Inside the battle for UK’s best school uniforms

The top places to buy school uniforms have been named, as UK consumers hunt for the best value on the high street.

School uniforms can be a big financial hit for many families, especially on the back of other household bills amid the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze. Fortunately, consumer champion Which? conducted research into the best shops to buy uniforms based on measures ranging from durability and comfort to value for money, and one retailer included is even selling tops for 90p.

Marks & Spencer and Next came out on top. The research by Which? named the pair best overall, scoring 81%, with a maximum five stars for durability, comfort, practicality, overall look and value for money, reports The Mirror.

Sainsbury’s clothing brand Tu followed, at 78%, John Lewis (77%), and George at Asda (76%).

One happy M&S shopper said: “Items last the full school year and sizing is perfect, they also wash really well and seem stain resistant.” Another said: “Always buy the shirts from here, wash and wear well. Some have lasted four years between my two children.”

Meanwhile, at Next, one shopper said, “Washes well. No bobbling. Lasting the whole school year without needing replacement.”

Next impressed so much that it was awarded the first Which? Best School Uniform provider endorsement. M&S would have qualified, but Which? said it had some concerns about the terms and conditions it offered in relation to returns.

While M&S and Next came out best for value for money, that is not exactly the same as price.

Which? says it can be hard to properly compare school uniform providers on price because they tend to offer slightly different options and pack sizes.

A pack of two polo shirts for a six to seven-year-old at M&S costs £6.50. Meanwhile, a two-pack for a six-year-old at Next is £6, £7 at John Lewis, but just £3 at Sainsbury’s and Tesco and only £1.75 at discount grocer Aldi.

Reena Sewraz, Which? retail editor, said: “Next and M&S offer the best value for money in our research, scoring full marks for durability, so it could be worth considering if your budget stretches a little further.

“For those wanting a high-street compromise, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco could also be a good bet, offering a strong balance of fit, appearance and price.

“The new rules should make it easier for parents to shop around and save money. We found Aldi was selling the cheapest two-pack of school polo shirts we compared, showing the savings families could make by shopping around.”