School Uniform Money Saving Tips

Buying school uniforms can be expensive, especially for families with more than one child. There are lots of ways to save money on uniforms without sacrificing quality. Here are some helpful tips from Aspinline to keep costs down.

Before you start buying, make sure you know your school’s uniform policy. Some schools are more flexible and let you buy cheaper options from supermarkets, while others have stricter rules. Checking the policy first helps you avoid buying the wrong items, like the wrong colours or styles and wasting money.

Supermarkets are one of the cheapest places to buy school uniforms. You can often find basic items like shirts, trousers, and skirts for as little as £2. Many supermarkets also offer multi-buy deals where you can save more by buying several items. The best time to buy is usually in July, just before the summer holidays, when the uniform stock is full and prices are lower.

Many shops offer sales before school starts, so keep an eye out for discounts. Stores like Sainsbury’s and Tesco often have 25% off school uniforms in the weeks before school begins. You can also sign up for newsletters to get notified about sales.

Buying a slightly larger size can save you money in the long run. Children grow quickly, and sizing up means you won’t have to buy new uniforms as often. It’s a simple way to prepare for those unexpected growth spurts.

Second-hand uniforms can save you a lot of money. You can often find them for free or for a very low price. Check Facebook groups, charity shops, eBay, and even school sales for good deals. If you have younger children, keep the uniforms for them to use later, saving even more money.

Label your child’s uniform to avoid losing items. Custom labels are a great way to make sure their jumpers, blazers, and sports kits don’t get mixed up with other kids’ things. Labels help you avoid expensive replacements if things go missing. Aspinline offers custom woven labels and iron-on DTF transfers with lots of design options to match your child’s school uniform.

Taking care of your child’s uniform can make it last longer. Wash clothes on a lower temperature, avoid using a tumble dryer, and encourage your child to change out of their uniform after school. Keeping the uniform in good condition means it will last longer and save you money.

Some families may be able to get financial support in the form of a school uniform grant. This is usually offered by the local council to low-income families. It’s worth checking if you qualify for a school uniform grant with your council, as it could save you a lot of money in the long run.

One of the biggest expenses for parents is buying branded uniforms. A cost-effective solution for schools that require branded uniforms is to purchase sew-on school badges that parents can attach to plain uniforms.

This practical approach empowers schools to buy school badges in bulk for parents to sew onto shirts, jumpers and blazers - significantly reducing uniform costs. Allowing parents to purchase affordable, unbranded uniform items keeps costs low while maintaining the school’s dress code.

Saving money on school uniforms doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. By shopping around, looking for sales, buying second-hand, sizing up, and taking care of the clothes, you can save money while still getting good-quality uniforms.

Aspinline can help too. Our custom woven labels are perfect for making sure your child’s uniform stays with them. We offer a variety of designs to suit your school’s colours and your child’s personality. Check out Aspinline’s custom label options today, and get in touch with us if you have any questions about our customised products.