Guide to Extending the Life of Your Child, Tween, or Teen's School Uniforms

School uniforms are a great wardrobe solution for many students. The uniforms eliminate the task of selecting different clothes to wear to school each day. However, it can be challenging to keep those same clothes presentable. These clothes will go through many recesses and trips to school. You can keep your children's clothes looking new with a little bit of extra effort. Here are some easy tips to extend the life of your children's school uniforms.

White Shirts

Many dress codes do give you a choice between a colored top and a white top. It is easier to keep a white shirt clean, than to revive a faded navy blue or red top. A crisp white shirt is the presentable image that you want to send your child to school with. Keeping stain removers on hand is very important. Daily after arriving home from school, show your child how to address each stain. Make it a habit for them to immediately change out of their uniform when arriving home from school. Keep kid friendly stain removers where they can reach them. Have a stain stick or bleach pen in the laundry area. If they have a clothes hamper in their room, keep an extra stain stick in this area. Show them how to treat the shirt for the stain. You may have to remind them a few times, but once it becomes a habit they will have a part in keeping their own clothes clean.

Pants

Purchase the best quality pants that you can buy. Before your son or daughter wears the pants, reinforce the knee. This is mainly helpful for smaller children who play hard everyday in their uniforms. Select iron on patches from the sewing notion department of any craft or superstore. Iron these patches on before they wear the pants.

Skirts/Jumpers

Skirts and jumpers are easy to alter to fit properly. Many jumpers and skirts have extra button holes to allow for an inch or two of growth in the waist area. See if the jumper straps have an extra button or hook that has extra fabric to allow for growth. Uniforms with a light lining add a small amount of coverage.

Sweaters

Check the school uniform policy before you purchase sweaters and outerwear. Many schools prohibit any type of print, crest, or symbol of any type. Hooded sweatshirts may not be acceptable. If you are unsure about the policy buy pull over sweaters, button up sweaters, and jackets. Try to buy the darkest color that the uniform policy allows.

Taking a few simple steps each day can extend life of the school uniform. Ask your child how they would like to accessorize their uniform. Check the school policy for accessories. Watches, conservative jewelry, and hair accessories are a great way to show their personal style.