How to save on uniforms as prices soar
With the summer holidays fast approaching, the demand for free school uniforms has skyrocketed amid the cost of living crisis.
The Children’s Society, which campaigns for affordable school uniforms, estimates that the average secondary school uniform costs £337 in 2020.
With prices rising, parents will try to save wherever possible.
Here are 12 top tips for saving on school uniforms from consumer group Which?:
1. Buy used
Parents can check if their child’s school or Parent Teachers Association (PTA) has a thrift sales group where you may be able to pick up used items.
For example which? heard about a parent who helped with a second-hand uniform sale where uniform items were 25% cheaper than buying new and the funds went to the Parent Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA).
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While this may not be possible at every school, you could try organizing your own second-hand sale with the school, or check out social media sites and apps like Facebook Marketplace or Freecycle.
2. Don’t be fooled by multipacks
Many school uniform items are sold in multi-packs of two, four, and five.
While this can be good value for plain white polo shirts that children may need to wear fresh every day, there may not be a need to buy as many sets of school pants or skirts.
Always calculate the price per item to see if you save by buying more. For example, Tu at Sainsbury’s (SBRY.L) sells a multi-pack of four black woven school trousers for nine-year-olds for £16, which is £4 a pair. But you pay the same price per item if you buy the two-pack for £8.
So don’t think you have to buy more than you need.
3. buddy up
Alternatively, if you spot a great multipack deal and don’t really need all of the items, parents can team up with another parent and split the cost.
Teaming up with families with children of different ages is also a great way to pass around clothes when they’re too big.
4. Magnify
Sometimes there’s no harm in buying the next size up in a uniform, especially if it’s an expensive item like a blazer.
You can also try pulling up long school pants and loosening the hem as your child grows.
Some stores, such as Marks & Spencer, sell “growth hem” pants that are made longer. When children grow up, you can lower the pants by unzipping the hem and ironing them with an iron.
5. Look for grants
Some parents are eligible for a school uniform bursary worth £200 depending on income and location.
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The grants are typically available to people who receive benefits such as Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit. You may also be eligible if your child receives free school meals.
Not every parish in England offers this, but you can check what is on offer on the government website. The scholarship programs also differ in the UK.
6. Review the unified policy
Make sure you read the school uniform guidelines completely and what you need before you buy anything.
For example, some schools may require students to wear a full pleated skirt or black pants instead of gray pants.
If you need to buy branded items and need help with costs speak to the school as some offer vouchers to help.
7. Check outlet stores
Some major shoe stores have online outlet stores where you can buy discounted shoes for a fraction of the cost.
The? checked and found some girls’ school shoes for £32 at Clarks outlet, a third (33%) off the full price of £48.
Elsewhere, you can get cheaper shoes from Office Offcuts, who sell “end-of-line, ex-display, and last pair of shoes” and all stock is new.
Schuh also has an ex show range.
8. Keep the uniform in good condition to last longer
While you can’t prevent children from outgrowing their uniforms, you can keep clothing in good condition to delay purchasing replacements.
For example, you can buy a clothes razor on Amazon (AMZN) for just £5 that will make worn woolen jumpers look like new.
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Regular polishing of school shoes protects them and also makes them look smarter.
9. Remember to label clothes
It is not uncommon for uniform items to be lost throughout the year. In fact, research suggests that three quarters of elementary school children lose one to two clothes a year.
Parents can reduce the risk of paying for new items by labeling everything with their child’s name.
You can buy brand names to iron on or sew onto clothing for around £3.50.
10. Look for offers
Many retailers are offering deals and discounts on uniforms this time of year, so it pays to search and shop for the best ones.
For example which? Found Kickers to have a family deal that offers 20% off when you buy two pairs of school shoes, or 25% off three pairs.
Meanwhile, Aldi is currently selling many school uniform items, including a girls’ black pleated skirt for just £1.75.
11. Look for discount codes and loyalty apps
Coupert and Pouch are free shopping tools that offer to automatically find any available voucher with one click and add it to your shopping cart.
You can also receive offers by signing up for a loyalty program. For example, joining the H&M club is free. It offers free shipping to all members and you can earn points for every purchase that eventually lead to money discount coupons.
12. Keep an eye on sales
Clearance sales are a great opportunity to save money on more expensive items like winter coats or shoes.
The? recommends setting a budget, making a list of items you need to buy, and writing down the full price — that way you can see if you’re really getting a bargain when the sale starts.
It can also be worth buying out of season. For example which? found some summer dresses for school on sale at Tu. Although the kids won’t need much of it in the fall, they will have it next spring.