10 Burning Questions About Back To School Outfits Every Parent Will Be Wondering

When it comes to having children, there seems to be a manual for everything – especially when they’re babies.

But it starts to trail off when they head towards school age… and no-one really prepares you for the rite of parental passage that is the Back To School Shop.

In normal years it can feel like the choice is overwhelming, sizing a random guessing game (are we going to growth spurt this term or not?) and that shops have literally every colour and size you need… apart from the ones you need, you know, a week before school starts.

This year, of course, with some still reticent to return to shops, most of having no clue what size our kids actually are and what the coming year can bring, like everything else, BTS shopping seems that extra bit harder.

So, we worked with Marks & Spencer to try and help – we asked Head of Design for Kidswear at M&S, Tara Ryan, 10 of the questions we know you’d want answering and got answers on everything from how to cut back on washing and ironing to how to convince a kid to step into the changing room (clue: it’s a famous, pink sweet…) We even gathered her key products in a shoppable gallery too.

So, whether you’re a parent new to buying school uniform or an old hand who always forgets how stressful August can be, we hope this helps…

My kids haven’t been in shops for ages – what’s the best way to order when you’re not sure of their size?

Our online sizing guidesare really helpful as they give you all the measurements - you only need a tape measure to figure it out at home. If you visit our stores, our knowledgeable and friendly store colleagues staff will give you that personal attention and find you what you need.

We’ve also worked with a partner to be first in the market with a foot measuring tool called Pinpoint. It’s very simple to use and for busy mums and dads. It’s an easy-to-use technology you can access at home or on the go on your mobile phone. I use it and it’s great.

I’m worried if I buy now, my kid will have grown out of everything before classes start – or Christmas. Any advice?

This very much depends on your individual child. As a parent you’ll know whether your child is having a growth spurt, but I work with the rule of thumb that the top size of our clothes i.e a 5-6 will fit an average 6 year old so should have room for growth if your child has just turned 5.

What sells out first? What should I be making sure I buy before August?

This year we’ve worked really hard to simplify the range and make sure we will have good availability of what customers are looking for to avoid disappointment or second visits. We want to make it really easy for parents to pick up everything they need.

The idea of having to iron five shirts a week brings me out in hives… any tips?

Our Easy to Iron Shirts are made for you then! They take the headache out of ensuring your child looks smart every day and not just for class photos!

It’s my first time buying uniform – what do I need that I’d not have thought of?

You can never have enough socks because the sock monster eats every other one! One great quality coat will see them through winter.

My child hates trying stuff on in store – any tips?

You can shop online and use our online sizing guides to help you find exactly what you need – if all else fails, a few Percy Pigs might help sweeten the deal!

Name tags! Settle the debate, stick on ones or sew on ones?

We make it easy in our coats with a place to write your first, second and third child’s name when you hand them down. For other items, I started with sew-on, but have to say iron-on are my go-to these days!

What products can I buy to allow for a rapidly growing child?

Our drop-down hem trousers are amazing and available exclusively at M&S. They give your child room to grow at least 2cms. When they’re looking a little afraid of their shoes just release the tack stitch and iron – easy peasy!

What’s the one thing you think all parents should know/usually forget?

Always remember sports kit and undies when you do your school shop. They’re always the things I forget to pick up despite having had 10 years of practice.

What’s the biggest obstacle for parents that you try to tackle in your designs?

Our products wash and tumble dry so well. I have never ironed our pleated pinnies or skirts. I just shake out and hang. We also make our clothes to last and hand down so please do remember to Shwop them at your local store when you’re finished with them.

The Back To School Must Have Buys From Marks & Spencer