School uniforms: how to buy to your school's rules and not overpay
Find out the school's requirements first
The most expensive mistake is buying a uniform before the school has decided what it wants. Some schools require a specific colour, badge or cut, others only ask for a “classic style”. Ask the class teacher: navy or grey, checks or plain, whether a blazer or waistcoat is needed, whether girls may wear trousers. Note down the answers and put them in your request.
What to put in your request
- what exactly — a full set, blazer, trousers, skirt, pinafore, waistcoat, shirts or blouses, and how many of each;
- your child's height and size — if you don't know the size, write the class;
- for whom — boy or girl;
- colour — navy, grey, black, checks;
- school requirements — badge, supplier, cut;
- fabric — suiting, cotton, with viscose, less synthetic;
- new or used, and what condition is acceptable;
- city, delivery and budget, if you want to name one.
“Looking for a uniform for a girl, height 134 cm: a navy pinafore and blazer, two white blouses. As per the school's rules, with the school badge, fabric without too much synthetic. New, courier delivery to Lahore, budget up to Rs 14,000.”
Fabric and fit: what to look at
In a uniform a child sits at a desk and runs about at break every day, so the fabric must be durable and not crease much. A blend with viscose or cotton is usually nicer than a hundred per cent polyester, though it may wear out sooner. Ask about the composition on the label, not just the general name “suiting”.
Make sure the blazer doesn't pinch the shoulders when your child moves, the trousers have spare length or a hem, and the skirt isn't too short. Look at double seams and the quality of the lining. Children grow fast, so go one size up only if there is some adjustment.
New or used
Blazers, trousers and waistcoats are often sold used in excellent condition, because children outgrow them quickly. This can be much better value, especially if the school hasn't changed its rules. Shirts and blouses that touch the skin, and socks and tights, are better bought new. For a used uniform, ask for photos of the elbows, knees and collar.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write your request once, and sellers of children's clothing reply with offers in the chat, with photos, price and delivery terms. It is free for buyers. Sellers see where their offer stands and compete for your request. BlaBlaPrice shows the best-value offer first, with seller reviews next to each one. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Create a request or find out how it works.
Along with the uniform you may need boys' clothing or girls' clothing for everyday wear, and kids' outerwear for the cold season.
