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

Boy age 4, red polo shirts

Just a note - still holding up to washer and dryer. Not faded or shrunk at all. DC seems to be happy with the fit. Shirts aren't misshapen or stretched out at all. Buttons still on securely.

Pleased so far.

5 year old girl. Navy pleated skirt

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
First impression was good quality and liked the adjustable waist.

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 think I would prefer a fully elasticated waist rather than just around half of it. Size was very good.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
She liked 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?
Really good quality. Much better than the supermarket uniform I normally buy. Very thick material

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Very hard wearing and washed really well.

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
I would definitely buy 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?
Yes

Girl aged 12; 2 x pleated navy skirts

Q1 - good quality and well made. Fabric felt substantial and like it would last. Shape was a good compromise between what my DD might be happy to wear and what the school would want her to wear.
Q2 - as with most clothing, the waist was too wide for my DD so the skirts sit on her hips. She dislikes the fact that this makes them longer on her than she likes.
Q3 - as I said, she's happy with the style and shape, but because it sits low on the hip on her, she really does like the length "mum it's SOOOO long"
Q4 - definitely feels good quality, and the brand is recommended/required by the school (they like the fact that girls can't 'roll up' the top of the skirts to make them shorter ...).
Q5 - only washed once so far, but still looking good. Washed and dried easily/quickly.
Q6 - yes (given school requirements) but would be even more likely to if they had adjustable waists. Though perhaps that doesn't work with a pleated/fitted skirt?
Q7 - yes, on the basis of quality at secondary school. At primary the loss/growth issue would probably make any long term investment (assuming higher costs) to be unlikely for many families.

Q3 - oops. *doesn't

Aged 4 boys trousers

Q1) my 1st impressions were that they felt good quality. Not flimsy or too thin.

Q2) not something that any manufacturer can do really but my little man has short legs so I ended up having to roll the legs up a little.But apart from that they were a good fit and my little one is quite small for his age.

Q3) he loves it. And calls them big boy trousers??? Don't even ask I have no idea why :)

Q4) yes definitely as I say they don't feel flimsy and don't feel as if they will graze easily on the knees as alot of trousers that I have bought from supermarkets have done literally the first time he falls over!

Q5) they have washed lovely. Not creasing and not bobbly.

Q6) I will definitely invest in more trite as I have a very clumsy 7 yr old daughter too and I think they would probably last longer than any other school uniform I have bought her in the past. It seems never ending buying her stuff for uniform.

Q7) yes I have already recommended to a friend.

Boy, 6.5yrs, Black regular fit trousers age 7

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
sturdy material, not too shiny.
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 trousers are a little long, but that's not a problem as easy to hem or roll up. nice fit around waist, not too bulky. I do wish we'd tried slim fit instead though, as I'd be interested to see the difference. These trousers are classic school uniform fare (therefore I don't like them as I think it's ridiculous seeing kids in miniture work clothes, but they certainly tick the box for uniform requirements)
Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
Comfortable, easy to put on and do up. Not really bothered by 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?
Normally get second hand or handme downs. The trousers feels good quality and as though they will last well. I like it more than an adjustable waist pair we once bought as they seemed really bulky.
Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Still seems as new.
Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
maybe, if I needed to buy some uniform stuff. I try to get second hand whenever possible though
Q7 If it came up in conversation, do you think you would recommend Trutex uniform to your friends who have school-age children?
No

Boys' grey long trousers

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
It felt like a good quality uniform. The fabric had a good weight to it. It felt thicker than the ones I get from Tesco. Felt soft to the touch too, which is important as DS1 has bad eczema on his legs.

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?
Adjustable waistband is the only improvement I can think of really. Every pair of school trousers I've bought to date have had an adjustable waistband. These ones didn't, but fit well (just a little long in the leg - for this week at least!).

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
He really liked them. Even choses them over his school cargo shorts (Tesco), which is odd as he'd normally live in shorts all year long if given half a chance!

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?
As above, much better quality.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life?
Washes and dries beautifully. Happy mummy!

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
Yes definitely. If it's not too expensive.

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 already have commented on the quality to several people.

Bpys White polo shirt aged 5-6

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

The material was nice and soft, and appeared to be good quality.

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, on the bigger size but actually fitted nicely.

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

He is non-plussed about any item of school uniform, so didn't comment.

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?

In terms of fabric, I think it's better quality - thicker and softer, but see next question....

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

The first day ds wore this it came back filthy with mud and pen marks. These haven't come out in two washes, and is just about wearable, but wouldn't put him in it on a school photo day! The day he wore the second he managed to get orange juice down it, and this hasn't come out, even after two washes. I will try putting it through the wash with stain remover, but it looks likely this one will be going in the bin as it just looks dreadful - sorry.

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

No, not for polo shirts because of the above problems. The ones I buy have 'stain-away' and this is clearly more useful than I had realised! I may well have a look at the trousers though as they have had good write ups, and I struggle to get a good fit for my skinny 5 year old, and I suspect would be good quality too.

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

No, because of above staining problem.

Boy's age 10 long sleeve shirts

Q1 What were your first impressions of the uniform? What did you like/dislike?
Felt nice quality cotton, looked similar to the M&S shirts I usually buy.

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 followed the sizing chart but the shirts are way too big for my son! But he persevered with them.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item?
The cotton felt soft, he just found them too big.

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 they're about the same as M&S but better than Tesco ones I've bought before.

Q5 How do you feel the uniform is bearing up to washing? And to day-to-day school life? Possibly too early to tell - seems to wash OK so far but no ingrained dirt on the cuffs yet to get rid of!

Q6 Do you think you would buy uniform from Trutex again?
I think I would. Will definitely go into my local store though, to check sizing against my son.

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

Should have added - the shirts ironed really well.

Feedback from PLASTERED

"My 10 year old girl wore the Trutex trousers for the last three weeks of the school term. She found them very comfortable to wear-as a thin child I've always had problems with the waist, she finds the adjustable waistband buttons very uncomfortable. She was delighted with these trousers as they were elasticated at the back which meant they never slipped down. They have been the best fitting she has ever worn!! Also, I was impressed at how easy they were to wash,and only required a quick iron on reverse! Thank you for choosing us to sample them, we have been highly impressed. I just hope they will still fit when school restarts!!"

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

Positive first impression, I liked the products which were 2 black Jumpers.

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?

All good, sizing were a good fit.

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

Jumpers were liked.

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 was better than some brands.

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

Hard wearing, wash well and no need to iron which is a bonus.

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

Would buy Trutex if needed.

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 definately recommend Trutex.

Tested boys white short sleeve shirts age 5

First impression was excellent the product looked and felt good quality and once tried on was a perfect fit and looked smart.

Sizing was great. I would have liked a Velcro fastening for the top button which is a big help in reception. Other than that perfect.

My ds has been wearing polo shirts and is now moving on to shirts. He was very impressed and said he felt smart.

I felt the quality was higher than my usual brands. The overall look and feel was superior.

The uniform washes brilliantly which is one less thing to worry about and keeps me happy.

I have already ordered all of ds and dd's new uniforms from my local trutex supplier.

I have recommended to a number of friends and family.

Girl aged 7
2x white long sleeved shirts (I ordered short sleeves but was later contacted to be told they were out of stock)

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

Upon first impressions the shirts looked of a good quality.

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?

Perhaps the buttons could be more child friendly, as they are difficult for children to undo. Maybe a different top button design such as a popper or velcro fastening would be useful.

The sizing was fine. I ordered a size bigger than her age and found it to be a good fit allowing room for growth.

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

My daughter does not like long sleeved shirts - particularly in this warm weather - but that aside, she did comment that she felt quite cool and not too hot despite the sun being out. She also commented that she thought the shirt made her look smart and was very white.

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 quality of the shirts are great. The material is of a high quality and not too thin or see-through yet not too thick. I would go as far as to say that perhaps these shirts are the best I have come across to date - even better than M&S and John Lewis shirts.

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

I was pleasantly surprised upon washing the shirts. They did not crease too much once dried, the white did not dull and came out very clean despite pencil marks and school dinners finding their way on to them!

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

I would definitely 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?

I would and already have recommended Trutex school shirts to two parents.

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

Girl Age 11

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

First impression not so good, I had asked for short sleeve blouse and received long sleeve instead. Trutex didnt contact me, otherwise I would have chosen a different item to test for them. My daughter is in summer uniform now until she goes back to school in September, so long sleeve shirts are 'out' for now.

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? Not sure, she hasnt tried them on yet. I have to go on previous garments bought and they were all a good fit, wash well and look good.

Q3 What does your child think of their new uniform item? Child not fussed at moment. (sorry)

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 know that my sons school shirts wash and iron well (not much ironing needed which is great) and stay looking good for a while.

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

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

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

I have already, I do think they are good quality if a tiny bit more expensive than other brands.

Thanks everyone for the feedback - am pleased to say AliceDoesntLiveHereAnymore is the winner of the £200 JL voucher...well done!

Thank you so much!!! :)