Buying school uniforms on a budget?

[Brenda in CA]

I'm not sure how it is with your school district, but in our public school district, if they were to require a uniform policy, they would also have to have an opt-out for parents who don't wish to participate. Because it is a public school, a parent can simply fill out a form to "opt-out" of the uniform policy.

I wish we would go to uniforms though because things would be so much easier with the 12-almost-13-year-old who changes 3 or 4 times each morning.

 

[virgojmk]

Moved to a uniform district 6 years ago. Until this year loved it, buy 3 pairs shorts(or skorts, or jumper), 3 pant and 6 polos and then keep washing.
My problem this year, DD in 2nd grade is autistic. The uniform pants are buttons or clasps and she can't refasten. This wasn't a problem last year, because she was in the special ed dept and an aide would help her. This year they decide since she wasn't that far behind in her school work, to mainstream her (which is great, except behaviorly she isn't really, she's at a kindergarten level). She wanted pants with zippers, so I put heavy duty velco over the clasp so she could do it herself.
The other problem, middle school, the jacket must by plain (no logo's, even tiny ones the same color of the jacket) white, grey or hunter green. Finally found a white one at Big Five.
As far as the standard uniform we shop at Mervyn's, Target, Old Navy. It's true you can pick up get bargains at the end of the season, but they are usually odd sizes. Around here (we only have one district, so we have 9 elementary and 2 middle school shopping for the same thing), size 6-14 sell out quickly. Would recommend buying early, keeping the receipt and then if you find them on sale rebuy and return the others.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

Have you thought about Ebay? When we started our embroidery business I looked there for youth polos and found quite a few reasonable lots, all new, still in plastic. Jackets too, and since they're for embroidering there are no logos on them.

I'll be listing some before school starts as we're giving up our storefront to travel (& embroider) more.

 

[crazymomof4]

I'm not sure how it is with your school district, but in our public school district, if they were to require a uniform policy, they would also have to have an opt-out for parents who don't wish to participate. Because it is a public school, a parent can simply fill out a form to "opt-out" of the uniform policy.

I wish we would go to uniforms though because things would be so much easier with the 12-almost-13-year-old who changes 3 or 4 times each morning.

This opt-out thing is interesting to me! We are not being offered this, but I wonder if the school is required to offer it? Many moms at our school are questioning the legality of a forced uniform code in a public school. Unlike a private or parochial school, if we don't want to (or cannot afford to) participate, where do we send our kids for an education? (PS- I homeschool my kids after 6th grade- so I know this is an option) We pay taxes for public education and now I feel like I joined a communist state where I am forced to conform to the school board's decision regarding what I HAVE to buy for my kids to wear!

 

[rparmfamily]

My children go to a public school that has had uniforms for 8 years. We just moved here, so it's a big adjustment for us!! At first I was dissapointed because I am a bargin shopper and love to buy cute clothes for them (I'm a Gymbo addict too). NOW, I LOVE the uniforms!!! Makes it so much easier and I save money because I'm not buying nearly as much clothes as before! I sold off the clothes I didn't love (her weekend clothes) and used it to buy uniforms! You really only buy the uniforms once! Then you trade!

BTW, I picked up the skorts at the Gap for $7 for my DD, and they have been great! I got her 3, plus 3 polos. (we are navy blue bottoms and light blue tops).

 

[englishteacha]

I've never heard of a school having an opt-out policy for uniforms. Why wouldn't all parents just opt-out then? I have heard of public schools being required to provide a uniform to a child whose family might not be able to afford one.

 

[Brenda in CA]

I've never heard of a school having an opt-out policy for uniforms. Why wouldn't all parents just opt-out then? I have heard of public schools being required to provide a uniform to a child whose family might not be able to afford one.

I'm a teacher in a public school and we (the teachers) have talked about how much easier it would be if we just had uniforms. I just know that here, the problem that we've talked about with a uniform policy is that we would have to offer an opt-out. Then we'd pretty much be back to square one because so many of the families in our school would say they couldn't afford the uniforms (very low income neighborhood).

 

[Brenda in CA]

This opt-out thing is interesting to me! We are not being offered this, but I wonder if the school is required to offer it? Many moms at our school are questioning the legality of a forced uniform code in a public school. Unlike a private or parochial school, if we don't want to (or cannot afford to) participate, where do we send our kids for an education? (PS- I homeschool my kids after 6th grade- so I know this is an option) We pay taxes for public education and now I feel like I joined a communist state where I am forced to conform to the school board's decision regarding what I HAVE to buy for my kids to wear!

If you are interested in possibly opting-out, you need to go to the school district office and ask for the complete uniform policy. There should be info in the written policy that would tell if there is an opt-out. I don't know how a district can enforce a uniform policy if they are a public school.

 

[mrsmiller]

My vote is also for Target, I just bought my son white polo shirts (french toast) for 2.00 (short sleeves) and khaki pants for 5.00 so keep an eye for the clearance I also bought all the school supplies back in
September and I spent less than 5.00; that is school supplies for the school year for two kids!!!!!!So my kids are ready for next school year. I do love uniforms because is less of a headache to get them ready every morning I just iron and get everything ready for the week and they get ready no fuss or fights.
Linnette

 

[crazymomof4]

If you are interested in possibly opting-out, you need to go to the school district office and ask for the complete uniform policy. There should be info in the written policy that would tell if there is an opt-out. I don't know how a district can enforce a uniform policy if they are a public school.

Thanks, but it seems to be linked to State Law. Some states require the opt-out clause, some do not. NJ does not. It does however require assistance in buying the uniforms to financially needy families. I probably wouldn't qualify, but it's nice to know that there will have to be help for those that really do.

 

[crazymomof4]

My vote is also for Target, I just bought my son white polo shirts (french toast) for 2.00 (short sleeves) and khaki pants for 5.00 so keep an eye for the clearance
Linnette

I am going to my Target tomorrow to check!

I spoke with a teacher today and lamented that the only tan colored pants I have right now for DD are corduroy (not permitted). She said that no teacher would send a kid to the office for wearing corduroy if the color was right.

 

[crazymomof4]

BTW, I picked up the skorts at the Gap for $7 for my DD, and they have been great! I got her 3, plus 3 polos. (we are navy blue bottoms and light blue tops).

I'm wondering about the "skorts" because of the policy's length requirement of mid-thigh. My DD has long legs (we call her the stork) skorts don't usually reach her mid-thigh. Are the "uniform" style skorts longer?

 

[tarheel618]

Run to SEARS right now! They are clearing out last year uniforms. I picked up white shirts and navy blue shirts for $4.99. All the pants, shorts and skirts were $9.98.

The brand is called French Toast and they are stain resistant and wash really well.

My daughters school is public but also has uniforms.

 

[lbgraves]

This opt-out thing is interesting to me! We are not being offered this, but I wonder if the school is required to offer it? Many moms at our school are questioning the legality of a forced uniform code in a public school. Unlike a private or parochial school, if we don't want to (or cannot afford to) participate, where do we send our kids for an education? (PS- I homeschool my kids after 6th grade- so I know this is an option) We pay taxes for public education and now I feel like I joined a communist state where I am forced to conform to the school board's decision regarding what I HAVE to buy for my kids to wear!

We just went thru the uniform vote for our school and it didn't get the required approval % vote but I am requesting an out of district move next year to a school that has uniforms. I don't like the idea of a uniform in a public school either but I want the kids to get a better education than they are now. None of the schools here with uniforms have the option of not wearing them.

 

[pamlet]

When my kids were in school if I could find French Toast they were the best wearing...

Here's my take - work up to 5 -10 bottoms... and 5 - 10 tops...

Start out with at least 2 of each if that's all you can get .. but the more you've got the better... BUT you don't have to start with that.. just add a piece here and there and work them into the rotation..

I LOVE it when I go to a school to work and they're in uniforms. I do part time work that takes me into elemtary schools a couple times a week during the school year. The schools that have the kids in uniform are somehow quieter and the kids more polite - whether they're public or private schools. Schools without uniform policies can go either way - but the uniform schools are ALWAYS easier to deal with.

My kids wore uniforms through High School - and it was WONDERFUL not having to buy the latest fad for them ... or "this years" 75.00 "real" polo shirt...

 

[liveforthemagic]

My kids are in Catholic school--we have to buy the jumpers from one specific store--$45 each! But we can get the blouses, shirts, and boys navy pants wherever. French Toast is great quality--and affordable. Also--the boys have to wear white, short sleeve, button down shirts (and starting in 4th grade, they have to wear a real (not a clip on) blue tie from Tgiving to Easter). I think its great! I'm totally old fashioned. DS hates it.

Anyway--here are some suggestions on uniforms. I buy 5 prs of pants and 5 white shirts for DS (note--around 6th grade they also find it cool to wear white undershirts under the regular shirt). Same for my daughter--5 jumpers (I buy them used) and 5 shirts. I do 2 loads of school clothes laundry every weekend....one with the colors, and one with the whites. Easy.

I know an option is red, but consider white. No matter what they get on them, you can soak them overnight in bleach or OxyClean, and they come out clean.

We've never had khaki pants as an option. Consider how much more forgiving navy is than khaki for playground stains....the trick is to spend as little as you can on uniforms and make them last all year.

If you're going to buy jumpers or skirts--check for a big hem. We can wear our jumpers two years cause they have a 2 inch hem in them. Jumpers are also great because they have elastic across the back and the button is movable so you can adjust the fit.

Start up a used uniform sale at your school. We have one the first week and the last week of school. There are set prices for each piece of clothing...shirts $1, pants $2, jumpers are $10. I have never purchased a new jumper yet!

Check out Kohls for school shoes--watch though as early as June cause their sales really start then. Also, if you have a Value City near you, they have great deals on French Toast shirts--its kinda hit or miss and usually in July.

And finally--don't worry about your daughter. I do miss dressing mine, since she didn't have uniforms in pre school. But they still go to birthday parties, church, out with you, over to grandma's--there are still plenty of opportunities to dress them up. Plus--getting dressed in the morning is soooo easy.

You will find for your son that you really only need one pair of jeans per year--total savings! And if they are only allowed to wear tennis shoes on gym days (2x/week for us) then unless their feet grow, your tennies don't wear out all year long!

 

[Mom-to-2-Princesses]

Lisa,
I so enjoy shopping for and dressing her for school! I'm so proud of how she looks each day! I've only had one school year of that and now it's being taken away. When she comes home, she generally changes into "play" clothes that I don't mind if she gets stained or worn.

I know what you mean - my girls were dressed so adorable in preschool and for about 20% of what the kids in jeans and tees were wearing. Then we went to Catholic School. You will like it that you know everyday what the kids are going to wear. Although, I will admit by May I am sick of Navy blue and white and rebel by putting cute socks (not uniform) on my girls!

Even though she is in uniform you can still have fun with her hair! I was really into the cute bows for each holiday, etc. I am putting together a Power Point presentation now for my oldest's fifth grade graduation and when I look at the group shots I can immediately find her because of her hair!

Now back to your question - sale prices! You will find uniform items year round on clearance, it is just the start-up year that can be tough. I get almost all my white shirts at Target - I know they should be clearing out the polos soon. BTW - Consumer Reports gave Target the best grade in uniform quality for the price.

Good luck with the changes!

 

[badblackpug]

Crazymom..

You are in my area the JC Penney outlet at Franklin Mills is a GOLDMINE...and absolute goldmine..............

 

[ilovefh]

Well here it is! A local paper announced the uniform code specifics.
No cargo or painter's pants- That's just GREAT!

do you think "skirts" would include jumpers?

What's in:

* Black or tan dress pants and khakis.

* Black or tan Bermuda or walking shorts and skirts that are no shorter than mid thigh.

* Red or white collared dress shirts, polo/golf shirts, sweaters and turtlenecks with school logos only.

* Rubber- or hard-soled shoes and sneakers.

* Headwear specific to religious affiliations.

What's out:

* Denim, hip-huggers, mini-skirts, cargo and painter's pants and low-cut shorts

* Sweatshirts, midriffs, mesh shirts and tank, tube and strapless tops.

* Any clothing identifying gang affiliations or made of fishnet, sheer, see-through, shiny nylon, corduroy or tight-fitting or stretch-type materials.

* Heels higher than 2 inches, flip-flops, shower sandals and open-toed shoes.

* Hats, scarves, headbands, visors, bandannas, wave caps, sunglasses, etc.

I wish our school would go to uniforms! I work in a middle school and the way some kids dress is terrible! We have a dress code, but it's tough when all teachers do not enforce it!

 

[crazymomof4]

Crazymom..

You are in my area the JC Penney outlet at Franklin Mills is a GOLDMINE...and absolute goldmine..............

Oh, thank you. I never would have thought to look there! Not ever having to deal w/ uniforms, I never noticed who carried them and who didn't.

I am cutting and pasting all of the great tips on this thread to a saved document. I told all of the moms I know that I will make copies so they will benefit too. No one I know has an extra $300 laying around to buy uniforms at full price for 2 kids! (the school board told us that they estimate the out of pocket expense for parents with one child is $152)