aving been in the School Uniform business for over 15 years, we’ve come to know the garments we supply inside out (literally!). We want to provide our customers with the best quality at the best price when it comes to School Uniform and through the years of experience, we have come to realise that even though most School Uniform manufacturers produce ‘easy care’ garments, they still need to be looked after correctly in order to get the best value from them in terms of looking good and lasting for longer. At the risk of sounding patronising, here are some of what we believe to be the most useful care tips for your School Uniform:

1. Always follow the care label instructions

Each garment is different and so will require a different care process. Read and follow each instruction carefully to ensure you look after your garments as best you can.

2. Wash before wear

Washing your garment inside out, before you wear it will help to reduce any pilling/bobbling as it will remove the excess fibres before they start to rub together.

3. Prepare garments for wash

Close all zips and Velcro fasteners, open buttons and make sure cuffs and collars are flattened and straight. This will help to avoid snagging in the wash.

4. Wash inside out

Washing garments inside out helps to reduce pilling/bobbling and. Always wash your knitwear inside out.

5. Cool wash

Wash at 30 degrees to help your garment last longer and help you to save energy. Increase to 40 degrees in the case of stubborn stains, but never any higher.

6. Avoid fabric conditioner

We do not recommend the use of fabric conditioner when washing school uniform. It is designed to raise fibres to soften the garment, however this increases pilling/bobbling and may weaken elasticity.

7. Use good quality detergent

Some fabric detergents may contain chemicals that can cause fading and pilling/bobbling.

8. Wash similar items together

Try to sort your washing loads into similar fabrics and colours.

9. Avoid direct heat

Avoid placing garments on radiators or over other direct heat sources to dry. Most school uniform items are manufactured with ‘easy care’ fabric so if you shake them gently after washing and hang them to dry carefully, there should be no need to iron. Never iron your knitwear.

10. - Avoid tumble drying

Only tumble dry if the care label states this is ok. Avoid if possible, as the heat from the tumble dryer causes pilling/bobbling.