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

[Bunbaker]

Perhaps it is because more schools are tightening up their uniform policy and blouses like that aren't allowed? DD has to wear a tie so she has to wear a shirt that buttons right up to the top.

[bruffin]

DD school the girls don't wear a tie its not unusual in schools with strict uniform, M&S only seem to do fashion blouses with open colours ie capped sleeve or 3/4 sleeve and no proper revere collar so I cant see any that are really suitable for a strict uniform.

[tryingtonotfeckup]

• 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, quality and being able to get hold of it, tried to get sports wear on line last summer and some items were sold out (on M&S online) but this info was not available when I ordered it, not sure why, other retailers seem to manage this. Really annoying as I then had to go out and find it somewhere else.
  

~ 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? Mixture of the two, I would need to travel to get to a store that sold it, depends if I'm in there for another reason. Mainly online.

~ 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? Bought M&S polo shirts and shorts recently, too soon to know if it last well, price was good though. Rest a mixture of local uniform shops & Tesco. |Its a mixture of keeping local shops going, price and conveinience.

~ 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 colours for polo shirts, how about some Royal Blue ones

[The3Bears]

~ 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.

The fit and quality is most important to me, I would pay more for some school pants that didnt drag on the floor and felt like a better quality material.

~ 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 do abit of both, I would rather buy trousers instore as ds is slightly shorter than average for his age and I like to try them against him to make sure they're okay. Things like pe kits and socks I usually get online, the free delivery with school uniform is a great idea as it's sometimes easier to order online but paying for delivery is annoying when buying alot of school uniform anyway.

~ 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?

Last year was the first time I bought school uniform as ds was starting reception, I purchased some from M&S and some from John Lewis. One pair of trousers I bought from M&S didnt last long as ds had tripped in the playground and the knees became all worn after a couple of weeks. I have since purchased more trousers and shorts from M&S and they have been better quality and a good fit but the hem did come undone after a couple of weeks which I was dissapointed with but fixed myself. I love M&S socks and vests as they are great quality and value and wash really well.

~ 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?

A catalouge would be great as you could browse it and then order quicker online or instore, I agree with others who have said about making sure all sizes are in stock as a few times I have gone into my local store and have been unable to find the right size.

[Gethsemane]

1. Style first, then fit, then quality. But don't get me wrong all three factors ar important - I just wouldn't make my child wear something that looked silly or didn't really fit just because I knew it would wash well.
   

1. A mix of both. Online if I am organised enough. I would only buy online from a retailer that I have previously bought from in store (so that I know the products fit well and don't fall apart.
   

1. M&S. Cheap, looks good and lasts quite well (not quite as well as others - but is so cheap that makes it okay).
   

1. No - they have a good range. A catalogue would be pointless.

[MrsS3]

~ 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.
priorities differ with each of my children. For ds1 (AS) it's the fit and the fabric. We buy him all M&S because the fit is right for him and the adjustable waist on school trousers is good so he can get it just how he wants it. The long sleeved cotton shirts I've just bought (moving to high school this time) seem good and he always liked the polo shirts, the quality is good and they wash well.
For ds2 we need decent quality and bargain multi-deals as he is the [stereo-]typical boy, crawling on the floor, rolling round playing football and climbing trees. He's in juniors but you'd never believe it from the knee holes in his trousers. Some emphasis on quality but mainly quantity for him (have not yet figured out how he can get through six pairs of trousers in a five day week). He needs a complete set of clean uniform every day as he gets covered in all sorts - paint, mud, sand, name it.
DD has sensitive allergic skin conditions and needs 100% cotton on her skin. Can't wear polo shirts so we get cotton blouses. Utter nightmare. Tend to buy M&S pinafores as they wear well, and don't touch her skin, also get the cotton summer dresses. Socks and tights are a pain as we have to hunt all over the place for stuff that doesn't make her itch when not in summer whites.

~ 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?
mix the two, but mainly in store so I can check out fabrics and stuff, esp for ds1. For dd I tend to get it online, and for ds2 I often buy as/when needed in supermarkets alongside the food shopping as he gets through so much of the stuff. Once bought M%S shoes for him which was a huuuuge mistake, they lasted less than three weeks and had no toes, the leather was a thin coating, absolute rubbish. wouldn't buy shoes there again, false economy.

~ 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? We buy about 75% of our uniform from M&S. the trousers and polo shirts wear well. The long sleeved white shirts I got for ds1 today have come up quite small fitting (which happens to be ok in this case). Girls cardigans were a big disappointment last year; we were over the moon to find mostly-cotton ones but they drooped and went baggy very quickly. School summer dresses for dd age 6 have attracted compliments from other parents that the style is nice. We chose them mainly for the fabric, which is also lovely! The remainder of our uniform comes from Debenhams (dd's blouses) and lots of top-ups ASDA, for ds2. DS2 is a long skinny thing and the M&S stuff on the whole seems to be made for fatter kids ones who aren't so skinny. This year we have also bought high school uniform for ds1 from the local retailer - blazer, ties, PE kit 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? yes to schoolwear catalogue - a printed one - available all year round!! Our local stores don't have uniform after mid August and staff look at you aghast should you ask for school trousers at any other time (i.e. during term time, obv). The only stockist is an out-of-town retail park around 15 miles away. Even there, they only stock decent quantities at this time of year, not all year round. Great if you want to buy a whole years worth of uniform for all three children at once. (clue: I don't.) A range for skinny middles would be good, trousers tend not to fit ds2 as by the time we have the right leg length we've taken the adjustable waist in to ridiculous amounts. Beanpole fit would be great

[3duracellbunnies]

My girls like pinafore dresses/ summer dresses, and for me the main problem getting dresses is that there seems to always be a short zip. They have to squeeze into them, nightmare on PE day, when the dress itself is then baggy on them. Dd2 is tiny, but she sruggles to get into dressees which otherwise fit well. I tend to buy a size or two too big for my 7 year old as the lengths are quite short, she is quite active and doesn't want to be showing her knickers, also as she has to sit crosslegged in school she likes to be able to cover her knickers rather than her dress around her waist. Elasticated waists are great for skirts / trousers as it saves having to find the style which fits your dc.

We just buy in shops. This is a mixture of generally M+S or Sainsbuy's, sometimes Asda. We also get stuff froom school secondhand shop as much of it is logoed, and they sell non logo stuff too. I like M+S velcro plimsoles like the socks with size embroidered,, great for matching up after the wash. I buy tights, at M+S but recently they have been more prone to holes in crotch and knees.

I don't mind whether it is online or in catalogue.

[vixo]

My daughter is starting school in September and another mum said that m&s is the place she buys her boys uniform as it lasts best and is the best quality (having tried lots of others) so we bought some when the latest 20% off offer was on.

In my limited experience I want to know that the fabrics are good quality and will be comfortable to wear - I don't wear polyester clothes myself so don't want my children to have to. I want them to fit well - my daughter is tall and slim. I want them to be relatively plain in design - no fancy sequins, buttons, frills etc which I hate - incidentally if boys can have nice plain, functional trousers, why can't girls?!

I would prefer to see the clothes in real life to feel the fabric and check the quality before I buy.

[blooblies]

I am relatively new to uniform buying since my eldest has just finished P1. To me, the most important factors to me for uniform were how had-wearing it was (asked other mums for their experiences) and how easy it is to care for. Of course the price had to be good too or else I would have had to compromise on some things. On recommendation, we ended up with M&S pinnies, summer dress, skirt, tights and plimsoles (they were a great bargain, and velcro too for P1). I liked the permanent pleats which could avoid ironing if dried well. As another poster said, the zips are a wee bit short and so getting in and out can be a struggle. They have all lasted well - no tears, holes worn in them or permanent stains. The greys are looking a bit washed out but will probably do another dc for a while at least, if not a full year.

I am not a fan of online uniform purchase as, unless you know the range well, lengths and growing room cannot be assessed without added expense and hassle of delivery and returns. I was annoyed that some colour options were only available online so bought from another store which had a branch close to me.

[Rainydayagain]

I was really dissapointed with quality. I was looking for a wool mix ( what i wore in school) it was all shiny ( cheap) we bought one pinafore from you to test quality ( still pre school) And to keep desperate child happy.

I'll pay more make it nicer!

[Blatherskite]

~ 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.

DS is just finishing his first year at school so buying uniform is all fairly new to us but last year, when buying my first lot, I would have said that for me, the most important factors were price, fit and feel. DS is very skinny and I often struggle to find bottoms that don't just fall straight off him so adjustable waists are very important. On top of this, I look for a slim fit as sometimes trousers can look very silly when the waists have been pulled in enough to fit DS. I think I probably avoided M&S last year as trousers for bigger children were being advertised and this was the opposite of what I was looking for. Ds also has quite sensitive skin so I looked for good quality, smooth fabrics that wouldn't irritate him. Cost is always important so I was also looking to get things as cheaply as possible without compromising on 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?

I shopped in store exclusively as there are such variations in sizes, I wanted to be able to see in RL whether things might fit DS without having to be sending things backwards and forwards. I also like to feel materials to make sure of the quality. Having bought 1 set of things in person, I'd be happy to order extras online though.


~ 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 bought last years uniform from Tesco for a few reasons. a) I shop in there regularly anyway so it was convenient. b) Because I shop in there, we have bought clothes from there before and I was confident about the fit on DS. and c) It was cheap. I've been happy enough with the fit and the way it has washed and worn so I would be tempted to go back for next years uniform too.
I haven't tried M&S uniform as when I visited the store last year, I could find nothing in my DS's size. There seemed to be absolutely nothing for 4-5 year olds and as it was my first time shopping for uniform, I really didn't have the confidence to order online when I wasn't sure what I'd be ordering. Another of the Mum's at school has been raving about M&S stainguard polo shirts though and saying that her son's have stayed white all year so I'd be tempted to give them a go for next year.

~ 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 a school wear catalogue. I also thing it is very important to make sure those R year sizes are in stock so that first time Mum's can be sure of what they're buying. Trained staff to help would be useful too along with lots of changing rooms. A skinny range to go with the bigger kids range would also help.

[culturemulcher]

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 tend to look first for a brand that I think will have decent quality - M&S / John Lewis. Then I faint at the prices (John Lewis Vs. Sainsbury) and end up at M&S when I'm doing the 'big' school uniform shop in the summer holidays. So - quality then price. Then I buy a few versions of dresses and trousers in a couple of sizes and bring the whole lot home for a massive try-on. The best fit wins the day.

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?

In store If I can get to our local city on my own or if not, I order online. Delivery options very important and M&S is pretty good. Like the stores to 'feel the quality' but often online shopping has a better range of sizes and colours. It's very frustrating when you finally get a few hours to do the uniform shop in store and alone... only to find the size you're looking for has sold out in everything.

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. Love the Modern Fit boys trousers - they look good, and the Pinafore style dress. Like the M&S prices.... BUT don't like how THIN the polo shirts are. Tescos polo shirts are better quality - although I worry a lot about how it's possible to produce them for so little money and have images of children in sweatshops. The dresses have lasted very well... the trousers go through at the knee quickly. I tend to do the 'big' uniform shop at M&S and top up at supermarkets - Sainsbury/Tesco as needed during term time.

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?

Yes - please improve the quality of the polo shirts. They're so thin they're see through. Catalogue would be good - although I think M&S did a little one last year? Tracksuits / winter gym kit would be good.

I claim my £100 voucher

[culturemulcher]

Oh - just one more thing... M&S seems to have a lot of 'fashion' schoolwear. It would be great to have a better selection of a bit more traditional schoolwear. The girls' pinafore dresses are lovely, but I've got a feeling I'll be buying this dress for year after year after year as there's no thing else that isn't a little bit, er, can't think a the word. Tarty? I'm probably in a minority, but I really don't want hearts / glitter / flowers / zips all over a uniform.

[LoonyRationalist]

I specifically went into M&S today to get DD1 2 new summer dresses (hers are indecently short and she will wear them for some of September too if the weather is reasonable). Plus I was planning to get them to her ankles quite long so they would be ok for next summer too..
Not one single summer dress (in any size) to be seen. Now I know that you are concentrating on back to school (even though they have a month to go before they even break up but that is ridiculous.

[lilibet]

I've quickly scanned the thread and think that no one else has replied on behalf of the older child - ds2 is 15 and 5ft11, shoe size 11 and still growing, he is not the tallest of his friends by any means. He plays football every breaktime and is very much a 'rough and tumble' type boy. After summer he goes into Y11, where the uniform changes from a blazer to a sweatshirt. I discovered with ds1 (5ft 10 and shoe size 10 at age 14) that trousers with zip pockets are an essential as they loose the secure pockets in their blazers.

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 and price, it's difficult to find things to fit boys of this age without going into adult ranges

~ 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 shop instore and take the child with me. There is no on line option - see below.

~ 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 shop at a local independent store, I haven't bough M&S uniform in years as the boys sizes stop at 5ft 9 and the shoes at size 8!! and shoe size 8

~ 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? Going beyond 5ft 9 would be a start! Trousers with zip pockets and I would also pay extra for shirts with no pockets. The number of shirts that my sons have ruined by having the pockets ripped off playing football is incredible. This seems to be something that only starts when they are older.

I wonder where they have got the maximum height for a school boy as 5ft 9?

[ratflavouredjelly]

When buying school uniform I like to choose trousers/shorts with adjustable waists or pull on elasticated waists.
Quality of fabric and ability to not lose its shape after constant washing and tumble drying are also a must.
I have bought white polo shirts from M & S and George and actually found the fit and fabric quality from M & S far superior. The M & S polo shirts are thicker and haven't lost their shape whilst George are flimsy and have shrunk.

I always buy trousers and shorts from George and Sainsburys as they are good quality and cheaper than M & S. but when it comes to polo shirts, white t-shirts or anything with cotton in it, I would buy M& S hands down.

I would like to see more multipacks of kids sports socks and definitely a school
Uniform catalogue from Marks. I have bought t-shirts/polo shirts online when M & S do a promotion.
School trousers I like to try on my little boy in store.

[melodyangel]

I brought the really cheap school jumper last September, I think it was £3, and it has been excellent. Has kept it's shape, washed well and still looks great. Very impressed.

I buy most uniform basics from M snd S esp. Polo Shirts, jumpers and vests. Have been pleased with them and I find everything lasts well.

I tend to buy in store if I can but will buy online if the store is out of stock, which unfortunatley is quite often.

Keep up with the traditional uniform esp. for the under 11's please.

And love the tank tops for boys. Would be great if you did a range of satchels too.

[ginbob]

1. I am interested mainly in price - this factor is important as, sadly, we are on a strict budget. Second factor would be the quality and joint second, the fit. No point in buying something cheaply if she won't wear it due to the wrong fit.
   

1. The delivery / instore options are not important to me. I would prefer to see an item and try it against my child prior to purchase however would consider purchasing via online auction sites or, less frequently, on the main retailer's website, if it seemed easier at the time due to time constraints and price.
   

1. I would normally purchase from M&S due to quality, or perceived quality. Second choice would be George at Asda due to price - however, I am unhappy at the guilt involved in buying something quite so inexpensive as I feel they must be utilising child labour to be in a position to offer clothing so cheaply. If I can find items on ebay or similar for similar cost, I will buy second hand instead.
   

1. I find the fit a little sketchy sometimes, and the choice of colours and styles not brilliant. The quality is normally excellent, although I have a lovely checked dress which the collar will not sit down on, not since it was new and not since it was starched and ironed and steamed and bullied into submission - this small defect has made the item unwearable and is a bit annoying, as I paid more than usual for the dress and it would put me off M&S school dresses in future.

[Luckystar96]

I have bought school uniform from M and S and find it to be better quality than the supermarkets, but it is more expensive. I was disappointed with the boys socks last time though as they didn't seem to last as long. I wonder if M and S are using poorer quality fabrics these days?
I like to order online when they are doing a 3 for 2 offer.

[escape]

~ 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.

A combination of quality vs price - I had to buy white polo shirts from BHS the other year for all three kids, they were dire quality and will not buy again - they were mid range price too. I would buy from a trusted retailer when the price is right, and even 'take chance' on packaged items. I have 'success' every time with Debenhams & M&S, and as prices seem to have come down a LOT, I will continue.

~ 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?

Online & off - I would buy polo shirts etc online without thinking, and school trousers & jumpers only if they were replacements. I wouldn't buy new sizes without first trying on , however if/when have plenty of time, would buy online, try at home and return if necessary.

~ 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?

Debenhams & M&S - Quality & price have been unfailing over past two years.

[MrsLetch]

I like M&S school wear (and would go there first when shopping) because the quality is good - but there are some things that stop me buying it there.

My daughters are skinny and your skirts just do not fit them. Even the adjustable waist ones - my eldest has them on the tightest setting and ends up with a flap sticking out at the side, and moans that they're really uncomfortable. I find mothercare best for narrow children, but she's too old for them now.

Please oh please do not stop selling the skort. It is ideal for my cartwheeling dd, and now for her I only buy trousers and skorts. We do struggle with your trousers at times because they can be on the big side.

Thirdly, my Dd likes to have a little embroidery (or something pretty) on the clothes - heart, butterfly whatever - you do thus in your white tops, but not your blue ones, why? Her school uniform requires her to wear blue polo shirts, but you only sell this in the boys section. We usually go elsewhere for tops (she refuses to wear boys tops!). Also why are they not fair trade any more...? I always made a point of buying from you when they were fair trade. I don't anymore.

As skirts don't fit, my girls tend to wear pinafore dresses more... My daughter judges these all by the zip etc - so please make sure they have nice hearts, butterflies etc. my daughters care about this a lot!!

Priorities when shopping..? I like fit, my DDs like style. So I would always buy in shop (never online) to get the fit I want.

[bruffin]

Another couple of points

Quality
Buttons that dont fall off, m&s are by the worst culprit
Size
It seems impossible to get blazers to fit 6ft teenage boys. Ds is a 38 long in a man's size, but blazers seem to get bigger widthwize, but not in length once they hit about 14. Ds had to wear a 42 inch chest to get the length in the sleeve

[QuintessentialShadows]

~ 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.
1. The price is important, but the quality and style even more so. I only buy non-iron uniform, I don't have time to faff about with ironing. It needs to be soft and feel nice on the skin. Trousers and shorts also needs to have waists that I can take in, as my boys are very slim. I only ever buy cotton shirts.


2. I only buy online if I know the items already, ie, have bought them before and are happy with them. Delivery fee is off putting though.


3. I usually buy from M&S or John Lewis. I have bought Asda and Tesco before, and found the quality, especially Asda to be poor, with hems falling apart, does not wash well, etc. No point buying a cheap low quality uniform item if you have to replace it quickly, thats false economy.

I do find that the size selection in my local M&S can be a bit hit and miss, and I end up having to order to store, and go back another day to pick up. It is a hassle. I wonder if they order in items based on a universal "M&S size mix pick" rather than any intelligence on what sizes sell most across the various stores.

I bought all my boys uniform items from M&S this year (aside from logoed items), and find the trousers have worn well, but the hems of the shorts keep coming down. Also, the lengths of the shorts are not great, mostly too short. My sons are tall and slim, and they look ridiculous in grey school summer shorts which are way above the knee.


3. Better fit shorts!

[catonlap]

~ 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.

The fit is important, especially with the trousers. I have 2 boys who are tall for their age but slim and I find some school trousers are either too short if I get the waist to fit or they are too loose if I get the length to fit. I have been buying M&S adjustable waist boys trousers for a while now and these are really good. They are also good quality and they are not coming out in holes all the time. The only down side with them is I've had multiple pairs of M&S trousers where the hem has just fell down within a couple of days so I think they are not sewn up very well to start with. I do find that very annoying as I hate sewing and I really don't have the time to be sewing up 10 pairs of trousers each time I buy uniform. For that reason I have reacently bought just a couple of pairs from somewhere else for ds to try but again I was left with the loose waist issue. M&S please make decent hems and they will then be perfect!


I have found the M&S stain resistant white boys polo shirts really good. They are the only ones which have seen it through a whole year. They really do stain a lot less that others (the only one stained was when ds got black permenant pen on one but nothing white is going to survive that). Previous white shirts I have used have all ended up in the bin before long due to dinner stains and losing their shape. The M&S ones do shrink a bit but less than some others I have used. I tend to buy a size too big to start with and then they are ok.


Price is important, although I would more say value for money rather than the cost per item. previously when I have bought Asda polo shirts they have needed to be replaced frequently due to staining etc but they are very cheap to start with so I wasn't expecting them to last forever. The M&S ones I thought were good value because they have lasted longer.



~ 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 shop a mix of in store and online. M&S I found had very little stock so did not have any of the correct sizes I needed. I looked at the products in store to see in terms of material quality and style but then ordered the correct size online.

~ 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?

This past year we have had M&S uniforms. they fit well and last well as I said above.

~ 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?

Mend the hems.

I find it easy to find the items online as it is. I don't need a catalogue.

[culturemulcher]

Would like to second everyone who has pointed out that the skirts are often way too big in the waist. Even if you pull in the elastic, you end up with a huge bunch of material at the back which looks awful and is uncomfortable to wear.

Also M&S times have changed! Could you make your girls' trousers less bootcut / baggy in the leg? I don't want skinny for school, but something less voluminous would be great.