Read Mumsnetters’ feedback on Matalan's school uniform range - £300 voucher to be won. NOW CLOSED

[ZaneMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters who tested an item of school uniform from the Matalan Teflon Stain Resistant Range.

Here’s what Matalan say “Our Teflon stain resistant coating is designed to repel water and stains, restricting stains from absorbing into the fabric. We know kids will be kids and we want to help you keep them looking smart for school and make sure their school uniform lasts.”

Testers, please complete the feedback questions below but please feel free to add any other comments you may have. Please state which item of clothing you tested. Please also remember to complete the survey we sent you to be entered into the £300 Love2Shop voucher prize draw.

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?
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
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.
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?
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?

Thanks, MNHQ .

Standard Insight Terms and Conditions Apply

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?

Knew Matalan sold school uniforms but unaware of the Teflon Stain Resistant range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

Although I received a larger size than usual, I had to turn up a couple if inches, I was quite impressed. The trousers were if a very good quality and looked good.

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.

Style was smart, fit reasonable although I did have to turn up legs, son said they were very comfortable.

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?

I will definitely consider purchasing my children's uniforms from Matalan given the quality of the trousers we gave tested.
These washed very well, grass stains from playing footie at break times came out first time and on a cool wash.

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?

Yes I would recommend this range of uniform from Matalan, quality great, comfort good and washed really well. Prices are very reasonable too.

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?
Before taking part in this survey I wasn't aware of Matalan selling school uniform, let alone selling the Teflon Stain Resistant Range. My son only started school in September so I'm not well traveled on the uniform however when shopping in there had never seen it before.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
We purchased and reviewed a pair of grey standard trousers from the Teflon Stain Resistant Range in which Matalan sell and overall we were very impressed with them.
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.
We have previously purchased trousers from a supermarket store which overtime have shrunk within the wash, I have washed the pair from Matalan on a number of occasions now and they haven't shrunk at all. Also they have washed really well not having too many creases remaining when washed and dried making ironing easier. As for the comfort my son has found them a lot more comfortable and the quality is exceptionable being rather thick. They fit him beautifully and I only wish we had them back at the beginning of term.
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?
Come September I shall definitely be heading to Matalan for the new school year uniforms (well before September) and I would definitely return for any top-ups required throughout the year.
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?
Yes, I would definitely recommend them, in fact I already have to a friend with a son of similar age. The quality is exceptional and the price is amazing. The quality of the fabric and the overall thickness is of excellent quality and one in which I would probably expect to pay more for normally.

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?

I was aware that Matalan sell school wear but was not familiar with the full range including the Teflon Stain Resistant range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

I thought the trousers were of a fairly good quality and appear quite robust.

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.

The trousers were fairly similar although the fit was a little more snug. The style was ok and my son says they feel comfortable.

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?

I would definitely consider purchasing from Matalan although the nearest store is not really that convenient. I don't feel I could purchase online as my son really needs to try the clothes on to get the most suitable size.

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 think I would as the price is reasonable and the quality seems pretty good.

Got my shorts after been sent a skirt unfortunately ds2 got sent home I'll so no school till Monday

1. Yes, I was aware

1. Fitted well, sizes are as expected, material feels nice, daughter likes it

1. I would say it was comparable to what I usually buy - M&S, good fit and comfortable to wear

1. Yes I would but I have no Matalan branch nearby - the one close to my office in Oxford St doesn't sell uniforms

1. Yes I would. Although they had hardly any sizes I needed in the shop so I would probably tell them to order online.

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?

No, I'm hardly ever in Matalan, I've used their website a few times. I'd never thought about them for school uniform and wasn't aware of their Teflon Range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

Quite good. I was quite impressed by the quality against price. My son chose a pair of black trousers. I like that there were a variety of fits available but it was a bit difficult to find his size in the shop. Our options were limited in store but the assistant made it clear that it would be no problem to order what was required. My son says they are comfortable and he chooses them to wear more often than the others. They have washed well.

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.

I found they felt softer than other stain resistant trousers I have bought him but they are not as easy to iron as some of his others. I like the range of styles available just in trousers alone - slim, pleat, generous, etc. It was much easier to get a better fit. Usually I have to take a hem up. Didn't have to and still have growing room. He likes them and says they're comfortable.

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?

I wouldn't hesitate. While we were in store I saw a lovely pinafore for my daughter! Other shops all seem to all have exactly the same styles and it was nice to see something different than all the 'same-y' stuff available everywhere.

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?

Yes, I would. I was pleasantly surprised! A good range of styles and fittings. Not so handy location wise for me as other shops but I'd still go.

Thanks for the chance to try.

Q1. Were you aware of Matalan’s range of school uniforms before taking part in this product test?
Yas
If so, were you aware of the Teflon Stain Resistant Range, specifically? no, had not noticed it
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? great. She looks nice in the skirt, It's, comfortable and conforms to the uniform policy
I
c. 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. actually the cut and fit of this skirt is much more flattering and suited to a preteen than any of the skirts she had previously. She would have done without the embroidered flowers though. She is comfortable in it.
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? not sure how it works for secondary. Matalan sizes don't go that big. Plus my younger child only wears trousers and likes the jersey stretchy ones, which you don't do. Plus you don't do wide range of colours for polo shirts, and the summer dresses were cut uncomfortably around the sleeves. But other than these issues, yes I will. In fact when my youngest starts school I will start the uniform shopping in matalan.

Q5. If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the Matalan item of school uniform you tested to friends/family? definitely If so, why? it looks great, and is very cheap

I have bought u I form at matalan before, and appreciate the fact that it is a year round uniform shop. Supermarket in my locality do a big thing of uniform in August, and then run out of the range of sizes pretty quick, and are left with a random selection of the colours that are not used by any local primary. They then persist with this collection all year, which nobody buys because it's the wrong colours, in a pretence that they stock uniform. This is very silly. Thank you matalan for not being like this.

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?
No

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
The quality seemed good, although the fit was quite poor.
I selected the 'slim fit' style for my tall 12 year old, however they were taught around his thighs, but huge around his waist and hips.

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.
I normally buy Next jeans style slim fit trousers (they fit well, and wear well). These fitted less well, and seemed less durable, however they certainly washed better and dried much more quickly.

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?
I bought shirt when I collected trousers for him. Whilst I wouldn't buy the trousers again, mainly due to the fit, the shirts were excellent.

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'd happily recommend for quality (and pass comment on the fit)

We chose a pair of flat fronted long trousers
Q1. No, tbh I had never set foot in a Matalan store before.
Q2. Better quality and fit than I expected.
Q3. I normally buy John Lewis and they are better quality but more expensive. As I said the trousers were better quality than I expected although rather baggy for my slim son.
Q4. I might if there was one locally but I had to travel some way to go to Matalan.
Q5. I probably wouldn't as there isn't one in our local city. I must mention that the staff in the store were extremely helpful and I would definitely visit the store again if I was in the vicinity.

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?

I knew that Matalan sold school uniform but wasn't ware particularly of the Teflon range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
the skirt was fab. Good thickness of material, nice design touch (flippy pull on skirt in black) with the embroidered design. Good length, my daughter at 10 isn't overly tall for her age but often skirts are far too short.

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 compared well to our normal mix of john Lewis, M&S and school uniform shop. The price was good. As I said above the quality seems god, the skirt washed and tumble dried well, no need for ironing. The length of the skirt was good.

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?
due to issues in in store availability I would buy online but wouldn't make specific trip to the store as its not really in a convenient place for me and would be a trip specifically to the store.

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?

based on the item we have yes I would recommend matalans uniform range.

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? Aware of the school uniform, but not this specific range.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? Very pleased
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. Favourably. With a tall, slim son we often find that legs being long enough swamps him with fabric at the waist but not so in this case. They looked smart and presentable and he found them comfortable at playtime as well.
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? Very likely to purchase again.
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? Yes. Because they have proven to be hard-wearing, have not lost their shape and wash like a dream.

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 but not of the Teflon range
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Good impression, will consider getting more.
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.
Fit was fine, style was similar and DD said was comfortable.
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.
*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?
Yes especially for kids who make mess!

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?
I knew of their range, but didn't know about the stain resistant range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Good quality. Good fit. The pleats on the skirt looked nice, even after being washed but not ironed.

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.
Thicker and better quality than the supermarket skirts my daughter has been wearing. It fit well, and she did not complain of any discomfort.

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?
I would definitely buy the skirts again. I saw skorts on the website, but they didn't have any in my local shop. I would want to buy the skort.

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?
Yes. Good quality and inexpensive.

Q1. Were you aware of Matalan's range of school uniforms before taking part in the product test?
No, I wasn't. I had never been into a Matalan prior to the product test.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform that you tested?
I felt it was good value for money and I liked the subtle pattern on it. We tested a pinafore. It was a good fit and had lots of room. The only negative was it was quite thin material. It will be fine for summer use but will probably be too cold to wear in the winter months.
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.
The school wear I purchase seems to be of better quality in that it is thicker. However the Matalan pinafore was cheaper. The style was nice. The pinafore was nice and roomy with plenty of room to grow into. My daughter said the pinafore felt comfortable and soft.
Q4. In future, how likely are you to consider purchasing an item of school uniform from Matalan in you were in need of school uniform?
It is unlikely I would purchase uniform from Matalan again mainly because I do not have a Matalan near to me and I can buy uniform in shops closer.
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?
To be honest I probably wouldn't recommend just due to the thickness of the items. I would be worried that they would not last very long. However if you are looking for cheap uniform, the range is good value.

Thank you for letting me take part in this product test.

1 - yes I was aware of the clothes range as has purchased from there before but I didn't know about the Teflon range.
2 - the pleated skirt was very good, washed well and ironed well.
3 - it was about the same as my usual, the style was good, my daughter liked it and the adjustable waist was very good as my daughter is very tall for her age and I have to buy thing big then her age.
4 - I would definitely buy from this range again.
5 - I would tell people about the range, I already have told some people.

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?

I was aware Matalan did uniform but never considered buying anything from there.
No, I wasn't aware of the Teflon Stain Resistant range.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

I am very impressed with the skirt/shorts we tested.

Q3. How did the Matalan item of school uniform your child tested compare to the school uniform items you typically purchase?

I found the fit quite small and had to get the next size up, however, I really like the style and noticed a few other items in the matalan range that were quite stylish compared to the standard uniform I usually buy.

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?

I will be using Matalan when the children break up in July, to purchase their full uniform and PE kits. I really liked what I saw in the rest of the school wear twanged and the product we tested was excellent in terms of quality and price.

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?

Definitely, I really liked the range and the item we tested is very stylish and easy to care for. The pleats are still perfect after being through the wash and tumble dryer. I only needed (or maybe didn't even need) to iron for a few seconds.

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?
No, I have never purchased school uniform from Matalan before
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Really liked the style and the quality, would be nice to see more fit options.
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.
The trousers were large for my son. He is slim, but Asda's cargo trousers (very similar To Matalan's cargo trousers) fit him well. The length of Matalan's cargo trousers is ok, but overall they look a bit baggy. My son finds them very comfortable nonetheless, but I wish there was an option for a slim fit. I know I am not alone as a few Mums from my son's class struggle finding slimmer fit trousers.
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?
Definitely would, providing the size/fit was right.
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?
Yes. Reasonably priced and nicely designed. Too early to tell how durable they are, but they wash ok and don't seem to crease too much.

1. I was aware that Matalan sold school uniform but I wasn't aware of the Teflon range.

1. The fit of the trousers were ok, the quality was average. I was pleased the trousers had an adjustable waistband. I found that after washing the trousers were difficult to iron. It took a lot of effort to get the creases out.

1. Fit, style and comfort were similar. They didn't look as good after washing as the school trousers I usually buy.

1. I'm not sure whether I'd buy trousers again, it depends how hardwearing this pair is. I might consider buying other items of school uniform.

1. I'm not sure as the trousers weren't any better than the ones I usually buy.

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?

No - I don't normally shop in Matalan so wouldn't have thought to purchase uniform in there

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

It looks and feels really good quality & washes so well. the colour is the perfect shade of grey too.

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.

In comparison to the uniform I already have it is just as good All round. The fit is probably better the skirt just sits nicely. My fussy daughter was happy to wear it & so the style must be perfect, plus no complaints of digging in or itchiness!

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?

It's not particularly close to me in terms of location so I'd have to make a special journey or order online but I would certainly purchase if I was going there at a time when I needed to buy uniform

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?

Yes I would. Us mums (& dads) are always looking to save a few pennies so I'll be letting them know about the great value at Matalan

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?
No I wasn't aware as I never shop there.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Average
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.
Fits and style ok but it doesn't have any features different to my usual shop. Not uncomfortable
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?
I wouldn't use them. The website was put of stock of a lot of items as was the shop. In fact I had no choice with what I could buy.
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?
No due to lack of originality and lack of stock

I didn't end up using my voucher as my son has been really poorly, but I have only heard good things about Matalan school range.

One of my DF swears by it for her very very active DS. Says it's the only school trousers that don't go through the knees :)

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?

1. yes I was aware of the Teflon resistant range.
   Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?

2. seemed good quality.

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.

3. sizing was good.

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?
4) very likely

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?
5) I would recommend matalan uniform as prices are reasonable for decent quality.

Q1- were you aware of Matalan range of school uniforms before taking part in this product test?
_ yes I was aware of them doing it but not aware of the Teflon stain resistant range.

Q2-what were your overall impression of the matalan item of school uniform you tested?
_I thought the item was great washes well and keep the shape.

Q3- how did the matalan item of school uniform your child tested to the school uniform items you typically purchase?
_they fitted good they looked smart and she said they were comfortable to wear.

Q4- in the future how likely are you to consider purchasing an item of school uniform from matalan if you were in need of school uniform?
-yes I would very likely to buy more items from this range.

Q5-if it came up in conversation would you recommend the matalan item of school uniform you tested to friends and family? Is so why or why not?
-yes I would because it's good quality at good price

Thank you for letting us take part in this trail

I tried a pair of trousers do a eleven year old .yes I was aware of the uniform range.2 They fitted really well 3 The style fitted in really well with the school and looked nice. 4 I would if they delivered them. 5. I would recommend the uniform to others