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Original poster

School uniform for overweight 5 year old

213 replies

Camelia22 · 07/08/2025 09:42

I am new on here and know this is Mumsnet, but I need urgent advice for my overweight grandson.
He is obese and I cannot get school trousers to fit him (he is nearly 5) . I would like to get elasticated trousers in bigger sizes. Have tried Marks but they do not fit.
Does anyone know what would happen if I cannot get a uniform to fit when he starts school (I would have to send him in, in black joggers), or anywhere that I could get advice now it is the school holidays.
Any help appreciated

OP posts:
MrsAvocet · 07/08/2025 14:34

Roothewheel · 07/08/2025 11:40

If you wish for posters to stick strictly within the confines of your precise question then…

”recommendation for plus size school trousers” would have been better than “obese almost 5 year old”

Show quote history

I'm pretty impressed by the OP saying it like it is to be honest. All too often on threads like this you see lots of euphemisms and people in denial that their children are overweight. The OP is clearly very aware of her grandson's problems and is trying to do something about it. It sounds like there may be a more complex backstory too. But no matter what she does in the next few weeks the boy is unlikely to be slim by September. It's going to take time, and he does need something to wear to school in the meanwhile.
Well done OP. I hope things get better for your grandson soon.

Roothewheel · 07/08/2025 14:40

MrsAvocet · 07/08/2025 14:34

I'm pretty impressed by the OP saying it like it is to be honest. All too often on threads like this you see lots of euphemisms and people in denial that their children are overweight. The OP is clearly very aware of her grandson's problems and is trying to do something about it. It sounds like there may be a more complex backstory too. But no matter what she does in the next few weeks the boy is unlikely to be slim by September. It's going to take time, and he does need something to wear to school in the meanwhile.
Well done OP. I hope things get better for your grandson soon.

Show quote history

Yes me too

so I think this boy stands a chance

Roothewheel · 07/08/2025 14:44

OldBeyondMyYears · 07/08/2025 12:53

FFS!! The OP is his grandmother, who is looking after the boy whilst his mum is in hospital!! What the actual fuck!! How bloody rude and insensitive are you??

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“FFS” did actually you read my posts?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

5 year olds Behaviour & development General education General parenting
Gowlett · 07/08/2025 14:45

The elasticated waists on kids clothes can be very tight.
If you’re handy with it, I often let some of the elastic out.

saffy2 · 07/08/2025 17:59

Camelia22 · 07/08/2025 09:42

I am new on here and know this is Mumsnet, but I need urgent advice for my overweight grandson.
He is obese and I cannot get school trousers to fit him (he is nearly 5) . I would like to get elasticated trousers in bigger sizes. Have tried Marks but they do not fit.
Does anyone know what would happen if I cannot get a uniform to fit when he starts school (I would have to send him in, in black joggers), or anywhere that I could get advice now it is the school holidays.
Any help appreciated

School uniform goes up to age 17…are you trying to say he’s so overweight that you can not get any trousers at all to fit him round the waist that you can get taken up?! Because if so you have bigger problems than school uniform and what the school says and I would urgently be addressing that.

MrsAvocet · 07/08/2025 19:00

saffy2 · 07/08/2025 17:59

School uniform goes up to age 17…are you trying to say he’s so overweight that you can not get any trousers at all to fit him round the waist that you can get taken up?! Because if so you have bigger problems than school uniform and what the school says and I would urgently be addressing that.

Show quote history

Well it's not quite that simple. Speaking as a short person who has struggled to get well fitting clothes for most of my life, I get fed up of hearing "why don't you just shorten it". Clothes that have been made for a taller person are cut quite differently- that is why there are such things as petite and plus size ranges in the first place. If the OP's grandson needs trousers made for a much older/taller child it will probably take a lot more than just shortening the legs to get a good fit. An obese 5 year old will be very differently proportioned to say a standard 9 year old even if the waist measurement is the same. The crotch may be round his knees and depending on the styling of the trousers even shortening legs isn't always that easy. I've ended up with accidental flares before now! Taking a couple of cm off a pair of trousers is one thing but you need to be quite a skilled tailor to do really good alterations and if you can do that you could probably just make your own anyway. The OP is not asking an unreasonable question.
And it's clear that the OP is aware of the wider issues. Some of the replies on here to a grandmother who is obviously doing her best in a difficult situation have been really unpleasant.

Fidom · 07/08/2025 19:04

I find the boys school trousers often come up v skinny fit (which doesn’t work well for my son seems to have inherited my sturdy size thighs).

The Trutex sturdy fit ones have worked well for us https://www.trutex.com/school-uniform/boys-school-uniform/boys-trousers?fit=19157

and I just got a discount code through
TRUTEXFAMILY10

Original poster
Camelia22 · 07/08/2025 19:05

Thank you so much MrsAvocet for your kind reply. Most of the replies have been extremely helpful and some not x

OP posts:
Original poster
Camelia22 · 07/08/2025 19:06

Thank you all so much for your much needed help x

OP posts:
Violinist64 · 08/08/2025 14:18

@Camelia22, I have been reading this thread with interest and you sound as if you are doing really well for your grandson and hope you find what he needs. How long is his mother likely to be in hospital and convalescing? Will you still be looking after him when he starts school? If so, l was wondering if you could have a quiet word with the teacher about the situation so that the school are aware and can monitor things. I would imagine that the normal health visitor service was not in operation when he was a baby/toddler and the family did not have the support and guidance that health visitors can often provide.

Violinist64 · 08/08/2025 14:18

I should have said because of the covid restrictions.

hexagongoldbox · 08/08/2025 14:54

I think there might be a gap in the market. Not for new school trousers for a new forum for parents. Some people are just on here now to be nasty and make people feel even worse. It’s often explained away with it’s ok to disagree or just being helpful. It’s not is it most of the time it’s nastiness.
People coming on here in desperation about housing being told just move or get a better job.
Weight issues seems to be a particular bug bear on mumsnet some of you are almost phobic.
Husbands must be left as soon as they won’t take the bin out.
Anyone who comes on here with an average salary is told they need to do better when they complain about the price of baked beans.
The racism and hatred towards disabled people is out of control.

Meanwhile in the real world….

Why you need to comment on this post if you don’t have a name of a shop as an answer I don’t know but hopefully you feel better about yourself. Glad you have managed to find him some OP and that most of the posters were helpful.

stichguru · 08/08/2025 15:05

M+S aren't the cheapest but are good quality and size up well. They have different fits. Also see if you have a school uniform exchange near you. We have a large one and it's fab. Partly for free uniform, but also because what people donate is all from different shops so you get different styles. Try to get elastic waist band ones and turn up the legs if you need.

BunnyBloom17 · 08/08/2025 18:20

and what about children who are neurodivergent?? Were you aware that children with ASD are more likely to be 'obese'?
Theres many health conditions that can cause a child to become overweight. Not just lifestyle. So yes actually, there are 'excuses'.
Dont put a downer on parents who face real life struggles everyday. Because as if being a parent isn't difficult enough, people like you make it harder. Do not comment on a child's weight ever, especially when you're that uneducated.

BunnyBloom17 · 08/08/2025 18:24

And what if the children question is neurodivergent?? More common for neurodivergent children to be overweight. Not always down to 'piss poor parenting'

Snorlaxo · 08/08/2025 18:28

Work out what age waist he needs.

If it’s not wildly different to his “height age” then try to buy his waist in short length.

If that’s not possible, buy his “waist age “ then take up the length of the trousers. You can sew or use wonder web if you’re not confident sewing.

Many manufacturers do a plus fit. It means there’s extra space for thighs etc that may suit your son’s shape better.

Original poster
Camelia22 · 09/08/2025 09:22

Thank you BunnyBloom17, that is another area we are having to cover as he is showing traits of this. I did not want to bring up everything about him as it is hard at times having to deal with all of this. Hopefully when he starts school I will be able to get some help there x

OP posts:
Mememe9898 · 09/08/2025 19:07

mumuseli · 07/08/2025 09:45

Just checking that you’re aware that most of the school trousers in the shops have a button and elastic system inside so you can adjust the waist. (Sorry if you already know this and I’m stating the obvious, but it took me a while to realise that when my son started school!)

This is only applicable if the length is a good fit and the waist is too big! This ladies grandson is overweight so needs a bigger waist size than his age so will be too long in the legs. My son is really skinny so I always use the elastic and get Next slim fit as even with the elastic band marks and Spencer trousers are too big for him.

OleWomanInAShoe · 09/08/2025 19:08

Honestly I've had this same problem with girls school skirts. I'm resorting to making some because women's skirts in the right size are too expensive.

dizzydizzydizzy · 09/08/2025 19:14

My friend had this problem with her daughter. She used to go to the school uniform shop and they used to be able to source suitable stuff.

FluffyJawsOfDoom · 09/08/2025 19:15

We also like the George/Asda trousers. Buy a big size and some hemming tape and shorten them. They only last a few terms at that age any way so don't worry if sewing is not your forte and they are a bit untidy.

Our school does allow joggers if needs be, but given he's probably stressed from the upheaval already it would be beneficial for him to match his peers and not worry about being the odd one out :)

Silversaxo · 09/08/2025 19:16

My kids are teens now, but they have full thighs and big bums. They only fit in Tesco ‘generous fit’ school pants in the age above. They are the best fitting I have found, and we’ve tried a lot!

NameChange30 · 09/08/2025 19:18

Camelia22 · 07/08/2025 10:16

Thank you all for your comments and help. I knew I would get some that criticize his weight, which is not helpful, but his mum is in hospital and I am dealing with everything at the moment, including his diet which is much more healthy with me. Hopefully we are getting there.

I'm glad he has you, OP. Is his mum your daughter? Must be a stressful time for you if she's in hospital, and you're taking care of him.

Here are some options to try if you haven't already:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/2pk-boys-regular-leg-plus-waist-school-trousers-2-18-yrs-/p/clp60650376
or
https://www.next.co.uk/style/st179631/151690#151690
or
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su522563/au3643#au3643

2pk Boys' Regular Leg Plus Waist School Trousers (2-18 Yrs) | M&S Collection | M&S

This two-pack of school trousers is designed with a regular leg and are 6cm wider through the waist for extra comfort. Our durable Stain & Weatherproof technology repels water and stains. The hem can be unpicked and pressed for an extra 3cm to accommod...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/2pk-boys-regular-leg-plus-waist-school-trousers-2-18-yrs-/p/clp60650376

MB34 · 09/08/2025 19:18

Obviously it depends on the school but my son's school lets them wear anything, even though they do have a "uniform policy".
Most children wear school uniform, some wear it with joggers/shorts.
My 6 year old is very very stubborn and (along with a handful.of others) wears normal clothes/football kits most days - the school haven't said anything. (I'd have to physically manhandle him into the uniform and the car if I made him wear uniform - then he'd probably take the uniform off in the car 🙄)

NameChange30 · 09/08/2025 19:20

Sorry, I should have read all your posts. Have now read the post explaining that your grandson's parents are your DIL who's in hospital and your son who works long hours. I really think he needs to step up and do more for his son, it can't be easy having a demanding job and an unwell wife but he is still a father. He shouldn't be leaving it all to you.