The school holidays are now in full swing, and retail stores are stocked with a sea of generic uniforms. But the question remains: is it worth splurging on expensive clothing, or will a cheap alternative do the job just as well? Well, the answer is in, as the latest annual school uniform research conducted by MadeForMums reveals that Marks & Spencer, followed by Sainsbury’s Tu and John Lewis, come out on top.
This research involves putting uniforms from various retailers, including supermarkets and high street chains, to the test. Home testers examine the clothing for factors such as washing, fit, and quality, and provide feedback on whether the product is worth the price. Expert judges also evaluate the items, and the final score incorporates the rankings from over 900 parents.
Marks & Spencer excelled in terms of fit and quality, and obtained the best overall score. Although their uniforms are pricier than those of their supermarket competitors, the research report states that “parents told us that the quality, longevity, and features of the uniform make the price undoubtedly worth it over time”.
Sainsbury’s Tu brand was awarded “best supermarket school uniform” for the second year in a row, despite being more expensive than other supermarket brands. While their cheapest polo shirt costs £2, twice as much as Aldi’s, and their jumper and trousers are £4.50 each compared to Aldi’s £1.50 and £1.75 (for a seven-year-old boy), Sainsbury’s uniform scored the highest in the “worth the money” category.
John Lewis, although coming in third place, was rated best for “durability”. Parents praised the fact that their uniforms wash well, are made from high-quality materials, and are designed to grow with the child. Which?, a consumer body, also named Sainsbury’s as “the cheapest big retailer” for parents seeking to save on uniform items.
Gemma Cartwright, the digital editor at MadeForMums, highlights the shift towards parents valuing durability and longevity in uniforms. She commends both high street and supermarket brands for providing good value, long-lasting uniforms that cater to different needs and budgets.
For those who prefer to avoid branded uniforms and shop entirely on the high street, MadeForMums also compared the average cost by brand. They focused on the cheapest polo shirt, jumper, regular-fit trousers, and dark socks for a seven-year-old boy. Since most retailers sell these items in multipacks to save money, the researchers also calculated the cost of individual items. Unsurprisingly, Aldi came out on top with a cost-effective outfit (excluding socks) at just £4.13. On the other hand, John Lewis totaled up to £27.50, with their polo shirt priced at £4.50 and jumper and trousers at £10 and £11, respectively. The specialist brand Trutex was rated the most expensive overall at £41.27.
Cartwright emphasizes the need for uniform buyers to manage their expectations. She advises that a £2 polo shirt will do the job but may not perform miracles. Shrinkage, fading, and bobbling are inevitable, though the experiences with the same brand can vary among testers. As one parent put it, “I’m not sure if that is a sign of the quality of the uniform or what detergent you’re using.” Regardless of what you choose to buy, it’s best to stock up on stain remover, as white polos and shirts tend to be the items parents replace most frequently.
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