Let's talk School Uniform - Matalan would love to know what you think - £300 to be won NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Following winning a Mumsnet Rated badge for their range of Teflon coated school uniform, the team at Matalan would love to explore further with Mumsnetters their general views on School Uniform.

Matalan say "we all know uniform can be expensive and time consuming to keep clean/ keep on top of - at Matalan you can kit your kids out for less with our school uniform range, it's packed full of new features and benefits that will mean less ironing and washing for parents - better still, shop the full range online and collect in store for free! We'd love to know your tips and views on uniform in general and how you help your child feel confident at school"

Please share on this thread your views on all or some of the below:

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?
What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?

Add your comments to this thread and you will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a £300 voucher to spend in Matalan (a Love2Shop voucher)

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T and Cs apply

I want durable uniform that when being washed and dried frequently does not come out of the wash looking like cardboard. I don't want to iron the uniform and I would like it if they had a clear white label inside so I could easily write my child's name in them. I look for plain white polo shirts for my DD as uniform policy is no patterns - why does everything have patterns or sequins on? My DD would like some trousers whereby she does not flash her bottom to everyone. She is tall and slim and so her age is too small and then next size up falls down. I think next year she will likely be in dresses as a consequence but I know she would prefer trousers if we could get some to fit.

I encourage my DD to go back to school with confidence after holidays by getting everything ready the night before, having replaced anything worn/broken/too small. Everything is laid out and ironed (the only time it's ironed) so she can feel ready and proud. She love getting herself dressed and put her own uniform on since age 4, although I still do her her as she likes it plaited.

My major gripe is shoes. My DD has gone through three pairs of clarks since September. All have fallen apart in different places and all were different styles. The last pair I returned after only three weeks of wear! Three weeks! Wanting something more durable I phoned round approx 20 shops within a 40 mile radius for a school shoe that wasn't clarks and that was in her size (g fitting) - out of all shops only one had 1 shoe! Thankfully the shoe fitted but we've since been back to the shop and they've gone into administration! So basically we're stuffed. It would be great if there was a "durable" range somewhere that was clearly marked so that you knew it wouldn't let you know. If I had a guarantee that it would last the school year I'd happily pay £60/70.

Finally, I do the school run and do care about my appearance to some degree but most importantly I need my clothes to be functional. This year I bought bought an extra warm winter coat and a good quality rain coat. These are my staples.

Ps...can we have tshirts in packs of five please.

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

I have a 3yr old and 7year old at school and nursery so I have to get 2 lots of uniform. So I don't like it to be expensive, but not the cheapest either, whilst still good quality. With a lot of my sons school trousers the trouser hems always come unloose, so I either have to throw them away or sew then, which jm not good at, so that would be great if it didn't happen. Uniform that keeps it's colour when washed would be brilliant and tights that don't go Bobbly when washed would also be great. My daughter likes both skirts and pinafores. Anything easy to get on herself us great, so no zips at the back etc.

I think a uniform does help them feel confident. They feel good, as they look smart

My son is 7 so going back to school after the holidays doesn't bother him. My daughter is at nursery and whenever she has a week or more off, we have conversations about nursery, positive ones about going back to see her teachers and friends and having fun.

We always encourage our children to be good friends and good pupils. Always trying their best and giving everything a go. If they get a good report or parents evening they Will buy them something nice Like A book or toy.

My 3yr old dresses herself for nursery. I lay her clothes out. She has an older brother so she likes to do the things he does. Something's she may get stuck on but I leave get to try first. I praise her when she does it.

I haven't got time to care about what I wear on the school run. I wouldn't wear my pyjamas, but moat mornings by the t8me I've sorted the children, bags, packed lunches etc I have about 5mins to get ready

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

Thicker/warmer trousers for winter please! M&S used to do lined school trousers and I wished I'd bought them in larger sizes as they don't do them anymore and really miss them. Also one pocket with a zip would be handy for things like tickets and coins.

Features I look for is soft comfortable fabric and adjustable waistbands.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

I don't think my DC are bothered either way about their uniforms but they're not that bothered about what they wear when they're not at school either. As long as they're comfortable and their clothes smell nice and fit properly they're happy enough.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?

They're usually gagging to go back to school to see all their friends! Although in their first year I promised to take them somewhere nice after school/at the weekend like a cafe or a trip to the farm/cinema and it's become a bit of a tradition so we do it every year now.

What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

Be 100% supportive and encouraging, praising every piece of 'conceptual' junk model making they bring home, to going over homework/spellings etc til they're confident they can do it independently.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

About 4 years old, although DS2 was 3 years old - having other DC to look after means that older DC have to learn to dress themselves that bit sooner in our house!

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?

As long as it's not PJ's and I don't smell sweaty I don't care what I'm wearing as I've got a toddler and a newborn to get coats etc on to be bothered about what I'm wearing! I've done the school run covered in wall plaster and gloss paint many a time

It must be hardwearing!

I love school uniforms! I think they're practical, comfortable and look smart. I'm lucky because our school jumpers are a nice bright blue. Do I feel a bit sorry for kids covered in grey though.

I know it's stupid but I like to get my kids 'posh' school uniform. I feel like I've done well to dress them in M&S rather than a cheaper place. It's kind of a 'want the best for them' mentality, but I know it's stupid, a bit snobby and has no logic to it. I do, and will continue to buy cheaper stuff too. Although John Lewis and M&S both do have some good value multipack offers.
I don't have a Matalan anywhere near me, but would be interested to see what's on offer. My daughter likes any type of decorative embellishments so have to take that into account!
Oh, and it's essential to have enough for every day of the week so I'm not scrabbling around in the laundry basket. Although for some reason, I still seem to have to!

School uniforms are great. I'd hate to have to think about what DS is going to wear every day when he starts in September so it will hopefully cut down on the messing around we get at the moment when he wants to wear the same as his friends at nursery.

School uniforms are great. Our staple requirements are:

• Cullottes that look a lot like a skirt rather than shorts. It satisfies my daughter's desire to play rough whilst still wearing a skirt and there's no issue when they have that final growth spurt at the end of the school year
• Decent wool tights that don't sag or stretch after the first wear
• Adjustable waist bands are essential too
• Pockets are a firm favourite for my daughter's as are the metal hook type fastening on bottoms rather than buttons
• Tiny buttons on Polo shirts do not go down well in our house

what do you want to see in a uniform? I want to see hardwearing, stain resistant, no iron school uniforms.
What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? Value for money, durability
What features do you look for? Expandable waist for trousers, durable cuffs, elbows and knees.
What styles do your children like/ hate? My son likes regular fit with adjustable waist. My son doesn't like button up trousers and shirts.

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? My son wears a blazer it does make him more confident. How? It stops the lower earners feeling like they don't have the nicest clothes.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? New uniform, new stationary, good shoes and a casual bag.
What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?
I don't have any worries about that personally.
What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round? Tell them to enjoy themselves. Encourage them to take part in extra clubs and don't involve or pressure them with high grade expectations. Take part in their homework with them.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?
My children starting getting dressed by themselves aged 7. Practice makes perfect. Timing them to get dressed as a little game.

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?
Not at all. I wear what I want to wear.

I like slim fit trousers that aren't really baggy around their legs. For my preschooler, I prefer the tighter joggers too. Much better with wellies and look nicer. So cut is my main priority.
In terms of polo shirts I look for thickness of cotton and price and am happy to replace regularly.

I'm not bothered about labels but I do let my young children have branded trainers. I'd rather pay an extra tenner and then have 'credibility' around older peers. I guess it's sad in a way but the right decision for us.

I think appearance is important and I like uniform as a leveller. I always book haircuts for the school holidays so my children return looking their best. It's a routine that means haircuts happen too!

Recently I've updates shoes and jackets so I look smarter with my usual jeans and tshirt.
Need to think what I'll wear when warms up as I tend to throw clothes on! I quite like the striped and embroidered shirts that are around just now.

Would love to see petite/slim fit as well as the plus fit uniform some shops do. Find it difficult to get the length in dresses/skirts/trousers without having the waist huge.
Hate the uniforms in packs as often the sizes vary so have to take out the pack to see if the size looks ok. Much easier on hangers.

I like that we have uniform, makes it easy in the mornings and keeps things simple. There is a huge wealth spectrum at DS school and it definitely helps equalise things a bit.

I wish it was more comfortable though. I don't see the need for really formal trousers etc for tiny children. I wish the focus was on comfort first. My boy hates wearing his school trousers. Similarly I wish the boys jumper came with a zipped option, my son really struggled to get his on and off when he was small.

I do prefer to get quite cheap uniform as it does tend to get lost/covered in paint and mud and lunch!

I just want a uniform that still looks in good condition after a few washes. I hate how a lot of clothes in this price range look shabby and years old after only several washes. I don't expect it to look like new forever but I don't want to feel like I have to replace them after 2 months.

I've no idea what older children want but the younger ones need something comfortable and easy to get on/off and fasten themselves.

Also if I am feeling lazy low on time and can get away without ironing them and they still hang nicely then I will be a happy woman.

I want bigger arm holes for girls. Why should boys have roomy arms! It annoys me that the style is tight on the arms

I look for pockets in skirts, boys pants always seem to have pockets but girls skirts never do. Pockets need to be zipped too, so you can put the money for whatever charity they are collecting for in the pocket and know it won't fall out

The other thing I look for is quality, something which is going to last and stay looking smart

My ds is in year 7 and they have a sweatshirt and polo shirt uniform it's very practical much more practical than a blazer and tie

I love a proper school uniform, my primary school children have shirts and ties and look super smart! I am finding that they get filthy so I need a uniform that washes well and dries quickly! They don't seem to be able to wear it more than a day at the mo!
I look for quality but also comfort.

Uniform isn't compulsory at my DD's school, but as she has a significant disability we find it really helps her to understand it is time for school.

The most important things for us are:

How easy it is to put on/take off, how well it stretches to get arms in and the size of the neck hole in particular.

Comfort when sitting in a wheelchair (smooth fabric, no seams/labels to itch) the yoga pants Matalan do are lovely.

Size issues - adjustable waists on trousers are ideal

How well it stands up to dribble, vomit, chewing! And if it wears ok next to AFO's/slings/chest harness on chairs (many cardigans and socks go bobbly almost instantly)

Your 'handstand proof' summer dresses are fab for my DD who wears nappies.

Please can you put the height in cm on your labels as it was tricky choosing a summer dress the other day when they are sized by age only.

I usually buy cheap uniform as I can then replace it often as it doesn't stay nice for long. Boys especially seem to go through trousers like there is no tomorrow!
My boy seems to go through his trousers at the groin as well as the knee, and of course, grows very quickly! White polo shirts seem to go grey or have stains that won't wash out, so they need to be bought frequently.
I'd like to see navy ranges, as that is what my kids uniform is and it is very hard to find.
Reinforced knees are good. No iron would be brilliant!!

My daughter is in year 6 of a primary that doesn't have a uniform. It's something we love about the school. It hasn't affected her sense of belonging to a community, we rarely have battles over what she is going to wear and there has never been any competition over brands or labels or any looking down on any kids that are not wearing the latest trends. I accept this may all be different in secondary school but for primary the non uniform has been a big plus. I love seeing the little ones going to School in wellies and a tutu and for DD there will plenty of years to come where she has to wear a uniform so we are enjoying the last few months of freedom.

I love seeing little girls in pinafore dresses but I don't like them to be too 'stiff and starchy'. They must be comfy and have some 'give' and stretch in them - it's important to remember they'll be taking them off and dressing themselves for PE so they must be easy to take in and off without any fussy buttons etc.

I'm glad we have school uniform - mornings are hard enough work as it is, I couldn't cope with choosing outfits on top! Dd's has washed terribly though (mostly Asda I think) and is looking a bit scruffy now.
I just chuck anything on me, and the baby has his jammies on for the school run!

I don't see the need for uniform at infants, but it's very easy going at dc's school so go along with it. My main criteria is cheap, I don't like any of the gimmicky easy iron/stain resistant/stay white fabrics just plan cotton os good with me. dd likes little details like zip pulls and buttons in fabourite shapws.

Your general thoughts on school uniform items - what do you want to see in a uniform? What's important to you when picking school uniform for your children? What features do you look for? What styles do your children like/ hate?

I want 'washability' in a uniform so that it can last for a whole school year and not look faded, worn or sad. They need to be robust to withstand playground antics, getting lost, being washed umpteen times and preferably without the need to iron most of it. I know it's a difficult balance to achieve but I don't like seeing little ones swamped in their uniforms .

Do you think a school uniform helps your child feel confident during the school year? How?

I think it give a child a sense of belonging and that is a positive attribute. Lord knows it becomes a different kettle of fish on non-uniform days when the indecision or pushing the boundaries can be difficult to deal with.

How do you encourage your children to go back to school after school holidays with confidence? What concerns do you have - if any - about sending your children to school for the first time/back to school after the holidays?
What tips do you have for helping your child get the most out of school all year round?

I've always hammered home that school give them the very best chance of making the most of themselves. For the older ones it's really important and valid to let them know that it's their one chance of a free (to them of course, not to the rest of us) education and that is such a valuable asset. I've never had any concerns about children going back to school. If any upset had ever been mentioned we'd focus on the next holiday or break just about 6 weeks away.

At what age do your children start getting dressed themselves for school: what tips can you share for encouraging this?

From before starting school is important for children to start helping themselves even if they get in a muddle. Helping them to have school uniform items ready the night before helps the morning chaos.

And for those who do a school run - how much - if at all, do you care or think about what you wear to drop off or pick up from school?

I walked the children to school and then went off to work or dropped them off early at kids' club and went to work so I was work ready. On non work days I'd still be casually smart, hair and make up done but this would take 3 - 4 minutes only.

The thing I needed most, in school uniforms, was adjustable waist trousers for boys.

Ds3 was tall and skinny - if I bought trousers that fitted round the waist, they were far too short and looked ridiculous. If I bought trousers with the right length leg, they were far too big round the waist, and just fell off him.

The Holy Grail was trousers with elastication at the back that could be pulled tighter with a button at the side, so he could have trousers that fitted and didn't fall off him.

The other things that matter are durability - especially for primary age children, clothes need to be tough. Washability - ease of washing, no need to iron, no fading in the wash. Hems that stay up - I can hem a pair of trousers, but would prefer not to have to do so after on,y a couple of wears.

I like stuff with...
pockets
No heart buttons or zip-pulls
Non teflon
Adjustable waists