Inexpensive, durable school uniforms?

[becoming]

We're moving, and this will be my son's first year to wear school uniforms. He's going to 3rd grade, and he is very, very hard on clothes. I'm looking for durable uniforms that are relatively cheap since I anticipate having to replace them pretty often even if they are durable. Any suggestions for stores or online sites, other than Goodwill/thrift stores? He needs polos (navy, white, purple), khaki pants/shorts, & navy pants/shorts. He wears a size 7 or 8.

[enkmom]

We bought our polos at Land's End. They are extremely durable and more importantly, comfortable. Khaki and navy bottoms are (usually) very easy to find on sale or even clearance at places like Kohls, Penneys and K-Mart. My kids hated the texture and feel of the French Toast brand you will find at most discount stores and refused to wear the thankfully limited amount of those I bought. Kohls carries Arrow brand, and they are out NOW. By late August they are usually clearanced. If you get a choice, always go for the interlock rather than the pique for the polos as they are much more comfortable.

Here is my uniform advice from 9 years of parochial elementary school. Join the PTA and make friends with parents who have older children. I was always thrilled to give away the items my kids had outgrown, because really what are you going to do with 7 red, white and blue polo shirts? If your school doesn't have one, you can suggest a uniform exchange. The really nice thing about uniforms is that if you have a washing machine, you need an extremely limited number of items. We squeaked through many a Spring at school with one pair of faded navy bottoms and 2 shirts - and everyone else is in the same boat, so you don't have to worry that your kid looks like a ragamuffin!

[Drummer's Wife]

Gymboree has a uniform shop (link to boy's), and they will have a bigger sale before school starts (the back to school sale). They actually hold up well enough that you shouldn't have to replace them, and could pass them on between kids.

I agree about checking to see if your school has a uniform exchange. Most do.

Our school had a loose uniform policy the first year (I'm glad they changed it), and I happened to find something like 15 pairs of khaki and navy shorts and several polos on craigslist for $20. They were in great condition, too. So do check CL as it gets closer to school - people may be trying to get rid of what is outgrown.

[lilyka]

i was super impressed with GAP. my kids cannot stain or rip their clothes. the prices were reasonable, the clothes were a nice fit and fabric and stylish. For two kids I spent $200 and got a $40 gift card toward a future purchase (double rewards). I still had to buy a few things elsewhere (I think I had $100 order from french toast that included sweaters)

[lilyka]

I also got 9 white shirts off ebay for like $10!! check ebay.

[woodchick]

I don't know any details, really, or if they even have what you need or if they still do this... but doesn't Sears have a kids clothes policy where they will replace an item if your kid wears them out before they outgrow them? Might be worth looking into...

[gbailey]

Try Children's Place. They always have super great sales. Check out the Land's End stuff but at Sears.In my experience it's always way cheaper than on the website although the website does have a ton of great deals including free shipping.

[Mama2Bug]

My DD is home schooled but I like basic, multi-functional kids clothes. I have bought her some things that are technically "uniform" pieces (jumpers, khakis, sweaters). I have gotten wonderful deals at Burlington Coat Factory and the clothes have held up extremely well. They're popular name brands- Lee, Osh Kosh and others.

[AndrewsMother]

Costco. Yes you pay $50 for the membership, but you can return items (non electronics) at any time for any reason. If the shirt does not last as long as you think that it should, you can return it for a full refund.

The uniform pieces are normally Nautica and cost between $7 and $10 a piece.

[zebra15]

Gap, Gymboree, Lands End are all Good quality .

Purple...really??

[becoming]

Yep! haha. School colors are purple & gold. But it's okay, boys wear purple allll the time here -- we're in LSU country

[BathrobeGoddess]

http://www.frenchtoast.com/

I like this brand No purple but lost of other stuff