F&F School uniform feedback thread - £250 Tesco voucher prize draw! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the 100 MNers who have been trying out the F&F school uniform range.

Here's what they say about the range: "Every year we work tirelessly to improve on our schoolwear range, to ensure you get even better value for money and higher quality compared to the previous year. To enable us to do this we rely heavily on the feedback from all of you - the mums! This year, we have some new key features that we’re really excited to share with you and look forward to hearing your thoughts”

Below are a couple of questions for you to answer, but please also feel free to add any other comments you may also have.

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Everyone who leaves their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £250 Tesco voucher.

Thanks,

MNHQ

[wigglywoowoo]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

We ordered 1 pair of Scuff resistant patent shoes, 4 Black cardigans, 1 Pinafore dress, 4 polo shirts, 1 Kilt Skirt. Like others have reported, our choices were limited due to stock levels but I still feel it provides excellent value for money. I spent £51

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

While I ordered the Pinafore it has been too warm for DD to wear it. It is good quality though and she loves the style. I have been amazed by the scuff resistant shoes. I was unable to find any in leather that were available in her size and it appeared like the leather shoes were only ranged for smaller feet. We settled on a pair of scuff resistant synthetic shoes that DD liked. DD is very hard on her shoes and as a result I will purchase nothing but leather as synthetic shoes are trashed in short order. These shoes have amazed me. DD is into her second week of wearing them and they still look as good as new which is amazing especially as they are patent look. DD reports that they are comfortable and has worn them even though school is over. The only frustration is that they have proper buckles rather than quick velcro and I felt that the buckle should be elasticated where it attaches to the shoe, to increase robustness. Definitely, will try other shoes in the future as the price and quality has been fantastic!

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

We have purchased uniform items from Tesco before so have a good idea of the quality and these were of a similar standard if not better. We have only purchased one pair of shoes from the F&F range before and this was in 2011. They broke within a week and the replacements broke within 2 weeks and we have never tried them again.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their school wear again next year?

Please increase your range of black skirts and dresses and cardigans. Black is always a poor relative to Navy and Grey so we are forced to shop around. DD loves her cardigans to have pockets too but none were available in black. Elasticated buckles on the shoes as mentioned before. Please can we have Skirts that are knee length and black. DD’s school is on a hemline mission!

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

I have used click and collect previously and it is my preferred choice of delivery as it offers the freedom to collect at a time that is convenient to me. This is important as I have limited time being a single parent working full-time.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would It has always been good value but I think the quality has improved.

[unrealhousewife]

What on earth does it stand for? Fit and flabby? Fun and Frolics? Fast and Furious?

Tesco clothes are invariably too short for me. Big people are bigger 3 dimensionally, not just wider.

[unrealhousewife]

But as this is about uniform I can't comment. They just need to last and not go bobbly.

[BeCool]

Florence & Fred

[unrealhousewife]

Oh well that explains it. Why not call it that then?

[fasterthanthewind]

extra bit of feedback

• terrible choices for boys shorts. Why not include some nice solid cotton shorts that can be worn every day in summer?
  
• polo shirts seem v thin in comparison to M&S - but DS likes them

[Fillybuster]

Not a tester but just wanted to say how much I love Tesco F&F school uniform: it lasts incredibly well and doesn't fall to pieces, go bobbly or anything else. In fact dd2 is now wearing dd1 old summer dresses after she wore them for 2 school years (and they were only a fiver each to start with), whilst ds' 2 pairs school trousers (£3/pair) made it through an entire school year intact. Thank you Tesco

[TheSpottedZebra]

Have been on the phone to Tesco F+F again today and hopefully finally found someone who can sort me out with what I want. Tesco if you are reading this, Laura at your call centre is excellent - helpful, polite, kind - great service!

[BeCool]

I had some trouble returning the faulty shoes to the store (they would only give me a tiny refund as the price/invoice was complicated by the voucher) but inspired by TheSpottedZebra's post above I called customer services and they are sending replacement shoes.

[unrealhousewife]

I never buy uniform in Tescos because they never have the right thing in the right size in stock. Also the shirts may be cheap but they're nasty too. It would really help to have ranges for petite and tall as well.

And get the right stock in! How hard can it be? There's never enough stuff for teens, as they always want the same thing at the same time for the same age in the same area but still, you're one of the biggest retailers in the country, it's all a bit second rate to run out of stock all the time.

And some of us like a crisp ironed shirt, not a poly cotton flimsy thing with no drape, fall or hang, just sticks to their vest or bra and attracts bobbles.

And nylon jumpers stink, you might as well dress them in a bin bag. They also don't keep anyone warm.

Not happy, stopped bothering years ago. Only do m&s now who seem to care a tad about quality and believe children have a right to real comfort and their clothes should not be designed only for laundry convenience.

Perhaps you should start selling those paper collars, that would be great... Although I would prefer a ban on school uniform altogether.

[thepuddingchef]

1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

F&F Jersey School Pinafore
F&F School Girls Grosgrain Bow Shorter Length Trousers
F&F Permanent Pleat School Skirt
F&F School Boys Permacrease Reinforced Knee Trousers x 2
F&F Boys School Joggers
F&F School 2 Pack of Pleated School Skirts
F&F 5 Pair Pack of Bow Pattern Top Socks
Total £50


Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

I wasn't able to order these items as they were out of stock for the sizes I needed. Was very disappointing.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

The quality of the boys trousers exceeded expectations, very pleased, seemed to have washed well. The girls Grosgrain Bow trousers were much lighter grey than expected and very thin, not sure they will stand the test of time with my tom-boy daughter. The jersey pinafore looks and feels fantastic, good strong stitching. The girls skirts seem very good quality, again good strong stitching and have washed well so far.

The sizing of all the items were a little dubious, I had to return almost all of the items and get bigger sizes, especially the girls trousers and skirts as although the waist was fine, my daughter is curvy on the bottom and could not get them over her bottom comfortably. The 2 pack of pleated skirts are quite straight so when my daughter sat down they rode up quite a lot. She is very active and I think these might be a problem, time will tell.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Look at sizing, not all children are straight up and down. my kids are not fat but struggled to get a good fit with sizes from their age group.
Keep stock up! I was so frustrated I couldn't buy more pinafores or the shoes I wanted.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

No I didn't use this service this time, but I have used it in the past and found it very good. Delivery was quick by post.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would, for the money it is fabulous, and seems to have the edge on the other supermarket brands at this time. I can't compare with other more expensive brands as I just don't buy because of the price.

Finally I just wanted to say that the customer service I received was very good, I had to return some items which I spoke to customer services on the phone and email. Very happy with the whole process.

Thank you to Tesco and Mumsnet!

[Fizzyplonk]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
Longer length trousers
Polo shirts
White plain tshirts
Pants
Socks
Already had a sweatshirt

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
Didn't order shoes as in a 1/2 size at the moment and has recently got new shoes.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Trousers were excellent. Nice fabric.
The longer length was really generous.
My DS is very slim and I actually wished I'd sized down.
I might buy some more in this size- or feed him up over the summer!
Will you ever do a slim fit range.

White to shirts- good quality- reasonable thickness cotton.

Polo shirts- good white white. Almost blue white next to M and S creamier white ones. Quality fine- finish of collar not as good as M and S. However, were very good value.

Socks- a bit thin, edging very flimsy.

Pants and PE shorts good.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
More stock online- would have liked proper school shorts

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Click and collect- worked really well


Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes good quality and price

[Devora]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?
I bought a 2-pack of white polo shirts, a 2-pack of red polo shirts, 2 red cardigans, black scuff resistant shoes, stain resistant pinafore, two grey jersey pinafores, the value grey skirt, a grey jersey skirt, grey culottes, pants, white socks. I spent £53. I think this is excellent value.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
My dd is EXTREMELY fussy about her shoes and was very dismayed to discover that she can only wear black shoes once she starts Reception this autumn. But she really liked these shoes and wore them immediately. For the price they looked good - too early to know how they'll last. Only niggle is that the buckle is very fiddly for a 4 year old to deal with (I found it fiddly myself). The stain resistant pinafore looked good and was very good value.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Exceeded my expectations, actually. In particular, I thought the cardigans and culottes were lovely.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
Just make everything in non-iron options and I'll be happy!

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?
I didn't on this occasion, because whenever I have in the past I've had problems. On the last three occasions I've tried using this, my local store has denied receipt of the items. Each time, I've had to return two or three times and in the end I've insisted they double and triple-check the store - lo and behold, each time the goods have been found. I really can't be doing with this, so I'm back to home delivery.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would, I was pleasantly suprised by the quality for such low prices.

[Devora]

I should add: thanks so much for picking me for this test. Cash is tight right now, and so I was thrilled and so was my daughter, who loved getting all her new uniform delivered at once. She won't take it off - it will look like rags come September!

[Fuckalella]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I bought Girls bootleg school trousers, permanent pleat school pinafore, school plimsolls, gingham frill socks, girls scuff resistant scallop punch school shoes, 2 unisex zip through hoodies, 3 school jumpers using the embroidery service and a rucksack. All together I spent £67 so I would consider it good value.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

DD likes the scuff resistant shoes, would have bought some for DS but there were no styles with laces (he doesn't like Velcro styles!). They seem to fit well, a little big but I sized up as she is a half size at the moment, should be fine by September! The soles seemed a little hard so not sure what the grip will be like while running around the playground, but overall the shoes seem to be good quality and on a par with Clarks etc. The price is great, £10 as opposed to £30+; even replacing them 3 times a year would be ok!

The stain resistant pinafore is great, I have one that I bought previously form M&S (trying to be organised this year!) and there is no difference in quality between the two. Haven't been able to put it through its paces properly yet but looks like it will stand up to playground wear and tear and wash well.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Overall I was pleased with the quality of the items, adjustable waistbands are great! However not so pleased with the sweatshirts ordered through the uniform embroidery service. The seemed really thin and flimsy compared to the ones I normally purchase from the school uniform shop, although there wasn't much difference in price. They don't feel like they will last very long!

I will be returning the plimsolls as the fit is quite poor, too wide around the toes and narrow across the top where the strap comes across.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

Improve the quality of the sweatshirts! Maybe introduce half sizes to the footwear range? Agree with the comments about stock levels, I wanted to order a couple of gingham dresses but none in DDs size in blue!

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Yes, Tesco extra close by so click and collect suits me fine. Embroidered sweatshirts came by separate delivery though and were thrown over my back gate and left in the rain as we were away - good job packaging was watertight!

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Overall I would recommend the range, prices good and good range of clothing available.

Thanks Mumsnet and Tesco for selecting me!

[wantacatplease]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I bought 12 polo shirts, 4 pr trousers, 2 jumpers, and 1 pr of scuff-resistant shoes. I spent the whole £50. I'd definitely say it is good value for money, especially if the shoes keep holding up.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

One thing I really loved about the shoes is the fact that they go up into the adult/junior sizes. My 8 year old has size 3 giant feet yet still isn't very great with tying laces, so the fact he could have velcro but in his size was fab. The style is pretty smart and they are comfy and soft inside.

I didn't buy pinafores as I have no girls!

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

Absolutely. I actually bought some stuff from Tesco last year on a whim when we were visiting a big store and I noticed how cheap the polos were. They have all held up from last year so I was quite pleased to try them again this year. The colour is great, they don't fade very quickly in the wash and for the price are incredibly robust. Same with the trousers, it seems.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

The stock was slightly low on the internet. For example, I could find no shorts in my boys' sizes. However I recognise this is probably due to the time of year and I'm sure they will be well stocked for September.

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Click and Collect is FAB. I ordered at 10 am on Friday, and Saturday morning we got a phone-call saying our order was ready to collect! I would absolutely use this again and it is my preferred method!

Q6 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would and I already have! One mum asked me where I got DS' V-neck jumper from as it looks so nice and they're difficult to find. So I told her I got them from Tesco online and told her about the Click + Collect. Really impressed overall!

[Moodykat]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

4 Pairs of trousers. 1 pair are the longer length ones which are brilliant if you have a long, skinny child like me!
10 Polo shirts (6 blue and 4 yellow, school colours)
2 Pairs school twin riptape sporty shoes
2 Pairs sports shorts.
Spent whole £50 but have enough uniform (except jumpers) for about 2 years I think! Brilliant value!

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

The shoes are really good, DS says they are comfy. He has only worn them for a couple of weeks but so far they look great. I would definitely think about buying them IF ONLY Tesco would do a different width fitting! DS cannot have the velcro done up very tightly as he has fat wide feet and that means a bit of velcro is left uncovered, resulting in grass and fluff etc getting stuck to it and looking very scruffy!

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

It exceeded my expectations to be honest, especially the trousers which seem very good quality.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

See about about width fittings on shoes! Even if only "normal" and "wide".

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

No, I had it delivered as find that more convenient!

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes, I really would.

Thank you very much Mumsnet and Tesco for letting us try the uniform.

[Fairylea]

Hi I'm doing this on my phone so I'm sorry if I don't answer all the questions one by one. ...!

We ordered 2 pairs of the shoes and quite a few other pieces of uniform including some trousers and also some of the sports wear. I didn't order the pinafores as being 11 I don't think dd would be up for wearing them! :)

She liked the style of the shoes and they seemed sturdy but unfortunately they didn't fit her - she found them extremely hard and they seemed quite narrow even though she doesn't have particularly wide feet. I have to be honest and say the quality is nowhere near on a par with clarks. It would be nice if they could be proper leather as well. I know that would make them more expensive but I'm sure you'd sell more overall.

In the end I took the shoes back (both pairs) and exchanged them for other school items.

The rest of the items were fantastic - as usual - I have brought tesco uniform before and always been impressed with it and would recommend it to others.

I didn't use the click and collect as having it delivered was easier for me but I could see it would be a good service for others.

[treetrunkthighs]

Q1 Which items from the range did you buy and how much did you spend? Would you say this was good value for money or not?

I bought two pairs of shoes, a skirt (there were no pinafores in DD2's size), a cardigan and a blazer. Total = £50.00 eaxactly. I was extremely impressed at the number of items I was able to buy with £50 - the blazer and shoes alone would cost closer to £70 elsewhere. Excellent value for money.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?

DD2 loves her shoes. They fit well and the adjustable velcro strap means they fit even better than her Lelli Kelli abominations! She has only worn them a couple of times but they do seem scuff resistant. They are generous in the width which DD needs. Unfortunately there was no stock of pinafores.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?

The quality has exceeded my expectations. The cardigan has washed well and the blazer looks as good as the ones we tried in M&S and John Lewis, but for half the price. I will certainly be buying another when DD1 outgrows this one. The shoes are wearing well and both pairs are wide enough for my DDs' wider than average feet.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?

No

Q5 Did you use Click + Collect Delivery service? If so, would you use to again, or not? Is it your preferred method of delivery?

Used click & collect. Excellent. Very easy, as we were in tesco anyway, to pop upstairs and collect. I would definitely use again, having never used before.

Q5 Finally, if it came up in conversation would you recommend F&F schoolwear range to friends or family? If so, why? If not, why not?

Would certainly recommend and have done many times since collecting the clothes.

Thank you very much

[insanityscratching]

Well dd finished school yesterday and without exception everything is still as good as new. I am most impressed with the shoes as the fit is good, dd likes them (she's a fussy little so and so), they remain scuff free and cost a third of what I usually pay.

[IScreamForIceCream]

Hmm, so I have just got back from picking up the exchanged SCUFF RESISTANT shoes, and I open them up to find that... there is a scuff on them.

So it's not boding that well, is it?

[IScreamForIceCream]

You can hardly see it in the picture, but it is quite noticeable irl - it's about the size of a 5p. At least it is on the inside of the shoe.

[Wickeddevil]

Have collected DD's uniform tonight from a quick look I am very pleased with it. I will report in more detail tomorrow