The stress and cost of buying a school uniform
Our twin girls start nursery in a few weeks. It’s only two and a half hours a day to begin with, but they still need a school uniform.
We purchased their polo shirts, jumpers and cardigans from the school directly and decided to buy the girls two polo shirts each, two jumpers each and one cardigan each. All of these items have the school logo on them, which is why I bought them direct from the school as oppose to buying plain ones from a supermarket for example.
This cost us a total of £80.00.
The polo shirts were £6.00 each, the jumpers were £9.00 each and the cardigans were £10.00 each.
I hadn’t planned on buying the girls expensive shoes, but then I went into Tesco and after looking at the school shoes that they had on offer, I decided to spend the extra money to get them some Clarks shoes.
There’s nothing wrong with Tesco shoes. The girls have a number of their shoes already, but I just felt that because it was their first pair of school shoes I really want them to last a while. I went into Clarks and waited around 10 minutes to be seen. They had a ticket system in place as it appeared that everyone decided to turn up on the same day to buy their children’s school shoes!
The lady who measured their feet was lovely and really friendly. She bought out a few different types and styles of school shoes and the girls chose the ones they wanted.
I’m so pleased that I decided to spend the extra money and buy from Clarks. The shoes are really good quality and I think they look wonderful too, even if they did cost a total of £68.00.
M decided that she wanted a pinafore to wear for school and luckily I was able to get two in Tesco for just £10.00.
They have a zip down the front and a cute butterfly charm on. It does feel really good quality wise and I can see it lasting a while.
R said that she wanted trousers, but unfortunately the trousers started at age 4 in Tesco and were way too big for her.
I decided to look in Morrisons, but again the only trousers I could find started at age 4 and were too big.
After asking online someone suggested Matalan to me. We made the trip to Matalan and thankfully it was worthwhile as their range of school trousers starts at age 3. They’re still a bit big, but they fit a lot better than the ones from Tesco and Morrisons.
Who knew that finding a school uniform would be so stressful?
We went to Tesco, Morrisons, Matalan and Clarks all in one day, it took us around five hours and overall has cost us £176.00.
Here’s a breakdown of costs
Four polo shirts bought directly from the school £24.00
Four jumpers bought directly from the school £36.00
Two cardigans bought directly from the school £20.00
Two pairs of school shoes from Clarks £68.00
Two pinafores from Tesco £10.00
Two pairs of trousers from Matalan £8.00 (My Matalan app had an offer of 20% off school uniforms)
Pack of three tights from Tesco £5.00
Pack of three tights from Morrisons £5.00
Have you found buying your child’s school uniform stressful and expensive? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
41 Comments
The CSI Girls
August 26, 2015 at 11:58 am
I remember always having clarks shoes or DMs for school as they lasted better. Hope they enjoy they're new adventure!
M xx
The CSI Girls
Emily
August 26, 2015 at 9:51 pm
Hi M, thanks for your comment. I've not heard of DMs – off to have a google! Clarks shoes are expensive, but they do last better than supermarket shoes x
Imogene Reynolds
August 26, 2015 at 1:38 pm
It honestly costs a fortune doesn't it!? Freddie's starting school this year and it's ridiculous money but the way I see it is that he'll be in them more than he will be in his own clothes! X
Emily
August 26, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Hi Imogene, thanks for your comment. It does cost a fortune! I think that's the thing that bugs me – they'll only wear them two and a half hours a day! x
Carolyn Voong
August 26, 2015 at 9:11 pm
Oh my goodness, I haven't even thought about how much uniforms are going to cost as my daughter has just turned two but I can see how it all adds up! I would also want good quality shoes, especially the first pair! #sharewithme
Carolyn
http://www.stylishmemories.com
Emily
August 26, 2015 at 9:52 pm
Hi Carolyn, thanks for your comment. Might be worth saving up now then! x
Hannah Latoya Bond
August 26, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Uniform can be really expensive. In primary school me and a number of other people didn't bother with the school shoes and just wore our trainers. So many people did it the school saw no point in complaining about it and just let us wear them. My primary school uniform wasn't that bad. Grey trousers, red jumper and white polo shirt. It was just the school jumper that ended up costing the most. I used to hate the summer uniform us girls had to wear. They made us wear those awful summer dress things. I wanted to wear shorts like the boys, but that wasn't allowed x
Emily
August 26, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Hi Hannah, thanks for your comment. It's sad to hear you weren't allowed to wear shorts. My twins are like chalk and cheese – one loves dresses and the other shorts, so I'm hoping she'll be allowed to wear shorts in the summer as she'd never wear a dress x
Alison
August 27, 2015 at 7:54 am
I think the above comment about DMs may be referring to Doctor Martens. I'm planning to get some for my daughter (hopefully) as I have been very impressed at how well mine have lasted. I've been buying bits and pieces as I go and have all the main stuff, but still need to get some. It's my first time, and I'm worried that I've been so lackadaisical about getting everything,or that I haven't bought enough but I'm hoping I can always pick more up if I need to. It's mainly things like socks etc that I need to get, but I'm with you on the cost and stress. There's so much to get! #bestandworst
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:23 pm
Hi Alison. That makes sense now! I didn't know Doc Martens were still being made! I'm sure you can pick up things as you go if needed. I'm so glad you mentioned socks as you've reminded me to get some! I bought tights, but not socks! Thanks for your comment x
Bethan Sian
August 27, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Uniform is super expensive isn't it. Those Clarks shoes are so cute! I've bought the t-shirt and jumper for my youngest but need to buy the rest this weekend! Dreading the total x
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Hi Bethan, thanks for your comment. It is so expensive! The shoes are quite and hopefully they'll last a while. The woman in clarks assured me there was plenty of grow room so fingers crossed x
Christine Kenny
August 28, 2015 at 6:27 am
Oh wow, those shoes are so cute. I remember having these ugly, bulky shoes for school that always looked about twice as big as my feet. Cannot believe how expensive it is for kid's school clothes. My little one's are still way too young for it, but i'l start saving now just incase.
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:26 pm
Hi Christine, thanks for your comment. It is so expensive! Think saving now is a good idea. I wish I'd started saving sooner!
Sarah Howe – Run Jump Scrap
August 28, 2015 at 6:48 am
Wow Emily! That is a lot of money for school uniform. I guess buying for two doesn't help but even for one little one its a lot. All I can imagine is they will look so gorgeous 🙂 hope all goes well xx #binkylinky
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment. I know it's so much, I almost wish I hadn't added it up! Buying for two definitely doesn't help matters!
Something Crunchy Mummy
August 28, 2015 at 7:11 am
Wow!! Expensive stuff this school malarkey! I too am like you and will go to Clarks. Their uniform like so lovely #binkylinky xx
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:27 pm
Hi Kirsty, thanks for your comment. I hadn't planned on going to Clarks, but the Tesco shoe choice wasn't great and I know Clarks is good quality x
Melanie Greenhalgh
August 28, 2015 at 8:02 am
It is definitely expensive as an initial outlay but having older kids in uniform is actually much cheaper in the long run. They don't need designer gear and there is less competition – maybe just how much product they use in their hair! Hurts now but will be worth it in the long run. Mel xx #binkylinky
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Hi Melanie, thanks for your comment. I'm pleased to hear it gets cheaper!
Mummy Fever
August 28, 2015 at 9:18 am
I normally buy a mixture of the school stuff and supermarket stuff to be honest. Shoes have been a nightmare. I buy my son Hush Puppies as he is very economical on shoes. My daughter goes through them way too fast and Clarks don't last any longer than cheaper shoes so I don't buy them any more. #BinkyLinky
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:29 pm
Hi, thanks for your comment. I bought a mixture too. I wanted the tops with the school logo on so bought them from the school, but everything else was bought elsewhere. I just can believe how many shops I had to visit to get it all!
Random Musings
August 28, 2015 at 9:36 am
Wow, that does sound stressful. I hate shopping at the best of times so that's not my idea of fun at all! The little uniforms are so cute though 🙂 Thanks for hosting #binkylinky
Debbie
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Hi Debbie, thanks for your comment. I think next year I'll go on my own, although that might be awkward if the girls aren't with me to try things on x
theanxiousdragonsblog
August 28, 2015 at 5:31 pm
My kids are grown now, but I am shocked when friends tell me that they have to buy uniform for nursery school. I think it is a rediculous practice, and one that must financially benifit the schools because I cant see any other reason for them insisting on a strict uniform at such a young age. #binkylinky
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Hi, thanks for your comment. I was surprised about having to buy uniform for nursery, but if the other kids are wearing uniform I felt I should buy a uniform for our girls too – if that makes sense! The uniform in nursery is optional x
Helen Gandy – Beautiful Things
August 28, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Well I'm not at the school uniform buying stage yet but eek it's expensive! Those shoes are so lovely though, at least you'll get longevity hopefully by buying from Clarks. I bet they will look awesome,you sound very organised! Thanks for linking up to the #bestandworst 🙂 #binkylinky
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Hi Helen, thanks for your comment. The shoes are fab aren't they! After I bought them I looked at their women's! range
Stressed Mum
August 29, 2015 at 8:58 am
It is an expensive business buying school uniform, I hope they enjoy school. I have just had to buy out for secondary school that was a shock at how much that has all come in at
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:32 pm
HI, thanks for your comment. It is indeed! x
Mother of Mad Cats & Babies
August 29, 2015 at 9:33 am
Sadly it gets worse. School shoes for two children, wellies, trainers for one and plimsoles and football boots for the other plus new school jumpers, PE kit and trousers £250. I like the idea of uniform but it gets a bit ridiculous cost wise. #SuperParentSaturday
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Oh no! Don't say it gets worse! Wellies! I haven't got them wellies! Might have to buy some as we're coming into Winter now! Thanks for your comment x
Laura (Mind Mood Mommy)
August 29, 2015 at 10:40 am
Uniform can be a nightmare! Especially when schools often insist on having logos everywhere! For non logo items, I usually shop at George at Asda and Sainsbury's TU. I get pinafore dresses from Sainsbury's as you get 2 for £8 and they last brilliantly and I tend to shop for polo shirts and tights at Asda. For shoes, I try to shop around for shoes with fairly thick soles. I didn't bother with Clark's as it really doesn't seem to make a difference to Phoebe what brand they are, they mostly don't last more than a term! Thanks for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday x
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:33 pm
Hi Laura, thanks for your comment. It can be. I was surprised how many shops I had to go to, to get everything! x
Becky Pink
August 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm
It's eye-watering isn't it, especially as you have double the cost! I find the Tu uniform at Sainsburys has been hard wearing and relatively cheap, especially if you go when they have the 25% off. They have lovely little details like heart shaped buttons that my girls love. Don't forget to stock up on Vanish 😉 Becky x #bestandworst
Emily
August 29, 2015 at 7:34 pm
Hi Becky, thanks for your comment. It really is eye-watering! Never even thought to go to Sainsburys! x
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows
August 30, 2015 at 1:11 pm
It's doubly expensive for you! For nursery last year we bought Harrison a plain red sweatshirt from Tesco (£4), white polo shirts (£2.50 for two), grey trousers (£6 for two), grey socks (£5), p.e. pumps (£6) and then a sweatshirt with the school logo on (£8). His shoes from £20 from M&S. We still haven't got this years (he doesn't start for another fortnight), and I know it is going to cost a little more as he is only 4 but in 6-7 clothes, but I was actually surprised how cheap it was – except for shoes! Thanks for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday
Bek Dillydrops
August 30, 2015 at 2:27 pm
I feel your pain! After my son lost a whole PE kit, had his friend write in ink on two of his white shirts, plus three school sweatshirts going missing in the space of six weeks, it all had to be replaced. Then new uniform was needed for the new school year as he's had a growth spurt. Even though he's 8 years old, he is very tall and wears size 11-12 clothes. After about size 10, the price shoots up. I could have cried when I got to the til this summer!
Leandra Bramham
August 31, 2015 at 9:53 am
how cute are they though? Those dresses are adorable! And I don't remember clarks shoes being that cute when I was little(ok, so it was a very long time ago!)
Thanks for linking up with #toddlerapprovedtuesday x
Jenny Ripatti-Taylor
September 1, 2015 at 2:19 pm
I have bought M&S shoes for B as I had a voucher and I am so nervous everyone says how great Clarks are for school shoes. Good choice. It does add up doesn't it. Especilly with two in school but then I think how much more clothes I would have bought for them at home instead of the same outfit everyday it's cheaper in the long run. If you look at it like that. I have never done the uniform thing so I hope B gets used to it soon. Thank you for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Isabelle’s Mummy
September 1, 2015 at 6:49 pm
Izzie started preschool in January and has another 12 months in the same class. She's already outgrown the uniform from January. The proper school jumpers irritate her eczema so they were abandoned shortly after starting! A few weeks ago I just popped into Asda Living and picked up a couple of packs of polo shirts and a pair of leggings and a cotton cardigan for each day in the school colours. I would love to do pinafores but they don't wear those until year 1! We always do Clarks shoes as she has narrow feet but usually I can get these from the outlet, which is saves a massive amount. Expensive – no! Stressful – no!