How to Prepare for the School Year: A Parent’s Guide to Getting Uniforms Ready

The start of a new school year can feel hectic, especially when uniforms are added to the mix. A little preparation goes a long way — having the right sizes, knowing your child’s measurements, and planning ahead can save time, money, and last‑minute stress.

Here’s a simple guide to help parents get school uniforms sorted early and make back‑to‑school shopping much easier.

Why Preparing Uniforms Early Matters

Leaving uniform shopping until the last minute often leads to rushed decisions, missing sizes, or extra trips to the shop. Preparing early allows you to:

• Avoid peak-season queues and low stock
• Ensure your child is comfortable in the correct size
• Budget more easily by spreading out purchases
• Start the school year calm and organised

Know Your Child’s Measurements

One of the biggest challenges with uniforms is sizing — especially as children grow quickly. Having up-to-date measurements on hand makes shopping faster and more accurate.

Key Measurements to Know

1. Height
Always start with your child’s height. Many uniform sizes are based primarily on height ranges.

2. Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape snug but not tight. This is essential for shirts, jumpers, blazers, and PE tops.

3. Waist
Measure around the natural waistline. This is important for trousers, skirts, shorts, and tracksuit bottoms.

4. Inside Leg
Measure from the top of the inside leg down to the ankle. This helps ensure trousers aren’t too short or too long.

5. Collar Size
For shirts, measure around the base of the neck and allow a finger’s width for comfort. Knowing the collar size makes shirt shopping much easier.

6. Shoe Size
Children’s feet grow quickly, so always measure both feet and choose the size that fits the larger foot. Leave a small amount of growing room, but avoid buying too big.

How to Measure at Home

You don’t need special equipment — a soft measuring tape and a few minutes is enough.

• Measure over light clothing
• Keep the tape straight and level
• Don’t pull the tape too tight
• If between sizes, consider sizing up for growth

It’s a good idea to recheck measurements every few months, especially during growth spurts.

Check What Still Fits

Before buying new items, try on last year’s uniforms:

• Check sleeve and trouser length
• Make sure waistbands are comfortable
• Look for wear and tear (knees, hems, collars)

This helps you prioritise what actually needs replacing.

Plan Ahead for Spares

Having extra items can make life much easier during the school week. Consider buying:

• Spare shirts for busy weeks
• An extra jumper or cardigan
• A second pair of trousers or skirt
• A backup PE kit

Spare items reduce stress when uniforms need washing or get damaged.

Label Everything

Labelling uniforms saves time and money. Clearly labelled items are more likely to make their way back home if misplaced at school.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Being organised with school uniforms isn’t just about shopping — it’s about setting your child up comfortably and confidently for the year ahead. Knowing measurements, planning early, and checking fit can turn back‑to‑school preparation from stressful to straightforward.

Getting uniforms ready ahead of time means one less thing to worry about when the school bell rings.