Top 5 Tips to Make Children’s School Uniforms Last Longer
Many parents are familiar with the frustration of their children coming home from school with worn-out school uniforms. The cost of replacing these items can add up quickly. Lacey Roebuck, the Commercial Manager at Sports Direct, has shared five essential tips to help parents extend the lifespan of their kids’ school clothes.
Key Findings
– According to research conducted by Sports Direct, the most frequently replaced items in school uniforms are shirts and polos (33%), trousers or shorts (29%), socks or tights (25%), school shoes (25%), and dresses and skirts (15%).
– On the other hand, the most commonly repaired items are trousers or shorts (27%), shirts or polos (17%), jumpers or cardigans (15%), school shoes (12%), and blazers or smart jackets (12%).
Top Five Tips
1. **Delay Shopping**: Purchase school uniforms as close to the start of the term as possible to ensure a better fit that lasts longer throughout the year. This is especially crucial for younger children who tend to outgrow their clothes quickly.
2. **Reinforce High-Wear Areas**: Use fusible interfacing, an affordable sewing trick, to reinforce areas prone to wear and tear such as knees, elbows, and hems. This simple step can prevent tears and extend the life of the garment.
3. **Tweezers for Shoes**: Regularly clean touch-strap fasteners on school shoes and trainers with tweezers to remove debris and extend their lifespan.
4. **Use Fabric Protector**: Apply fabric protector to prevent stains from setting in, making it easier to clean spills and stains on clothes.
5. **Consider Upsizing and Metal Poppers**: Purchase uniforms in a larger size than usual and install metal poppers near the hem for easy length adjustments as children grow.
These practical tips can help parents save money by making their children’s school uniforms last longer. By implementing these strategies, parents can ensure that their kids’ clothes stay in good condition throughout the school year.