is below from the kind folks at Trutex

"Trutex are a business to business schoolwear provider and we supply uniform to a national chain of independent retailers. We really appreciate you taking the time to review our products and can understand your frustration at being unable to purchase garments easily. You can find your nearest Trutex stockist on our website by clicking on this link www.trutex.com/store-locator and entering your postcode. There is also a list of online retailers listed there. We have also been working with Mumsnet over recent years to enable us to supply uniform to valued Mumsnet readers. By logging onto www.trutexdirect.com and registering with the Mumsnet code LEA00777MN you can order directly with us and can benefit from an exclusive 15% off plain items by entering the code PLAIN15 in the ‘shopping bag’ area of the website. Thanks again for all your valued feedback"

Sweater - age 9-10 - boy

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

The colour is as expected. The fabric feels good.

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

I did look carefully at the sizing chart but the sweaters did seem a bit large.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

He liked how soft it was inside but found it a bit too large

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

Yes it seems like better quality than I'm used to.

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

It washed fine. It doesn't seem to have bobbled.

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

Possibly.

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

Yes, if they were looking for something good-quality, but I'd encourage them to check the sizing on their child.

Thanks AnnMumsnet for the message from Trutex.

To Trutex: Thanks for your message, by way of feedback I had already explored the stockist links but was maybe unlucky in that the first four online ones I tried didn't seem to have the same trousers, perhaps a bit of persistence might have paid off. The nearest shop stockist is around 40 mins drive away, so I wouldn't make a special trip, but might well pop in if I happened to be down that way. I have now managed to register on your site with the MN code, and have found what seem to be the same, or similar trousers, so will place an order, thanks.

I tried the polo shirts in gold, size 7/8 with my girl who is 5 but very tall.

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

I liked that they were very generous in size, and that the material felt very soft to touch meaning that they would be very comfortable to wear.

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

The only thing I can think of is that I would like a more fitted polo shirt for girls, although this may already be available? The sizing as I mentioned was very generous, I always have to get a bigger size for my daughter even though she is only 5 as she is very tall. The garment was slightly big on my daughter but not unwearable and I think that is good as she will get alot of wear out of the polo shirts

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

My daughters first response was that they were for boys, however when I told her they weren't she loved wearing the polo shirts and they were requested everyday!

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

Definitely better quality from what I have seen, didn't shrink in the wash, washed really well in fact. Material is very thick but also really soft to touch.

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

really well,my daughter puts her uniform through its paces and often comes home filthy from playing. These polo shits have been washed at least 10 times so far and still look good as new.

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

I definitely would as even though they may cost more, the fit is better and the material seems made to last, which is what every parent wants!

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

I definitely would recommend it, in fact I already have!

Boy, aged 6. Slim fit trousers - grey

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Material is quite thick but a bit synthetic. Hangs well though. Gob smacked that they fit round the waist (ds is on 2nd percentile for weight so usually ends with a bussle effect around the bottom due to bunching in the elastic so much).

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
Size is true to sizing charts. Measuring ds meant I got the right size. It's so nice to see him in a pair of trousers that don't look like someone else's hand me downs!

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
He is pleased and think he looks smart.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
I think the uniform is comparable but the fabric is a bit nylony and coarse. Ds hasn't complained but I've bought more comfortable feeling fabric from other retailers. Not so sure about the amount of elastic in waistband.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
It washing well and surviving my mud monster child! Not sure about the no fabric softener washing guideline though! Not really practical for long term and given the fabric is coarse anyway I can imagine it will become very scratchy over time.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Possibly as the fit is really good. As long as the price is right and the trousers continue to wash well. Depends if they'll wash ok with fabric softener as to be honest I can't myself doing a separate wash for school trousers two or three times a week!

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
The fact they fit properly is a real bonus! For friends with skinny children I'd definitely mention Trutex.

14yo girl, 32L 28W trousers

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Very good, they seemed well made and of good material.

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
Better/deeper pockets would be good. The sizing was excellent, and fitted my extremely tall daughter (5' 10") well

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
She liked them, especially the leg length, but also liked the feel of them when she was wearing them
Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Quality is excellent. Definitely better than most brands.
Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Washes well, and does well in school - my daughter even played cricket in them when she forgot her PE kit, it survived without damage!
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Definitely, they're one of the few that offer decent leg length.
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
Definitely

Boy 14 Black Trousers

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
I liked the quality of material and it looks hard wearing and smart.
Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
I ordered a 31 but i would have prefered a choice of a 31Long because he is so tall the length is ok but ideally could have been an inch longer
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
My son is very pleased he says they are comfortable and he feels smart in them.
Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
I think the quality is better,the trousers seem to be more hard wearing and the fastenings seem sturdier.
Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
They wash extremely well,my son is an avid sportsman so does come home a bit grubby,so far they still looking brand new
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
I think i may buy for my 14 yr old again if i can get the length,but although it IS good quality it is a lot more expensive than i would normally buy
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children
Yes i would recommend Trutex because it is good quality but, i would also mention the price

i didn't get any trutex stuff from MN to try, but it turned out to be the brand on the supply site used by my ED's school. We have girls trousers and pencil skirt and i have to say that after being washed once or twice a week all year (over 30 times each) they are still looking really smart. Very pleased indeed.

Boys grey trousers age 7.

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

I thought they were made from a higher quality fabric than the m&s ones I usually buy. They felt more durable.

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

The sizing was perfect. DS is 6, slim built but tall. The age 7 trousers are a great fit.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

He thinks they're great.

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

Yes, much better quality. My son has gone through the knees in countless numbers of trousers. I finally feel like I've found a brand that might last longer.

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

Fine. They've washed well and haven't needed ironing.

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

Definitely.

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

Definitely.

Boy, 6 2 x Classic Fit Trousers (Charcoal)

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
My first impression was that the quality was much better than my son's current school trousers

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
Would prefer adjustable waist, length was fine but slightly too big on the waist. Also, they are quite thick, which is great for durability but not so good for summer! Would prefer it if they were available in a light weight material for summer.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
He likes them, says they are as smart as daddy's work trousers.

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Quality is excellent, noticeably better quality to my usual brands.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Seems fine so far, still looks new after several washes.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Yes, if the price were reasonable.

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

Boys black trousers aged 11

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Loved the different waist/leg length options. Really liked the feel of the trousers, they look like they would last

Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child?
Fitted perfectly but the button was a bit tricky for him.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
He likes it as much as he would ever admit to liking school uniform

Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not?
Really good quality, better than M+S (who've gone way down quality wise in recent years I think) Similar in quality to the David Luke trousers my older son has to wear for school

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Washes well, no pilling which can happen with inferior trousers, seems to be standing up well to day to day wear

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Yes, I'd like to see free returns and free postage though

Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
Yes, its a constant battle finding trousers that fit and last well

I received boys grey school trousers for a slim fit 11yrs.
Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike? I was impressed with the quality of the material. Would have preferred an adjustable waist band.
Q2 Is there anything you think could be improved about any of the garment? How did you find the sizing? Did the garment you ordered fit your child? The length of the trousers are perfect for the size and the waist is partly elasticated and for a slim fit, unfortunately the waist band is still too big, my son needs an adjustable waist band.
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item? My son found the trousers comfy, although would have preferred the trousers to be a better fit on his waist.
Q4 What do you think of the quality of the uniform item? Do you think it is better quality than other brands/retailers you've bought or not? The material feels really good quality and have washed well, they certainly seem better quality than supermarket school trousers, not sure about Next but possibly, only wear will tell.
Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life? As yet despite being washed and worn several times, there are no signs of wear yet.
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again? Yes the quality is very good, but for skirts, shorts or trousers my children would need adjustable waist bands, so without this it would put me off those garments.
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children? Yes I definitely would recommend the quality but again would have to point out the absence of an adjustable waist band.

DD (age 12) tested the white polo shirts size XS (guide size 12 years).

Q1 The polo shirts looked fairly standard and seemed to be good quality.

Q2 The guide size was 12 years but they were very big. DD is 12 and already developing but they were very big on her. I'd say they were more age 14. Because of this, she would only wear them for PE and clubs (I had to bribe her), but they still got lots of use.

Q3 To be honest, DD wasn't fussed either way, apart from the size. However, we looked at some of the other items together and she said she wouldn't wear any of them. When school uniform and a developing awareness of fashion meet it's hard to please everyone. DD is fussy.

Q4 The quality is fine, no complaints there.

Q5 They washed well and kept their shape. Using them for PE has meant they get quite grubby so needed to be washed a lot, even in the short time we have had them. DD will use them for PE next year too.

Q6 If Trutex made skater style skirts, stylish fit trousers and 3/4 sleeve blouses we would buy them.

Q7 Yes, the quality is the main selling point.

Thanks for including us in the product test.

I haven't really been able to test because it's too hot to wear the clothes but I'll try.

Boy sweatshirt age 7

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

Looks fine, nice thick material.

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

It fitted fine.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

He wouldn't wear it, although he did agree to try it on and it looked fine.

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

Looked/felt fine although because of the weather it hasn't really been tested, we'll see how it does come September.

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

See above, sorry, not been tested.

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

Yes I think so, although having to order it online might put me off due to very long waits I've had for delivery with other companies.

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

Don't know.

I applied to be a tester, but wasn't.

I really wanted to make a couple of comments though.
When I applied I found it hard to choose items to test, because:

1. IIRC the shirts were not 100% cotton, so no matter how nice the look.feel I wouldn't buy them, especially primary aged polos.

1. The girl's skirts were all way to short (judging by the sample pictures) They need to start at knee length, and that allows for the child to grow during the year. Otherwise by Christmas the skirts barely cover their knickers.

1. The style of the girl's skirts. If I remember one was straight, and one only had pleats at the front. Both of those styles are really no good for primary aged girls who have to sit cross legged on the floor, you can't sit cross legged in a straight/nearly straight skirt, without hitching it up round your bum.

So, no matter how hard wearing etc etc, I would not get past these poor design points, and so wouldn't order any of those items.

and - you always do this uniform test in May or June.

None of my kids are wearing long trousers or sweaters at this time of year, one daughter is only in school summer dresses.

You must have you new season designs ready before May, how about doing a product test of winter uniform in February/March?

Tested 2 girls black trousers aged 10 years - For a 9 year old girl!

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

I thought the trousers were a great material and looked a great shape and felt good quality. I disliked that they attracted bits and fluff and dust to them.

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

They fact they attracted bits and dust to them, not good when you have a cat and i was lint rollering them a lot to stop them looking awful!! The sizing was perfect for my daughter, they fitted beautifully, looked nice and the length was great.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

My daughter liked wearing them and was happy to wear them at any time.

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

I thought the quality was superb, i dont think it is better than other brands i have bought but i think it is in line with everything that is for sale out there and is not any worse.

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

They washed lovely, easy to care for and iron. And are great for everyday school life.

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

I would definitely buy from Trutex again, if the prices are good.

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

I would recommend the brand as it is good quality and good sizing, i am just put off with the bits all over them but i guess this is common with black trousers and doesnt make me think badly of Trutex.

I tested 2 white polo shirts, size 7/8 for a 6 year old boy

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

Very good quality, very white and packaged well.

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

Yes, great fit. My son is very tall for his age, so I looked at the sizing guide and ordered from that.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?

He like it a lot, said it was comfortable to wear and felt good against his skin.

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

Absolutely, it seems to be a lot thicker than the other polo shirts we have purchased (and I have tried all major supermarkets and M&S)

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

Holding up well. Considering first day on, it came back covered in blue paint along the bottom! I tried it first without using a stain remover, and the paint came out no problems.

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

Yes, would be great if they linked up with my sons school.

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

Yes. As parents we often comment on the whiteness of other polo shirts, so it will be interesting to see how it holds up against the others at the next assembly.

Boy, age 7. Charcoal Classic Fit Trousers

1. Trousers were good quality, and thicker than others Ive bought previously from supermarkets and M&S, so should stand up to wear and tear (my son goes through knees like they're paper!).

1. Trousers fit well. Good long length and fit nicely round the waist with a bit of room so they should last a while. Would have liked the waist to be adjustable - my son is very slim round the waist and if id bought his size at the beginning of school year in this size they would have been loose for him.

1. My son likes them and says they are comfy to wear.

1. Answered in question 1.

1. They wash fine, have not faded, and dry without creasing.

1. I would definitely consider buying from trutex as impressed with the quality and hard wearing material. Also good value for money.

1. I would recommend them to others as was impressed.