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