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

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 chose a

Permanent Pleat Navy School Pinafore
2 White Polo Shirts
Ribbed Waist Joggers
Scallop Trim Cardigan
Zip Through Hoodie
Permanent Pleat School Skirt
Scuff Resistant Brogues

I spent the whole £50 and i think this was a fantastic price as i have now nearly got the whole set of uniform needed!

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

I thought the brogues looked lovely on the website but when they arrived they were slightly more boyish and not as pretty as the picture showed. I wasn't very impressed with the look and feel of them as they looked plastic and not very good quality but they fitted lovely and wasn't so bad once they were on! For the short time we have been testing them, they still look as new and have worn very well indeed so they definitely wear better than they look.

I'm not completely sure if i have a stain resistant pinafore as they only one available in my dd's size was the 'Permanent Pleat School Pinafore'. Nevertheless, the pinafore is absolutely gorgeous, its thick and you can tell straightaway it is made with high quality. I absolutely love it and it fitted really well. It washed well and came up as good as new once ironed.

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

Some of the items exceeded my expectations, such as the pinafore and the cardigan as they looked expensive and high quality. The shoes matched my expectations as i personally do not think supermarkets make good school shoes and i just feel like they always look cheap, proven with the brogues we chose, unfortunately.

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

Focus on the shoes, make them better quality - F&F could do really well in footwear if the quality was better as no supermarket is up there with Clarks, for example, as yet.

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 did use Click + Collect. At first, i thought they could only deliver to larger Extra stores, so i was pleasantly surprised when my order was delivered to my local Express store. I would definitely use this in future as i am not always available to be around to wait in for couriers etc.

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

I would recommend the clothes as the prices are excellent as is the quality. I would not recommend the shoes as i do not think they look nice, no matter how long they may last. Kids my daughters age, care about what they look like, as do us parents, if we ever care to admit it!

Picked up DD's replacement shoes last night - they are too big. But I'm happy to keep them as she will fit them later in the year.

So I want to buy Size 1 girls school shoes. F&F have on offer:

EIGHT different slip on pumps style. I won't buy these as they aren't recommended for growing feet and aren't really suitable for running, jumping skipping etc - i.e. all the things kids do in a day. EIGHT different versions!!!

ONE Mary Jane style with velcro fastening - all good but it has a WEDGE heel. I'm not sending my 6yo to school in a wedge.

ONE lace up brogue. I'm not too keen on it. But it might do at a push.

ONE "Monk shoe" - a style I've never seen before but I know DD will hate it.

So nothing suitable for a 6 yo girl apart from an ugly brogue.
Disappointing.

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?

5 Pairs of trousers. The jeans style ones.
5 Polo shirts
5 navy sweatshirts
2 plain t shirts
pack of school socks
pack of underpants
I spent £50 and was amazed at how much I got for that!

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

I didn't buy any shoes as I am not confident in checking the fit of them myself. I also wasn't fond of the styles an though they looked a bit cheap. They are all black. I hate black shoes - particularly on kids - so when I can find them I get navy blue (as his uniform is navy). That's just me. I'm picky about shoes.

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

They are surprisingly good quality. I got his last uniform from Next and I can't tell the different in quality for most of it. The polo shirts don't hold their shape as much as I would have liked. Tesco t-shirts tend to get shorter and wider over time which is why I avoid them usually, as I find that after a couple of months they are too short for him.

Also love the variety of trouser shapes. My boy is quite broad but has a slim waist/hip/legs so many of the other trousers available elsewhere are way too baggy and unflattering.

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

Increase the quality of the polo shirts. This also applies to any other products make from cotton jersey. They shrink too much to get the longevity (t-shirts, PJs, underwear) that I get with other shops - even other supermarkets. They might be cheaper but it works out more expensive if I have to replace things twice as often.

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 this a few times for other things and I love this!

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 most things. The quality is better than I expected for the trousers and sweatshirts. I will definitely buy uniform from Tesco now. Probably still not the polo shirts though.

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?
For DD who is just about to go into ye P1, I bought a pinafore, a skirt, a summer dress, 5 polo shorts, 3 cardies, some patent leather shoes and some socks. It came to £52 which I thought was very good value.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
The shoes are really smart and could be worn as party shoes, we chose the patent ones with bows and they are girly, but wipe cleanable and so they are practical too. Pleased with the pinafore dress too which compares favourably with one I bought last year in a dept store, it is nice quality material.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
I was disappointed with the summer dress, which is made from quite flimsy material, and which I suspect won't wash too-well, but aside from that I am pleasantly surprised with everything else, which is much better quality than the last uniform I bought in a supermarket.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
I would prefer a better quality summer dress

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 I did, it is very easy to use and I would definitely use again. It is easier than waiting in for a 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 recommend. Especially in KS 1, where lets be honest, uniform has a hard life, I think this uniform represents good value for money

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 shirts for DD and DS, polo shirts for DS, tights and socks, underpants and shoes for DS - these were the stain resistant ones.

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

The shoes looked great and he liked them, but the wrong size has been sent, so I have returned them. No pinafores for him though!

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

I usually buy M&S as quality is great, but when you see the big pile of stuff I got for £50 I was impressed. I generally buy 5 or 6 of items so I dont have to wash and iron in the week as its hectic working and after school activities.

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

Website showing what sizes in stock at time. Also no shorts available in July - only trousers - would like to buy either all year round. Waist on trousers is too large for skinny boys - even when pull elastic in. Need slim fit trousers so dont have bunched up material around the bum.

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 & collect is great - convenient and good choice of lcoal stores. Would definitely use again. Delivery with groceries order would also be a good option (if included in grocery delivery cost)

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?

Definitely would based on price alone. Quality of material used, stitching, etc seems good but only time will tell.

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:
F&F girls bootleg school trousers
2 pack unisex pique polo shirts
Girls jersey pinafore
2 pack pleated school skirts
School Scuff Resistant Scallop Punch Hole Shoes
2 Pack of Boys Pleat Front School Trousers
School 2 Pack of Boys Sports Shorts
School Scuff Resistant Leather Riptape Shoes

Which came to £58.50.

I think this is certainly as good value as other supermarket schoolwear, for example Asda. Some items I thought were extremely inexpensive, like the polo shirts.

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

The shoes seem pretty good for the price, although we were only able to use them for one week before term ended, so I can't speak for durability. They look OK, and I like that the boys' version is leather - why not the girls' too? Both children liked the shoes and did not report any discomfort.
I was not able to buy the stain resistant pinafore due to lack of stock.

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

Yes, all items were as expected in this regard.

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

Leather shoe option for girls would be nice. I have always bought Clarks and been happy with them, but would buy elsewhere if hardwearing leather shoes were available. I don't buy synthetic shoes.
I also found that the sizing was overall very large - my 9yo daughter will have to grow quite a bit to fit the age 8-9 clothes I ordered - she wore them for this test, but with waistbands rolled and still everything was a bit tent-like on her.

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 used 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 recommend it, particularly if price was a concern.
The polo shirts are very cheap and nicer than the Asda equivalent. I also liked the skirts and jersey pinafore.

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?

boys and girls scuff resistant shoes, scuff resistant pinafore, other pinafore (teen range, black) and two pack of polo shirts, 51 pounds which is good value

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

Both my kids liked the shoes, and the boys ones in particular were great, and much better value than the clarks equivalent. Didn´t really like the pinafore - it was too small (which we expected but bought the biggest size) but I didn´t the shape or feel of the material. The black one is a much nicer shape. One question, though. Why are girls shoes always so impractical and not designed for running around / playing football in?

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

It seems it, but with shoes, the proof is in how long they last. I have bought non clarks school shoes before, and they didn´t last even until Christmas. I do therefore end up paying the huge prices for clarks, and so it would be great to think you can get lasting quality for less.

I also liked the fact that the polo shorts were 100% cotton.

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?

I used click and collect, which is better for me, as we both work five days a week and so aren´t in for deliveries

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?

No reason not to so far.

I just want to add....

This weekend i held the age 6-7 F&F polo shirt up against last years age 5-6 polo shirts from Sainsburys and Next. They are the same width as both, exactly the same length as the Sainsburys ones and 1" shorter than the next ones. That is before washing.

If i am to buy them from F&F in the future i would have to buy 1 size larger, especially as F&F t-shirts shrink more that other brands.

I did the same with the polo shirts and they are indeed a bit smaller than other makes. They are fine for my daughter but she is small and skinny. They do shrink a bit as they are cotton. Am hoping the new ones don't fade

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 2 packs of 5 polo shirts in 2 different sizes, 4 pairs boys shorter length trousers, pack of 2 PE shorts and 7 pairs of socks. All cost £50 exactly. I think this is great value, I usually buy all this stuff at M+S and would spend at least 50% more.

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

Neither the shoes nor the pinafores were available in my children's sizes, the dresses were too small and both my children take half sizes in shoes which were not available.

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

The trousers are very good as are the PE shorts but the polo shirts seems of a thinner fabric than our usual ones. They have all washed very well though.

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

A better selection of girls shoes in the bigger sizes would be good, my daughter is size 1.5 and there were only 2 styles in a size close to this. Half sizes would be good too.

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 did use Click + Collect as I could pick up at a time convenient to me and not have to wait in for a delivery which usually comes whilst on the school run! I've used this service before and found it suits me well so will use again.

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?

I have already recommended the boys trousers as I think they are good value and the shorter length has saved me a lot of time as I don't have to shorten them to fit my son.

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?
Girls shoes, stain resistant pinafores, skirts, trousers, cardigans, polo tshirts, culottes, it cost £57.50 all together but that is pretty much all the uniform my girls will need, excellent value for money.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
My dd1 who is 7 and quite a tomboy wore the shoes for 8 school days and they aren't marked or scuffed at all, however the ends of the laces (they are brogue style) have frayed so going to need new ones for September. Happy with the pinafore they have been washed twice as still look like new.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
Yes it did, have no problems with the quality. The material is soft but seems to be washing well so far. The polo tshirts were excellent value.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
Adjustable waistbands on ALL skirts & trousers as my dd1 needs the length but the waist is to big without this and found the styles limited when needing an adjustable waist.

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 I did. I love it, it's so quick and free and means I don't have to worry about missing the delivery or dragging the girls around the shop with me.

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 particularly the polo shirts which are v cheap and the material has nice soft feeling

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 pinafore, some trousers and joggers, a pair of culottes and some polo shirts.

Q2 In particular, what did you think about the scuff resistant shoes and stain resistant pinafores?
There were no shoes in my children's sizes.
The pinafore has come clean so far, having had paint and mud on it.

Q3 Did the overall quality of the school uniforms match your expectations? If so, how? If not, why not?
I am impressed with the quality of the uniform for the price.

Q4 Do you have any other feedback that could help F&F improve their schoolwear again next year?
Mostly about the website! Have different colours of things. eg trousers on a drop-down menu rather than separate listings. More colours would be useful for polo shirts and jumpers.

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 always use Click and Collect as it is most convenient for me.

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?
I would. I've been very impressed so far.

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 Boys Trousers, ( 4 pairs) 1 x Boys school shoes, 4 x Girls Blouse, 2 x sweatshirts & 1 x 7prs Grey Socks - £51
Excellent value!

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

I ordered the shoes for my son - no need for a pinafore!
I was impressed with them upon first arrival - son was happy too. They seemed really sturdy, for the price which is brilliant. 2 weeks later, they do not even need polishing. I have gripe about velcro and all the grass boys tend to get stuck in it , but that's universal! They still look great after rough and tumble from a 7 year old.

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

Yes it did - the girls blouses and boys trousers are as sturdy as more expensive brands I have bought. The girls blouses barely need ironing so that is a bonus. Boys trousers with an adjustable waist are a neccessity , nota luxury, so that's great also.

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

Bigger range of older girls shoes
Embroidery service? With schools wanting logo'd apparel, independent retailers are just TOO expensive.

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

Yes - all great, have used before and will continue to do so. I shop at Tesco every week instore, so is very convenient.

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?

Most definitely
Unbeatable prices, and great quality.

Thanks for all your feedback! This thread is now closed. Congratulations to fasterthanthewind who won the prize draw for a £250 Tesco voucher! We'll be in touch shortly.

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 polo shirts, zip through school hoodies, scruff resistant leather riptape shoes and a water proof jacket.

I spent £67.50.

I would say that all items are for money.

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

I was disappointed in the scuff resistant shoes. They looked ok on the screen but when they arrived they looked awful. They looked plastic and cheap. My son will usually wear anything I buy for him but he refused to even try the shoes on as they were "ugly"!

I did not buy an stain resistant pinafore as I think my son would have refused to wear one : )

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

I was happy with the quality of the clothing (not the shoes as per my comment above). The polo shirts are well made and a good size (I sized up). The hoodlies have a rather odd design as they have what looks like the space for a draw string hood but there is no draw string just the reinforced holes where the string would go.

Unfortunately the first jacket I received was damaged (the toggles for adjusting it were broken) so I returned it. I did not receive a replacement so I contacted tesco. They then sent me a replacement. Unfortunately this one had the same fault (perhaps it was simply the same item?) so I have had to return that too. Apart from the damaged toggles I was very impressed by the quality of the jacket so I hope that I receive an undamaged one soon.

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

Often sizes are sold out early, way before the schools go back so it would be good if there was more stock.

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 used home delivery but I think I would use click and collect next time as one of the items was badly damaged (I assume in transit).

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 definitely would as the clothes are good quality and well priced. Ordering online is simple and straight forward.

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 the non iron two pack long sleeve and short sleeve white shirts and a 2 pack skirt. I spent £16.50 and we used the shirts for a whole year and is the perfect value for money.

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

We didn't buy the shoes but we bought the skirt which was worth every penny and would have still been used for the next school year if it wasn't too small.

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

Well no, because I was expecting to buy and replace them twice or three times as it was so cheap so it definitely exceeded our expectations

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

Well, don't have much to say as we r happy with the items we purchased but need to use bleach on the neck of the white shirts which washed fine as expected.

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 we bought in store.

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, as I've already recommended to a lot of mums from my daughters school. Lol

I've come back specially to update this thread!

DS has LOST his fecking Tesco school shoes and I've had to replace them. Up until the point they disappeared, they were in perfect condition (I hadn't even had to polish them yet).

Sadly, Tesco have sold out of virtually all school shoes now, and had none available in his size either on their website or in the local Extra store. And the staff member I spoke to in the store was very unhelpful when I asked if they could be ordered in/whether they would get new stock.

So, I've ended up getting some for a tenner from Morrisons (only place that had them first thing on Monday morning). Which are rubbish. He's worn them for two days, and the toes on both shoes are already scuffed and showing white.

I will definitely be buying the scuff resist shoes again when I can get them!

Thought I would add some feedback as my dc's had practically finished school by the time their uniform arrived in July. Also, at the time, they were in summer uniform so weren't able to wear the winter stuff I had ordered.

Well, they've had a full half term in it all now, so here's how it all held up:

The school shoes were brilliant, still going strong and looking as good as new. I'd definitely buy them again, but as Rue says, they aren't in stock now and ds is saying that they hurt so I guess he's grown out of them but I'll have to look elsewhere.

The school skirts were ok; comfy and dd likes them. However, they look shabby now, very bobbly for only a few weeks wear. I won't buy them again.

The pe shorts were a ridiculous shape, and they still haven't and probably never will be worn by anyone.

the pe tracksuit was lost in school, but has been replaced and is fine. Id buy again as they never really get their wear out of these.

Has anyone had trouble with the shoes? DS wore them for the last few days of the summer term and for the first 7 weeks of this term. I had to return them to the store today they are wrecked. The soles are worn through on the heels, the soles are coming away from the upper. The parts around the ankle have come un-stitched and the stuffing has come out. The inside on the heel has worn through.

Now DS can be a bit hard on stuff but even he doesn't usually wear through shoes in under 8 weeks. His last pair were bought in September 2013 and lasted till nearly the end of July 2014 (he is tiddly with slow growing feet!)

However the fronts do remain un-scuffed, so they at least got that bit right!!

Wouldn't mind if you were to send this to TESCO MNHQ.