Read Mumsnetters reviews of Tesco F&F school uniform

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for Mumsnetters with children aged 5-10 who tested out the Tesco F&F school uniform range. Each tester was given a £20 Tesco voucher to go into store and buy uniform for their 5-10 year olds and have been testing out the uniform the last few weeks.

Here’s what Tesco F&F has to say: “Tesco uniforms are our best uniforms yet and with features such as reinforced knees on trousers, As-New technology, Teflon coating (eco-friendly) and much more, we’re confident that they will last and last and last.”

Testers please answer the following questions:

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?
• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?
• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?
• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?
• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

All testers who leave their feedback on this thread and fill in the short feedback survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £300 Tesco voucher!

Thanks

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

would be able to get all the clothing items I needed provided they’re stocked but probably not shoes as well

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

the range was quite limited and although it’s the beginning of summer holidays lots of sizes already sold out or in short supply

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

probably won’t need to unless my child ruins them or outgrows them, so hopefully they’ll last the school year

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

i didn’t speak to anyone but I didn’t see anyone in the F&F area anyway. Would’ve asked about range options- colours and sizes, delivery of further stock etc

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

think the sizing came up on the large side but ok with it, it would be helpful to have shirts in different packaging or on hangers so as to see sizing in the shop. Material felt a bit stiff and crunchy to start but my child was happy with it all. Shorts look like they will endure as well

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

honestly I think there isn’t much difference in the uniforms from other supermarkets price or quality, normally just slight variants on designs and stock availability

-Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
No I couldn’t get everything I needed. I only managed to get a skirt for £7, a pack of t-shirts (both for my daughter) and had enough left to get a pack of t-shirts for my son.
I would normally spend around £40/£50 on the back to school uniform.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

In the store I went to the range wasn’t very good. Only 1 style of skirt, a few trousers but all the same size, the t-shirts about 3 packs for each size, and there were no shirts or jumpers in the colour I needed.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I think that if they are looked after I could get most of the school year out of them.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

I did ask if there were any more sizes in the girls trousers but was told that it was only what was out on the shelf.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes it fit very well. I had no complaints about it being uncomfortable.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I like the whisky of the F&F range but it was just a shame that there wasn’t much to choose from. Where I have bought it the past there has been a lot of ranges and they were also a little cheaper in price too.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

Only able to get two set of dress, a pair of white shirt and two black short for aged 9. Normally I will spend over £45 plus £50 on shoes.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

They run out of the red summer dress. So have to buy others. The range is not great at the moment, maybe they are stocking up.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Should least for a year till she grow.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No one around there at all.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Fit ok. My daughter is quite slim. Yes, comfortable.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I will buy again as the dress didn’t crease. No need to iron too. Will buy again.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

No, my children are older and have to have some uniform direct from school. Also as they get larger it gets more expensive I find. I'd normally (in primary) spend about £50 and £40/50 for shoes on each child.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

No, the sizes were really limited, especially the bigger sizes for shirts and skirts. I'm very disappointed you can no longer order online to collect in store, I used to do that and it was great. As I have twins, I always need 2 sets of each size at least.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I find F&F uniform lasts well, so it will just be as they grow out of them.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

There wasn't anyone around to speak to.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes the fit was fine and they were happy.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

It compares well, especially the shirts and socks. I would purchase it again.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

No, it would buy 1 set but not enough so that you could have a spare. It definitely wouldn't cover shoes either.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

No, there was very limited range at the store in the size and colour uniform that we needed which was very frustrating as we made the trip specifically to get the uniform.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

The quality seemed to be very good, so I wouldn't expect to replace it during the school year unless it was outgrown.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, I did not.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes, the uniform did fit well though my daughter found the playsuit a little awkward to get her arms in to pull it on. My daughter loved the different patterns on her socks and would show them to everyone in the morning. She also liked that they were ankle socks as it meant she didn't have to keep pulling them up.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

The uniform was comparable with that I've bought from Sainsbury's before and slightly cheaper so I would definitely look at buying more if we had a Tesco with f&f department closer to us.
I did like that I didn't have to iron the playsuit as it stayed relatively wrinkle free. The skirt also only needed a light iron to the pleats.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

I might have been able to get 5-6 polos and 2-3 pairs of trousers, but the range in store was so limited that in practice I couldn't.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

No, it was really poor. There was one pair of trousers in my son's size and no white polo shirts. Everything was also really badly sorted so I had to rifle through.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Given he'll have to grow into the shirts it will be a good while!

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, there weren't any staff around.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

The shirts one year older than my child's "right" size (since I couldn't get the right size) seemed like they would be right on the shoulders but they were very long, which would look a bit odd since they don't tuck polo shirts in.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I've bought F&F uniform before, but sorry, I probably won't again. I always bought online because it meant I could get the sizes I need, and now that online isn't available I just can't face the searching through the racks.

Could you get everything you needed for £20?
I could get everything I needed for £20 but it does depend on what I'm after! If I needed a few dresses and socks then yrs but if I needed shoes, pinafores, shirts, tights/socks then no.

How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
Maybe around £50. The back to school shop would be shoes, socks, tights, polo shirts, pinafore dresses, p.e kit, maybe a new bag, trainers so at least £50.

• Was there a good range available in store?

There wasn't. It was quite disappointing as there was hardly anything.

Could you get the specific size items you needed?
Only in the blue gingham dresses but even then only in one style. I couldn't get any trousers or skirts in the size I was after.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I expect I will only have to replace when she has outgrown them. The dress looks like good quality to me and that it will last.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, there wasn't any member of staff around to ask.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes, it fits very well and is comfortable. My child did not complain that she didn't want to wear it again.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

It's about the same really, I think all the supermarkets do fantastic quality uniform for brilliant prices. I have to say I wouldn't buy it again, not because if the quality but based in the poor choice of uniform available in the story and the fact that Tesco direct had now gone, I'm afraid I won't water a journey to Tesco again to buy uniform and be disappointed in the lack of availability.

Reading back, I'm worried that looks harsh - the clothes themselves were fine, but for me there's just no point them being fine if I'd have to make repeated trips/visit several stores just to get hold of them. I know it sounds ungrateful and I'd been so pleased to get the voucher but in practice I'll still need to buy basically a full set for my boy and his younger brother (since they didn't have any sizes that would have fitted him, to start in reception)

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
I usually buy 2 jumpers, 2 pinafores, 5/6 shirts as the main uniform and I got most of it using the £20 we were given. I normally spend around £30 on the school shop per child (before shoes) so was surprised at how far this £20 got me.

- Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?
Personally my local Tesco (still a superstore) had a poor range of school uniform. There was only 1 option for pinafores, 1 jumper etc. Also the sizes were very lacking and there wasn’t much uniform there at all.
Our “local” extra store had a much larger selection of uniform though but it is a good half hour drive to that store so not sure it’d be a regular thing just for uniform.

- Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?
I think the quality of the uniform is amazing and I think it would be likely to last a whole year at school (or at least most of the year).

- Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?
I attempted to talk to a member of staff, about more sizes, but couldn’t locate anyone in the clothing section so I gave up and got what I could.
- Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?
Yeah the uniform fits perfectly and my child was happy running around and playing with her friends in it.

- How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?
The F&F range was great quality and looks very smart too. Honestly looks the same and performs the same as other school uniforms we’ve had in the past. Only problem I have is with the stock levels but if they have the right items and sizes in I would definitely use their uniform in the future.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

No, I bought 4 polo shirts. 1 trousers and 2 pe shorts. I normally buy 5 of everything so I don’t have to wash and dry mid week. Hard to say how much, but excluding shoes. Probably £60

- Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

No, it was a poor selection in the store. For girls, only trousers in a few sizes, small sizes of pinafore dresses (4-5) and a few skirts in teen sizes. I was only able to buy polos, one trousers and pe shorts. That’s all they had. No summer dresses. No sweatshirts. Nothing. Very sparse.

- Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Not sure how long the polos will last, they have shrunk a bit in a 40deg wash. The pe shorts seem to be ok. I’ll have to buy more for sept anyway as one pair of trousers won’t be enough.

- Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

Yes, I spoke to a member of staff in the clothing section. I asked if they had any larger sized pinafores or anymore school uniform. She said, “no and we aren’t getting any more now”. Not a brilliant reply, but truthful.

- Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

It was ok, the trousers had a complicated button style at the fly. Three buttons. Was a bit worried how fast it would take to undo in a loo situation. It wasn’t the normal style I’d go for. But all you had to test.

- How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

The polos seemed on a par with other supermarkets. The trousers are 100% polyester and very cheap looking. Also they crease terribly. Not sure I’d buy it again as the selection was so poor. I like to get it all at once. Also I normally buy online and Tesco don’t have that option now.

Thank you Tesco and mumsnet for letting me test. I’ve found it very interesting.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? See below.

How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child? Excluding shoes, probably about £30.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed? No, I needed 8-9. There were no boys grey trousers or shorts in that size in any style. No PE shorts in his size either. I bought one pack of 8-9 polos. And one pack of the size up as my experience of Tesco polos previously was that they shrink a lot.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I have to replace the 8-9 polos after one wash (at 40) as despite being quite big when tried on they now look small and wont be any good for September, they have shrunk approx 4cm in length and 2cm in width.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

Yes, they said there was no more stock for a few more weeks when they launch their new uniform range. They were helpful, they just couldn't do anything.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in? Yes, before washing it fit well! It was comfortable.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

Most school polos shrink in the wash but the Tesco ones shrink dramatically! So no not great. I really wanted to test the trousers as we have big problems with my ongoing through the knees but they didn't have any.

I really don't understand why Tesco have done this trial now when so many stores are short on stock. I went to a large out of town Tesco Extra and was very unimpressed. I certainly wont bother going there again for uniform.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

I could get the non- logo basics that I needed, excluding shoes

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Yes there was a good range and I found the sizes I needed - it was a big Tesco though!

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I'm sure I'll have to replace the white polo shirts, my son wrecks any brand, stain resistant or not. Hopeful the bottoms will last until he outgrows them though.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

They were able to point me in the right direction when asked - I didn't ask anything else.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes it fit well, looked good, no complaints from son or from me.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I'm not sure how it will last in the longer term in comparison to other brands, but it looks good and I'll buy it again.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

I got some items that I needed at the moment - I tend to get school uniform as and when, rather than all in one big shop. I got two summer dresses, two pairs of shorts and two polo shirts.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

It was OK.

Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these

when they are grown out of!

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes, it fits well and I presume it's comfortable.

How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I think the polo shirts are a bit thinner than some other brands. I would probably buy it again. I'm not loyal to any particular shop. Probably have a slight preference for M&S but they are a bit more expensive.

- Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

I bought a pack of shirts, a pack of trousers and some socks, but I would normally need to buy another pack of shirts, shoes, and other uniform in addition to this.

- Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

I could not find slim fit trousers, only 'slim leg' which were not slim fit. I was able to find the specific height/age size I wanted though.

- Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I think they would last the school year if they fit my child.

- Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

I didn't speak to anyone.

- Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

The sizing of the trousers was not at all good. I looked for slim fit trousers but couldn't find any and the slim leg trousers looked too big on the waist for the length I needed. I bought them anyway but my child would not wear them to school as they did not fit. I normally buy him regular length trousers from M&S as he is an average height and build for his age. The shirts fit and were comfortable.

- How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

The quality of the shirts and trousers appeared good for the price, though the trousers seemed a little thinner than M&S. The reinforced knees looked good, but the trousers may be cold in the winter. I would not buy it again as it is not a good fit for my child, I would rather pay a little extra for M&S so he can have clothing he will wear and that fits, seeing as it is worn 5 days a week. I also prefer to be able to order what I need online.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
No not everything but I got some summer dresses and a pack of shirts in the sale.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Yes I could get everything I went for.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Hopefully some of them will last as DC has two years left in school and I bought them big enough.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, there was no one there to talk to when I wanted to ask about PE shorts.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

The size I bought fit well and was comfortable but unfortunately I needed to buy a size that was 3 years older than my DC because they are tall, as are a lot of children now but clothes stores haven’t caught up with this.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I was unsure after reading some of these comments but was pleasantly surprised. I will definately be buying more from Tesco.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

£20 isn’t enough to buy everything. I got shirts and trousers only. Not enough shirts but then I usually buy a lot as my son needs a clean one everyday as he tends to play football!! I then also need to buy school jumpers, tie, shoes and PE kit separately.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Yes there was a good range, lots of different colours which seeemed to cover all of our local schools. I managed to get all the sizes I needed too.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I would hope at least half a year, possibly the trousers might last a full school year. I usually have to replace shirts halfway through the year as my son switches from short sleeves to long sleeves and they’re usually have too many paint/pen/mud stains by then!

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, I didn’t need to talk to any staff about the uniform.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes, was a good fit. My son is tall for his age so I always know to buy up a couple of sizes. He seemed to be quite comfortable in them.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I usually buy from M&S and sometimes Next and I would say this uniform was prettt similar. Perhaps the shirts just weren’t quite as tailored. The only complaint I had is that they only had ‘easy iron’ whereas I usually buy ‘non iron’ shirts from M&A.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

No, I was only able to get 3 pieces. I’d usually spend on uniform alone (not counting a new backpack/ lunchbox etc) probabaly about £40-£50.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

No, I wanted white polo tops but there were not any in my son’s size.
I was able to get his size in a few other things though.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I’d expect them to last til Spring term.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

I didn’t speak to a staff member.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes it was a great fit and there were no complaints from my son he seemed to be comfortable in it all.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

It was good quality I found it compared well to other supermarket school clothes.
Yes I would buy from their uniform range again.

- Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

Unfortunately, I did not manage to get everything I needed, because there wasn’t any stock available either online or in store. I usually used to get everything online from f&f.

- Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

There wasn’t anything available in the store. I managed to get some polo shirts and socks. I went to the Tesco extra in Kensington. They told me they would stock them next week.

- Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I think they look really sturdy and will last a while. I don’t think I will have to replace the polo shirts but maybe the tights needs to changed around Christmas time.

- Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

I spoke to one gentleman and he told me the back to school will be in next week. He seemed to know what he was talking about.

- Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

The uniforms fit very well and is true to size.

- How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I usually mix and match my daughters uniforms. Buy some stuff from Debenhams and m&s. I have to say the quality seems really well. So I can say I am converted . I will give Tesco’s another visit next week and get a few other pieces.

Could you get everything you needed for £20?
No, it was £26 for 2 pairs of trousers, 2 pairs of shorts, and 4 shirts.

How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
About £70. That includes the jumper and PE kit I have to buy from a uniform shop and shoes.

Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?
There was a very small range in store, possibly because of the time of year. I couldn't get the size up I wanted in everything. Additionally, 2 shirts I bought were labelled '7-8' were actually '6-7' when I opened them at home. Frustrating as I have a 6 year old turning 7 next month.

Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?
There were quite a few loose threads on the clothes but that's to be expected at the price. I would expect them to last most of the school year based on quality. However I will have to replace sooner due to size issues.

Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?
No I didn't.
Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?
It seemed to fit okay. Just asked my son and he said it's comfortable!
How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?
Slightly lower quality but a lot lower price than where I have previously bought school uniform. I would buy again if they had a larger range of sizes in store.

We bought a couple of summer dresses and a play suit type dress that my daughter had been after for ages. We also bought socks and a skirt and a pinafore. This came to £25. I didn’t expect to buy a full kit for £20. I usually pay about £40 not including shoes.
The uniform was a good fit with my daughter’s age band fitting her well. She will hopefully get some wear from the dresses in September- it is normally warm when they go back. It has washed well. We bought it on the first weekend so have had a fortnights wear from it- so 2 washes for each item. The socks are particularly nice- very soft. We normally buy M&S and these were nicer.
We had to travel about 15 miles as our local Tesco has a very poor range of uniform and not the correct colours for our school. It’s a pity it can’t be bought online.
We didn’t see any staff in the shop so couldn’t ask anything.
My daughter was particularly pleased with the play suit dress thing- she wore it a lot.

• Could you get everything you needed for £20?

Not quite - we bought two pairs of trousers, two pairs of shorts and 4 t-shirts (they usually come home splattered in mud so wanted enough for each day!).

How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
Between £20-40 normally.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Size 4-5 was lacking in the t-shirts and they only had the ones with the frilly collar in the same size so we went up a size and found it absolutely fine. Plenty of shorts and trousers in a variety of sizes.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Probably not until next year! The ones we’ve had from this year have lasted very well so I’m confident that we could get a full school year out of it.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

Not required.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

Yes, sizing was good and true to size but my only critique would be the length of the trousers in comparison to the weight size - although my son might just have little legs!

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

We’ve found that Tesco has been better quality than what we’d normally buy at Asda however I would query the ‘stain repellant’ t-shirts as mud (even with Tesco oxy stain remover) was difficult to shift and required two washes although the sun cream came out after one wash.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

No I got one outfit. I would usually get three of everything.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Couldn’t get the right colours in some items.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

I don’t know but they seem very good quality , especially for the price.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

It came up quite small so we got a year older than actual age but dc is quite tall.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

Yes I’m going to buy more, usually get M and S and it seems just as good.

Could you get everything you needed for £20.
How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

I usually like to have a clean set each day and wash them all together at the weekend. I would usually spend around £80-£90 which would include shoes and a PE kit. £20 bought me a pack of 2 polo shirts, 2 pairs of shorts and 2 pairs of trousers (they had no sweatshirts in stock), so less than half of clothing I usually buy.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

We visited our local store and I was not impressed with the range, although the girls items seemed to be more plentiful that the boys. There were no green sweatshirts or polo shirts at all (there were some girls cardigans though) so I had to buy some white ones instead. There were hardly any boys shoes or plimsolls and none at all in my son's size. There was a better choice of trousers with quite a few different styles on offer but I had to opt for black ones as there were no grey styles in stock in size 6-7 years.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

The quality seemed ok but not brilliant. The black trouser fabric seemed quite thin so I'm not sure how long they will hold up with my son who due to learning difficulties spends quite a lot of time on the floor. The polo shirts were nice quality though so I would only expect to replace these if they become stained and if I can not get them clean.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

No, I didn't talk to staff.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

The fit was ok. I did have to turn he trousers up as they were a little on the long side but the shape over all was ok. Although I've mentioned that he trouser material seemed a bit thin, it also seemed a bit stiff. This may be due to the anti-stain coating. For this reason my little boy was reluctant to wear them at first once he had them on he seemed happy in them. I'm hoping after a few washes that they will soften up. The polo shirts fitted well.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

I think I would be unlikely to buy uniform from Tesco again. We will stick with Asda for polos and sweatshirts and M&S for trousers and shorts. The range in Asda is better and I know I can walk in there and get everything thing I need in once visit. Although M&S is a lot more expensive he quality of their shorts and trousers are far superior and usually last a whole school year. One of the other benefits of buying from other stores is their option to buy online and have it delivered to our door. My son has ASD and the less time we have to spend in store the better.

- Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?
I could have got several pairs of trousers/shorts and polo shirts for £20 if they had been available. Normally on back to school I would spend around £30-35 (Excluding shoes)

- Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed? Sadly the range was very small and limited mostly to older age groups. There were black PE shorts and white PE t-shirts, but I'd bought those a couple of weeks before this opportunity. There were no white polo shirts in the correct size. In the end I bought a couple of pairs of boys shorts and a pair of school shoes, which took me just over the £20 but otherwise I'd have only spent £6 on 2 pairs of shorts in DSs size.

- Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these? I'd expect the shorts to last the school year, as they won't be worn over the winter and early spring but they've stood up really well to a number of washes as DS gets filthy every day. The shoes are good quality and will easily last until he outgrows them.

- Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range? No, no staff nearby and with the limited availability there wasn't much to ask them about anyway.

- Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in? DS is 6. We bought size 5-6 shorts as he's relatively slender. Luckily they have the adjustable waistbands as without adjustment they fell straight down. With the adjustment they'll be fine for the year. The shoes were very comfortable straight off and he much prefers them to the M&S ones we last bought. They've stood up well to two weeks of rough play, both in school and at weekends as he wanted to wear them out of school as well.

- How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again? The quality of the shorts seems fine. I usually buy M&S and whilst they don't feel such good quality, they've kept their shape and size and stood up well so far. The shoes are a revelation; having bought Clark's in the past and winced whenever I pay the price, I would certainly buy Tesco school shoes again.

Could you get everything you needed for £20? How much would you normally spend on the ‘back-to-school’ shop for one child?

If I'd managed to do the shop, probably not. I usually average £30 ish - 2 pairs of trousers, PE kit, socks, shorts, 5 polo shirts.

• Was there a good range available in store? Could you get the specific size items you needed?

Definitely not! Very sparse offerings, very few sizes. I got some socks and PE tshirts.

• Based on the quality of uniform pieces you’ve bought, when do you expect you’ll next have to replace these?

Next year, I would hope. I was happy with the quality, but would've liked to have assesses trousers and polo shirts since they're what get the most wear.

• Did you talk to any store staff about the back to school range and were they helpful and knowledgeable about the range?

I asked when they were getting more stock. They didn't know what was coming in when.

• Did the uniform fit well? Was it comfortable for your child to wear and play in?

It did. The socks were lovely quality, and the PE tshirt nice and soft.

• How did the Tesco F&F uniform compare to other brands you’ve bought school uniform from in the past? Would you buy it again?

On a par with the M&S stuff we usually buy.

It was a shame we couldn't complete properly due to a lack of stock.