Our kids tried on school uniforms from every major supermarket – one budget shop scored top of class & left us stunned

STAY ahead of the game by snapping up your kids’ school uniforms now. Here, Azekel, seven, and Evelyn, nine, rate the new offerings from the supermarkets. M&S is championing uniforms designed ‘for real life’ Credit: David Cummings MARKS & SPENCER BEST FOR QUALITY M&S is championing uniforms that are ‘made for real life’, designed to stand up to demands of the school day. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! The range features durable fabrics that resist bobbling and fading, alongside details such as adjustable waistbands, grow-with-me hems and crease-resistant finishes. The result is hard-wearing essentials that last longer, helping kids get more wear out of every piece while reducing the need for repeat purchases. READ MORE ON SCHOOL UNIFORMS Evelyn says: “The pinafore is stretchy and comfortable, and I love the frill details.” Mum Hannah, says: “The attention to detail on the pinafore, along with the cap sleeve design on the shirt, gives them a really premium look. The pinafore is a great length (not too short) and feels really thick so it’ll last all year round, which is a real bonus.” Evelyn wears: Shirt, from £9 (2 pack); pinafore, from £8 Azekel says: “These shorts are really cool. I love the pockets, and I wish this was my school uniform.” Most read in Fabulous Mum Godette, says: “I really like the cargo pockets on the shorts, they add a stylish touch. The adjustable waist is a great feature too, especially as Azekel is constantly growing and the jumper feels excellent quality, I think it’ll wash well.” Azekel wears: Long sleeved shirt, from £10 (3 pack); v-neck jumper, from £11 (2 pack); shorts, from £14 (2 pack) TU AT SAINSBURYS BEST FOR EASY DRESSING TU at Sainsbury’s are keeping the cost of uniforms frozen for the fourth year in a row Credit: David Cummings Parents will be pleased to hear that TU at Sainsbury’s are keeping the cost of uniforms frozen for the fourth year in a row. With prices starting from £3, parents can shop with confidence without compromising on quality. This year’s collection is packed with practical, easy-care features, such as reinforced knees – where an extra layer of material is added to prevent fraying and tearing – non-iron shirts and colour-retaining fabrics. There’s also a focus on making it easier to get dressed, with selected styles featuring touch-and-close fastenings and pull-on trousers for added comfort and convenience. Evelyn says: “This dress is so comfortable and I love the ruffles and the bow on the back.” Mum, Hannah, says: “The fabric is lightweight, but not see-through, which is great. The design is really pretty without being too bold and would suit an older child too. The easy-to-do buttons mean Evelyn can get herself dressed.” Evelyn wears: Summer dress, from £10 (2 pack) Azekel says: “I really like this jumper, it’s so soft and the trousers are comfy around the waist.” Mum, Godette, says: “The trousers are a winner for me – the non-iron fabric is a real time-saver on busy mornings. Reinforced knees are a brilliant feature too, as they’ll easily stand up to playground antics.” Azekel wears: Short sleeve shirt, from £4 (3 pack); v-neck jumper, from £7 (2 Pack); trousers, from £7 (2 pack) F&F AT TESCO BEST FOR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE F&F school uniforms are available both in-store and online Credit: David Cummings F&F school uniforms are available both in-store and online for the second consecutive year. Designed with quality and durability in mind, every school uniform comes with a one-year guarantee (including PE kit, which sets it apart from the rest), so if you’re not satisfied with the quality, you can return in store for a full refund. The range offers practical features, including adjustable waistbands, grow-with-me hems, permanent creases and reinforced knees to help uniforms last throughout the school year. Evelyn says: “I feel really smart in this uniform and I love the soft feel of the polo.” Mum Hannah, says: “You can tell it’s made to last. The pleats are crisp, the adjustable waist gives Evelyn room to grow throughout the school year and it’s refreshing to find a polo that isn’t see-through.” Evelyn wears: Short sleeved polo shirt, from £4.50 (3 pack); skirt, from £7 (2 pack) Azekel says: “I like the V-neck style of this jumper, and it’s really comfortable. The material isn’t itchy, so I’m happy wearing it with short sleeves underneath.” Mum Godette, says: “I really like the grow-with-me hems. Azekel grows so quickly, so they’re great value because the trousers last longer. The multipack shirts are good value for money too.” Azekel wears: Short sleeved shirt, from £3.50 (2 pack); v-neck jumper, from £8 (2 pack); trousers, from £7 (2 pack) NUTMEG AT MORRISONS BEST FOR LONGEVITY Morrisons has rolled out an affordable school uniform range with flat pricing across all sizes and age groups Credit: David Cummings Morrisons has rolled out an affordable school uniform range with flat pricing across all sizes and age groups, making it easier for families to budget. The collection is designed to go the extra mile, with multi-pack options featuring colour-lock technology to keep whites looking fresher for longer, plus adjustable waistbands and hems that grow with children. Evelyn says: “I love this blue cardigan, it’s really comfy and the buttons are big and easy to do up.” Mum Hannah, says: “I really like the flared style of these trousers, and they’re so stretchy, which means Evelyn will be comfortable all day at school. “The satin detail on the pockets is a lovely touch, I never would have guessed they were from Morrisons. The jumper is a little big and the sleeves are quite long, but that just means she’ll be able to grow into it.” Evelyn wears: Cardigan, from £8 (2 pack); long sleeve shirt, from £8 (8 pack); trousers, from £6 Azekel says: “I prefer these shorts to the pair from M&S, they feel as though they fit better.” Mum Godette, says: “The adjustable waist on the shorts is a great feature and I also love that the whole collection is tumble dryer friendly. “It’s perfect for me, especially during the winter when it’s much harder to get all the washing dry.” Azekel wears: Short sleeve polo shirt, from £4.95 (3 pack); shorts, from £9 (2 pack) LIDL BEST FOR VALUE Lidl is bringing its sell-out school uniform range back to the middle aisle this year Credit: David Cummings Lidl is bringing its sell-out school uniform range back to the middle aisle this year – but you’ll need to be quick, as it’s expected to sell fast. Known for offering outstanding value, Lidl’s uniform collection is the cheapest among the major supermarkets. Every item is machine washable and tumble dryer-friendly, while the trousers and skirts feature a water-repellent finish for added durability. The range covers plenty of everyday classroom staples, making it a great place to stock up on those pieces that inevitably need replacing throughout the school year. With practical fabrics designed to withstand playground spills, busy school days and repeated washes, it proves kitting the kids out for September doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Evelyn says: “The inside of this jumper is nice and fluffy and I like the scallop collar on the polo.” Mum Hannah, says: “I can’t believe this is from Lidl! I love that it’s tumble dryer-friendly. I did notice that the skirt is cut slightly shorter at the back than at the front, but the jumper is lovely and roomy.” Evelyn wears: Short sleeve shirt, £2.49 (2 pack); jumper, £1.50; skirt £1.75 Azekel says: “This uniform feels light, cool, and easy to move around in. “ Mum Godette, says: “”I really like the detail on the trouser clasp, it gives them a really smart finish. The quality is excellent, especially for Lidl, and I’d definitely be tempted to buy them for Azekel myself.” Azekel wears: Short sleeve shirt, £2.49 (2 pack); trousers, £1.75 LILY & DAN AT ALDI BEST FOR BUNDLES Aldi’s Lily & Dan uniform bundle is back for another year Credit: David Cummings Aldi’s Lily & Dan uniform bundle is back for another year, making it easy to tick off the back-to-school checklist in one shop. The £5 bundle includes two polo shirts, a sweatshirt or cardigan and a choice of trousers, skirt or cargo shorts, while the wider range also features school shoes, PE kit, backpacks, lunch bags and accessories. Every item is designed with busy family life in mind, with easy-care fabrics that are machine washable and tumble dryer-safe, plus a 12-month satisfaction guarantee for added peace of mind. Evelyn says: “The cardigan feels really warm and very soft, the headband is so cute too.” Mum Hannah, says: “The polo feels quite see-through, although I like the detail on the collar. “The skirt’s adjustable waist is a nice feature, but the fabric is too lightweight and the pleats feel a little too separated and may lose their shape after a wash.” Evelyn wears: Short sleeve polo shirt, £1.75; cardigan, £1.50; skirt, £1.75; headband. £1.99 (2 pack) Azekel says: “The trousers are my favourite because they’re nice and thick, but the shirt is a little big.” Mum Godette, says: “The trousers are thicker than the other pairs and the material feels a bit too firm for me, I’d rather they were softer. The shirt is also a little see-through.” Azekel wears: Short sleeve shirt, £3.69 (3 pack); trousers, £1.75 GEORGE AT ASDA BEST FOR PRATICALITY George at Asda’s school uniform range is designed with every family in mind Credit: David Cummings George at Asda‘s school uniform range is designed with every family in mind. As well as its main Back to School collection, the retailer offers its Easy on Easy Wear adaptive range, which is designed to encourage independent dressing through features including pull-on styles, soft seams, elasticated waistbands and easy-close fastenings. Parents can also shop knowing every school uniform item is covered by George’s 100 Day Guarantee. Evelyn says: “The trousers are so comfy, they feel like leggings, but the collar on the shirt is a bit tight.” Mum Hannah, says: “The trousers are nice and stretchy and a good length so they will fit her all year long, plus they’re really easy for Evelyn to pull on herself which makes such a change.” Evelyn wears: Long sleeve shirt, from £4.50 (2 pack); trousers, from £7 (2 pack) Azekel says: “I prefer to wear a polo shirt. It’s more comfortable under this jumper and red is my favourite colour.” Mum Godette, says: “The quality feels great, it seems durable enough for him to wear and play in all day. The sizing runs a little long on him, but otherwise the fit is good.” Azekel wears: Short sleeved polo shirt, from £3 (2 pack); jumper, from £5 (2 pack); trousers, from £8 (2 pack) PROPS: Rackets and ball, £6, George at ASDA Easel, £35; jumbo chalks (12 pack), both Hobbycraft Space hopper, £10, Argos Football, £11 each, George at ASDA Desk and chair, £68, Argos MODELS Azekel, aged 7 Shoes, £22.99, Deichmann (same throughout) Socks, from £5 (5 pack), Marks & Spencer (same throughout) Evelyn, aged 9 Shoes, £32.99, Deichmann (same throughout) Socks, £5 (5 pack), TU at Sainsburys (same throughout) Comment now