CWB Schoolwear

SCHOOLWEAR | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK

August/September 2014 - 45

47:News

54:SA campaign 2014: Your child is worth it

In the run-up to Back To School,the Schoolwear Association is

stepping up its latest campaign tosupport the school-specific sector.

56:Parents’ poll: School-uniform

buying habits CWB quizzes parents on theirexperiences of shopping for

school uniform.

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14:Return to sender

Why stores of all sizes shouldfactor returned goods into their

business plans.

BALMORAL

New products and innovations 2015 brochures and pricesNew suppliers Existing suppliers face to faceThree great days of networking opportunities

www.theschoolwearshow.co.ukVisit us at...

SCHOOLWEAR NEWS | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


Cottingham High School in North Humbersideteamed with Lara Jensen, milliner and costumedesigner to stars such as Lady Gaga, JohnnyDepp and Kylie Minogue, to re-style its schooluniform for the new term.

Jensen accepted the East Riding academy'schallenge to smarten-up the uniform, whichpreviously included polo shirts, sweat shirts andtrainers, moving instead to a more conservativeimage encompassing shirts, jackets and blackpolished shoes.

Designed with students’ feedback in-mind,the new uniform includes individual designs forthe upper and lower school, the option of either aV-neck jumper or jacket, shirts and theintroduction of a tie.—

School shoe brand Toughees is extending itsproduct remit to include boys’ and girls’ schoolshirts, which it will be launching at this year’sedition of The Schoolwear Show on 12-14October in Solihull.

Available for delivery in 2015, the easy-careshirts are available in long or short sleeve andfeature a double yoke, raised collar andreinforced pockets for durability. Made from 65per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, theyare suitable for low temperature washes.Available for ages 7-8 years through to 13 years,followed by sizes small, medium, large and extra-large, Toughees’ shirts have an RRP from£11.99 for a two-pack.—

Blue Max Banner (BMB) has seen markedimprovements to customer service levels sincethe installation of a new PrimaNet ERP fullyintegrated warehouse management system.

The system, which required an investmentof over £200k, is now up-and-running and hasdelivered significant improvements across manyareas of the business.

“We can now manage stock levels muchmore accurately so that the right goods areavailable at the right time for our customers,”says Angela Brettell, business systems managerat BMB.

Nigel Plenderleith, MD at BMB adds, “TheBack To School Period is the real testing timewhen we can ship up to 35,000 garments perday and we are fulfilling orders successfully andwith much greater efficiency and accuracy.”—

As part of their mission to promote organic,Marina Petrova and Irina Price, founders oforganic school uniform brand Eco Outfitters, areproviding informative and interactivepresentations to schools that opt for its uniforms.

“Green and sustainable living has become abig part of the UK curriculum,” says Petrova.“Our uniforms are not only healthier, comfortableand ethical, but competitively priced, durableand practical, disproving the widely held beliefthat cotton uniform cannot withstand theplayground test. Organic cotton is stronger thanits non-organic counterpart, since the fibre is notweakened by the chemicals.”

Eco Outfitters’ schoolwear is made ofethically sourced, 100 per cent organic cotton certified by the Global Organic TextileStandards (GOTS). —

This year’s annual Schoolwear Association (SA)fundraising event will take the form of a Roaring20s themed evening, sponsored by WilliamTurner & Son and Charles Kirk.

Following the second day of The SchoolwearShow, the SA event will be held on Monday 13October at Hogarths Hotel in Solihull. Starting at7.30pm and running until late, the evening willconsist of a sit down meal, 20s-styleentertainment, dancing, a fundraising auctionand a few surprises to be revealed on the night.The dress code is 20s theme or black tie. Fortickets, which cost £50 per person, and furtherinformation, email Marie Bradburn [email protected].

In conjunction with the event, HogarthsHotel, which is in close proximity to TheSchoolwear Show’s venue at Cranmore Park, is offering a special Schoolwear Association rate of £105 B&B for any night of the exhibition’s duration. —

Suppliers of Melco/Amaya XTS Embroiderymachines, Texjet Plus Direct to GarmentPrinters, Graphtec Vinyl cutters and Vinyl.See how the these products can drasticallyimprove your production.Amaya Sales UK LtdTel: 02392 590281Email: [email protected] in Hampshire andNottinghamshire.

High quality school knitwear: stock andbespoke soft-handle TPA 100% Acrylic,Wool-Acrylic, Wool-Nylon and fine-knit, fully-fashioned Cotton-Acrylic.• Quick and reliable deliveries.• UK and off-shore manufacture.

Tel: 01900 829 229Email: [email protected]

As the largest supplier of Schoolwear to theindependent market, we offer a wide range ofBespoke and generic product of the higheststandard of quality, service and value.Tel: 0845 23 00 888Email: [email protected]

This season, 1880 CLUB is continuing tobuild on its reputation by creating andpresenting their most comprehensive rangeof Schoolwear yet. By ensuring every piece isbuilt for the classroom, yet durable enoughfor the playground, the 2014 SchoolwearCollection is made for the long-term.Tel: 028 9332 7777Email: [email protected] quality brand from Douglas andGrahame

Proud to be hosting the Schoolwear Show atCranmore Park for the 16th successive year,AIS is the largest non-food buying group inthe UK. Members include DepartmentStores, Garden Centres and Intersport UKsportswear stores; who sell [email protected] of The Schoolwear Association

Bo-Bell with over 25 years experiencedeveloping leather children’s shoes allproduced in our factory in Portugal.Specialising in leather School Shoes sizes24-39. Boy’s FGH fitting, Girls DEFG fitting.Email: [email protected]: 07809 426922Email: [email protected]: 07836 559688 www.bo-bell.pt

Diamond Textiles (KGA) Ltd has over 20 yearsof experience in manufacturing high quality,durable fabrics; specialising in fleece fabricsand school wear.Tel: 0116 2510121Email: [email protected]

Cartasport: UK made, skortz, skirts, ath.briefs, gym knickers, lycra shorts, specialdesign football socks. Cricket & rugbyclothing.Masita: Tracksuits, rain jackets, footballjerseys/shorts, polo & T-shirts, Bags.Tel: 01535 600342Fax: 01535 611489Email: [email protected]: www.cartasport.com

The UK’s No. 1 multi-brand distributor ofpromotional clothing, schoolwear, corporatewear and workwear. With over 45 marketleading brands, massive stocks, great valueand huge choice.www.btcactivewear.co.uk

Caribee offers a wide selection of backpacks,schoolbags and accessories. Caribee have areputation for great quality, stylish andpractical backpacks that offer excellent valuefor money.Tel: 0131 554 5555Email: [email protected]

“Brand quality” performance teamsportgarments, a fully coordinated stock range.Meeting the growing demand for high qualityfunctional sportswear in the education sector– “fit for purpose” – talk to the experts.Tel: 01619272565Email: [email protected]

Cybertill provides EPoS and ecommercesystems to schoolwear retailers. Cybertill isweb-based and allows retailers to managetheir stock and business more efficiently from any location.Tel: 0800 030 4432Email: [email protected]

Specialist manufacturer, supplier, printer &embroiderer of school knitwear, sweatshirtsand accessories.Tel: 01903 244863Fax: 01903 700577Email: [email protected]

The Chantry brand was established in 1951 tomanufacture and distribute specialisedknitwear and is now one of Britain’s leadingSchoolwear Suppliers. Stock comes in a wideselection of colours, trims and bespokeembroidery options enabling uniforms to becustom made for schools.Tel: 028 9332 7777Email: [email protected] quality brand from Douglas andGrahame

David Luke are a leading supplier of SchoolUniform and Sportswear to Retailersthroughout the UK. With a focus on productswith Eco credentials that make a differenceenvironmentally through the supply chain;we’re #totalecool !Tel: 0161 272 7474Email: [email protected]

Bespoke manufacturers of shirts, blouses,dresses, skirts, kilts, tunics and smocks.Made to the highest standards in the UK andoffshore.Tel: 01226 738390Fax: 01226 289140Email: [email protected]

Large stock range and specialistmanufacturers of school clothing. We candevelop your designs and supply the ready towear garments complete with logo’sembroidery / print. New ranges for 2014.Contact: Ian BeachTel: 0116 288 1105Email: [email protected]

Eskimo EPOS is the multi-channel till andstock control solution with integrated e-Commerce for the Schoolwear Industry.Retailers across the UK are benefiting fromthe many Schoolwear specific features thatcome as standard with the Eskimo EPOSSystem.Tel: 01202 477111Email: [email protected]

Tailored Bespoke Schoolwear, made to themost exacting standards. We create distinctiveschoolwear garments to a high specificationof design, style, colour, fabric andmanufacture.Our range includes... Skirts, Kilts, Pinafores,Summer Dresses & OuterwearContact: Mona HoustonTel: 028 7963 2188 Fax: 028 7963 4077Email: [email protected]

Kwik Tapes complete label printing solutionmeans that you can now produce a widevariety of labels, from iron-on and sew-inclothing labels to shoe labels, trophy labelsand even ribbon printing.Please contact John or JamesTel: 0121 689 2211 www.kwiktapeslabels.com

Textile manufacturers Marton Mills offer awide range of compositions and designswhen choosing school wear fabric.Tel: 0113 2843364Email: [email protected]

Lollipop’s extensive range of quality hairaccessories for school enable stockists to gainvaluable additional sales. Cotton mix, velvetand ginghams plus many styles of qualitybasics, all in 12 colours. Colour brochureavailable or order from our trade websitewhere products can be seen in fine detail.Primrose Marketing LtdTel: 01494 447000 Fax: 01494 447052Email: [email protected]

The Preferred choice for Knitwear and Socks.Magicfit offer the largest range of SchoolSocks, Tights and Sports Socks as well astheir unique and often imitated MagicfitSchool Knitwear in plain colours or withspecial trim.Magicfit, the preferred choice.Tel: 0116 2779789 / 2773857Fax: 0116 2784395Email: [email protected]

Halbro supply bespoke technical sportswearand stock items ideal for all team/schoolsports and associations. Always at the cuttingedge of garment design and using the latesttechnical fabrics to produce a wide range ofperformance clothing, all finished to thehighest specification and with short leadtimes.Tel: 01204 696476Email: [email protected]

Helix Trading offer a choice of 3 of the World’smost recognised educational brands. Oxfordis traditional academic school accessories,Helix is technical school equipment andMaped offer colourful and innovative productsfor school.Helix Trading Ltd, Building 92, The PensnettEstate, Kingswinford, West Midlands DY6 7FPTel: 01384 286860Email: [email protected]

Quality Woven Name Tapes,Iron-on Name Labels,Name Tape Printing Systems,Same-day Despatch,Proud to be a UK Manufacturer!Tel: 01834 861 446Email: [email protected] Mill, Redstone Road, Narberth,Pembs, SA67 7ESVISIT US ON STAND 18

As one of the most respected multisportmanufacturers Gymphlex will be boasting thelatest additions to our School SportswearSolution and GFORCE range. Also availablefor immediate orders will be our GFORCEstock brand.Tel: 0116 2556326Email: [email protected]

2015 will see a new concept within Falcon’sproduct offering.Visit our stand and enquire about “Type-R”…Tel: 01274 306440Email: [email protected]

Gardiners offer a complete footwear rangefrom wellingtons to school shoes includingplimsolls and trainers backed up with acomprehensive range of accessories andbags.Tel: 01452 727300Email: [email protected]

The Dunairn and Glengarnock brandBespoke school wear School Kilts, Skirts,Pinafores, summer dresses, ties. Junior andsenior trousers, shorts Bermuda shorts,Breeks and cord garments. Any garments canbe made in tartan. Bespoke school wearTel: 0141 774 5900Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

Supplying quality fabrics to the public andcommercial sectors since 1964. With theacquisition of Wittrex International, aspecialist in development and manufacture ofschool wear fabrics we have become one ofthe premier UK stockists.Tel: 0044 161 727 4470Email: [email protected]

Meet the SA team.Hear our plans for 2015.See what we are doing for the industry.Tell us how we can serve you better.www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk

School socks and tights in every colour anddesign and always in stock, for the bestquality and service.Tel: 0116 2861616Email: [email protected]

Orion specialise in team & leisure wear. Our high quality, short delivery times andvalue for money pricing alongsideoutstanding customer service all stand usapart from the competition. Our in-housedesign team can produce bespoke logos,themes and even design kit from scratch toyour exact requirements.Tel: 0191 266 7651www.orionteamwear.com

STABILO have developed a range ofergonomic products that have a differentversion for left and right handers. Fromstarter pencils to a ballpoint pen withintegrated touch-screen stylus, the rangefocuses on comfort and efficiency to helpchildren when they are both learning andimproving their handwriting.Tel: 01753 605656Email: [email protected]

Target Dry’s collection for 2015 includes thenew Carter boys’ and Charlotte girls’ coats.Perfect for casual and schoolwear, with theusual Target Dry high quality and excellentvalue.Stand contacts Ian Ambler and Colin Adams.Tel: 028 90 790588Fax: 028 90 792164Email: [email protected]

Three unique brands all available from theOPROGROUP: OPRO self-fit, the mostadvanced self-fit mouthguards in the worldwith great margins achievable, Maru, theperfect choice for stylish yet functionalswimwear and Mueller sports supports andaccessories.Tel: 01442 430690 ext.1042Email: [email protected]

Petasil BTS a British brand made in Portugalfrom fine leathers, developed for style anddurability, leather linings and insocks, archsupports for comfort and fit, sizes 24-42multiple widths.Tel: 01604 876 800Email: [email protected]

Suppliers of Schoolwear, and in particularknitwear, plain or bespoke with specialstripes. Speedy personalised embroidery,quick delivery, small minimums, and excellentcustomer care.Tel: 0161 477 7791Email: [email protected]

Quality footwear since 1976.With a reputation for quality leather schoolshoes at competitive prices, Pod footwear willbe previewing their Back to School 2015collection. (some styles up to UK size 17)Tel: 01234 240 440Email: [email protected]

We offer a full range of sports equipment,clothing and accessories. The PrecisionTraining range of textiles includes a widerange of football socks and our best sellingshadow stripe short.The range also includes tracksuits, rainwear,team wear and our exclusive range of ladiespolo shirts and skorts.Unit 17, Easter Park, Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2PX Tel: 0115 900 2342

TheMagicTouch Toner based image transferprocess enables the decoration andpersonalisation of a vast range of printableitems including garments, textiles and somuch more using professional heat pressingequipment, Colour Laser Printers and Copiersand coated Image Transfer Papers.David Pearce, National Sales ManagerTel: 01582 671444Email: [email protected]

Schoolwear suppliers. Range includes schoolskirts, pinafores, girls trousers and bootleg,boys trousers, shorts, t-shirts & polo’s,sweatshirts & knitwear, gingham dresses &accessories, hair accessories, leotards, rugbyjerseys & football shirts, socks & tights,plimsolls, swimwear, bags & belts, ties,blazers & jackets, aprons & outerwear.Stock all year round.Tel: 01708 739 390Email: [email protected]

Wren Schoolwear is an independentmanufacturer of school dresses, blouses,tunics and skirts using long establishedBritish fabrics made to customers ownindividual requirements.Contact: Keith FarrerTel: 01206 841222Fax: 01206 841118Email: [email protected]

Full “Stock Supported” ranges are availablefrom Winterbottom Schoolwear includingSchool Blazers, Shirts & Blouses, GirlsPinafores, Skirts and Trousers, Boys Shortsand Trousers, Knitwear, Sweatshirts, PoloShirts and Outerwear. Plus Specials Made toOrder. Cultural Uniform new for 2014.Tel: 01254 390700Email:[email protected] www.graham-winterbottom.co.uk

William Lamb is a privately owned businessthat has grown since 1887 to become aleading footwear distributor. We will beshowing: Buckle My Shoe, our premiumleather school shoe brand. Goody 2 Shoes,our budget range. Licenced school shoes,including Hello Kitty, Peppa Pig, MinnieMouse, Spiderman and many others.Tel: 01924 836954Email: [email protected]

Specifically designed for the school wearretailer, Top to Toe is a clear, well structured,stock management and Epos system. Thesystem provides full size and colour tracking,size/colour matrix throughout, instant lookups, EPOS tills, automated web linkage,customer records, analysis by school, supplierand much, much, more.Tel: 020 3376 5888Email: [email protected]

Trutex will be launching an innovative blazerat this year’s Schoolwear Show, which isunlike anything else currently on the market.We will also be presenting a new fleece andsenior boy’s trouser.Contact Trutex on 01200 421 200 or email [email protected]

William Turner & Son look forward towelcoming you on to Stand 3 where we will bedisplaying some exciting new additions to ourstock bag range.Tel: 0161 480 8582Email: [email protected]

New for 2015Caribee Bombora

Jacquie SandisonBrand Agility Ltd, 35 West Bowling Green Street, Edinburgh EH6 5NX

Tel: 0131 554 5555 Email: [email protected]

For 2015 catalogue and more information contact:

See us at The Schoolwear Show12th - 14th October 2014

REPORT | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


In the run-up to Back To School, theSchoolwear Association is stepping up itslatest campaign to support the school-specificsector.

This year, the Schoolwear Association haslaunched a national drive entitled Your Child IsWorth It, seeing it appeal to the government tomake quality school uniform, fromparticipating schoolwear stores, tax deductible,and thus more affordable for hardworkingfamilies. Taking a double-pronged approach,the Schoolwear Association campaign is alsoactively working to educate parents on whyquality school uniform is an investment. And by inviting a group of local mums to a behind-the-scenes day at personalisedschoolwear manufacturer RowlinsonsKnitwear in Stockport, it has also been able todemonstrate first-hand how quality schooluniform is produced.

School’s out for summer, meaning thestart of the annual battle between chain storesand independent school-uniform suppliers as parents race against the clock to get theirchildren geared up and ready for the new

term. Subsequently, the SchoolwearAssociation is stepping up its latest campaignto convince parents that good-quality schooluniform is what children need, spearheadedwith the strapline, “Your child is worth it”.

At the heart of the campaign, theSchoolwear Association has set up a petitionto persuade the government to bring in schooluniform vouchers – along the lines of thecurrent childcare voucher scheme – whichwould give parents a tax break on the cost ofschoolwear, and help with budgeting.

FIGHTING FOR PARENTS TO HELP THEMAFFORD THE BEST UNIFORM MONEYCAN BUYThe Schoolwear Association has set up agovernment e-petition –http://tinyurl.com/schoolwear – calling for avoucher scheme to be introduced, with theaim of making school uniform tax-free. Thescheme would involve parents receiving asmall amount of their salary in the form ofvouchers, which they can then spend inparticipating schoolwear retailers. The system

would be available to all employers andemployees who wish to opt in. The voucherswould be tax exempt, and would enableparents to spread the cost of school uniformthroughout the year.

The e-petition is attracting significantattention, with the number of signaturescurrently achieved over 1,000, positioning itfirmly in the tiny five per cent of governmentpetitions that make it past the 1,000 mark.Greater momentum and attention are nowneeded to reach 100,000 signatures, at whichpoint the petition will be brought to theattention of the Prime Minister.

PARENTS GET AN INSIGHT INTO HOWSCHOOL UNIFORM IS MADEChildren spend more time in their schooluniform than in their everyday clothing andget through on average four pieces of uniforma year. A poll for the Schoolwear Associationshowed the average child wears his or heruniform for 10 hours a day – that’s 1,500hours a year – and it has to stand up to therigours of everyday school life. The challenge

REPORT | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


for the Schoolwear Association, therefore, is educating parents – and teachers – aboutthe value of good quality, smart-looking, long-lasting uniform, rather than opting forthe cheapest garments on the shelf.

To help demonstrate this point, theSchoolwear Association arranged for a groupof mummy bloggers to have an in-depth lookbehind the scenes in a schoolwear factory tosee first-hand how much work goes intoproducing quality garments. The bloggers willbe sharing their experiences with theirfollowers, but the resounding verdict of themums who took part in the day was that“children deserve quality school uniform, evenif it does cost a little extra.”

Rowlinsons’ warehouse in Stockport wasfull of life when the mums from Manchesterarrived, busy with workers getting ready forthe hectic Back To School period. Boxes full of knitwear garments lined the high shelves,ready to be packed up and delivered toschoolwear retailers up and down the country.

The event at Rowlinsons Knitwear, whichis a member and active supporter of the

Schoolwear Association – gave the parents anunprecedented insight into the production of school uniforms; from fibre to finishedgarment, including the embroidering of school badges.

One of the bloggers, mum-of-two PippaAinsworth, from Bolton, was amazed at thelevel of work that went into the garments. “I never realised how much work and attentionto detail goes into creating even a small school badge, so it was great to see it formyself,” she says. “A badged logo is part of the identity of a school, and each schoolchild who goes there, so I think it is veryimportant.”

Fellow blogger and mother-of-threeHelen Costello, from Merseyside, adds, “Priceused to be my main consideration when itcame to buying school uniform, but I’verealised that you get what you pay for themajority of the time. In actual fact, you cansave so much money in the long-run byspending a bit more on better-quality schooluniforms that will actually last.”

HOW TO BECOME A SCHOOLWEARASSOCIATION MEMBER: The Schoolwear Association representsbusinesses nationwide involved in themanufacture and supply of school-specificuniform from manufacturers and wholesalersto independent retailers and school suppliers.

The Schoolwear Association is runentirely by volunteers. Set up in 2006, it hasmore than 250 members working towards a better future for children, parents andschools. If you are not a member, visitwww.schoolwearassociation.co.uk to find out more.

Member benefits include media support,invitation to events, help and advice, access tofact sheets, marketing collateral, a 10 per centdiscount at Travelodge hotels and a discounton subscriptions to CWB magazine. —

PARENTS’ POLL | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


—“I generally buy my daughter’s schooluniform in July and August, in time forSeptember. I have bought from a range ofshops – a schoolwear retailer, Marks &Spencer and supermarkets – and I havepurchased school cardigans, sweaters and PET-shirts online.

From my experience, supermarket schooluniform is generally cheaper, but I’ve found itcan come up smaller in size. School uniformshops on the other hand tend to be slightlymore expensive, and don’t always stockuniform for every school in our area.Unfortunately, our local school uniform shophas just closed down, so now I have no choicebut to buy from the supermarkets and otherhigh-street retailers. It would make theprocess much easier if I could buy the entireuniform in one shop and get everything I needat affordable prices.

Quality of garments is definitelyimportant; you don’t want uniform itemsfalling apart after a couple of weeks. However,most children need new uniform every schoolyear as they’ve grown, so that’s where pricethen comes into play. Uniform needs to beaffordable because we have to buy it yearly,

—“I shop for school uniform when one ofmy children starts at a new school, so this is usually in July. The rest of the time I buy throughout the year as andwhen needed.

I buy from a schoolwear retailer andthe supermarket. Although customerservice and product expertise is lacking insupermarkets, when I have made the effortto buy ‘grey wear’ at a specialist retailer,the quality has unfortunately beendisappointing. As far as online shopping, Ihave purchased school jumpers online,but only from a specialist retailer that I alsovisit in person.

What would make the process ofbuying school uniform easier is being ableto go to one shop for all my needs;unfortunately I have to visit two differentschoolwear shops to purchase primary andsecondary school uniforms. It would betterif they both stocked the two uniforms. Ican’t understand why this is, and it is veryfrustrating.

For me, the value of quality versusprice are equal – my children don’t growout of many items, but they definitely wear them out. Paying a little more for agood-quality jumper is preferable toseeing them wear it out and having toreplace the garment.

I would definitely take part if a tax-exempt salary sacrifice scheme wasintroduced to help budget for school-uniform purchases. Schooluniform is essential; it brings children to the same level, and their code ofconduct should reflect the smartness of the uniform.”—

—“I do my main school-uniform shop in late August. I go to a local retailer for the schoollogoed jumpers and sports T-shirts, with the rest of the uniform purchased at asupermarket.

I don’t currently buy any uniform items online, but if logoed items were availableonline, it would make the shopping process much easier, rather than travelling to a localsupplier that may not have the size I want in stock. In terms of quality versus price, price isparamount to me, but I do look for better-quality items where I can as they tend to lastlonger. The school trousers and shorts I buy are size-adjustable, which is great as itincreases the garment’s longevity. I would definitely be interested in a tax-exempt salarysacrifice scheme to budget for school uniform. I’m in full agreement with school uniform; it promotes a clear unity within the school, in turn making the children proud of the schoolthey belong to.” —

but it also needs to wear well and cope withbeing washed continuously without fading orlooking tired. I personally think that schooluniform needs, at the very minimum, to last aschool year. Size-adjustable waists would begood in trousers and skirts so that if a childgrows throughout the year the waist can beadjusted accordingly. For my daughter, who isvery tall and slim, I have to buy her age-appropriate uniform, but then it’sgenerally too big around the waist. If I boughtit to fit her waist, however, the skirt or trouserswould be too short.

I think the Schoolwear Association’sproposal of a tax-exempt salary sacrificescheme to help parents pay for schooluniform is a very good idea – especially whenchildren get to secondary school age and youcan’t buy uniform from supermarkets andhigh-street retailers. With regard to my viewson school uniform, I think all children shouldwear it, from pre-schoolers to the top-end ofsecondary school.”—

PARENTS’ POLL | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


—“I do the bulk of my school uniformshopping in July and August. High-streetstores and supermarkets have theirschoolwear buying promotions, includingsales and offers, before the summer termhas even ended, which is really annoying,as you don’t want the hassle of thinkingabout the next school year before thecurrent one is over. One of the great thingsabout schoolwear retailers is they havestock all year round, so you can top up anddon’t have to rush.

I buy from a combination of school-uniform retailers, supermarkets,high-street stores and also direct fromschool. I don’t make any school-uniformpurchases online – I need to be able to seethe sizes, lengths and fabrics properly –although I would repeat buy from awebsite. The overall process of buyingschool uniform is quite straightforward forme as I use a combination of suppliers, soI get the quality and service from theschoolwear stores with the convenience ofthe supermarkets and high-street storeswhen I’m shopping for other things. Whenit comes to customer service and quality ofproduct, the school uniform shops winhands down. There’s never anyone aroundto help in a supermarket or high-streetstore, so you have to wrestle products outof plastic bags to look at sizes, and there’snot much performance information.Quality-wise, supermarkets and high-street stores are getting better, butthey still have a way to go to meet thestandards of ‘proper’ school uniform.

When it comes to quality versus price,both elements are important but, as withanything, you get what you pay for, and I’d rather spend a bit more for somethingthat isn’t going to lose its colour –particularly knitwear – and is adjustableand hardwearing. It’s actually cheaper tobuy better in the long run. I already buy size-adjustable garments, but reversibleblazers might be a good idea, though in my experience, they get treated so badly I’m not sure how much longer theywould survive.”—

—“I buy school uniform during the last week ofthe summer holidays from a mixture ofretailers. I get basics from Marks & Spencer,school-specific items from a local uniformshop, and summer dresses from Asda.

I find that the supermarket items don’twash as well and tend to shrink, yet someschool-specific pieces from the local uniformshop have lasted two school years whenpassed on from one child to another. I haven’tmade a school-uniform purchase online sofar, but Tesco has started doing school-branded items, so I may do this year.Something that would make the process ofbuying school uniform easier would be a pre-ordering service, where I could collectorders in bulk.

When it comes to price versus quality, I

—“I buy school uniform before the end of the summer – in July – so I have time to get it allready for September. I mainly buy uniform items from John Lewis and Marks & Spencer,along with navy sports trousers from Next as it offers styles without elastic ankles, which Iprefer. I make some uniform purchases online with John Lewis for my child’s school’slogoed polo shirts, coats and cardigans. If I could purchase all of the school uniform I needonline, from a good website, the experience would be a lot easier for me. When it comes toquality versus price, I would always rather pay a bit more for good quality. Design featuresthat increase the longevity of a school uniform, such as such as size-adjustable or reversiblegarments, appeal to me, too. Overall, I’m in total agreement with children wearing schooluniform; it’s best for the children and the parents.” —

find it depends on the item. The quality ofsummer dresses, for instance, isn’t such anissue because they are only worn for a fewweeks. Also, children tend to lose things, sosometimes I prefer to buy cheaper things incase they need to be replaced often.

I think a tax-exempt salary sacrificescheme to help budget for school uniform is agood idea. It can be an expensive shoppingtrip when it comes to school uniform, soknowing it would be taken care of through theyear – as well as if items need replacing –would be good. I thoroughly believe inchildren wearing school uniform, it is a greatleveller and it makes children feel part of theschool community.”—

—“I do the majority of my school-uniformshopping in August. I purchase my 11-year-old’s direct from school, and my 7-year-old’s from the supermarket. I don’tmake any purchases online.

Undoubtedly, the quality of product isbetter when purchased direct from the school,but it is a lot more expensive than thesupermarket. The service is better direct fromthe school as stock is guaranteed, with thesupermarkets often running out of certainitems and sizes. I feel quality is moreimportant than the price as uniforms arewashed repeatedly and really need to be hard-wearing for what they go through on aday-to-day basis.

What would make the process easierwould be a better range in stock all year roundin the supermarkets, as outside of July andAugust it can be difficult to get some items.Also, clearer sizing on products bought fromschool – as the sizing is in inches, it is difficultto know which is needed without trying on.

Sizing in ages for younger children, followedby British dress sizes for older girls, would bemuch simpler. Size-adjustable garments arealso of interest to me.

As far as opting into a tax-exempt salarysacrifice scheme to budget for school uniformpurchases, this isn’t something I would do. Wealready have money taken out for childcarevouchers and a pension, on top of tax and NI,so I would not want another deduction, even ifit saves money in the long run.

My general view on school uniform is thatit is fundamental. The pressure on children toconform and wear the latest trends woulddetract from the purpose of school if they hadto choose an outfit to wear each day. It wouldalso emphasise differences in economicstatus, which can remain largely unnoticedwhen all are wearing the same.”—

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TALKING POINT | WWW.CWB-ONLINE.CO.UK


Laura Turner: What are the origins ofSamantha Sotos?Samantha Sotos: The Samantha Sotoswomenswear brand launched in 2006 when Iopened my first studio in the vibrant, meatpacking district of Athens. The labelquickly gained acclaim in the city and theglamorous islands of Mykonos and Crete,before swiftly spreading to Australia and Asia.Living in Sydney, Athens and London atdifferent times in my life, there were certainstyles that I loved in each city, but there wasalways something missing for me. I wanted abit of Australia in Europe and a bit of Europein Australia. Hence the term I coined for thebrand – Euralian – the perfect combination!

LT: What led you to branch intochildrenswear?SS: I began receiving commissions to createbespoke christeningwear. As a result, Ilaunched a permanent christeningwearcollection in 2011 – which has since evolvedinto childrenswear. The decision was based ondemand from parents and godparentsseeking pieces for their little ones that offeredmodern shapes, colours and materials whilestill providing the freedom to play and look asgood as mummy and daddy. Clothes “For theLittle Ones” aims to create collections thatoffer style and comfort; perfect for children’s fast-changing tastes and desire to beacknowledged as they grow-up and want tofeel like little ladies and gents.

LT: What can we expect from the debutcollection? SS: S/s 14 comprises around 25 pieces forages 0-10 years. We want pieces that can beworn in different ways and with differentcolours, so you feel that you are constantlyplaying with the look and keeping thingsinteresting.

LT: What are the synergies between thewomen’s and children’s lines? SS: We want to harmoniously connect thewomenswear line with the childrenswear,creating a strong bond between the two.Hence the use of the same colours and high-quality, carefully resourced fabrics. Eachchildrenswear collection is an extension of thewomenswear collection, with the Euralianphilosophy consistent in both lines. Given thecohesion between the womenswear andchildrenswear, we aren’t at all surprised thatsome stockists have been tempted to presentboth lines simultaneously. But, at the sametime, the collections work independently, too.

LT: How does the creative process differdesigning childrenswear compared towomenswear? SS: The womenswear collection is designedfirst, so this has the initial feeling andproposal for the new season, inventing newlengths and cuts. The childrenswear line isbased on the womenswear line, but we have to be more practical for the little ones. Wehave to always think of comfort, yet make sure the clothes look pretty enough for kids to want to wear.

I love designing clothes for kids’everydaywear; combining colours for themthat you wouldn’t necessarily expect for achild. Again, because the children’s collectionis based on our womenswear line, itemphasises the diversity of ages that ourbrand appeals – and applies – to.

The design philosophy behind For theLittle Ones is to create comfortable, stylishclothing that allows these beautiful, carefreekids to explore and be free and act their agewhile still being sophisticated and well-dressed, which ultimately, makes mumand dad proud.

LT: Are there plans to develop the children’sline?SS: Definitely. We plan to expand the line; atthe moment I have to admit that we have moreproposals for the girls, but more boyswear ison the way. For future collections, we’re excited

to introduce some Australian vintage prints,which will be exclusive to the childrenswearline. These will be mixed with beautiful Greeklace trims, creating a fresh and modern folklook. I am careful, however, to focus on small,dedicated collections for the childrenswear, sothat stores can still play with the choice ofcolours on offer.

LT: What’s your favourite design from thechildrenswear collection so far? SS: The “not a child not yet a lady dress” is afavourite with customers and it just sohappens to be my favourite, too. The dress isquite indicative of the brand – there is atimeless, girly sophistication to it. My friends’little girls have put that dress on and thesmiles that burst onto their faces when theyget to run around in it are just glorious.

LT: Which other childrenswear brands do you admire?SS: I love Stella McCartney for kidswear and womenswear – I like the urban feel sheoffers to her kidswear line, while still creatingfun clothes.



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