How to Shop for School Uniforms

Regardless of which side you stand on in the great school uniform debate, the fact remains you need to purchase your child a uniform and would like to find the most reasonable price. School uniforms can be found in a variety of stores, online and off, and they come in different price ranges and clothing quality. Finding the right items at the right price can take some time but with these tips, you'll be done school shopping in no time.

Instructions

1. Review the written school uniform policy to determine what brands, colors and styles are permitted within your school system. School uniforms are rarely a one-choice option. There is usually a long list of accepted brands, styles and color choices. Be sure to stay within your school's written policy in order to minimize returns or notes home about inappropriate dress.

2. Gather input from child about what they will actually wear. Pants, skirts, culottes and shorts are all often allowed. If your child refuses to wear shorts, then there is no need to purchase any. The same can be said for colors. If red is not a color she likes, as long as there are other suitable colors she will wear, avoid buying red.

3. Take inventory of what, if any, clothing you have from last year that can still be worn.

4. Make a school clothes shopping list. Ideally, you need a full week's worth of clothes so you are not always doing laundry. Two weeks worth is better. Note what tops and bottoms you need to purchase. You will need both long and short sleeved shirts. List what colder weather clothes you will need, such as sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets. Make sure you have the appropriate belts, ties, socks, tights, bloomers and shoes.

5. Ask other parents and even the front desk at school where they find their school uniforms. The school will sometimes send catalogs home or have a discount program with a local retailer. Parents also know where to find the best bargains.

6. Shop for clearance rack bargains. Don't forget to check online and at local retailers such as Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Burlington Coat Factory and Kmart. They often will stock uniforms for the beginning of the school year and then clear the rest out on the clearance rack.

7. Check consignment stores for slightly used school uniforms. Sometimes schools will even have a year's beginning consignment sale to help family's swap their used clothing.

8. Hem and reinforce seams and buttons to keep the clothes in good repair. Iron patches onto the inside knee area of pants.

Tips & Warnings

• Check into school uniform grants which help offset the prices associated with school uniforms.

• Allow kids to individualize their uniforms with funky socks, different shoes and jewelry. Make sure they are still in compliance.