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Big Kids

11th Aug 2021

Easy iron, reinforced knees, and grow-proof hems: The smart parent’s guide to affordable school uniforms

Laura Cunningham

Let’s make this as easy as possible on ourselves

This year, Back to School hits different. The summer break seemed to arrive just as the kids were getting settled into whatever a ‘new normal’ looked like for them. (Honestly if I never hear that phrase again…)

You’re probably feeling all the feels about the approaching deadline, and we’ll be trying to help make it a smooth transition over the next few weeks.

One way to make things easier on ourselves is by choosing parent-friendly, kid-proof, affordable school uniforms that’ll see them through the year without breaking the bank.  We’ve put together a fab little list of items that tick all of those boxes to get you started. Let’s go…

The only thing better than ‘Easy iron’ is not ironing

If you’re like us, ‘Easy iron’ really means ‘you’ll probably get away without ironing this at all’. This is vital because, we really can’t stress this enough, ironing can get in the sea.

Affordable school uniforms

Left: Easy-Care Long-Sleeved Blouse – Pack Of 2, from €4.50, Dunnes Stores 
Right: Ultimate Non-Iron Short-Sleeved Shirts – Pack Of 2, from €8, Dunnes Stores

Reinforce those knees

Reinforced knees in school trousers is a no-brainer. Impromptu after-school football and school hall sliding sessions (we all did it) mean those knees are goners unless they’re heavy duty.

reinforced knees school uniforms

V by Very Woven Plus Size Trousers, from €18, Littlewoods Ireland

When it comes to affordable school uniforms, multi-packs are your friend

There’s great value to be had in a multi-pack and our favourites come in fives, to cover the whole school week.

affordable school uniforms ireland

V by Very 5 Pack School Polo Tops, from €15, Littlewoods Ireland

Stay-white shirts FTW

Avoid replacing tired, greying shirts for longer by choosing a ‘stay-white’ options. Nope, we don’t know how it works either. We’re just glad it does.

affordable school uniform

V by Very Boys 3 Pack Short Sleeve Slim Fit School Shirts, from €12, Littlewoods Ireland

Where have grow-proof hems been all our lives?

The simple ideas are always the best, aren’t they? A grow-proof hem means a little extra fabric to allow us to take trousers and skirts down a bit when little legs grow longer. It’s the new standard in uniforms and we’re so here for it.

grow proof hems

Boys Additional Length Trousers, from €12, Marks and Spencer

Scuff-proof shoes

School rules allowing, a great pair of hardwearing black trainers can be a godsend. They’re neat enough to wear with a uniform and hardy enough to last the year. Get a pair with reinforced or rubber toes and you’re laughing.

 

back to school shoes

Left: Adidas Younger Kids Tensaur, €28, Lifestyle Sports

Middle: Start-rite Extreme School Shoes, €65, Littlewoods Ireland 

Right: Nike Younger Kids Star Runner, €30, Lifestyle Sports

We hope you found this rundown of affordable school uniform options helpful. What are your must-haves for Back to School gear? Let us know if we’ve missed anything in the comments on Facebook and Instagram.