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Best places to buy school uniform

17 replies

BsshBossh · 24/04/2012 13:58

Where do you buy yours?

Has anyone bought online - they have good deals on the School Uniform Shop, for instance - any good? Any other online places to buy from?

My firstborn starts reception this September so am new to this :)

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DisBoCo · 24/04/2012 14:08

Have always had M&S, bought the majority when there was an offer on. I've been very happy with it. I don't have a supermarket that does clothes near to me but I know many people think they are the best bet.

Voidka · 24/04/2012 14:09

Another vote for m&s here (although I get DS's short sleeve shirts from Next). I think M&S has better quality items which was better- especially the polo shirts.

mrsbaffled · 24/04/2012 14:14

My DS is very slim and the best trousers and jogging bottoms are from Next. I did try the M&S ones, but the fit isn't so good for slim boys.

SmallShips · 24/04/2012 14:17

Next are good for slim kids, their trousers are excellent quality. Their polo shirts are awful though.

3duracellbunnies · 24/04/2012 14:20

We tend to get from M+S and school secondhand shop. Ours is usually after school or at summer fair, money goes to school. I like the M+S socks/tights as they have sizes sown in so takes the guesswork out of which one for which child. Have heard though John Lewis does too and are even less destructable.M+S usually start their offer around half term time, and end it the week before summer holidays. Last year was 20percent off, previously 3 for 2.

Friends with boys with generic polo shirts just get cheapest sainsburys, etc when 25 percent off, as they just get trashed at school, so cheap, cheerful and often. Things like marker pen and some paint don't wash off so not get a chance to wear out.

RaisinBoys · 24/04/2012 14:58

BHS online for trousers - good value and decent hardwearing fabric (knees!).

Any supermarket for polo shirts

JL grey socks - have sizes sewn into so matching easy.

Don't spend too much - it all comes home covered in paint, lunch and other unidentifiable stuff in the early days.

Good luck with the little one starting school

welovesausagedogs · 24/04/2012 14:59

My son is also starting school this year and we are going to get his uniform from john lewis as we can get all the uniform (good selection including coats) and school shoes measured all in one place.

RaisinBoys · 24/04/2012 14:59

That's if it comes home at all. You will become acquainted with the lost property box pretty quickly!

alison222 · 24/04/2012 14:59

for DS we go to the school shop for the slim fitting trousers - and they are tough too and last well. we have to get the logo stuff from there anyway.
For DD we get things wherever I can get them to fit her - also slim. Sometimes this is Tesco, sometimes BHS sometimes Next, occasionally M&S stuff is sufficiently slim. For the polo shirts M&S are fine Tescos were OK but shrank a bit. ( Adams were great until they shut down)

noramum · 24/04/2012 15:09

I also go to M&S apart from DD's cardigan as they don't do her colour at the moment. I like that I can order online and pick up virtually everywhere on a day which suits me.

I bought from Sainsbury as well, their sizing is a bit shorter so I need to buy at least one size up. I don't like that you can't order from them and the nearest one with a decent clothing department is 1/2 drive with no guarantee they stock her size.

We have a second-hand rail, good for emergency spares.

Tights is a major issue, I found Sainsbury so far the best. Knee highs were awful from them, I prefer John Lewis.

BsshBossh · 24/04/2012 16:45

Many thanks all. I've looked at the M&S site and their stuff look well-made yet not at all costly. Will also check out John Lewis. Will loo, out for half-term sale :)

OP posts:
3duracellbunnies · 24/04/2012 17:01

If it's a girl and pinafore dresses are on the list then they really protect the tops (useful when it's a logo top), just send in a skirt on pe day.

sunnyday123 · 24/04/2012 20:41

Be careful with M&S tops - they are short and wide. I find ASDA's much better!

My M&S zip pinafores all broke in 3 months (all 3!)

Next is good and John Lewis is great but pricey for school stuff!

treadonthecracks · 24/04/2012 20:56

My DD loves the next jersey trousers. She is slim and the skinny fit it great.

They are stretchy, warm and very easy to get on and off.

I bought a pair from sainsburys and a pair from Next last Sept. The Next ones are still going, the sainsburys ones were worn out in a couple of months.

mamajones39 · 23/08/2014 17:44

Unfortunately the problem with M+S is that it supports Israel with £223 million each year in trade and is on the Boycott Israel list. For those Mamas concerned about the health and safetly of the poor kids in Gaza currently being bombed by the Israelis, we can't shop at M+S!

There are plenty of other places to go, supermarkets, NExt, etc. where you can shop without inadvertently supporting Israel!

BikeRunSki · 23/08/2014 17:49

Ds started Reception last year in Next polo shirts (because they are long and thin like him) and Asda trousers. He'd started to go through the knees of the trousers by October half term. I replaced them with Next trousers and they still look new 2.5 terms later. And still fit!!! Smile

pointythings · 23/08/2014 19:32

M&S for normal fit school trousers - they do 85% cotton which is great for DD1 who has eczema, and they do good school blouses.

Next for slim fit school trousers - DD2 needs these.

Sainsburys does the best polos, but in secondary blouses with collars are required.

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