The back-to-school season is upon us, and with families juggling rising costs, getting children ready and dressed appropriately for a new school year may be more stressful than it has been previously.
In this article, we’ll therefore take a look at the UK’s school uniform market and how major retailers can respond to parents’ changing needs. We’ll also cover the top five category trends, as previously reported by EDITED.
Table of Contents
5 trends dominating UK’s school uniform market in 2024/2025
School uniform trends to watch out for
Summary
5 trends dominating UK’s school uniform market in 2024/2025
1. Value is everything
Living costs are rising, and parents are eager to save on school essentials for their kids. According to EDITED, retailers like Marks & Spencer, Matalan, Primark, and John Lewis have responded by freezing prices for 2024, just as they did last year.
Discounts are already in play, with Marks & Spencer offering 20% off school uniforms in July. Discount chains like Lidl and Aldi also highlight the value of their bundles, promoting complete uniform sets for as little as £5. Offering such deals offers welcomed savings to families already keeping a close eye on their budgets.
2. The power of multipacks
Multipacks are a hit among parents shopping for school uniforms, bagging them more for less. EDITED’s report says that retailers are already catching on, with Marks & Spencer boosting its stock of multipack tops and bottoms by 50% and 21%, respectively.
Interestingly, two-pack sets are the most popular, making up 84% of the brand’s offerings for the back-to-school season. And it’s not only tops and trousers; PE kits and other categories are also getting the multipack treatment. As a retailer, it would be wise to expand your various clothing ranges to tap into this side of the market.
3. Bright colors are making a comeback
Traditional school uniform colors like black and gray are fading into the background as brighter shades gain popularity. According to EDITED, green and red uniforms are becoming favorites among some schools, with retailers like John Lewis and George at ASDA leading the way.
While navy remains a strong choice, the popularity of black, gray, and white uniforms has fallen significantly. This trend toward vibrant colors presents an excellent opportunity for retailers to update and refresh their school uniform collections.
4. Durability and ease are top priorities
EDITED’s report also shows that parents want convenient and durable school uniforms. Hence, many prioritize items like stain-resistant shirts, trousers with reinforced knees, and skirts with permanent pleats. The same report also says that scuff-resistant shoes are in high demand, with a 159% increase in popularity over the past year.
Businesses can learn from retailers like Marks & Spencer and Tu at Sainsbury’s, who are stepping up their game by offering stylish yet durable uniforms that withstand the everyday wear and tear of school life.
5. The untapped potential of PE kits
New government rules limiting the number of branded items schools require present retailers with the perfect opportunity to broaden their PE kit selections. PE kits and sportswear comprise only 3% of the school uniform stock at places like Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.
Businesses can leverage this opportunity by stocking PE kits in brighter colors, especially those gaining popularity in general uniform lines, expanding their sportswear options to meet the increasing demand for fresh, affordable school uniforms.
School uniform trends to watch out for
1. Tops
According to EDITED’s report, stain-resistant tops have also become more popular, with Marks & Spencer increasing their options by 27% yearly. Polo shirts received the most attention, seeing a 100% jump.
Similarly, John Lewis and Tu offer more tops with this fabric enhancement. Beyond that, the availability of “cotton rich” own-brand tops rose by 47%, with George at ASDA doubling their stock in response.
But there’s more. Adaptive clothing is still a big trend with more than enough demand, as indicated by Marks & Spencer’s continuing “Easy Dressing” line. Other retailers are also cottoning on to easy designs, with George at ASDA introducing “easy on” sweatshirts with hidden poppers and sensory-friendly threads for £5.
2. Bottoms
Uniforms are also seeing some trendy updates via cargo shorts and trousers. These items have joined George at ASDA and Marks & Spencer’s collections, where multipacks are selling well.
In addition, parents are prioritizing ease and durability, which has seen Marks & Spencer and Tu at Sainsbury’s increase their pleated skirt stock by 31% and 150%, respectively. Tu has also expanded its reinforced-knees trouser collection by adding new colors like navy, as well as longer-leg and grow-hem styles.
3. Dresses
Even school dresses are getting some love as big retailers add feminine touches, like bows on pockets and heart-shaped charms on zippers. As for patterns, gingham remains a popular choice, with Next updating their designs to include scalloped collars and matching scrunchies, priced at £9.
Pinafores are also trending, making up 37% of school dress stocks in 2024 – an increase from 34% in 2023. The pinafore style now features pleats, drop waistlines, and zip fronts, offering a fresh take on classic schoolwear.
Summary
It’s no secret that living costs are rising, and consumer needs are changing with them. Parents now demand more value for money and added durability in their kids’ school uniforms. Many big retailers have responded with relevant offerings, as well as adding new colors and accents, injecting some fun into back-to-school uniform shopping.
As a retailer, remember to cater to budge-conscious parents and build better relationships for repeat purchases. Also consider offering affordable bundles, durable items, and expanding categories like PE kits.
