A school uniform needs to be affordable, comfortable, and practical - parents need the best price but not at expense of the best quality. With a single polo shirt being worn up to 80 times (and therefore washed just as many times too!), these clothes are going to face some wear and tear so you need the most durable option, even if that means digging a little deeper into your pocket. Use our guide and we promise you’ll only be hitting the shops once for the whole school year. Just make sure you check the individual school requirements first.
1. F&F at Tesco Polo shirts: £5.50 for five, Tesco
These unisex cotton polo shirts are made with life prolonging ‘As New Technology’ material which really is effective in working to lock in colour and reduce bobbling after washing. Plus, ringing in at just over a fiver for five, you can’t beat the amazing value of these shirts. With these you are getting both quality and value guaranteed.
2. George at Asda Jumper: From £3, Asda
Asda’s fleecy school jumpers are the softest around – even after more than a few rounds in the washing machine. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, they’re super comfortable and breathable all year round. There’s also a range of colours to pick from, as well as both V-neck and crew neck options, suiting most school requirements.
3. John Lewis Trousers: Two pack from £9, John Lewis
Featuring an adjustable waistband, these are a great option for growing kids. Up until age six, the trousers are all pull on, with no fiddly clasps, making things that much easier in the morning. But they still feature a mock fly to keep them looking the part. Available up to age 14 and similar options for girls are also available.
4. M&S Shirts: From £9, M&S
When you hit M&S you expect quality and these shirts are no exception. Non-iron, so saving you valuable time in the morning, they also feature Stain Away technology, meaning they’ll stay crisp and white whatever your little one throws at them - unlike similar normal shirts which can seem to be a sponge for dirt. They also feature easy-to-use Velcro fastenings instead of fiddly top buttons up until age six. Available in blue and white, up until age 14.
5. Debenhams Black Pencil School Skirt: From £9, Debenhams
This skirt is described as pencil but to our testers seemed more A-line. Whatever you call it, it’s a lovely shape that little girls will adore while Mums will appreciate the special Teflon-treated fabric which ensures that stains come out in a flash - including heavy-duty glue and whiteboard pen. It also features an elasticated waistband for maximum comfort throughout the day. Available from ages three to 16.
6. Nutmeg at Morrisons Frill Socks: £2.50, Morrisons
All Nutmeg at Morrisons school items have a 200 day ‘No Quibble’ guarantee, which covers rips, spills and even outgrown pieces. If you’re not happy with any Nutmeg item, for any reason, you can return it up to 200 days after you bought it. We’re not sure you can argue much with that! We love these frilled socks for girls.
7. Aldi Pinafore Dress: £5.99 for a pack of two, Aldi.
Made from parent-essential, easy-iron material, this pinafore is also a dream to wash. Featuring a zipped front, the design makes it easy for children to dress themselves. Plus, with two pinafores for under £6 it’s serious value for money. Available in navy, grey and black from ages four to 11.
8. M&S Hooded Coat with Stormwear: From £23, M&S
If you invest in anything, make it a decent coat. M&S have trademarked Stormwear material on all their school coats and if you ask us, nothing beats it. Offering protection from showers, it also actively repels mud and water, and doesn’t stain.
9. Tu at Sainsbury’s Blazer: From £9, Sainsbury’s
Made from effective stain-resistant material, this blazer fits amazingly and does a great job - all for under a tenner. Despite the low price, it’s high-quality and made from that all-important easy iron fabric which will last as long as it fits. Available from age 10 to 16, with girls versions too.
10. Matalan Unisex Crew Neck Sweatshirt: From £9, Matalan
This is made from 90 per cent cotton and available in a selection of colours. Even after multiple rounds in the washing machine, it will keep its colour and resist bobbling. Unlike many jumpers which split at the seams, these ribbed cuffs stand up to the wear and tear of the school day. For ages three to 13, with similar styles in different colours also available.
Verdict
Five great-quality shirts for just over five quid is just too much of a bargain for F&F’s offering not to be crowned our winner.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing
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