I’m a fashion expert – where to buy the best school uniform that’ll last all year and why Asda is the top spot for shoes

SCHOOL may only just be out for summer but it’s already time to think about uniform for the next school year.

And where better to pick up all the essentials than your local supermarket?

David CummingsThis year, Tu has focused on making sure its uniform doesn’t fade in the wash[/caption]

Abby McHale scoured the aisles, helped by Bella Brown, seven, and her mum Candy Liverpool, of Northampton, and mum Amy Willis from Horsham, West Sussex with her son Parker Miles, seven.

TU AT SAINSBURY’S – BEST FOR KEEPING COLOUR

THIS year, Tu has focused on making sure its uniform doesn’t fade in the wash.

 With new technologies to keep clothing brighter for longer, it also offers a 150-day guarantee so if you’re not happy with the quality you can return items for a refund or exchange.

Amy says: “These shorts got a bit of muck on them while Parker was wearing them and they wiped clean really easily, which was a bonus.”

Candy says: “The quality of these felt really good, especially for the price, I can’t wait to give them a proper wash.”

F&F AT TESCO – BEST FOR BEING GREEN

David CummingsThe polyester in Tesco’s school uniform is made from recycled materials[/caption]

THE polyester in Tesco’s school uniform is made from recycled materials. The supermarket also has a 100-day guarantee in case you wish to swap the uniform if you are not satisfied.

Amy says: “I like the reinforced knees on these trousers – they’re really important if you’ve got children who like to slide around on the floor.”

Candy says: “The fact that the dress is made from 50 per cent recycled material makes it appealing to me. And the shirts are also easy-iron, which is really handy when you don’t have much time on your hands.”

M&S – BEST FOR INNOVATION

David CummingsM&S is always looking for new ways to improve its uniforms[/caption]

M&S is always looking for new ways to improve its uniforms, with the range boasting crease-resistant fabrics, non-iron shirts and adjustable waistbands.

Plus it has frozen prices this year with a pack of three polo shirts starting from £7.

Amy says: “I love how M&S uniforms adjust. This means Parker will probably get an extra six months in these trousers so I don’t have to keep on buying new ones every time he grows.”

Candy says: “The adjustable tabs on the skirt work for Bella as she’s quite slender and skirts can often fall straight down on her. This way the skirt holds her in more.”

NUTMEG AT MORRISONS – BEST FOR DETAIL

David CummingsMorrisons’ school uniforms are all about the detail[/caption]

MORRISONS’ school uniforms are all about the detail. With scallop edges on polo shirts, matching hair scrunchies and hearts and bows galore, it’s great for uniforms with an extra something. Amy says: “This T-shirt feels really soft and for £1.65 you can’t go wrong.”

Candy says: “I love the detailing on this dress. The heart zip and bow pocket give it that finishing touch.”

GEORGE AT ASDA – BEST FOR SHOES

David CummingsAsda has a big selection on the shelves in store and you can order uniforms online too[/caption]

ASDA has a big selection on the shelves in store and you can order uniforms online too.

Plimsolls start from £2.50 and school shoes from £5.

Amy says: “Parker loved his shoes and said they were the comfiest ones he’d ever worn. The shorts were also a really good fit for him.”

Candy says: “Bella often struggles with shoes rubbing and these have a cushion around the ankle which is great for stopping this. She loved the design.”

…OR GO FOR SECOND HAND

ON average it costs £101 to kit out each child for secondary school, says the Schoolwear Association.

But there are many places to bag what you need for much less.

DOTTE: This website allows you to buy and sell childrenswear and they have a dedicated ‘Back to School’ section where you can pick up uniform. They have also partnered with M&S, so if you sell any M&S item on their marketplace you get a £5 voucher to spend directly on kidswear.

OLDSCHOOLUNIFORM.CO.UK: A site that lets you filter uniforms to specific schools so that you can find even branded uniform items. As well as selling on here you can also buy school trousers from as little as £3.

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GROWN OUT OF IT: 25,000 schools are listed on this site and you can buy and sell branded and non branded uniforms, with items such as cycling shorts from 50p, there are bargains to be had.

SECOND HAND AT SCHOOL: Many schools have second hand uniforms, whether it be a one-off sale, dedicated shop, or Facebook group. Check with your school about what is on offer.