Our Ballymena Today Guide to buying your School Uniform is designed to take the stress out of your school shopping. Ballymena uniform shops are stocked with blazers, shirts, blouses, sweaters and sports kit ready for you to get kitted out. If you head in early enough you should be able to pick up the correct sizes before they all get snapped up and most store offer services allowing you to pay off your uniform between now and the start of school.
Here are our top tips for uniform shopping which isn’t a chore.
Avoid to queues
In July the Uniforms shops are stocked and ready to get your child sorted out. Leaving your shopping trip until the end of August leaves you with no leeway if you need to order something in or get something altered. Bear in mind that things like blazers will need to get crests put on which could take from 3-5 weeks!
Trust you shop assistant
If you are unsure about what you need then listen to the shop assistant. Chances are that they have been selling uniforms all summer and know exactly who wears what. Some schools make sweaters compulsory, some only accept clip on ties, some have blue sock but the pupils would rather wear black tights. Your shop assistant will have local knowledge to help you out. Remember they are there to help you.
Try everything on
Try lots of sizes in everything that you need. Many items might not vary much between sizes and if you try everything on then you can make the best decision and put you mind at rest once you have made your purchase.
Buy big
If your child is going into First year then chances are that they are going to grow lots over the next few years. With big purchases such as blazers and sports kits try on the next size up and think about the future. Don’t let slightly long sleeves or baggy shorts put you off, in a few months you might be glad you picked the bigger size.
Keep your receipt and keep the labels on your purchases
Try everything on again in late August and if your child has had a growth spurt you will be able to exchange for another size. Leave yourself time to allow the shop to restock and order what you need if stocks are low.
Don’t write your name on anything
Most blazers have labels where you can write in the owners name. Avoid doing this until the very last minute as once you have the shop is unlikely to take it back. The same goes for sewing in name labels too.
Try to buy brands which will last
Blouses and shirts may be available for next to nothing in some places but remember that these will be worn, washed and ironed continually. Put the money into a good brand and look out for non-iron materials which will make you life a lot easier.
Your uniform shopping will probably not be on the top of your list of things to do this summer but once it is done you can put it out of your head and forget about it. Don’t forget to pick out your new shoes, school bag and to pick up new stationary too. Incorporate a lunchtime treat into your school shopping trip and it won’t feel half as bad as you expected. Hopefully this Ballymena Today Guide to buying your School Uniform has given you some helpful advice.