Q1. Were you aware of Matalan’s range of school uniforms before taking part in this product test? If so, were you aware of the Teflon Stain Resistant Range, specifically?
Yes, I was aware of the overall range, but not of the Teflon Stain Resistant Range.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Generally good - but the actual purchase procedure is no fun. It took quite some time, going through rack after rack to try and find the right size - no sense of grouping by age, i.e. 11-16 on one section, 4-10 on another, it's all random. The rails were crammed full, so the front lot of items fall off onto the floor when you look further back, the sizes were all out of order and often on the wrong hangers. That was followed up with a long wait in a long queue (on a weekday afternoon). Unless I have time to kill, I might stick to buying online next time.
The boys' trousers I bought have washed and worn well over the 2 weeks they've been used, so I can't comment on long-term durability. I tend to value durability over 'stain resistance' to be honest, after knees have gone on previous purchases! The kind of fabric school trousers are made of these days don't seem to let stains 'sink in' anyway, so I'm not really sure of its value as a USP. The fit has been fine - no complaints on that score. There's not enough fabric to let them down sadly, but that is pretty usual these days & particularly at the sort of prices these are on sale for.
I actually purchased a skirt for DD at the same time, and that feels quite solid and durable. But boys' trousers obviously do take more of a hammering!
Q3. How did the Matalan item of school uniform your child tested compare to the school uniform items you typically purchase? Please refer to fit, style, and comfort in your answer.
It was pretty much in line with others I'd bought, most recently from Asda.
Q4. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing an item of school uniform from Matalan if you were in need of school uniforms?
Pretty likely; it's the closest store to me that sells uniform. As said, the offline purchase experience is not the best, but it could easily be improved!
Q5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Matalan item of school uniform you tested to friends/family? If so, why? If not, why not?
I wouldn't say they were better than anywhere else. But I would recommend them, certainly on price. They're decent quality and decent value.