Buying school uniforms on a budget?

[MrsPete]

No, they would be using hand-me downs and shopping at yard sales all summer. Both options are now gone. Most families in our area don't buy back to school clothes. They start the year with what they ended with because school fees are so expensive. Its still hot when school starts, so there is no need to buy new clothes until the weather turns colder which is usually around October.

And they can still use those same methods for uniforms -- though the hand-me-downs won't be available during the first year of uniforms. Khaki pants and polo shirts are widely available at yard sales, consignment stores, clearance racks, ebay, etc.

I'm still not sure how its going to be cheaper. They will still need regular clothes when they get home from school, so we will be buying 2 outfits a day instead of one. They can't wear their uniforms to after school activities and jobs. As it is now they don't change when they get home, they just wear what they wore to school.

It's cheaper because kids who wear regular clothes to school "need" a closetful of clothes so that they don't wear the same things every day. Plus, the styles change, and kids want new things throughout the year -- that doesn't happen with uniforms. With uniforms, a kid can literally get by with two pair of pants and two pair of shorts for the whole school year.

Yes, kids will need after-school clothing too, but their after-school wardrobe can also be much smaller (its importance diminishes because it's not being used for school any longer).

When my kids were younger and they were constantly outgrowing clothes, I kept a clothing notebook. I started it because I found myself coming home from yard sales with a third pair of black Mary Janes in size 4 or a second winter coat in size 6X. I also recorded prices in my book, so I KNOW that I spent considerably less during our uniform years.

 

[MrsPete]

Yes!
This is something that I have a hard time convincing people! They say, "Oh it will be great bc. I won't have to buy those expensive jeans (or whatever) for my kid!" Ummm..... those kids who now insist on wearing name-brand, expensive clothing to school, will STILL want these items to change into when they get home from school. They are not going to want to wear “cheap” clothing in their leisure time just because of a school uniform code! The same peer pressure will still be there. No, not during school hours, but after school and on weekends: hanging out with friends, going to the mall, going to parties, etc.

Well, my kids have never had expensive name-brand jeans, etc. We buy quality (i.e., Lands End, though I don't think that's a status brand), but not trendy names.

Even if you choose to indulge the kids in these expensive items, you can get by with only 1-2 pair of those expensive jeans. Why? Because they don't hang out with friends, go to parties, etc. every day. If they're going to wear them to school, they'd need more.

 

[powellrj]

I think thats the problem, my kids aren't wearing size 6x. They wear adult clothes because they are teenagers. The importance doesn't diminish, they still have to go to work and will still need just as many clothes as they had before.

As for finding them at consignments shops and yard sales, finding plain without a logo in a adult size isn't easy. The last I heard, we were limited to red and black, but that could change because that limits it even more.

 

[Order66]

My kids go to a Catholic school so uniforms are a must for me too. Though since I have boys I can do some bargin shopping for pants and shorts. Our school sounds a bit more generous than others as they can wear black, navy or khaki (and they aren't picky on on dark vs. the stone color) pants/shorts. So I am able to shop on sale for them. Last year I bought the super khakis from Old Navy for 10.00 each. They have held up wonderfully and have no fading after a school year of washing. We only get about 5 weeks of short use in the beginning and if the weather is nice 4 weeks in the spring and even at that only 2x a week....so the cheaper walmart/target shorts worked for us.

For shirts we may buy polos plain white, no logos from anywhere, so I can look for sales. But colors can be ordered only through 2 approved stores. Again no deals. Winter sweatshirts, again must be ordered from the 2 approved stores and run 35 each. I bought them each 1 and BIG so it lasts. They are allowed plain navy, hunter or white sweaters but I could only find 1 plain navy sweater at any price from French Toast. So at least it wasn't expensive.

Then I also have to buy gym uniforms, 2 kids so 2 sweatpants, 2 sweatshirts, 2 shorts, 2 t shirts (and 2 more to replace lost ones), again from 2 approved stores. White shoes, no color. Gym uniforms alone cost me almost as much as the regular clothes since there is no sale prices to be had.

Then figure in the after school clothes the kids need, and my boys are only 7 and could care less about brands. I try to buy stuff that's tough enough to hold up longer than a few months, but still bargin shop. I'm not one who feels that uniforms are cheaper. Maybe when you're dealing with tweens/teens who HAVE to have certain kinds of clothes....but for the younger ones, it adds up to spending more money every year.

 

[MrsPete]

I think thats the problem, my kids aren't wearing size 6x. They wear adult clothes because they are teenagers. The importance doesn't diminish, they still have to go to work and will still need just as many clothes as they had before.

As for finding them at consignments shops and yard sales, finding plain without a logo in a adult size isn't easy. The last I heard, we were limited to red and black, but that could change because that limits it even more.

Actually, my oldest is a teen and wears the same sizes I do. I see uniform items that'd work for her CONSTANTLY; it's probably because I'm keyed into searching for these items -- they jump out at me. They're not quite as common as the smaller sizes, but on the other hand, teens don't tend to tear their pant knees as often as younger kids, so it probably works out about even.

As for needing a large after-school wardrobe, I disagree. My kids were fine with 2 pair of jeans and a couple tops. Mine aren't going to work during high school, and they don't go out every day with friends. That's family preference, I suppose.

 

[crazymomof4]

As for needing a large after-school wardrobe, I disagree. My kids were fine with 2 pair of jeans and a couple tops. Mine aren't going to work during high school, and they don't go out every day with friends. That's family preference, I suppose.

Maybe my kids are just sloppy, but I know I will need more than just 2 or even 3 pair of jeans for after school wear. They usually go out to play- ride bikes, hide and seek........things that they end up getting dirty. Even if they stay clean during play, some of their dinner usually ends up on their shirts or laps! Nope, as much as I would like it, there's not usually a time when they can wear their after school clothes twice before washing. I may, however, get by with the uniforms being worn twice. That depends on how they do thru recess, gym and lunch!

 

[liveforthemagic]

If anybody on this thread sews--here is a suggestion for those of you with grade school or middle school aged boys for after school clothing.

My mom got a pattern for pajama pants, went to the fabric store, and got several different patterns--football, baseball, plaid, whatever. And sewed us up a bunch of what we call "jamie pants." Some parents call them lounge pants. After the cost of the pattern, I think they were probably $4 each to make. Then you know how boys are--they won't wear a long sleeve short in subfreezing temps to save their lives--DS just wears the white undershirt he wore under the uniform shirt when he gets home--less laundry!

Grandma hasn't yet tried to make sweatpants or leggings for DD, but maybe that's a lovely summer project for her!

I'm sure when my kids get older, they'll be more social and need more trendy clothes....but if they're just going to be at home or playing in the back yard--go cheap while you still can!

 

[MrsPete]

Maybe my kids are just sloppy, but I know I will need more than just 2 or even 3 pair of jeans for after school wear. They usually go out to play- ride bikes, hide and seek........things that they end up getting dirty. Even if they stay clean during play, some of their dinner usually ends up on their shirts or laps! Nope, as much as I would like it, there's not usually a time when they can wear their after school clothes twice before washing. I may, however, get by with the uniforms being worn twice. That depends on how they do thru recess, gym and lunch!

I'd say it also depends upon how often you do laundry. I can't stand to see it pile up, so two pair of jeans were never a problem for me.

 

[crazymomof4]

I'd say it also depends upon how often you do laundry. I can't stand to see it pile up, so two pair of jeans were never a problem for me.

WOW you're good!
I'm not quite that efficient. With, DH who wears 2 outfits per day (work and casual), and 4 kids incl. 2 teen sons, I rely on volume of clothes so that no one runs out before I can get clothes "processed" and back up into their rooms.

Anyway, update on the uniform issue- Our Borough Council is ticked off at the school board for voting this in w/o their approval!
So, if we can get our voice heard by Borough Council maybe we can have this repealed for the elementary school!
Found out today that the board member who pushed this through has 3 kids in high school and guess what? They are among the WORST offenders of the existing dress code-- sons look like hoodlums and daughter dresses like a tramp! So obviously she cannot control her own kids and wants the school to do it for her-- and the rest of us have to comply!

 

[scootch]

I actually think that school uniforms are cheaper than regular clothes... and it is so much easier to get them ready in the morning, no fuss. Gabrielle's sells the french toast brand if you have a Gab's store around. Kohl's carries a line of arrow and i have never paid more than 8-9 bucks for pants/scorts. Look around now on different sites. Last week i had a $20 off $80 code at lizclaiborne and they had everything for 9.99.... and this was the expensive end uniforms, really great quality. You can also sign up at french toast.com and they will send you coupon codes via email.

 

[DawnM]

You may have to just stick it in your budget this year and spend the $$.

I thought my kids might go to a uniform school next year. They aren't, but while we were in "maybe" mode, I bought every pair of uniform shirt and pants I could find at yard sales. I also found SEVERAL at church consignment sales. I snatched them as soon as I could find them. Thrift stores also will have some.

You might keep checking LandsEnd.com as they sometimes have end of year stuff.

You might also buy 2 pants and 4 shirts and then keep looking for deals after school starts.

It is a pain I know.

Dawn

 

[gina2000]

One of our middle schools is piloting uniforms next year with an eye on the entire district wearing uniforms. I think it's a wonderful idea and about time.

Middle schoolers dress terribly and it's all about peer pressure.

 

[Hunzi]

I haven't read the whole thread, but my kids go/went to Catholic schools so we've always had a uniform and I love it. My DS just graduated high school, and every year I outfitted him with a couple of pairs of slacks (navy for K-8, Khaki for hs), and a couple of new white polos in grade school, he had a few hs specific polos for hs. During the years he was still tough on the knees of his pants, I'd take last years pants and have them tailored into walking shorts, which they could wear the 1st and last month of the school year. We also had a school sweatshirt.

When my DD started school, she wore her DB's handmedown polos, tossed in a few turtlenecks, and she had a plaid jumper. After the first year or so I started finding jumpers for her at our church's thrift shop. She was only allowed to wear slacks during the winter months, and shorts 1st & last month. When she hit 7th grade, the jumper changed to a skirt, but we refitted her 6th grade jumpers by removing the top. My other expense with her was stockings/tights. She liked those in the cooler months.

To be honest, I probably spent about $100/yr on school clothes, less on DS than DD.

And no arguments on what to wear each day. Although DD has tried many times to push the envelope with stuff like pink & green socks. (Only white and navy are allowed.) But she has only been sent home to change clothes once. Little rebel!

Even with uniforms the girls find small ways to compete/criticize each other, but it isn't too bad. I'm thankful my DD isn't dealing with the worry of what someone might say about her clothes everyday during junior high. That age is hard enough as it is.

Always ;-)
Hunzi

 

[Pigeon]

The school district is never going to advertise an opt out, any more than they advertise vaccination waivers, but they usually exist. If my district were to adopt uniforms, I would research all the court cases, and contact the ACLU. They have been successful in getting school boards that don't have an opt out to add one. I would also attend every school board meeting and raise a stink non-stop.

 

[rparmfamily]

Bumping, because it's getting to be that time again!!!!!

I've been looking at Landsend.com, Oldnavy.com, Frenchtoast.com and Gapkids.com trying to decide!!

I think I'm going with Old Navy but I hope the quality isn't cruddy. I was going to go w/Gap but they are twice as much.

 

[shelly3girls]

If you have a Burlington Coat Factory, I would check there. I prefered the quality of the Lee uniforms they carry over Old Navy and Gap. They are very cheaply priced also.

 

[crazymomof4]

OP here...........Thanks for bumping.
Due to protest against the uniforms, our district has actually postponed the mandatory date for uniforms until after winter break (Jan). So maybe I'll really get to take advantage of those after-the-school-shopping-season clearances!
They also amended the policy to include corduroys, sandals (if they have back-straps) and black shirts.
I've been looking when I'm out at stores. So far I've done well at Walmart and the Vanity Fair Outlet near me. I came across a pair of girl's uniform pants that were misplaced on to the boy's rack! (hmmmmm, wonder why???) DD6 said, "Those are boys pants." I told her that the the tag said they were for girls, even though they DID look just like boys pants. Then I told her, "Mommy won't make you wear them, though." I absolutely REFUSE to dress my girl in clothes that are unisex!!! Even with 3 older brothers, she is utterly feminine. Loves anything pink, Disney Princesses, Barbies, dressing up, hair done up.........the whole 9 yards! She would be miserable dressed in the traditional uniform style!

So, I've been looking for "regular" girls clothes that fit the guidelines. I found a few pairs of tan colored and black pants for her that were basically within code (I hope), but they were styled enough to look like girl's clothing. One black pair is of a stretch-type material, which is a no-no, but they are not tight at all on DD-- she weighs just 40lbs. at almost 7 yrs old- NOTHING is tight on her!!! In order to know that they are stretchy, one would have to tug at the material and I would hope that no school employee is going to go around tugging at the girls pants to check!!
I also found 2 pretty red turtlenecks with a ruffle effect to the edges of the sleeves and hem and a little flower on the collar- gee, I hope little flowers are not on the banned list!!
I also want to sew her a few basic skirts in khaki (tan) color that are of the required length.
For DS10 it's been easier. I found 2 pair of Nautica khaki pants at the outlet for $10 each. They are very heavy weight yet soft and look very comfortable. He doesn't mind the polo-style shirts and has many black and khaki pants, tho most have the cargo pockets. Since "large side pockets" are banned, I was thinking-- getting desperate here-- about flattening the pockets to the side of the pants he has and sewing (w/ machine) the pockets flat to the pant legs. This way they would not technically be side-pockets! Would save me a lot of $$ since I have many hand-me-downs for DS#3 that are still in great shape, but are cargo or painter's style. I would not do this, of course, unless I could make it come out looking neat.....sort of a "faux-pocket" look!

Keep the suggestions coming..............some of us are new to this uniform thing!

 

[crazymomof4]

If you have a Burlington Coat Factory, I would check there. I prefered the quality of the Lee uniforms they carry over Old Navy and Gap. They are very cheaply priced also.

If I wait until after the "rush" will I likely find reduced prices or will there be little left?

 

[Gillian]

I'm glad it's working out for you! Two of the schools in our district are starting them, but it's a complicated process, and it's not our neighborhood school.

I'm kind of surprised they're doing red and black. Red is a gang color around here.

As others have said, be happy your daughter is girly. Mine decided in the spring that she only wants to wear boy clothes. She still likes pretty clothes but won't wear them and won't let me do anything with her hair (which I'm going to have cut in an even shorter bob this week). No ribbons, bows, barrettes, pony tails, braids, nothing! It's so sad.

Recently she surprised me by putting on a denim skort, but then combined it with her brothers long sleeved red karate tee.

 

[crazymomof4]

I'm glad it's working out for you! Two of the schools in our district are starting them, but it's a complicated process, and it's not our neighborhood school.

I'm kind of surprised they're doing red and black. Red is a gang color around here.

As others have said, be happy your daughter is girly. Mine decided in the spring that she only wants to wear boy clothes. She still likes pretty clothes but won't wear them and won't let me do anything with her hair (which I'm going to have cut in an even shorter bob this week). No ribbons, bows, barrettes, pony tails, braids, nothing! It's so sad.

Recently she surprised me by putting on a denim skort, but then combined it with her brothers long sleeved red karate tee.

Funny that you should mention that red is a gang color! My DS17 said that when he first read the uniform requirements. A main reason cited for the institution of the uniform code is to avoid "all things gang related". My son said, "Shows how much they know! Red is the color of the 'bloods'! No insignia, nothing else....just wear red. So any outsider coming to the campus of the high school would think that it's loaded w/ "blood" members." I home school for the high school years, so what goes on there does not affect me directly. Our town colors are red and white- sports teams, signs around town, etc. so that is no doubt the reason. I'm OK w/ it bc DD6 is a blonde and red suits her well! LOL
Yes, after 11 years of all boys, I'm very glad to have a girly girl. I've had my share of denium, action figures and fishing! I am enjoying this so much. When she says, "Mommy will you paint my nails?" I just about melt! I didn't direct her in that path-- she came out this way! Mind you, she is no push-over. She has her big brothers tied around her little finger and can be as tough as nails, when it's needed!