Showing posts with label Boys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boys. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Best Bets in Boys School Blazers

If you son's school requires a blazer, it will most likely be the most expensive item you purchase for his school wardrobe.  If it's not required for school, you may find yourself looking for a boys blazer for holidays and other special dress up occasions.

The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for the basic boys school uniform blazer range from $32 to $85. Based on my review, the target price is to find boys uniform blazer for under $45. When you are watching the Back to School ads or out shopping and you find one at or below that target price, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price.


Regular Retail Price
Legend of Retailers

CP
Children’s Place
FT
French Toast
CK
Cookies Kids
LE
Lands’ End

This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers.
Read more information on how the information was collected and analyzed.

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Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom 

Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in Fall 2016 to update links and ensure pricing is accurate.

School BlazerBest on a Budget


French Toast School Blazer (featured on right)
Navy 2 Button.
Polyester. Imported. Machine wash.

$34.98

      Children's Place Uniform Long Sleeve Blazer
      Navy. Made of 70% polyester/30% rayon twill.
      Anti-static 100% polyester twill lining. Imported.

      $39.95

        CookiesKids
        Rifle Single-Breasted Unisex School Blazer
        Navy and Burgundy.100% Polyester.
        Machine Wash Warm. Made in Bangladesh
        $54.99 

          Best in a Husky Fit

            French Toast
            School Blazer Boys Husky  $41.98

              CookiesKids
              Rifle Single-Breasted Unisex School Blazer
              $54.99
              Burgundy and Navy.

                Lands' End
                Boys' Hopsack Blazer $85
                Navy and Evergreen. 55% polyester/45% wool. Dry clean. Imported.

                  Thursday, August 1, 2013

                  Back to School Uniform Challenge - $200 Budget for a Boy's Public School Wardrobe

                  This is the first in a series of posts from the Back to School Uniform Challenge.  Participants completed a survey with basics information, including the back to school shopping budget.  It was my job to find options that fit the dress code, the kid, and the budget.


                  Meet Noah


                  He is in 3rd grade and lives outside Pittsburgh, PA.  He attends public school with a dress code that requires pants or jeans and a collared shirt which can be solid, striped or plaid.  Noah's Mom, Amber, did a guest post for us last fall.  She told us that it is hard for her to find school clothes for him because he is tall and thin. Amber told us that she previously found school pants for Noah at Nordstrom's which were more expensive than she wanted to pay.


                  The Budget

                  The average cost on uniforms for school is $249 (per Statistics Brain), but Amber challenged me to find a full wardrobe with a budget of $200.  


                  The Climate


                  Near Pittsburgh, they experience all four seasons. When the kids head back to school in the fall, the weather soon turn to what I call 'football weather'. This is reflected in the dress code which doesn't allow for shorts. Pants year round for these boys.  Winters in Pittsburgh can be cold and snowy. For the most part, it doesn't begin to get summertime hot until after the kids are out of school for the year.


                  The Recommended Wardrobe

                  So given his slim frame and her tight budget, I looked for discount store that carry a slim fit.  I'm going to recommend she try George brand boys pants in a slim fit from Walmart.  Another option is French Toast which carries slim boys pants with an adjustable waist and a double knee. Since Noah is allowed to wear jeans to school, I'd recommend Amber snag one or two pair when she catches a sale.

                  For tops, I'm going to recommend Walmart again, the George Boys Polo 4 pack of short sleeve shirts. We have the long sleeve version for my daughter which is soft and has held up wonderfully (read more on the George Polo here).  When shopping online, you can select different colors and still take advantage of the bundle price.  They carry a choice of 14 colors.  For winter, I'll recommend the 2 pack of long sleeve George polos. Again, you can mix up the colors.  B
                  oys oxford shirts can work for school or other dress up occasions.  French Toast offers great pricing on these in both the short and the long sleeve versions.  

                  Rounding out the wardrobe, I'll recommend a basic sweater which can be worn over polos when the weather turns colder. The budget friendly option in a nice cotton fabric is the v-neck sweater from the Children's Place. Another option from Walmart is a boys zip up in acrylic.  

                  French Toast carries boys accessories at a great price. So when ordering the pants and oxfords recommended above, add in the reversible dress belt and a boys tie to the order.

                  Lastly for shoes, Payless offers some of the most budget friendly options I've seen.  Loyal Uniform Mom readers know of my bias for shoes with a leather upper, and not "Man Made Materials". Payless offers many options in boys school shoes, but only one lace up dress shoe in leather.  They also carry Champion boys sneakers.  


                  So here's how the recommended options break down for a wardrobe for a slim boy at a public school:



                  Cost
                  Item
                  4/$20.00
                  2/$11.00
                  $18.00
                  $16.98
                  $10.98
                  $11.98
                  2 at $11.99 ea
                  Crazy 8 Straight Jeans (Reg $19.95)
                  $18.71
                  $22.99
                  $24.99
                  $6.98
                  $5.50
                  $194.07
                  Total Back to School Spend on Clothing

                  Overall, this is a pretty good haul for under $200! There are 5 bottoms, 8 shirts, a sweater, 2 pair of shoes and accessories.With a tight budget, Amber can carefully sort through any items from last year that might carry into this year. If she finds some, she can then cross those items off this suggested list and instead buy additional sweaters, jackets, snow boots, backpack or lunchbox that might need replacing for this school year.

                  Monday, July 29, 2013

                  Best Bets in Boys Shorts for School

                  Regular retail prices for the basic boys school uniform shorts range from $9 to $30. Based on my review, the target price is to find boys uniform shorts for under $15 per pair. When you are out shopping, look for boys shorts to be priced at or below that target price range. There are several features that you should look for to ensure you've found a pair of quality shorts.  Look for features such as an adjustable waist to grow with your child during the school year, look for  items treated to be stain resistant and wrinkle resistant.

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                  Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom

                  Best on a Budget - Boys

                  • Target Cat and Jack Flat Front Boys Shorts $11.99
                  • 60 %: Cotton, 40 %: Polyester.
                    Machine Wash Cold. Adjustable Waistband.

                  Best for Slim Fit-Boys

                  Best for Husky Fit-Boys

                  This post was updated in summer 2017. This post was originally published in 2013.  It is updated annually to reflect any changes in prices and features. 

                  Wednesday, July 24, 2013

                  Best Bets for Boys Pants for Back to School

                  Updated: This post was originally published in 2013; however, it has most recently been reviewed and updated in July 2017 to update links and ensure pricing is accurate for the Back to School Season.

                  There are a few features you want to look for when shopping for boys pants for school.  Top quality boys school uniform pants will contain all of the following features:
                  • Adjustable Waist - boys can grow quite a bit over a school year.  Ideally you want to buy new pants a bit on the big side and be able to adjust the waist smaller for a comfortable fit. Throughout the year, you can let out the waist as needed.
                  • Stain Resistant -  The playground and the lunchroom are all places your son will visit daily and they are the most likely places to encounter spills and acquire stains.  The stain resistant fabrics make it easier to keep the laundry regiment simple.
                  • Wrinkle Resistant - When you drop your son off for school in the morning, you want him to look his best.  However, few of us have time for ironing the laundry.  Wrinkle resistant pants look great right out of the dryer.
                  • Reinforced Knees - Kids spend a good deal of time on the floor of the classroom or library, running around in PE and on the playground at recess.  Basic pants aren't meant to take that type of abuse.  Lucky for us many of the uniform retailers make school pants with reinforced knees to help prevent wholes in the knees.
                  Regular retail prices for the basic boys school uniform pants range from $10 to $30. Based on my review, your target price should be to find boys uniform pants for under $15 per pair. When you are watching the Back to School ads or out shopping, when you find a pair that at or below that target price range with the features listed above, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price.

                  Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use

                  Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom

                  Best on a Budget


                  Walmart George Boys' Flat Front Pants
                  (featured on right)
                  Navy, Black, Gary, Granite, & Khaki
                  Cotton blend.
                  Reinforced knees for durability.
                  Treated with Scotchgard protector.
                  Adjustable waistband. Wrinkle resistant.
                  $12.97 or 2/$25.00

                  CookiesKids Genuine Flat Front Twill Pants
                  Navy and Khaki
                  60% Cotton, 40% Polyester.
                  Machine Wash Cold. Made in Bangladesh
                  $14.00
                    CookiesKids U.S. Polo Assn. Boys Flat Front Pants
                    Navy and Khaki
                    60% Cotton, 40% Polyester.
                    Machine Wash Cold. Made in Bangladesh
                    $14.99

                      Best Bets for Slim Fit

                        Best Bets for Husky Fit

                        Related Posts:

                        Tuesday, July 23, 2013

                        Best Bets for Kids Polo's for Back to School

                        Update: All New and Updated for the 2017 Back to School Season!
                        This post was originally published in 2013 and has been the most popular post in the Best Bests series on the Uniform Mom site over the years.  It is updated each summer to reflect changes is retailer pricing and availability. 


                        So you're ready to start your back to school shopping?  Hold your horses until you've read my Strategic Plan for Back to School Shopping. Then, when you're ready to begin your comparison shopping, we've got you covered. This post is the first in a series called, Best Bets, which will feature comparisons from all of the major retailers on all your back to school basics.

                        When it comes to Back to School Polos, you can find them everywhere. Regular retail prices for the basic school uniform polos range from $5.97 to $22. Based on my research, your target price is to buy uniform polos for under $10.When you are out shopping and you find one you like at or below that target price, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price.

                        Affiliate Links in Use
                        Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom

                        Best Bets for those on a Budget

                        If your on a tight budget, check out these options all regularly priced under $10.  Look for sales prices and coupons on these items to find a great deal.

                        Walmart (Girls / Boys)

                        icon
                        The George brand polo (shown to the right) is regularly priced at $5.97. You can save can even more if you take advantage of the bundle offers of 2 packs, 3 packs or 4 packs. I agree with the positive reviews of these polos. The fabric and the quality of the shirts are great. They will hold up for the entire school year. Personally, we've only tried the white polo, but reviewers report that the color items will hold their color wash after wash.

                        Fabric: cotton blend & treated with Scotchgard for stain protection.

                        Girls Sizes: XS - XXL
                        Girls Colors: White, Navy, Green, Burgundy, Black, Bright Green, Pink, Royal Blue, Light Blue, Red, Bright Yellow, Purple, Tangerine, Lemon

                        Boys Sizes: XS - XXL, Husky M - XL (fewer colors)
                        Boys Colors: White, Navy, Green, Burgundy, Black, Bright Green, Gray, Royal Blue, Light Blue, & Red, Bright Yellow, Purple, Tangerine, Lemon


                        Cat & Jack Short Sleeve Polo (Girls / Boys)

                        In summer 2016, Target launched the Cat and Jack brand of children's clothing which includes a school uniform collection. My criticism of the new uniform line is that the "nightfall" color is not a true navy.  It is a lighter shade of blue that may not pass inspection at schools with rigid uniform enforcement policies and procedures. If navy is the required color at your school, you might shop elsewhere. However, good news with the launch of the items in 2017. Some of the items in the uniform collection have been updated to a new color, "Navy Voyage", to better comply with required school uniform colors.

                        We tested the girls short sleeve polo last school year and found the quality to be comparable to the Cherokee brand polos that they replaced.  They added additional colors this season.  The polos are competitively priced at $7, but are have been on sale for as low as $4.

                        Fabric: 100% piqued cotton
                        Girls Sizes: XS - XXL
                        Colors: White, Navy, Green, Light Blue, & Red 
                        Boys Sizes: XS - XXL
                        Colors: White, Black, Red, Navy, Light Blue, Yellow, Blue, Green, Burgundy (boys only), Pink (girls only), Gold (girls only), Purple (girls only)

                        This unisex pique polo is offered in 16 colors and is priced at $9.99.  In the past, I've seen them feature these on sale for as low as $4.99.

                        Fabric: 60% cotton/ 40% Polyester.
                        Sizes: Kids 4-16, Toddler, Juniors, & Mens
                        Colors: White, Black, Red, Navy, Light Blue, Yellow, Royal Blue, Green, Burgundy, Pink, Gold, Purple, Jade, Gray, Orange, & Kelly Green.


                        Old Navy (Girls / Boys)

                        We've tried this brand of polo and found the quality comparable to others featured here. The polo is regularly priced at $9.94. Look for them to be featured on sale as low as $6.

                        Girls Sizes: XS - XXL, L - XXL Plus
                        Girls Colors: White, Navy, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Black, Pink, Royal Blue, Light Blue, Red, Purple, and Gray. Yellow, Bright Green and Bright Pink are no longer offered.
                        Boys Sizes: XS - XXL, L - XXL Husky
                        Boys Colors: White, Navy, Black, Purple, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Royal Blue, Light Blue, Red, Gold, Yellow (long sleeve only), Orange. Brown is no longer offered.


                        Best Bets for Color Selection

                        If the uniform dress code at your school allows for a variety in colors, there are a few retailers that carry a wide selection of color choices to brighten your wardrobe. The Best on a Budget option of the Walmart George Polos shown above offers 14 color options.  Below are some additional options:
                        French Toast Unisex Pique Polo
                        French Toast Unisex Pique Polo


                        French Toast Unisex Short Sleeve Pique Polo (featured right) 

                        This is a great brand for school uniform items.  Fair prices and good quality.  Available in 17 colors regularly priced at $10.98, and look for them to be featured on sale.

                        Sizes: Toddler, Kids 4-20, Husky 10-20, &Teen
                        Fabric: Cotton Polyester Blend
                        Colors: Black, Light Blue, Burgundy, Navy, Royal Blue, Teal, Purple, Green, Kelly Green, Gray, Pink, Yellow, Orange  Red, and White.

                        This polo retails for $18.00.  You can add a monogram or a school logo. You can read our full review of the Lands End interlock polo and we find these to be the softest of all the brands we've tried.  The quality is outstanding.

                        Sizes: Little Kids 4 -7, Big Kids 7 - 20 and Adult
                        Fabric: 100% cotton interlock
                        Colors: Cobalt, Black, Light Blue, Burgundy, Navy, Purple, Green, Teal, Gold, Gray, Pink, Yellow, Orange  Red, and White.

                        Girls' Active Polo - Red
                        Lands' End Active Polo

                        Best Bets in Active Polos

                        Lands' End Active Polo (Girls / Boys)

                        This polo retails for $30 and it is description states that it "draws moisture away from the skin for quick-drying comfort. The fabric also blocks out harmful UV rays and has an antimicrobial finish to help fight odors."

                        Boys Sizes: 8-20; Little Boy Sizes 4 - 7
                        Girls Sizes: 7-16; Little Girl Sizes: 4-7
                        Fabric: 100% Polyester
                        Colors: Red, Black, Classic Navy, and White


                        French Toast Active/Sport Polo (Girls / Boys)

                        This cheerfully priced option is only $11.98 for the girls Active Polo and $10.98 for the boys Sport Polo.

                        Boys and Girls Sizes: 4 - 16
                        Fabric: 100% Polyester Interlock
                        Colors: White, Light Blue, Navy, and Red (boys only)

                        Monday, July 22, 2013

                        Printable Shopping Lists for Back to School Clothes

                        Just in time for Back to School shopping, we got you covered.  Below are the recommended Back to School shopping lists for boys and girls.  These lists were created with the uniform kids (or uniform dress code) in mind, however, they are general enough that it can work well for non-uniform kids too. The list is based on a week's wardrobe and is intended to cover items needed for a full school year in a climate where the seasons change.

                        Download the Printables:


                        Girls Back to School Shopping List:

                        Purchased
                        Items Needed
                        Item

                        3 - 5
                        Pants/Skirts/Scooters
                        Pants Retail Price Range $9 - $30
                        Pants Target Price < $15
                        Scooters Retail Price Range $8 - $35
                        Scooters Target Price < $15

                        2 - 3
                        Shorts
                        Retail Price Range $8 - $30
                        Target Price < $13

                        2 - 3
                        Polo Shirts
                        Retail Price Range $$5.50 to $18
                        Target Price < $10

                        1 - 2
                        Short Sleeve button up tops
                        Retail Price Range $7-$20
                        Target Price < $10

                        1 - 2
                        Long Sleeve button up tops

                        1 - 3
                        Dress/Jumper
                        Solid Jumpers Retail Price Range $12 - $30; Target Price < $18
                        Polo Dresses Retail Price Range $7 - $30 Target Price < $13

                        1 - 2
                        T-shirts

                        1 - 2
                        Sweaters

                        2 - 3
                        PE shorts/sweatpants

                        1
                        Sneakers

                        1 - 2
                        School Shoes

                        5 -7 pair
                        Socks

                        1 - 2
                        Leggings/Tights

                        5 - 7
                        Underwear

                        2 - 3
                        Camis/Bras

                        1 - 2
                        Belt

                        1
                        Back Pack

                        1
                        Lunch Bag/Box

                        1
                        Rain Coat

                        1
                        Jacket or Winter Coat








                         

                        Boys Back to School Shopping List:

                        Purchased
                        Items Needed
                        Item

                        3 - 5
                        Pants
                        Retail Price Range $9 - $30
                        Target Price < $15

                        2 - 3
                        Shorts
                        Retail Price Range $8 - $30
                        Target Price < $13

                        2 - 3
                        Polo Shirts
                        Retail Price Range $$5.50 to $18
                        Target Price < $10

                        1 - 2
                        Short Sleeve Oxford Shirts
                        Retail Price Range $7-$20
                        Target Price < $10

                        1 - 2
                        Long Sleeve Oxford Shirts
                        Retail Price Range $9-$35
                        Target Price < $15

                        1 - 2
                        T-shirts

                        1 - 2
                        Sweaters

                        2 - 3
                        PE Shorts/Sweatpants

                        1
                        Sneakers

                        1
                        School Shoes

                        5 -7 pair
                        Socks

                        5 - 7
                        Underwear

                        1 - 2
                        Belt

                        1
                        Back Pack

                        1
                        Lunch Bag/Box

                        1
                        Rain Coat

                        1
                        Jacket or Winter Coat