Let’s face it: shopping for school uniforms isn’t exactly at the top of anyone’s “fun summer activities” list. But unless you’re planning to send your kid to school in last year’s too-short pants and a shirt with mysterious stains (no judgment here), it’s a task we’ve got to tackle.
Where to buy school uniforms
The good news? You’ve got options that won’t break the bank or require a second mortgage. (Save that for college tuition, am I right?) Many retail giants like Kohl’s and Target have stepped up their school uniform game in recent years, offering basics that won’t disintegrate after two washes. (Plus, you can grab some chip clips and a new shower curtain while you’re at it. Or pick out a backpack or lunch box. Multitasking for the win!)
Other brands like Lands’ End and Janie & Jack offer a step up in quality without venturing into “designer uniform” territory (is that even a thing?). Their uniforms tend to withstand the rigors of recess and cafeteria spills with impressive resilience. And let’s be honest, anything that survives a full school year deserves a medal.
If you’re dealing with a school that’s extra picky about their uniform specifications, specialty retailers like French Toast and The Uniform Shop by Tommy Hilfiger have got you covered. They offer those hard-to-find items like specific plaid skirts or blazers with the right number of buttons. (Because apparently, that’s a thing some schools care about. Who knew?)
For the eco-conscious, check out Primary. They offer simple, mix-and-match pieces in sustainable fabrics. It’s like the capsule wardrobe of school uniforms.
And let’s not forget the power of hand-me-downs and secondhand stores. One parent’s “too small” is another’s “perfect fit.” Plus, it’s like a treasure hunt where the prize is not having to go shopping again.
Remember, whatever your uniform-shopping strategy, you’re not alone in this annual ritual. We’re all in this together, armed with credit cards and the desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, these pants will last until winter break.
French Toast has been in the school uniform game since 1985, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about how to make shopping for them as easy as 1-2-3. They’ve got a robust selection of styles and you can even shop by school to ensure you’re adhering to the exact requirements. We also love that they stock adaptive styles!
You can always depend on Lands’ End for long-lasting back-to-school gear. Their backpacks and lunchboxes always top our best of lists and their clothing is top notch as well. Not only do they offer a wide range of uniform options across styles, colors and patterns (including 10 different plaids!)–they also make it super easy to purchase exactly what your kids’ school is looking for with a “Find My School” option.
As usual, Old Navy comes through with an affordable collection of essentials from polos and oxfords to chinos and jumpers. With pieces start at just $10, and a 1-year guarantee, you can fill a cart and not completely zap your budget.
When it comes to hues, nowhere offers a wider range than The Children’s Place. Choose from polos and an array of 16 colors from the typical navy and white to lesser found options like turquoise and golden yellow. They’ve also stocked chinos, shorts, skirts and dresses in sizes from toddler to teen which in many cases can be bought in money-saving multi-packs.
With a collection of brands including Lands’ End, French Toast, and their own labels All in Motion and Cat & Jack, Target can really be your one-stop shop. They’ve got a ton of styles at super reasonable prices as well as a generous return policy on their owned brands. Throw in socks, underwear, and a backpack and you’ll have the entire chore checked off your list in record time.
With wallet-friendly pricing and a large selection of reliable basics, Kohl’s is worth a look. Many of their styles including colorful polos, pants and skirts are available in petite and husky and you can even get your shoe shopping crossed off the list while you’re at it!
Uniform shopping or not, Primary is always one of our, well, primary back-to-school shopping haunts. Their sustainable and colorful essentials are ideal for mixing and matching and always keep their shape and color through relentless washings. Choose from a range of polo styles, oxfords, dresses, shorts, pants and even some cute layers for chillier days.
Gap stocks a classic collection of styles in sizes 4/5-4/16 including pull-on pleated skirts and stretchy twill khakis. Their fits are stylish and comfortable which is helpful if you’ve got a kid who isn’t exactly in love with this particular wardrobe requirement.
With sizes that literally range from infant to teen, Janie & Jack’s sophisticated pieces are a bit on the pricier side but it’s easy to see why. The styles and construction are a bit more elevated than what you typically find with options like wool suit blazers and crisp button downs that don’t shrink no matter how many times you have to wash them each week.
Crisp, timeless and always super fresh, Tommy Hilfiger’s Uniform Shop offers a curated collection ranging from oxfords and polos to shorts and chinos. Their fabrics are great quality which keeps kids comfortable and ups their chances of making it not only through the school year but perhaps into the hand-me-down pile as well.
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