This Week's School Shopping Deals | July 4, 2026

The Fourth of July weekend traditionally marks the unofficial beginning of the back-to-school shopping season. While you're out picking up supplies for your summer celebrations, take a few extra minutes to browse the school uniform and school supply displays that are beginning to appear in stores. 

 Shopping early often means you'll have the best selection of colors and sizes before inventory becomes limited. If your child wears slim, husky, plus, or adult sizes, consider shopping early. These sizes often sell out before the first day of school.

Now is the perfect time to take inventory before the shopping season gets into full swing. Pull out last year's school wardrobe and determine what still fits, what has held up well, and which items need to be replaced. Creating a shopping list now will help you take advantage of the best back-to-school sales, school uniform deals, and coupon codes throughout the summer.

French Toast

25% Off Everything and 40% Off Multipacks

French Toast's Fourth of July promotion includes all of the school uniform basics parents buy every year. The 40% off multipacks is a great deal this early in the season.  Go now and stock up on all the basics your kiddo needs for back to school.  Make shopping easy on yourslef this year and grab your kiddo's favorite bottoms and polos from the multipacks.  

Amazon

I've refreshed The School Uniform Insider's Amazon Storefront shopping collections for the 2026 back-to-school season.

Many retailers are just beginning to add their new school uniform inventory to Amazon, while closeout pricing is still available on select colors, styles, and sizes from last season.

I'll be checking prices and updating my curated Amazon collections several times each week throughout the back-to-school shopping season. As new products become available and prices drop, I'll add my favorite finds to help you save.

Be sure to bookmark The School Uniform Insider Amazon Page and check back often for the latest school uniform coupons and deals and shopping tips throughout the season.

Lands' End

30% Off Select School Polos + 10% Off School Uniforms

Use code: FIREWORK30

This promotion runs through July 7, 2026.

If your child wears school uniforms, this is one of the first major school uniform sales of the season and a great opportunity to stock up on popular styles before sizes begin to disappear.

I recommend shopping early if your school requires less common colors or hard-to-find sizes.

Some of my favorite Lands' End school polos include:

• Interlock Polos (100% cotton)

• Breathable Mesh Polos (cotton/poly blend)

• Active Dry Polos with moisture-wicking performance fabric

The Advanced Rapid Dry Polo is especially popular for students who have PE or recess during the school day. The fabric wicks moisture, stretches for comfort, and resists snags, making it a durable choice for active kids.

Parents also love the Girls' Peter Pan Collar Polos, which are fully stocked early in the season but often become difficult to find by late summer.

Target

30% off Cat and Jack school Uniforms.

Target just rolled out their back to school items and all school unforms from Cat and Jack are included.  Remember Cat and Jack items are guarenteed for 1 year.  The brand holds up nicely to classroom and playground, and they wash up easily.  All boys, girls and toddler sizing is included in this promotion.

2026 Back-to-School Shopping Guide: When to Shop, What to Buy, and How to Save

Summer may have just begun, but savvy parents know the back-to-school shopping season starts much earlier than it used to. Retailers are stocking shelves with notebooks, backpacks, school uniforms, and classroom supplies as early as June, and millions of families are already checking items off their shopping lists.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), about one-third of back-to-school shoppers had already started browsing and buying by early June 2026—the earliest start since the organization began tracking shopping habits in 2018. Younger parents, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading the trend by shopping earlier than previous generations.

If you're shopping for children who wear school uniforms, now is the perfect time to begin planning. Shopping early gives you the best selection of sizes and colors while allowing you to take advantage of summer promotions before popular items sell out.

How Much Will Families Spend in 2026?

Back-to-school shopping is one of the largest annual expenses for many families.

The National Retail Federation estimates that families with children in elementary through high school will spend an average of $874.68 on back-to-school purchases in 2026. That includes everything students need for the upcoming school year, from clothing to electronics.

On average, families plan to spend:

• $309.35 on electronics
• $253.29 on clothing and accessories
• $170.43 on shoes
• $141.62 on school supplies

For many families, these purchases are spread over several weeks rather than completed in a single shopping trip.

Items on the Shopping Lists

Every school has different requirements, but most parents purchase items from several common categories.

School Uniforms and Clothing

If your child's school requires standard student attire, you'll likely be shopping for:

• Khaki pants, shorts, and skirts
• Polo shirts
• Uniform sweaters and fleece jackets
• Belts
• Socks
• School shoes
• PE uniforms

School Supplies

Most elementary and middle school students also need:

• Notebooks
• Folders
• Pencils and pens
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Highlighters
• Calculators
• Pencil pouches

Backpacks and Lunch Gear

Many parents replace these items each year, so keep an eye out for the items on your list when they are on sale.

• Backpacks
• Lunch boxes
• Reusable water bottles
• Food containers
• Ice packs

Technology

Technology continues to be one of the biggest expenses during back-to-school shopping. Depending on your student's grade level, your shopping list may include:

• Laptops
• Tablets
• Headphones
• Computer accessories
• Chargers
• Calculator

When Do Stores Stock Back-to-School Merchandise?

The back-to-school shopping season now stretches across much of the summer. Retailers begin stocking basic school supplies in June, while school uniform stores introduce new collections and restock popular sizes and colors. Early summer is also when many online retailers launch their first promotions for the season. 

By early July, nearly every major retailer has dedicated back-to-school displays, and shoppers can take advantage of major online shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, along with competing sales from Target, Walmart, Staples, and other retailers. These promotions often feature some of the best prices of the year on electronics, backpacks, and school supplies. As late July arrives, most schools have published supply lists, sales become more frequent, and many states begin their annual back-to-school sales tax holidays. 

In early August, retailers ramp up promotions on clothing, school uniforms, shoes, and classroom essentials as families complete their shopping. By late August, shoppers can often find clearance prices on seasonal merchandise, although the most popular backpack styles, uniform sizes, and school supply items may already be sold out.

When Are the Best Deals?

One of the biggest questions parents face each summer is whether to start shopping early or hold out for better deals. The answer depends on what you're buying.

If your child wears school uniforms, it's usually best to shop early. Popular sizes of khaki pants, polo shirts, skirts, sweaters, and other uniform basics can sell out weeks before school starts. The same is true for popular backpack brands, name-brand sneakers, laptops, and lunch gear. Shopping in June or early July gives you the widest selection and helps avoid the frustration of finding your child's size out of stock.

On the other hand, if you're shopping for general school supplies, classroom basics, or electronics, waiting until the major sales in July can often pay off. Retailers compete aggressively during events like Amazon Prime Day and other mid-summer promotions, frequently offering some of the year's lowest prices on notebooks, pencils, calculators, headphones, backpacks, and other school essentials. Many stores also match competitors' prices or offer additional coupons, making July one of the best times to stock up.

For many families, the smartest strategy is to combine both approaches: purchase uniforms and other high-demand items early, then watch for July promotions and your state's sales tax holiday to save on school supplies, electronics, and the remaining items on your back-to-school shopping list.  Check out the calendar for the list of back to school sales tax holidays.

Smart Shopping Tips

A little planning can help your budget go further.

• Start shopping as soon as your school supply list is available.
• Compare prices across multiple retailers.
• Sign up for retailer email lists to receive exclusive coupons.
• Join store rewards programs.
• Watch for free shipping promotions.
• Shop your state's sales tax holiday if available.
• Purchase uniforms before popular sizes sell out.
• Stock up on basic supplies when prices are lowest.

The Bottom Line

Back-to-school shopping has become a months-long season instead of a last-minute rush. By starting early, watching for July sales, and taking advantage of tax-free weekends, families can save money while avoiding the stress of empty shelves and limited inventory.

At The School Uniform Insider, I'll be sharing the latest coupon codes, retailer promotions, school uniform sales, and back-to-school shopping tips throughout the season to help your family get everything on the school list without overspending.  Subscribe to receive email updates from The School Uniform Insider.

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

2026 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holidays by State

Looking to save even more on your back-to-school shopping? A sales tax holiday can be one of the best ways to stretch your budget.

Many states offer a tax-free shopping weekend—or even an entire tax-free week—allowing families to purchase qualifying school items without paying state sales tax. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on school uniforms, clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, calculators, laptops, and other classroom essentials.

To make planning easier, I've compiled every 2026 back-to-school sales tax holiday below. States are listed in alphabetical order along with the exact dates, eligible products, and spending limits.

Shopping Tip: Popular back-to-school items often sell out before tax-free weekends begin. If your favorite retailer offers price matching or price adjustments, you may be able to combine sale prices with your state's tax holiday for even bigger savings.

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Alabama

Tax Holiday: July 17–19, 2026

• Books priced $30 or less

• Clothing priced $100 or less

• Computers, computer software, and school computer supplies priced $750 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

---

Arkansas

Tax Holiday: August 1–2, 2026

• Clothing priced under $100

• Clothing accessories and equipment priced under $50

• Student electronic devices (no price limit)

• School supplies and instructional materials (no price limit)

• Applies to both state and local sales tax

---

Connecticut

Tax Holiday: August 16–22, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, and backpacks priced under $300

---

Florida

Tax Holiday: August 1–31, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, wallets, and qualifying bags priced $100 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

• Learning aids and puzzles priced $30 or less

• Personal computers and related accessories priced $1,500 or less

---

Iowa

Tax Holiday: August 7–8, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

---

Maryland

Tax Holiday: August 9–15, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less

• The first $40 of qualifying backpacks and bookbags is tax free

---

Massachusetts

Tax Holiday: August 8–9, 2026

• Most retail items for personal use priced $2,500 or less

---

Mississippi

Tax Holiday: July 10–12, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

• Qualifying school supplies priced under $100

---

Missouri

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing priced $100 or less

• Personal computers and peripherals priced $1,500 or less

• Computer software priced $350 or less

• Graphing calculators priced $150 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

---

New Mexico

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 2, 2026

• Clothing, footwear, and accessories priced under $100

• Backpacks and bookbags priced under $100

• Computers priced up to $1,000

• Computer accessories priced up to $500

• Handheld calculators priced under $200

• School supplies priced under $30

---

Ohio

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing priced $75 or less

• School instructional materials priced $20 or less

• School supplies priced $20 or less

---

Oklahoma

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

---

Puerto Rico

Tax Holidays: January 2–3, 2026 and July 12–13, 2026

• School uniforms

• School supplies

• Qualifying instructional materials

---

South Carolina

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing

• School supplies

• Computers

• Backpacks

• Bedding and dorm room essentials

• Most qualifying items have no price limit

---

Tennessee

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 2, 2026

• Clothing

• School supplies

• Computers

• Price limits apply

---

Texas

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced under $100

• School backpacks priced under $100

• Eligible school supplies priced under $100

---

Virginia

Tax Holiday: August 7–9, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $100 or less

• School supplies priced $20 or less

---

West Virginia

Tax Holiday: July 31–August 3, 2026

• Clothing and footwear priced $125 or less

• Laptops and tablets priced $500 or less

• School instructional materials priced $20 or less

• School supplies priced $50 or less

• Sports equipment priced $150 or less

---

Before You Shop

✔ Check your state's list of qualifying items before heading to the store.

✔ Many online purchases also qualify for the sales tax holiday if the order meets your state's requirements.

✔ Price limits generally apply per item, not your total purchase.

✔ Combine tax-free shopping with retailer coupons, clearance sales, cashback offers, and rewards programs to maximize your savings.

---

Source: Avalara, 2026 Sales Tax Holidays Guide. Tax holiday dates and qualifying items are subject to change. Always verify details with your state's Department of Revenue before shopping.

New Girls Bermuda Shorts from French Toast

The updated Girls Bermuda short by French Toast is is an instant classic on warm-weather days. This knee-length short is crafted with a comfortable and durable cotton blend stretch twill fabric and features functional front & back pockets. The adjustable waist helps her get a secure and comfy fit.

Features:

• Cotton Blend Twill
• Stretch, Comfort That Lasts
• Adjustable Waist, The Best Fit & Room For Them To Grow
• Non-Functional Horn Button With Hook & Bar Closure On Waistband
• Functional Fly with Zipper Closure
• Front Slash Pockets
• Back Welt Pockets
• Knee Length
• Functional Belt Loops

Fabric and Care: 

• 98% COTTON, 2% ELASTANE. 
• Machine Wash Cold With Like Colors. 
• Only Non Chlorine Bleach When Needed. 
• Tumble Dry Low. 
• Warm Iron If Needed.

Sizing:

• Youth 4-20, 
• Plus 10 1/2 plus to 20 1/2 plus
• Women’s 2-22

Regular Price

 $15.98 - $19.98

For a limited time you can use this Uniform Mom affiliate link for 30% off Polos & Shorts.

Elderwear Long Sleeve Polo, a Review

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Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff"
Long Sleeve Knit Polo
$9.99 at CookieKids

Recently Cookies Kids offered me the chance to review a few products.  I jumped on the opportunity to check out an Elderwear brand polo.  They sent me an Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff" Long Sleeve Knit Polo to use as the basis of this review. 

When it comes to kids polos for school, many of the mast market brands are similar in price and quality. But there are a few outliers.  One of those outliers is Elderwear.  It is a brand that I have only come across a handful of times.  I've seen their uniform items only at a local boutique that specializes in school uniforms for the private schools in my area.  The price of their items is noticeably higher than mass market brands.

This Elderwear knit polo features long sleeves, a narrow button placket, slit sides, and ribbed cuffs.  It is 60% cotton and 40% polyester.  This long sleeve polo is a much heavier fabric than lower priced polos from other brands.  This is a nice feature in a long sleeve polo that is more likely to worn alone during the colder months of the year, as opposed to a lightweight polo worn under a jumper or sweater.

In our area, the weather just turned cool this week.  My daughter had a chance to try out the new polo and said it was comfortable to wear.  This weekend, it took a trip through the laundry cycle.  I wash her whites on warm and tumble dry low.  I might iron the polo for picture day or the annual holiday assembly, but for everyday, it looked fine right out of the dryer.

It is regularly priced at $28.99, but Cookie Kids offers this quality polo at the everyday price of only $9.99. I would definitely recommend this polo.  The Elderwear quality at a CookieKids price is a great combination. CookieKids also carries the Elderwear Girls Short Sleeve Pique Polo, but not the boys versions.

Demin for Back to School at Crazy 8

Uniform Mom was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and Uniform Mom will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link in this post.


Crazy 8 is having a great sale right now on denim for Back to School.

For girls, Crazy 8 has 3 basic styles: skinny, jeggings and bootcut. Each style is available in dark and medium washes.

These Skinny Jeans are described as "slimmest through hip, thigh & leg opening" and are made from 78% cotton/21% polyester/1% spandex. Reviewers love these for their slim daughters and granddaughters. But don't dismiss them as just for the skinniest girls because they come in slim, regular and plus size fits.

Reviewers with the skinniest kids love the Denim Jeggings which are 3% spandex and described "super skinny through hip & leg".  And for those that don't groove on the skinny leg style, you cant go wrong with the classic  Bootcut Jeans instead.


For boys, Crazy 8 has 5 styles: straight leg, bootcut, rocker, loose, and pull-on.  Each style is available in dark, medium and some are available in gray and black washes.

The Rocker Jeans is 100% cotton and slim through hip, thigh & leg opening. The Straight Jeans fit straight through hip & leg and have a straight leg opening. The Bootcut Jeans sit just below waist, slim through hip & thigh, bootcut leg opening.  If your son prefers a relaxed leg opening, try the Loose Jeans. All of these styles are available in slim, regular and husky fits.

All of these jeans retail for $19.88 but for a limited time, all denim are on sale for $8.88.  It is great deal, so stock up for Back to School Season.

Boys Double Knee Pants from French Toast

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast. If you use these links and decide to make a purchase,
I receive a small commission. 

Update - This post was updated in May 2019 with new links, pricing and color options.



Are you looking for quality flat front pants for everyday school wear for your son?  Check out the Double Knee Pant with the Workwear Finish.

• First, they are made from Wrinkle No More fabric which is great because really, who loves ironing?  
• Second, they have the Power Knee (TM) fabric to prevent against knee blowouts.  
• And third, they have an adjustable waist so you can modify the fit as your child grows during the school year.

The price is right at $21.98. The French Toast brand items are carried by many different retailers making it easy to find them on sale.   The sizing starts as small as a boys size 4 going through a size 20.  Regular boys sizes also include slim and husky options, and now they have a young mans sizing up to size 38 waist.  They are only offered in 7 different colors including the basics of navy and khaki.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook or @navyplaid on Twitter for coupons.

8 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid with Back to School Shopping

The idea to start this site was hatched as a Mom of a Kindergartner trying to figure out the what, where, & when of school shopping for a kid required to wear uniforms to school.  Since then, I've learned quite a bit about the brands, the retailers, and the trends.  Here is my list of Rookie Mistakes to Avoid for Back to School Shopping so you can avoid these errors and enjoy a stress free school shopping season.

Waiting Until Last Minute

The shopping season for school uniforms at major retailers begins at the beginning of July.  While that seems early, it's not.  If you try to wait until closer to the start of the school year, you will find that the styles and sizes are picked over, or worse, out of stock.  For the best selection, shop in July. More retailers carry school uniform clothing items at this time of year, even if they don't offer them year-round, which gives you more options.  At many retailers, I've seen the best prices of the season during July. The Uniform Mom Best Bets series recommends the target price that you can realistically expect to find quality uniform clothing items. During peak Back to School shopping season, you can find items at bargain basement prices at discount retailers and even the retailers known for the highest quality are known to discount their uniform items 40% or more.

Overlooking the Uniform Exchange Program

I bet your school has a uniform exchange program or uniform locker where you can get school uniform basics secondhand for a fraction of the retail cost, or even for free.  Ask the other Moms in the neighborhood or post a question on the school message board.  As fast as kids grow, you will be surprised to find quality items like new, or even some new with tags.  Be sure to check out Uniform Mom's tips for shopping uniform consignment events.  You can also check out the online consignment stores, such as Swap.com.  You won't find uniform items tagged or sorted easily, but filter down by brands, color and size to find options available.  

Failing to Know the Tax Free Holiday in your State

Many states offer break from sales tax for a weekend or even for a full week on items needed for school such as clothing, shoes and school supplies. According to the 2017 National Retail Federation's Annual Back to School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average $687.72 each.  Shopping during this holiday can save you an extra few percent on your Back to School haul.  Each summer, Uniform Mom publishes a list of tax free holidays in each state.

Waiting until Fall to Shop for Long Sleeve Polo Tops

When it is the middle of July, it is easy to overlook the long sleeve polo shirts hanging on the back to school display.  However, long sleeve polos are harder to find the longer you wait in the school year. (you can read about my hunt for the long sleeve polo here). By October, the retailers that don't carry uniforms year round are running out certain colors and sizes. Just save yourself the headache, and pick up at least 2 long sleeve polos during the peak Back to School shopping season.

Buying School Shoes too Early

One year, I picked up a pair of Mary Janes early in the Back to School season.  When my daughter put them on for the first day of school, she had already outgrown them.  I sent her to school wearing her PE shoes instead while I had to scramble that day to return them and find her hew ones that fit. ( I'd recommend you plan to hit the show stores about 2 weeks before school starts. You need to take the kids with you so they can get a proper measurement for sizing.

Buying the Cheap Shoes

Once.  Only once did I get my daughter a pair of school shoes at a discount retailer.  Basically, they lasted a week and I was out shopping again.  Shoes are probably the most expensive item on your back to school shopping list (okay at least while they are young), but spend the extra money to buy a pair of school shoes made with leather uppers.  Most shoe stores recommend you buy kids new shoes in a half size larger than the child's actual shoe size.  If they are over due for a growth spurt, you may be able to go up a full size with thicker socks, as long as the shoes aren't sliding around on their heels.  Once you find a quality shoe, it should last until the end of the school year or until they outgrow them.

Forgetting the Basics and the Accessories

Because of all of the Back To School clothing sales, it is a great time to stock up on basics like new underwear, undershirts, or bras.  But don't forget that your child might also need a new belt, tights, undershorts, or hair accessories.

Failing to Subscribe to the Uniform Mom Report Card

Each week, Uniform Mom lists the latest sales and coupon codes on schools clothing at major uniform retailers in the US.  If you're not already a subscriber, sign up so you always know what's on sale at each retailer and have a coupon code handy.

Photo Credit: For really #Big #Mistakes ...  Nadia Santoya. Licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0.

(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Aeropostale

Aeropostale is a specialty retailer with over 500 stores in the US.  They sell apparel and accessories targeting the 16 - 22 year old shopper.  They also carry basic school uniform items for tweens and teens.  Their website makes it easy to find the items as they are grouped under boys and girls in the navigation menu as "uniform".

The girls uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 10 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   The sizing ranges from an XS through a XXL.  Basic Bermuda shorts and pants are offered in khaki, black and navy. The girls pants are offered in a skinny twill style as well as a traditional straight leg style.  Even better, they offer the pants in regular and a curvy fit. A straight skirt is offered in 2 lengths, 15 and 19 inch.

The boys uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 8 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   They also have a v neck cardigan sweater in 4 colors. The boys alpha sizing in the tops ranges from X Small to 3X Large. Guys shorts, called long-board shorts, are offered in 7 colors including uniform basics of khaki, black and navy. The boys pants are offered in 2 styles: a slim cut straight leg pant with a flat front or a straight leg chino style.  

What's New at Children's Place for Back to School 2017

As the 2017 Back to School season gets underway, I checked out the school uniform collection at the Children's Place to look for anything new or updated. The most notable change is that they now allow returns of online only items to their retail and outlet stores. Yeah! Several of the school uniform items are offered as "online exclusives". Previously, if you took a risk and ordered an item online and it turns out that it didn't fit, you them had to go through the hassle and expense of mailing the item back. Now, you can simply return the item to your local store.  This change is a win for consumers.

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Skater Skort

Last year they began to offer a popular style of the skater skirt in their uniform collection. The downside for the item was that it was a skirt and not a scooter. This year it was been updated to include the built in shorts underneath. Yeah again, this simple change simplifies shopping because you don't have to find separate shorts to wear underneath. Built in shorts give girls the confidence to run and climb on the playground at recess.

Boys Uniform Long Sleeve Mock Neck Zip Sweater

I also noticed a long sleeve mock neck zip-up sweater in the boys uniform collection. I believe this classic style is new in the Children's Place collection, but has been a best seller at competing retailers.  This zip up style is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. My daughter loves the zip-up style sweater, and I don't see any reason why Moms should shy away from ordering this sweater for their daughters. I plan to test and review this item this season, so I'll let you know how the color and quality hold up.

What's New with the Cat and Jack School Uniform Collection at Target For Back To School 2017

Last summer Target launched the Cat and Jack brand of children's clothing. It's school uniform collection which replaced the Cherokee brand line in their stores. Although I found the uniform styles and quality of the items comparable to the Cherokee collection, I was disappointed in the color selection of "nightfall blue" for many of the uniform basics. It is not a true navy and I suggested shoppers look elsewhere if navy basics are required at your school.

New color - Navy Voyage

I was delighted to see that many of the uniform basics have been updated this season to a color called "navy voyage". I checked it out in person today and it appears to be a shade darker than the "nightfall blue" in last year's collection. Some of the girls ponte items are still offered in the nightfall blue such as the two button knit scooter, the ponte knit dresses and the safari dress. However the chinos, shorts, the boys polo shirts (not the girls) and the girls polo dress are updated to the navy voyage color. I will keep an eye out to see if they continue to update the remaining girls items from nightfall blue to navy voyage in the upcoming months.

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Girls Pleated Scooter 

I believe the girls pleated scooter is a new item in the collection  this year.  It includes built in shorts underneath. The product description boasts an adjustable waist which differentiates it from the similarity styled item from French Toast which only offers an elastic waist.  It is a rayon/poly blend which is offered in navy and khaki in girls sizing 4 - 16, and plus.  The regular retail price is 12.99.

Pricing and Other Brands

The Cat and Jack school uniform collection is competitively priced, even at regular full price.  Luck for us, they frequently are on sale or included in discount promotions on clothing items. 

Target also continues to carry items from the French Toast, Dickies, and Eddie Bauer school uniform collections. With such a wide offering of brands, you can find sizing for preschoolers, kids, plus and husky, as well as juniors sizing.

French Toast changes to alpha sizing on Polo Shirts

I complained last year when the Children's Place changed the sizing of their yoga pants from numeric to alpha.  My daughter couldn't wear their yoga pants leggings because she was between sizes.  So I am sad to see that French Toast is also changing the sizing of their polo shirts in both boys and girls styles from numeric sizing to alpha sizing.

I found the following message on  product detail pages for the polo tops:

"If your numeric size is out of stock, get the new alpha size! French Toast has simplified shopping with our new alpha sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. See our size conversion chart below to find your best fit."

The numeric sizing scale includes 7 size options in the elementary school size range while the alpha sizing reduces that to 5 sizes.  I understand how this helps a manufacture with inventory management, but it is a bummer for the kids waiting for the next growth spurt while they are between sizes. I expect alpha sizing from the box stores where the uniforms are just one collection in their seasonal offering, but I have come to expect more from retailers like French Toast that specialize in school uniforms.

If you have a child that is between sizes, act quick before they sell out of all the numeric sizes and stock up on a few polos now.

The Ultimate List of Sideline Survival Gear for Soccer Moms

My daughter has been playing soccer for several years now.  This past year, she stepped up her game playing in the local travel league.  This meant a bigger commitment from her with practices 2 -3 times a week, almost year round and games and tournaments many weekends in the Spring and Fall. For me and her Dad, this meant we needed to improve our sideline gear.  From spending many long afternoons at parks and farms across our region this past year, we have a list of things that are always in the car or in our bag ready to go.  Here are some of our recommendations that make up the ultimate list of sideline survival gear for Soccer Moms and Dads:



Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
You'll need a comfortable portable chair. These quad chairs are sturdy and easy to carry. You'll need one with a cup holder and this model has some extras for keeping supplies handy. Order one for yourself in team colors.
Pro tip - When using the chair, tie the carry bag to the armrest so it doesn't get lost.

Stadium Waterproof and Windproof Blanket

I hate being cold.  Even worse is being cold and wet.  I have one of these blankets that is soft fleece on one side and the opposite side is backed by a waterproof and windproof material.  So while it's intended purpose might be for a quaint picnic on a sunny day.  These blankets are also great to wrap up with on the sidelines on a cold dreary day. 

Pro tip - Keep the blanket in your car.  Being super portable, it is a great alternative to lugging the chair out when you'll only be waiting around for a few minutes at the end of soccer practice.

Travel Umbrella with Double Canopy
My husband's company gave him an over-sized umbrella many years ago. It wasn't a golf umbrella, but was large enough for both of us to huddle under without it being too big.  After having it for almost 20 years, it is on it's last legs so I'm on the hunt for a replacement.  With 100% 5 star reviews, this looks like a great replacement.  I like that it has a double canopy so it handles the wind better than a traditional umbrella. The size is larger than a regular umbrella and smaller than a golf umbrella.

Sun Visor

For sunny game days, I wear my favorite sunglasses, but a good visor is key.  I prefer a visor to a ball hat just because its cooler. But the visor keeps the sun off your face so you don't end up with raccoon eyes from getting too much sun while wearing glasses. You know the look I'm talking about.
Pro tip - This one comes in so many great color choices, you'll be sure to find one to match the team's colors.

Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon

We're condo people and we live in a city, so we recently got this cart to bring groceries in from the car.  I store it in my car so it is always handy, but also because we have no inside storage for these types of items.  But this has totally been worth it.  We use it at all of the weekend games and tournaments to haul our gear to the sidelines. It is available in many popular team colors, so again, team colors make a great choice.

Portable Travel Toiletry Pouch
These colorful pouches are cute, but honestly, the type of bag doesn't matter as much as the supplies you'll want to keep handy.  Grab a spare makeup bag and pack it with 1) travel size sunscreen, 2) bug spray, and 3) one of those small packages of tissues and 4) some of these PURELL Hand Sanitizer Wipes (in case you need to visit the portable potty).
Pro tip - leave the pouch in the car so you don't forget it at home.

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella All Position Umbrella

My husband volunteered to be team scorekeeper.  This meant that he had to bring the iPad to the game each weekend to track the stats on the app recommended by the coaches. During hot and sunny games, his iPad was overheating, becoming unusable.  During rainy games, he had to hide the iPad under my waterproof blanket.  I got him this umbrella this Spring, and it has worked like a charm.  He can clip it to his chair and adjust it to provide shade as the sun moves throughout the day.  

Lands' End Fleece Jacket
I am a big fan of fleece zip ups.  I own several. They are super comfortable, warm, washable, and affordable.  In the fall, I prefer Lands' End 100 fleece, but when temperatures drop and winds whip up, I reach for my 200 fleece.  I got one (yep, you guessed it) in team colors this season.  I also recommend the fleece gloves, scarf, and hat.  Grab the men's fleece for Dad.

Girls Chino Skort from Lands End, a review

This Girls Chino Skort from Lands End looks like a classic skirt. It has hidden built in knit shorts underneath making it a perfect choice to allow girls to play freely on the playground with modesty. Like classic skirts, it has a back vent for easy movement.

We bought this skort late this fall on a weeknight shopping outing to our local Sears store when we realized our daughter outgrew all of uniform bottoms during the summer.

The little girls style is pull on while the big girl version has a side zipper. Both styles have the hidden adjustable waist in the back, leaving the front of the skirt a smooth clean look. The length is designed to hit the top of the knee.  We noticed a difference of a about four inches in the length on the girls size 10 to the 12.  The size 10 fit my daughter perfectly. Since she prefers a just below or an at-the-knee length, we bought the 12 and adjusted the waist to fit her better. My daughter has worn it many times already.  I've found that it washes up easy.  It looks fine right out of the dryer.

It is available in navy, black and khaki.  The machine washable fabric is 40% polyester/60% cotton blend. It is available in little girl and big girl sizing in slim, regular and plus.  There is also a juniors and a women's version.

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Iowa Senate File 31 Allows Schools to Adopt Mandatory Uniform Policy

Senator Brad Zaun (R) introduced a bill, Iowa Senate File 31, that would allow schools to adopt a mandatory uniform policy.   The bill is simply worded as follows:

"This bill authorizes a school district to adopt, for the school district or for an individual school, a mandatory uniform policy, in addition to the dress code policy currently authorized by the Code,if the board determines that a mandatory uniform policy is necessary for the health, safety, or positive educational environment of students and staff in the school environment or for the appropriate discipline and operation of the school."

The bill goes on to state that it is not an infringement on students freedom of speech as long as the uniform policy is viewpoint neutral.  It also eliminates the general assembly's declarations regarding dress code policy. The bill was referred to the Education Subcommittee for consideration.

An article in the Des Moines Register quoted Sen. Thomas Greene (R) who is the chair of the Education subcommittee as saying that he believed matters involving students' dress should be decided locally. They further reported that he planned to visit with Zaun and other legislators before deciding whether to hold additional meetings on the bill.

While it seems that this bill is likely to die in committee, I'll update this post should there be further activity.

Photo Credit: Mrachina, Jason. Our Capitol - Des Moines, IOWA. January 28, 2011.

Related Posts:

South Carolina State Bill 3050 proposes uniforms for all Public School Students

School Uniform Knit Skort from Lands' End, a Review

I recently purchased a Lands' End school uniform knit skort for my daughter.  It was a weeknight emergency trip to our local Sears store.

At the end of last school year, I washed and sorted all my daughter's school uniforms. Most items were still in good condition and still fit fine, so I hung them in the closet for use again this fall.  With the exception of some school supplies and new shoes, we didn't do any back to school shopping for clothing.  During the first week of school, we quickly realized that she had outgrown almost everything over the summer. A few polo tops still fit, but all of her school uniform skorts, shorts and pants were too tight. I guess we didn't notice because she hasn't grown in height. Instead, she filled out - gaining inches in her waist and hips.

My daughter has worn it to school a few times already and I've washed it a few times.  It has a simple pull-on elastic waist, not the hidden adjustable elastic feature that I love so much. Normally, she needs the adjustable waist, but this skirt fits just fine. The length hits just above the knee.  The knit is soft and comfortable.  It has hidden cotton shorts built-in so its is great for the playground at recess.  It is available in navy, charcoal gray and khaki. In comes in little girl sizes and big girl regular and plus sizes. There is also a version of this skort for women for $25.

Luck for us, Lands's End was having a 30% off sale in early September and we got this new skort at a great price. The regular retail price is $20. Uniform Mom research on scooters recommends you look for skorts and skirts priced between 10 to 15 US dollars. You can snag this skirts at a great price if you catch a sale at 30% off or greater. Uniform Mom recommends this classic knit scooter as a wardrobe staple of great quality at a fair price.

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South Carolina State Bill 3050 proposes uniforms for all Public School Students

By Billy Hathorn (Own work)
[CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

SC State Rep. Cezar McKnight (D) has sponsored a bill in South Carolina to require school uniforms for all public school students. House Bill 3050 includes exceptions for physical education classes and for extracurricular activities. The bill requires that the state Department of Education develop rules and regulations governing the establishment and enforcement of its dress code program to include three main objectives.

The objectives address common concerns for parents and administrators.  First is to provide a standard that includes a variety of seasonal options, as well as a color scheme that permits flexibility for the school principle to make modifications for school colors.  Secondly, it requires that the required uniform be available at an affordable price for the average family.  Third, it includes a provision to assist students eligible for free or reduced lunch to obtain five sets of school uniforms for each season.

The bill has been referred to House Committee on Education and Public Works. I'll update this post should this bill pass out of committee to the next stage of the state legislative process.

Basic Kids T-shirts from French Toast

I’ve purchased more than a handful of basic t-shirts from French Toast over the past few years. One summer, I bought a few of the girls short sleeve shirts in solid bright solids for my daughter to wear to summer camp. I then picked up a few of the Boys crew neck t-shirts for my nephew. And recently, I’ve bought a few plain white ones for my daughter to wear on PE day.

They are soft, have some stretch to them, and are offered at a very inexpensive price point. The girls’ shirts come in 2 styles, a crew neck and a v-neck. Both styles gather a bit at the neckline which adds a feminine detail. They are thin, so they are great for layering with sweaters and vests or under jumpers. The colored t-shirts have held up very well for us, retaining their size and color even after many trips through the wash cycle. The white ones tend to shrink a bit when you wash them in warm water, even when you dry them on low, so I recommend you size up.

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast.
If you use these links and decide to make a purchase,
 I receive a small commission. 

Bras for Young Girls to wear under School Uniform

I recently had the opportunity to take a young girl shopping for her first bra.  I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of styles and colors offered in training bras for girls these days.  My first bra shopping experience was in a department store with a cranky sales woman.  You couldn't find girls bras in the girls department back then; you had to shop in the lingerie department with the inventory of bras designed to fit women with fully developed breasts. Back then a training bra was basically a smaller version of a women's bra, white fabric with a molded cup that started in size 30AA.

Why Girls Need Training Bras

Budding breasts are usually the first sign that a girl is entering puberty.  At first, it might feel like a lump under the nipple. It can be a bit painful and would understandably feel weird for a young girl. Budding breasts are also sensitive. Everyday fabrics may begin to irritate the nipple. Today's training bras are designed to cover the budding nipple with soft fabric and provide light compression to mask the awkward stage between a flat chest and when her the breast actually reaches the size to fit into that 30AA.

The First Bra Shopping Experience

Yes, having budding breasts as a young girl is awkward. But it is also normal. It is important to recognize that this is a critical time in adolescent emotional development. What we say and how we act may have a big impact on helping her develop a positive self-esteem and a healthy body image. When your daughter is ready, talk to her about breast development so she'll know what to expect. And when she is ready for her first training bra, make it a fun, girls only shopping experience to get a few basics bras to support her during this transition.

Based on my experience shopping for girls bras so far, I would recommend you avoid the traditional department stores and the specialty brand stores. I have found a wide selection of brands, styles and colors in girls training bras at discount department stores such as Target, Kohl's, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls, At the mall, Justice also has the nice selection of training bras.

I would also recommend you plan the shopping trip for a weekend afternoon when you have more time and aren't in a rush. Visit the aisle with the training bras, suggest the appropriate size, and point out the differences in styles. Encourage her to try on as many styles and colors as she wants. When in the dressing room, talk to her about how it should fit. Snugly around her chest, but not too tight. The cup, or cami in this case, should be flat against the skin, without gaps. Also, show her how to remove the molded cups and let her feel the difference with and without them. Hopefully, she'll find a style or two that she likes. When she does, let her put on her shirt over it for a minute to see the difference in how she looks and feels wearing a bra.

Look at these cute bras we found at our local Kohl's Department Store.

Girls Maidenform Stripe Seamless Crop Bra

Girls Maidenform Space-Dye Seamless Sports Bra

Girls Jockey 2-pk.
Heart Convertible Crop Bras

Nike Reversible Victory Sports Bra

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Buying Bras with her School Uniform in Mind

We found several cute ones in great colors, and others with fun cut outs and youthful trim.  My young shopper was most comfortable in the racer back sports bra style.   I told her that you cant wear a racer back with all types of tops. I showed her how the racer back straps are visible with most of her t-shirts since the straps on that style bra sit closer to the neck, We end up buying a whole pile of colorful, cute and age appropriate training bras for around $30. We also bought a cami style bra with traditional straps that she found tolerable.

She was a little nervous about wearing a bra to school because she'll be one of the first girls in her class to start wearing a bra.  She wondered if others would notice it and talked about what she might say if a friend asked her about it.  Since her uniform policy requires she wear a white polo shirt or a white t-shirt to school everyday, I showed her how a beige bra is less noticeable under a white shirt than a white bra. This made her feel better. I promised to buy her some beige bras to wear under her school uniform.

The Hunt for Beige or Nude Training Bras

I recommend a nude or beige training bra for young girls to wear under her uniform.  Unfortunately, I found very few choices. Here is one pullover style and one for those ready to try a traditional back closure.

Girls Maidenform Crop Bra

Girls Maidenform Solid Seamless Crop Bra

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Since my young shopper's favorite style was the racer back sports bra, I began looking for one in nude for her to wear with her school uniform. The collar on her polo tops hide the straps of a racer back bra from view. However, we can only find them in white. The white bra under the white shirt screams, hey look at me, I'm wearing a bra. And so, the hunt was on!

I struck out everywhere I looked.  I have searched every brick and mortar retailers and online store I can think of.  I found many cami styles that are offered in beige. Some brands offered them in 2 packs with one beige/one white.  But I cannot find a girls beige sports bra from any manufacture anywhere. I posted a plea on the Uniform Mom Facebook page asking for suggestions from other Moms.






One mom reported that her daughter loved a certain style from Hanes/Bali outlet store with thin racer back straps. Her reply even included a picture of it. I went to my local Hanes/Bali/Leggs outlet store and showed them the picture. The sales women there said they had never seen that style.  It's been 3 months and I still haven't found one. If you have, please share with us and add a link to it in the comments.

The Uniform Mom's Plea to Bra Manufactures

Thank you for offering so many styles and colors of training bras for young girls. Please, please consider adding a nude/beige racer back sports bra to your collection.  And offer them in 2 packs where both items are nude. Uniform wearing young girls and their Moms will thank you!

French Toast to Ship Internationally

Heads up to our readers outside the US -
French Toast now offers international shipping.

Regular readers of this blog will recognize the brand French Toast as a US based children's school uniform and fashion retailer. You can order direct online and find their clothing in many US retail stores. International purchases are managed through Borderfree. They are sent to the Borderfree shipping hub in the United States and then Borderfree ships the order to its international destination.

You can read more about their company background the types of items they carry in their school uniform collection in our French Toast retail roundup post. Uniform Mom is an affilaite partner with French Toast, so you can also check out some of their products that have been reviewed or featured:

• French Toast Dollars in Uniform Fundraiser Program
• French Toast Two Tab Scooter and Polo from Rainbow Shops
• French Toast brand Skinny Stretch Twill Pant and Peter Pan Blouse, a Review
• Belts for Kindergarteners
• Reviews of Girls Cardigan Uniform Sweaters