It's that time of the year again. Buying school uniforms. Don't you just love it when your little dude (or, indeed, dudette) is excitedly starting the new school year with all their friends? Their sleeves slightly too long and the hems of trousers taken up with magic-web. Afterall, they've gotta have room to grow haven't they? I say that, but what's the point if their uniforms aren't going to last long enough for them to grow into?
We've all done it. Fell in to that 'false economy' trap. I'm especially guilt of that. Carson went through tens of polo tops last school year - each term! Get it slightly dirty once and that's your lot - no stain remover I've ever used got them white again. Then there's the stretching after them having been washed a few times. I don't own a dryer so resort to radiator, airer and washing-line drying you see. The jumpers tend to fray around the wrists and the trousers will scuff and bobble with one or two tumbles to the ground.
When Trutex called for bloggers, I was right up there offering my services. Or should I say Carson's! I remember in secondary school our blazer had to be Trutex so it lasted more than one school year, lack of major growth spurts permitting! Carson has only just turned 7 years old last week. We normally buy age 6-7yr but decided to opt for age 7-8yr clothing to review, with the intention of making it last.
Sweatshirt
(around £8.00 depending on stockist)
First Impressions:
Thick, bold emerald coloured sweatshirt with a soft interior. Strong seams, cuffs and hem.
Wear/fit:
I was surprised at just how well this size fits. Age 7-8 normally swim off of him so dare I say that Trutex uniforms come up a little small for their size? Whilst it fits him beautifully, I fear the sweatshirt may not last until Christmas though. Perhaps opt for a size larger than you would expect to buy. There are no bobbles either around the rib/underarm area either which is something I find always happens with supermarket sweatshirts.
After Washing:
Thankfully, Trutex offer a non-iron range so there's no rushing on a Sunday evening over here anymore! As for washing, I see no colour run, no signs of stretching and the best thing about it is that there are no bobbles! Tumble dry-able.
Shirts
(around £12 twin-pack depending on stockist)
First Impressions:
Bright white. Not thin, flimsy or see through - but a thick sturdy polycotton shirt. Strongly attached buttons (so many budget shirts have loose buttons that will fall off within the first few wears!) Elasticated extension attached to the top button so account for varying sized necks amongst the age range it's suitable for.
Wear/Fit.
Being such a thick shirt, I wondered about Carson's movement - could jumping around be restrictive or cause a rip? My worries were unfounded... he's been flailing around for hours in his uniform and he looks as flexible as ever! Again, age 7-8 fits him beautifully across the chest and it's a tad long in the body which is perfect for him to grow in to. I especially love the shirt's elasticated extension on the top button, which really will help it to last and grow with him. It also makes it easier for him to button and unbutton.
After Washing:
Colour held well. Shape remains strong and stiff. The shirts are advertised as non-iron, which is true (yippee!). However, it would be better if tumble dried so the heat can pull out the creases. If you're like me, without a dryer, make sure it's dried on a hanger on an airer. Folded over the radiator does lead to a few wrinkles and ultimately needing ironed.
Trousers
(around £11 depending on stockist)
First Impressions:
Stiff, thick and sturdy. Charcoal colour is a nice deep, dark grey. Close to black. Elasticated waist - good for those growth spurts we were talking about! A good long length - 22.5 inch inside leg for age 8 trousers.
Wear/fit:
I did think they may be a little too stiff for Carson but, again, his flailing around for the last few hours in them have posed no issue at all. If anything, Carson has commented on how comfortable and warm they are. I've taken the trousers up by 3 inches as Carson only has little legs but I can reverse that process at any time, and with the elasticated waist they should last for ages. I'm confident about these pants!
After washing:
Oh yes! It doesn't matter how these were dried, they didn't need ironing at all. The centre pleat holds fantastically well. Tumble dry-able No bobble or fluffy surface frays.
Find your nearest Trutex school uniform stockist and take a look at the huge range available.
I have to say, I'm suitably impressed.
The general quality of all 3 items I received are leagues above the usual suspects at supermarkets. Yes they're a little more expensive but the quality really does speak for themselves. They're built to last, particularly with the button extension on the shirts and the elasticated waist on the pants.
I love that they're non iron and washing them doesn't seem to have any effect on their feel or appearance either. Carson feels comfortable and confident in his uniform. Something that is really important for kids in my opinion. How are they to concentrate, or even socialise properly, when they're feeling fidgety and uncomfortable?
Where are you buying from this year and what's your pet-hate about school uniforms?!
I was sent the above items FOC for the purposes of review. All opinions are my own.
