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

1.I was aware that matalan did a uniform range but thought it was just over the summer months before school (as that's when I shop for uniform). I didn't know they did a stain resistant range.

1. The item I tested a pir of trousers I actually thought looked a bit cheap. I didn't like the material it was made of.

1. The trousers were fine in terms of fit and style but I think the material wasn't so smooth and soft as I normally buy, so a let down on that side.

1. They didn't have more navy items I was restricted in what I could buy from that shade so had to settle on the grey trousers. I probably would go to a store that had a range of fabrics and colours rather than Matalan.

5 I probably wouldn't recommend Matalan as the range was quite limited in store and I didn't like the fabric very much.

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 didn't know about it.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Good style on he trousers I chose but the fabric seemed very stiff.

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 comparable.
Fit was similar, meaning I had to take it, but I found the fabric not as easy to hem and I'm not sure it will stand up to being hemmed a few times during the year.
Comfort was not as good as the fabric is quite stiff.

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 if they carried the cargo short in black.for some reason it us only available in grey.

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, in the same way as I would talk about the Asda uniform - well priced, especially when buying for multiple children but don't expect them to last as hand me downs!

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 sell uniform but not Teflon stain resistant range

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Very impresssed. With all aspects of the item. Colour, fit, how it washes. Everything was great

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 style was fantastic, fit perfectly and comfortable for her

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?
Most definitely will purchase in further needs of school 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 definitely. Fantastic product wished I knew bout this earlier.

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 think I assumed that as they sell children's clothes they would carry a uniform range but had never actually seen it. Matalan certainly wouldn't have come to mind when considering where to source my sons uniform.

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

I was fairly impressed, my son is a typical boisterous 5 year old and gives his uniform a good work out! I got him a pair of black trousers and found them to wash/wear well. I also noticed they held the crease nicely so only needed ironing every other wash

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

Much the same in all honesty, although Morrison's also sell Teflon coated trousers which I'm sure were a few pounds cheaper. Still good value for hard wearing trousers though.

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?

Yes I would definitely consider it now they are on my radar so to speak. The trousers looked smart and as mentioned they have the added bonus of holding their crease so less ironing. My son was more than happy with the way they felt and they were a decent 'true to size' fit.

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 already have and made a return trip with a neighbour who had been looking for some time for a pair of school culottes for her daughter, she was delighted

My one request would be more colours for the boys shorts please, my son is desperate for some but is not allowed grey. Black or navy blue please

Thank you

In the survey, I said I go to a supermarket or dept store usually for uniform, and the main reason is price. On reflection this is not true. I go to add a for the trousers for fit and comfort, John Lewis for the specific colour polo shirt and bhs for the soft cardigan. (Although have since bought matalan cardigan which is softer)
So Definitely shopping around here!

Add a= asda

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 they did school uniform but unaware that they did Teflon range
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? Unfortunately I firstly couldn't use voucher, then when I went back after the glitches had been detected and ironed out- there was no uniform in my daughter's sizes!!!!!!
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. Looked nice in store- as good quality as M and S
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? Yes, if they had sizes I would probably buy from Matalan. Staff said they don't have uniform in for long though!!
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? Would recommend basd on what I saw in store!

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 they did uniform but not specifically the Teflon range

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

Dd desperately wanted a skirt but as she is so petite she usually struggles to keep them up! I really liked that the range went down to an age 3 (she's 4 but no waist!) and also had the adjustable waistband in so she was able to finally wear a school skirt that fit properly! She is generally a mucky child and often comes home smothered in something or other (yoghurt, paint, mud from the garden!) and the skirt seemed to wash really well. It only came out unclean once and that was probably down to me quick washing it and it being covered in pink yoghurt!

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.

DD has never been able to wear a skirt to school before so that's a bonus right from the start! She has got a pinafore, but after a number of washes it started to go bubbly. The skirt has been washed twice a week since the trial started and shows no signs of wear. I'm really impressed with the fit as most of the school skirts we have looked at have not had the adjustable waistband in and have not gone down to a small enough size for dd to wear. She says she felt very comfortable in it and it was easier for her to take herself to the toilet when wearing 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?

Dd starts primary school in September (at nursery school atm) and I will definitely be considering matalan for her 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?

Absolutely. The one I went to had a good range of stuff to choose from anda really good range of sizes. If it keeps washing this well until the end of term I would definitely recommend

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 they sold uniform, but not the stain resistant range

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
I purchased a pinafore, I really liked the style of it for DD and it seems well made.

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 seemed similar quality to what I normally buy. I particularly like the style of pinafore with crossed straps at the back, as I have not seen that elsewhere.

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 be fairly likely to purchase from Matalan 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

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? washed and wore very 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. The shorts was a nice style and fit
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? Yes I've ordered more school shorts
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 definitely would recommend

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 that Matalan sold uniform.

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

It was OK, the material was thinner than the range I normally buy so I am concerned about how well the trousers would fair over the course of a year - I doubt they would last three terms, whereas the trousers DS usually has still have plenty of life left in them and are only replaced if he has grown out of 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.

The fit was OK but not great. I went a size up as DS is in the middle of a growth spurt, but the bigger size only just fit. He will get wear from the trousers this term but I doubt he will be able to wear them come September. The style and comfort were fine.

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 probably not purchase from Matalan as it is not a shop I tend to go to, so it would be a special trip.

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 would mention Matalan as a option to purchase uniform from. I wouldn't necessarily recommend them, but I wouldn't tell people to avoid it either.

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 of Matalan's range of school uniform but I was not aware of the Teflon Stain Resistant Range hence why I was interested in taking part.

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

I got the grey shorts for my skinny year 6 son. Although he's eleven had to get the Age 9 ones as they were quite generous in sizing. (Or maybe my son is just small)

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 material seemed better quality and my son likes them. They were a good price. They wash well too.

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?

Yes. However, the selection was quite small and not much choice. I hope that there will be more items in stock before the autumn term starts in September.

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 definitely, great price and great quality.

Thank you for letting me take part!

I was pleased to be picked for the trial but unfortunately there were no items available in my local store in my sons school colours. Navy and Swansea.

1)I was not previously aware that matalan did school clothing at all.

2. N/A as I couldn't test an item.

3)N/A

4. Unlikely because I wouldn't want to go all the way there only to discover there are no Navy items.

5. No as I didn't test the item.

Thanks for picking me for the trial

I purchased a grey pinafore dress.

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 never even considered Matalan when thinking of school uniform.

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

I was impressed with the feel and quality of the uniform and the way that it washed well. I wasn't however a huge fan of the style.

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 washed well. I normally purchase jersey material dresses which quickly look faded and bobbly. Comfort wise, my 5 year old wasn't too pleased because of the lack of stretch. I wasn't too keen on the style compared to her regular a-line style.

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?

If the styles improved, I would definitely buy them because the dress washed so well but I'm not sure I would go there because of the lack of styles to choose from.

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, because I wasn't 100% convinced myself, I need to try it out a bit longer to really test the stain resistant aspect.

I made a special trip to Oxford Street to visit the Matalan there, only to find it didn't stock school uniform - and sadly I wasn't able to get to any of the other branches. I'm really sorry Mumsnet, please don't debar me from any future product tests...

On the plus side, the person I asked about it in the Oxford St branch was very apologetic and had lots of good advice about the range based on her experience.

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 not aware of the range.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? It seemed verb hard wearing and 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. It fitted my daughter well, however after washing it required ironing, which her usual pinafore don't.
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 might.
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 would mention that it is good quality and fit.

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 clothes but not any specifics about what they stocked.
Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Pretty 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.
The style was very similar and fit and comfort were pretty much on a par with other brands that I have bought.
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'd be happy to purchase from Matalan in the future for my children.
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 be happy to recommend. It was good quality and fitted well. Purchase price was reasonable too.

Thank you for allowing us to test this product.

1 No I wasn't aware Matalan sold school uniform, it somewhere I would usually visit.
2 I was really impressed with the trousers we tested, they were great quality.
3 The fit was perfect, the trousers had an adjustable waist which is always useful. The quality was really impressive and I imagine they will be extremely hardwearing. They also wash really well.
4 I would definitely consider using Matalan again ready for new uniforms in September.
5 I would not hesitate in recommending Matalans uniform to friends and family, the fit, style and quality were wonderful.

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?
Not really, I often buy from School days as DD's uniform is bottle green and not usually available easily in supermarket or other departmental stores, Even if so, I had to be fast to grab it as it gets cleared off the shelf quickly. And, We don't have a Matalan in our Local high street, so we visit the store near us only for seasonal wears.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested?
Had washed it only a few times now so can't really comment about the qulality, It has been dried in the dryer for a while and we have started sun drying as the weather is being nice with us for a while. Hopefully, it doesn't fade. But I am happy with the fit and style. (Not many available though)

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 and Style is OK although I haven't got many choices for the Bottle Green Skirt, There was only one choice I think. As I usually buy from School Days which is often expensive (as other mums are well aware of it), it is generally a good quality. Although I can't match with that Quality, I feel it is good for the price I paid considering, the kids grow out of their uniform very soon than we imagine and spending a fortune on uniform that grow out sooner always hurts me.

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?
Most likely, provided I have choices, deals and needed one when I pop in to the store for something else. They could do something about the free delivery though during the peak times when all the mums would be hurrying to buy them.

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 will. As mentioned, for the price I paid it is good. Not sure about the shirts and blouse though

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 of the uniform and had bought previously as I really liked the stle and the fit on my daughter. I was not aware of the Teflon previously.

Q2. What were your overall impressions of the Matalan item of school uniform you tested? I was impressed. The style and fit where perfect for my daughter and they washed well. They were great value for money!
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 fit was much better than some of the cheaper supermarket and online brands we have bought in the past snd the style was much more modern and pretty. My five year old has never found her school uniform 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?

Very likely, I wax impressed with the added value of stain resistant Teflon.
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 tell my friends and family that if was good value, looked cute and and that stains washed out really easy.

Thanks for all the feedback - Cerealchanger wins the £300 voucher!

Unfortunately I wasn't able to use my voucher .

We live 200 miles from the nearest store but we had a trip planned so I applied for the voucher knowing I would be passing the store door and would be able to use it within the time frame given. As is the way with these things the best laid plans never work! My DH was ill when we planned to go so had to postpone and when we went it was too late.

I apologise for not using the voucher but I did have every intention of putting it to good use.