What bits of uniform are worth spending more on?

**parkejm** · 24-07-2012, 05:46pm

And which is it fine/preferable to buy budget versions of? Is it worth buying more expensive shirts for example? or those Teflon trousers I've seen? Will school shoes just get trashed quickly so not worth spending a lot on?

We've had our list for Reception and it's as follows:

Mid grey shorts
Mid grey trousers
Navy v-necked jumper
White shirt (long or short sleeved)
Plain black shoes (not trainers)
Long grey socks
Short grey socks
Black shorts for PE
Navy tracksuit bottoms
Black plimsolls
Trainers for outdoor PE
White short socks
Navy swimming trunks

We're ok for short socks and shorts (is 2 pairs enough for a week?

)
I have access to Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco, John Lewis, a proper uniform shop, M&S and all the usual high street/internet options.

Plus the following which all have to be from the Uniform shop:
Blazer
Tie
Navy hat/scarf/gloves
School fleece
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Book bag
Rugby shirt
Polo shirt

**donna-j** · 24-07-2012, 05:53pm

I wouldn't buy the £3 plimsolls - I make sure we have the Clarks ones.

The rest is fair game.

ETA: not cheap shoes.

**suemarie** · 24-07-2012, 05:53pm

I bought budget skirts for Lucy last year only 2 though from Asda & they dont keep their shape (pleats have to be constantly ironed) where as the more expensive Asda, Tesco and Matalan ranges still look as good now as they did when I bought them.
The cardigans have all retained their shape, tights not so much.
I bought some culottes too which sadly she's outgrown.

I guess with things such as shoes, coats, blazers, the better quality seems to cost a lot more and last a lot longer IMO.

**Mrs B** · 24-07-2012, 06:11pm

I buy budget everything except shoes, plimsolls and the logo'd sweatshirt which we have no choice about.

**parkejm** · 24-07-2012, 06:13pm

Originally Posted by suemarie

I guess with things such as shoes, coats, blazers, the better quality seems to cost a lot more and last a lot longer IMO.

I'm hoping things like blazers will last well enough for Oren to use them when the time comes! (although the boys can share clothes at the moment - just! so this plan might not work)

**kelly** · 24-07-2012, 06:14pm

I buy budget everything except logo school jumpers.

At our school they change out of outdoor shoes into indoor ones (which are black plimsolls) so they just use their day to day trainers for outdoors. I buy cheap plimsolls because they go through a pair a term.

**Tigerstripes** · 24-07-2012, 06:34pm

I buy the m&s flat front adjustable waist trousers and they still look fine now from September.

Polo shirts I have tried various and they all just about last the year but are grubby as I can't use bleach etc due to Daniel's skin

Shoes I buy Clarks as he's in them all day 5 days a week so prefer a decent pair. He's always grown out of them before he's wrecked them.

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**Bop** · 24-07-2012, 06:57pm

I tend to buy cheap on everything except shoes and logo'd sweatshirts - and then replace as needed, which is mostly polo shirts (2 new per term and chuck out the worst two) and boys trousers (footballing holes!).

I find the M&S or Asda stuff pretty good - last year I bought Tesco trousers and they looked terrible after a few washes. Next have some trendier stuff for older girls (which I do buy some of as girls don't put holes in stuff as quickly).

Bop

**Bluebabe75** · 24-07-2012, 08:54pm

I got M three pairs of M&S trousers and they lasted all year

He had shorts too but only wore them a handful of times - am hoping we get some sun in September so he can wear them again

Apart from that he had Clarks shoes (which lasted all year

), a school sweatshirt and about 10 white polo shirts which were varying shades of light grey by the end of the school year - they were M&S ones but not very expensive. We did buy the cheap M&S plimsolls and they were ok.

**donna-j** · 24-07-2012, 08:58pm

Originally Posted by kelly

I buy budget everything except logo school jumpers.

At our school they change out of outdoor shoes into indoor ones (which are black plimsolls) so they just use their day to day trainers for outdoors. I buy cheap plimsolls because they go through a pair a term.

I am about to have that fight with school. I buy him £50 boots to support his feet, I don't want him in 'indoor shoes' all day