School uniform goes through a lot. From playground adventures and PE lessons to arts and crafts, it's designed to be worn day after day.
At School Trends, we carefully select quality garments that are made to last. With the right care, you can keep your child's uniform looking smart throughout the school year and even pass it down to younger siblings.
Here are our top tips for getting the most from your school uniform.
Always check the care label
Every garment includes its own wash care instructions, so before popping anything in the washing machine, take a quick look at the label inside.
Different fabrics can have different washing requirements, so following the manufacturer's guidance will help your uniform stay looking its best.
Separate your washing
It might seem obvious, but sorting your washing before it goes into the machine makes a big difference.
We recommend separating:
- Whites
- Dark colours
- Bright colours
- Delicate fabrics
This helps prevent colours from transferring and keeps whites looking brighter for longer.
Turn garments inside out
Before washing, turn polo shirts, sweatshirts, cardigans and PE kit inside out.
This helps protect:
- Embroidery
- Printed logos
- Fabric fibres
- Colours
It's a simple step that can help your garments stay looking newer for longer.
Fasten buttons and zips
Before starting a wash, make sure all buttons are fastened and zips are closed.
This helps prevent garments catching on each other during the wash cycle, reducing unnecessary wear and tear.
Don't overload your washing machine
Packing too many clothes into one wash means garments can't move around properly.
A slightly smaller load allows detergent and water to circulate more effectively, giving a better clean while being kinder to your clothes.
Be careful with stain removers
School uniforms inevitably pick up the occasional grass stain, paint mark or muddy patch.
When treating stains, avoid products containing bleach or strong optical brighteners on coloured garments, as these can affect the fabric and cause colours to fade.
Always test a stain remover on a small hidden area first if you're unsure.
Skip the fabric softener
Although fabric softener can make clothes feel softer, regular use can gradually reduce the performance of some fabrics by coating the fibres.
For everyday school uniform, we recommend washing without fabric softener whenever possible.
A tip from our team 💙
One of our favourite tips comes from Claire:
"Always wash new sweatshirts before they're worn. It helps remove any loose fibres left from manufacturing and makes them feel even softer from the very first wear."
Need help looking after your uniform?
Looking after school uniform doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help your child's uniform stay smarter for longer, saving you money and reducing the need for replacements.
If you ever have questions about caring for your uniform, our friendly team is always happy to help.