Western Daily Press (Saturday)
How to save money on school uniform
Splashing out on back-to-school basics is always costly.
With the cost of living spiralling, this autumn could see many of us struggling more than ever. And we’re worrying about it now. According to a survey by Comparethemarket.com, 42% of families with children living at home regularly feel stressed about their finances – and it’s no real surprise.
“The cost of living will impact every household to an extent, as food and fuel are essential to all, and some households will already be feeling the strain,” says Kate Hardcastle, awardwinning consumer expert, and about to start her 28th school term as a parent of three. So, how can we make our money go further?
■ Be organised
It is difficult to start thinking about next year’s uniform the second kids break up for the summer, but it really can help. There’s usually plenty of stock in early summer, meaning you get your pick of everything, rather than being forced to spend on whatever’s left on the shelves at the end of the holidays.
And shops like M&S offer a 20% early bird school uniform discount too, which is long gone by the time most of us start shopping.
■ Wash the uniform before it’s worn
“Clothing is often treated with certain chemicals both in the dying treatment and finishing processes, to make it wrinkle-free,” Kate continues. Washing before wear removes excess fibres, which can help reduce the bobbling you might start to see in the first few wears, she says.
■ Buy multipacks
Sounds simple – and it is! You pay a small amount more but get double (or triple) the number of items in a pack, which can be a big saving in the long run.
■ Opt for pre-loved items
Lots of schools offer nearly-new items, which you can buy for much cheaper, and sites such as Vinted and eBay are also worth checking out for uniform staples. The savings will soon add up – and always say yes to any hand-medowns from local parents.
■ Wash uniforms on a cooler cycle and ditch fabric conditioner
Pretty much all uniform can be washed at 30 degrees, helping fabrics last longer as well being kinder to the planet.
■ Consider crossover-style shoe choices
School shoes can be expensive, but they are worn to the death, so it is worth paying more for a pair that will last longer, if you can do so.
“Consider how to maximise the wears by choosing a style that can be worn on weekends and through the holidays,” suggests Kate.
■ Look out for bundle deals and discounts
Some deals are worth snapping up. If you have more than one child, for example, you can buy two pairs of Kickers shoes and receive 20% off, or three pairs and save 25%.
For young stationery lovers, Smiggle is offering bundles including a water bottle, pencil case and lunchbox, and you can save up to £10. You need to ensure you’re looking to buy everything in the deal, but if you are, it’s a no-brainer!