Smarty Scoop on Uniform Shopping

As July winds down, school shopping begins. More and more schools are going the uniform route and as a parent in a uniform school, I LOVE IT! Uniforms are easy, make my mornings manageable and are easy on the budget. Below is our list of go to places to find uniforms. For non-retail shopping, many schools have resale closets or uniform exchange days where you can go purchase or exchange for gently used uniforms. This is a great starting point and money saver. You can also connect with a family with older children that would be willing to pass on their uniforms as they outgrow them.

Lands End in Sears at Carolina Place Mall– Lands End is owned by Sears. They have a fabulous selection of uniform clothes that hold up great for siblings. Their selection in the store starts at size 4. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, you can order online/catalog and receive FREE shipping. Lands End can be one stop shopping for all you uniform pieces including socks, tights, backpacks, lunch boxes and rain gear. They also carry a small selection of their shoes. Their Mary Janes are inexpensive and wear well.

Target – has a great uniform line at inexpensive prices. Their inventory seems to decrease substantially after back-to-school, especially on shorts. So you may want to load up now. They have a full selection of both khaki and navy apparel. The only thing I don’t necessarily like are their skirts, more polyester than cotton.

Old Navy – also has an impressive uniform line at bargain prices. The cut on their shorts is the cutest but you have to iron their button down shirts. They have the overall best selection and pricepoint.

Costco – For a short time Costco carries the Nautica uniform line. All their pieces are under $10. They have white, navy and pale blue shirts for boys and girls. Skorts and long pants for girls and shorts and long pants for boys. Sizes ran from 5 and I think the largest size I saw was a 14. I love the boys shorts. They launder well and I don’t have to iron them. These go fast, get there today!

Flynn & O’Hara (near Park Road Shopping Center)- for parochial school students. They have all the appropriate school plaids and uniforms for all the Catholic schools in the area.

Educational Outfitters (across from Costco on Tyvola) – also good for Catholic students. They have great hoody sweatshirts that aren’t always available at Flynn & O’Hara. Also carry the basics for other schools.

Gap – Much the same as Old Navy, little higher quality but also higher price point.

Belk – Has a very large selection and if you need slim or husky you may have good luck here.

JC Penney – Also a very large selection of the IZOD line as well as their own line. Good prices and they have very good coupons.

Gymboree – Full array of uniform pieces.

Crazy 8 – I love their girls, cotton long sleeve shirts. They launder well and look great under jumpers. They also have cute Bermuda length shorts and pleated skirts.

Walmart – Inexpensive and a good variety of shirts, shorts, pants, skirts and lightweight jackets.

Make sure you check each of these websites and often because they offer sales and special promotions practically daily! There are any, many choices for the uniform shopper and don’t forget tax free weekend is coming up from August 5-7!