10 Useful Hacks for School Uniforms to Keep You Top of the Class

During the school year, kids spend more time wearing their uniforms. When it comes to maintaining and caring for their uniform, kids are not always the best. Don’t forget to check out our 10 hacks that will keep you at the top of your class.

You can extend the life of your school uniform by using these tips and tricks. These tips and hacks come from parents of children ranging from preschool to college.

You Can Make Your School Uniforms More Useful With These Hacks

#1. All Change

The number one tip I have is to make sure your child changes out of his or her school uniform as soon they arrive home. Teach them how to hang their uniform!

It will make them more comfortable, and prevent stains and tears caused by play and spills. This will also help keep their uniforms fresh.

Pack spare clothes in your child’s bag if they have an after-school activity or play date. Teach them how to fold their uniform neatly.

#2. Label Everything

You can do this as soon as the uniform is purchased. All children will wear the same uniform. Included are coats, hats and other accessories such as togs and towels.

There will be some confusion, but if you label the items or use a laundry pen to identify them, the odds of losing the item are reduced. Any item that is lost can easily be identified and returned.

#3. Find Uniforms that Have Extras

Look for extras that come as standard when purchasing your school uniform. M&S, for example, offers a wide range of uniform fabrics that are stain-resistant and water-repellent.

There are also innovative fits and sizes, such as Plus fit (6cm wide in the body), and Slim fit (4cm smaller in the body), and shorter and longer lengths for trousers and skirts. And clever design features like adjustable cuffs.

#4. Personalise School Uniforms

All my daughters have to wear the exact same jacket at school. I attached a keyring to her zipper so she could identify it more easily. You can also attach a hair tie or a badge to the zipper, or hang up loop so that they know immediately if they have the right jacket.

This is a great way to make their uniforms a little different and let their individuality shine through.

You can also change the buttons of their cardigan. If you have to stick with a certain colour, then change the style.

If you let your child decorate his or her school bag with badges, key rings and other accessories, they can show off their personality, without having to worry about uniform monitors.

#5. You Can Set a Specific Wash Day

All School Uniforms and gear are washed on Friday afternoon in our home. It will save them from a Sunday night cry about not having clean socks/shirts or gym gear.

It is a good idea to have your uniform wash day every week on the same date. This will encourage the children to wash their clothes on time and keep them clean for the next week.

Common Sense

These tips are common sense. However, it is always good to be reminded of them.

• Before you wash any item, check the label to see how it should be cleaned. Jumpers, for example, will need a colder wash than cotton shirts.
• If you do not separate the darks and whites you will soon notice that the difference.
• You should also use the right detergent. Use the correct detergent.
• This will keep the embroidery from fraying or catching.
• Check the care label for ironing. Some fabrics are not suitable for ironing, and high heat can damage delicate fabric.

If you wash your uniforms carefully, they will last longer.

#6. Generic Uniforms: Buy Generic Uniforms

You must purchase crests and ties from a school uniform specialist. You can save money by buying generic items at stores, such as skirts and shirts.

You can even purchase the crest separately and attach it to a generic blazer, cardigan or jumper.

#7. School Shoes

Most school shoes are black or brown. If you want to prolong the life of your child’s school shoes, and avoid extra wear and tear, make sure they change them out when they arrive home. If they are wet, you can stuff them with newspapers and let them air dry. This will keep their shape.

Polish them every week to keep them in great shape and add a layer of extra protection.

We has a great range of leather footwear that is scuff-resistant. You can be sure that your child’s shoes will look as good as they did when they were new.

#8. Try Before You Buy

Set aside a whole day for your kids to shop for their school uniforms. It may be necessary to bribe the kids, but in the end it will all be worth it!

Try on the uniform before purchasing. You may find that they want to wear a bigger jumper, cardigan or a shorter polo shirt.

#9. A place for Everything

Set the habit of having the children lay out their uniforms the night before. This will save them time in the morning, when everyone is rushing to school or work.

It will be of great benefit to them if they get into the habit or hanging or folding up their uniform in a uniform box or drawer. They will then always have it at the same location.

It’s the same for school bags, jackets, and shoes. You can reduce morning stress by having a designated place where each child can leave their bag.

#10. Be Prepared

If you have the budget, buy extra shirts, socks, and polo-shirts for your school uniform during summer when supplies are plentiful. Even if you already have a crest on your cardigan, pinafore, or jumper at school, it is worth buying a generic version in the same color in case of an emergency.

When there is a good supply of items such as trousers, skirts and shirts, you can also buy an extra size.

You will not have to search for extras if your child grows a lot in the middle of the school year, and uniforms are hard to find.