NOW CLOSED Talk to M&S about their schoolwear and win one of two £100 M&S giftcards

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

As you may have seen, we've been working with M&S over the past few months to find out what Mumsnetters think of a variety of M&S ranges. The next one of these is schoolwear - M&S would like to know whether you do or don't buy their schoolwear for your DC and why, and what's important to you when you're shopping for uniform.

Please note - it doesn't matter whether or not you have ever bought schoolwear from M&S, this is open to all!

We've included a few questions to get you started below but please feel free to add any further comments you have. Everyone who adds their thoughts will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards.

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

[changeforthebetter]

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Buttoned elastic waistbands. DD1 is vair slim and most clothes fall off her hips. M&S already do this. Washability and general durability are hugely important.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Have bought majority of stuff so far in "big 4" supermarket - not as durable as M&S though - especially tights.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

Sainsbo, Tesco, Asda and M&S -M&S hands down for quality.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

More "skorts" DD loves these. Cooler than trousers but still practical. Fewer pleats tho' (see Sainsbo's for a good style )

[Hopezibah]

When buying my son's first school uniform, we had huge trouble finding age 3 trousers (because children tend to start school aged 4 or 5 and so not many places stocked age 3 which was his size at the time as he is very thin). Combined with finding navy (rather than the usual grey) age 3 trousers was proving difficult - until we found that M&S did stock them. We ordered online for this reason to be sure we could get the size / colour we wanted.

My preference is to order online when buying several items of uniform. Only negative of this is delivery charge. I hate paying online delivery charges.

As kids grow so fast out of uniform (or lose it so readily at school), I don't like paying too much - so it needs to be good value yet reasonably good fit / quality. Stretchy waistbands are great for those skinny waists.

Items i don't buy from M&S or other 'general' schoolwear retailers are shoes (need to be very good quality and fitted in person not online), and uniform jumpers (as usually need logo on).

Searching online for the products i need means i don't feel i need a catalogue.

Good coats that are a suitable dark colour (black, grey or navy) waterproof, durable and reasonably priced are also sometimes hard to find.

hope this helps!

[Lilyloo]

I always buy my uniform online. I am loyal to m&s, I tend to buy when they have offers on.
I buy them for quality and price.
Everything from trousers to period pumps have been great.
I have found problems with hems coming down on both girls and boys trousers after a few wears.
I also find their polo shirts always shrink, have again had boys and girls polo shirts.

[Lilyloo]

Sorry auto correct 'pe' not period

[mercibucket]

I usually buy m and s when they have the sale and free delivery. I like the quality, and the permanent iron crease thing down the trousers

I am very annoyed they don't sell black shorts - what do they think all those who wear black trousers are going to wear in summer?

Ds1 is now too large for their trousers though. He's not fat, is in the right weight/height ratio, but the trousers are too tight round the waist. They are great for ds2 who is skinny. So I think they are quite a slim fit

[theladylovescupcakes]

Fit is most important as DS is an odd shape! Always manage to get something to fit in M&S and would try there first. Usually buy I store but must admit to ordering a few styles and sizes online for home delivery and trying on in comfort at home.

Hems have been a bit dodgy this year for the first time IME. Quality usually great otherwise, and wouldn't shop for uniform anywhere else.

[Cantdothisagain]

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

I am less bothered about fit/price than about how easy it is for my 4 year old to put in on/take it off herself. One pinafore she has from M&S, that looks lovely and fits well, somehow is tricky for her to put on - she has a jersey one from Sainsbury that is much easier. In terms of polo shirts/sweatshirts, she has to wear both with school logo on so there is no choice as to where to buy them. Tights have oddly enough been the biggest problem as they seem to shrink in the tumble dryer - M&S have been way better than Sainsburys for this and now I get her tights in M&S or John Lewis.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

Both. Online I do click and collect from my local store - it's been a really positive experience; no problems at all. But I also buy in store, as we live near a giant M&S.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

My daughter's uniform is a grey skirt/trousers/pinafore plus polo shirt with school logo and sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo in winter/gingham dress plus school cardi in summer. So the only flexibility really is in the choice of skirt/trousers/pinafore. I have bought these from Sainsburys, M&S and John Lewis. I would say that the M&S pinafore is nicer than the others (the John Lewis one is an odd shape - but material is good) but harder to put on than the jersey Sainsburys one, which she can put on and off herself much more easily. So I'd like to see a jersey style winter pinafore (though I admit that this is probably an issue only for preschool/reception kids). All the pinafores have lasted well. Tights are a different issue - they all seem to shrink, and the M&S ones have been better on this front.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Soft jersey pinafore that would just pull over the head (so DD could dress herself). For the summer, ensure good stock of frilly ankle socks (my local mega-sized M&S seems to run out of these). I would love an online catalogue.

As an aside, I love the reviews on the website. V helpful.

[BerryLellow]

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.

Price and quality are important. When so many things need to be bought at once, on a regular basis, I need to not be spending a small fortune. However, I tend not to buy something if the material feels cheap, or the item seems poorly made as it's a false economy. Style is not too much of an issue for us as yet, as I'm buying primary uniform and DS is not hugely fussy. I can imagine that may not always be the case!

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

I buy in store, picking up things as we need them where possible. I prefer to be able to feel the fabric, and see the shape and size for myself. I find it irritating that you can't find a good stock of school uniform in store all year, just at times like now, when you don't necessarily want to be buying clothes before a two month break in the school year.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

Mostly M&S so far, but have also tried Sainsburys, as their pricing-quality ratio is very good. Most recently bought new shorts and polo shirts for DS from M&S, and they seem to be holding up well. Before that, though, I had trousers, and the hems were coming apart and dragging around within a couple of weeks which I was annoyed about.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

I'd like to see lightweight waterproof jackets/cagoules and fleeces in the same plain colours as the school jumpers. I also think the school shoes are a bit poor for boys. Would like a schoolwear catalogue that you could keep at home and order from throughout the year, much like Next do.

[jackies4]

I agree fit is very important and height too. My daughter is 12 but I need to buy age 14 at least in m&s so the clothes fit her height, but then its too baggy. Can they do extra tall versions as well as petite for school clothes?

[SpringSunshine]

When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you?

The most important thing to me is what it is made of - I want 100% cotton and definitely no Teflon or other chemicals. After that fit is important, then style for my dd at least. Price is relatively irrelevant!

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?

For staples I will shop online but have to go instore to try things on - particulary with moving to secondary this Sep. The instore experience is very important - dedicated staff available to help and knowledgeable are essential. I would love an appointment system for busy times

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?

I have used John Lewis as that is the school supplier. Also Trutex for fairtrade cotton (when they did it) and M &M direct online for cotton stuff. I have bought shirts from M & S when they did 100% cotton and socks / undies etc

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?

Fairtrade cotton is the way to go - loads of people have chidren with allergies or simply do not wish their children's clothes coated with chemicals / care about the environmental impact

[Tangfasticlady]

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Is it price, quality, style, fit or something else? M&S would like to understand how you decide whether or not to buy an item of school uniform so please provide as much detail as you can.
Fit, style, price and quality

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Are there specific things that you buy online and others that you would only ever consider buying in store? How important are factors such as delivery options, the in store/online experience etc to you?
Instore

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? If you have bought school uniform from M&S recently, how did you find it? Did the item(s) last well or not? If you haven't bought M&S school uniform before, why is that? What would make you give M&S school uniform a try?
Tesco, especially for shirts as they seem to remain whiter for longer and are easier to iorn.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Are there any items that they don't currently stock that you'd like to see added to the range? Would you appreciate a schoolwear catalogue available either online or in store?
Some more fashionable school items for older children.

[gilliancd]

I've just started buying for my daughter who starts school in September. We've got things from tescc, asda, m+s and matalan with the intention of comparing how they last.
I've not noticed massive differences in prices but what is important to me is that clothes look smart and not tacky. I've noticed quite a few skirts with frilly bits or dodgy belts which I would run a mile to avoid.
So far the only things I haven't been able to find are for the PE kit. a good range of shorts and tracksuit bottoms in a range of colours would be nice!

[bruffin]

I bought uniform from M&s all the way through primary for dcs. Their cotton jumpers and cardigans, were brilliant and lasted forever.
Bought Ds most of his uniform from. M&S when he started secondary, shirts still really good, but blazer lining not good.
Then 3 years ago went to get dds new uniform only to find no more traditional.uniform and only fashion style.
The 14 yr old blazer didn't fit my 11 year despite the fact she was tall and thin.
No traditional short sleeved open neck blouses, and no skirts that were suitable. So my daughter had no uniform from m &s at all. Quality has gone downhill and far less choice.

[LLJ4]

Nearly all the uniform we have, except the school logo things, is from M&S. I always buy in the shop as I like to get a feel for it.

In particular we have been pleased with the polo shirts, which wash and iron well and have kept their shape despite being cheap. Wish they did navy blue; don't want to spend ££ on logo ones nor ruin my washing machine with Dylon!

I would like more variety in leg length as mine are beanpoles.

I second/third/fourth the plea for more stock in August. DS1 grew nearly 4cm in three months, so it's pointless buying him September trousers in .

[MrsBadger]

Important factors:

1. School requirements (eg polo shirts have to have logo so must come from school shop)
   
2. Value for money - I don't mind paying a bit more if the damn stuff will last. Esp tights.
   
3. Price - but having said that if a cheap one will do then I will go for that.
   
4. Ease of purchase, so bought online and delivered or grabbed in Tesco with shopping. No special trips to Primark or JL, it's bad enough having to get shoes fitted.
   
5. DD will wear it without fuss - eg last winter Tesco pinafores with the flower zip tag were the coolest thing ever and skirts were nowhere; this summer she is liking choosing between gingham dress and shorts.
   

Online or in store?
Would try hard no to make a special trip to shop in store as the hassle is just too great. I measure dd (and clothes I know fit her at the moment) carefully at home and either order online and hope it all fits (dd is v average so it usually does, and everything has adjustable waists now) or grab it in the supermarket and similarly hope it all fits. Trying stuff on her in changing rooms with a toddler in tow is not feasible. I only wish M&S had better click-and-collect options (eg at Simply Food stores). I wouldn't buy school shoes online, but then I don't buy them from M&S.

Retailers:
I have bought most stuff from the school shop (logos, sigh) but the quality is not bad and the prices are actually pretty reasonable. Initially I bought skirts and trous from M&S but after the special request from DD to get Tesco pinafores like her friends' I have embraced supermarket greywear as the polyester seems to be indestructible and dd has not complained of itchyness.
Still go to M&S for the fab grey heart print long socks and the shorts-style knickers (excellent bottom coverage and no itchy lace at leg holes), and this year for shirts too as dd will wear a tie come Sept and I liked the look of the Ultimate ones with velcro top button and elastic cuffs.

Improving M&S's schoolwear:
I was not impressed that the packs of white shorts-style knickers were not included in the schoolwear offer, only the mad coloured ones - what's that all about?
I'd also like to see fully-fashioned ribbed tights - the best ones we ever had were a random grey pair of Boden ones that came in a pack with a pink pair but nowhere seems to do them in just school colours.
I was pleased to see this year there's an option of longer skirts and pinafores for girls - you could do with putting actual garment measurements for these on he website though.
Wouldn't use a paper catalogue and the website is pretty good already.

[ronshar]

I buy all our uniform in M&S except the branded jumpers.
I love the quality of the shirts and some of my eldest summer dresses are still going 7 years later. Not on her I might add!
I get very frustrated by the lack of choice in green. Very few skirts and the tights are always out of stock.

The shirts are easy to wash and sometimes don't even need ironing, fab in my house!

I use a mix of online & shop. Mostly due to supply issues with the green.

[mymonkey]

Most important factors are fit, quality, longevity ie still look decent at least one full term in. Also easy care (am a lazy cow) so things like stain resistance, no iron, and good finishing at hems, pockets etc (I know I'll end up sewing or buying again if not robust).

A zip pocket in trousers is a major plus - DS could lose limbs if not zipped on.

Tend to have a look at range in-store, perhaps buy a couple of pairs of trousers to try on and compare at home then can do the rest online (collect from store and return via store too = most convenient of both worlds).

I love that there is a range of trouser styles - sizing just doesn't cover all different shapes and being able to try a few different styles on helps to identify which fit best / look smartest. Some don't have zip pocket though - this is key (see above ;-)

Always buy from M&S - buying elsewhere has resulted in a) cursing loudly while sewing up hems after only a couple of wears or b) buying again to avoid cursing/sewing when damage has been more substantial.

Nothing else we need from M&S as school insists on own range of sweatshirts and polo shirts, so it's really trousers and PE-wear we need. Going up a school next year so may change opinion then.

[NickettyNacketty]

1. I juggle price, quality and fit in my decision on where to buy schoolwear. If M&S is slightly more expensive but has the style and fit then I will buy their stuff because of the quality. If the style and fit aren't right then there is no point as the children aren't happy. Sometimes the style is dictated by the school too.
   

If it's too expensive then I look at Sainsburys or BHS.

1. I mix online shopping with instore. Some things I like to see in the flesh or try against my children others I can just buy age sized online. When the specific item I need isn't in the store, like summer dresses for instance, I look online. The different ways of delivery are handy.
   

1. My last purchase of school uniform was some blouses for my 13 year old daughter and I have ended up buying online from BHS simply because she prefers the style. I would have preferred M&S because the quality is better. Before that I bought summer dresses for the two younger girls and they are great. The quality is good the style is lovely and traditional, not trashy or gimmicky and the prices were fine.
   

1. Mostly I would say that the service provided by M&S is good. The Internet has allowed most uniform items to be available all year which is a vast improvement.

[ByTheWay1]

There are only a few things I can say about the M&S schoolwear -

1. STOCK the stores with all sizes - can hardly ever find the size we want.
   
2. love the tall/skinny trousers for girls - my daughter actually got a pair that fits.
   
3. the quality of the school socks is rubbish
   
4. actually have some stock in the stores AFTER the school holidays too, when kids need to go up a size it is not always in the holidays!
   
5. most of the stuff is great quality - but if I need something urgently it is usually bought at BHS as they stock uniform in all sizes, all year round.

[MeDented]

We usually buy most of the main items like skirts, trousers , cardigans and jumpers from M&S as I have found the quality the most reliable over the years. Also, with 2 skinny children, I find M&S have more variety with adjustable waist. Debenhams are good too. Polo shirts and blouses I replace more often during the year and tend to pick up as I see / need them so usually Tesco.
Fit and stain-proof are the most important factors for me. So many uniforms are very wide for my children, I actually don't know any children that wide!
I will buy online if I have used the store before and feel confident which size I need, sometimes it can be easier to get the size you need than in store. Our schools wear bottle green and royal blue so more choice in these colours would be helpful.

[goingdownhill]

The important factors for me when buying uniform is definitely value for money. I would rather pay a little extra for good quality hard wearing fabric. I want to be able to go in store and buy all things in one go and to be able to get extra through the year, as things get lost, become outgrown etc. I like uniform that looks traditional and smart. I hate excess zips, combat style pockets on school wear, I love that m&s keeps uniform smart.

I would personally always buy uniform in store. I like to see the quality of the material and the exact style of clothes (I am very fussy!). It is frustrating at times though when random sizes are stocked lots of tiny or huge items and nothing in the middle.

I buy all of the children's uniform from m&s or sainsbury. I have no brand loyalty and will buy what I feel is the best product at the time. I bought white polo shirts and knee high white socks for DD in Jan from m&s which are brilliant. I also bought a two pack of grey skirts, even though they are her size and she is a very average sized child they are huge, an adjustable waist band in all skirts and trousers would be very appreciated.

[TheMonster]

~ When you're buying school uniform in general for your DC, what are the most important factors to you? Price and fit. I know that uniform doesn't last the whole year, so I don't want to spend double the amount on something that I know I can get for £3 in the supermarket. Also fit is important as DS has a slim waist so I like to get him elasticated wastes, preferably without flies as he struggles with them.

~ Do you tend to shop for schoolwear exclusively in store, exclusively online, or a mix of the two? Only in store. I considered buying school shorts online once when the supermarkets had run out.

~ Which retailer(s) do you usually buy schoolwear from and why? I tend to get uniform in Asda or Sainsbury's as it's handy to buy when you are doing a food shop. I don't often visit M&S as then don't stock plus sizes for ladies wear in store so I don't go in for me and I am unlikely to make a special trip for uniform.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to improve their schoolwear range? Never, ever sell school trousers or shorts with combat style pockets.

[bruffin]

What I don't understand is why m&s doesn't to This very basic style of blouse