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.

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

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

Retail Round Up: Under Armour

As more and more public schools adopt a uniform dress code, retailers are smart to design products that meet widely used uniform standards. Children's clothing retailers must compete in this market or be left out of game in the battle for a piece of the family back to school budget. I was surprised, but not shocked to learn that Under Armour has entered the school uniform market this fall.

While no longer true with most modern school uniform brands, school uniform fabrics have historically had reputation of being hot and itchy. For this reason, today's athleisure loving generation of uniform kids who are already fans of the UA brand will be anxious to try the new school uniform items. Under Amour isn't a typical clothing retailer. It was founded in 1996 by Kevin Plank, a student at the University of Maryland.  He was a football player that hated changing his sweat soaked t-shirt that he wore under his uniform. He set out to find something better.  As the story goes, he designed the first Under Armoue HeatGear(r) T-shirt with moisture-wicking performance fibers, to keep cool and dry in the hottest conditions. Students wearing hot and itchy school uniforms (true or not) long for clothes to keep them cool and dry. Enter Under Armour as the new player in the school uniform market. 

The boys line includes a simple 4 item line up of shorts, chinos, short sleeve polos and long sleeve polos.  The girls line up includes the same items plus a skort.  Keeping it simple, they offer the same colors in both the boys and the girls collections. The tops are offered in white, navy, red and light blue.  The bottoms come in khaki and navy. Sizes include preschool, boys, husky, girls and plus. They also offer shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes for both boys and girls. Check out the full collection of School Uniforms from Under Armour.

Under Armour Boys' UA Uniform Long Sleeve Polo Super-durable, lightweight fabric keeps you cool  Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast Stain-resistant construction that won't shrink or fade Small UA brand logo at the bottom hem so you can tuck it in for dress code Cuffed sleeves & drop-tail hem.  Polyester. Imported

Under Armour Boys' UA Uniform Chino Pants Soft, stretchy, breathable fabric delivers all-day, total comfort Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast Adjustable waistband with hidden hook & eye closure for a perfect fit Flat-front pockets with hidden zipper & back-button pockets Stain-resistant construction keeps them lasting longer Straight leg27" inseam (size 12) Cotton/Polyester/Spandex.  Imported

Under Armour Girls' UA Uniform Skort Soft, stretchy, breathable fabric delivers all-day, total comfort Moisture Transport System wicks sweat & dries fast Flat front waistband that's adjustable with side zipper Stain-resistant construction keeps them lasting longer Flat pleats around the whole skirt Hem hits the top of the knee Light loose bike short underneath skirt  Cotton/Polyester/Spandex Imported

Parents will not be excited to learn that their retail prices are the most expensive in the Uniform Mom price lists when compared to regular retail prices of competing brands. Because they are a new entrant in the market, we will have wait  to see if the items will be included in sales, discount promotions or available through their outlet stores.

While I haven't yet had the chance, I look forward to checking them out in person.  If you (or your child) has tried out any of the items from the Under Armour School Uniform collection, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

School Uniform Girls' Performance Zip-front Cardigan, a review

School Uniform Girls 
Performance Zip-front Cardigan-Classic

Last year, we reviewed the Girls' Zip-front Drifter Cardigan. It became my daughter's favorite go-to sweater all year long. New for the 2015-2016 school year, Lands' End began offering a similar zip-front sweater. So when my daughter's favorite zip front drifter began to get snug on her, we ordered this updated version. Here's a list of features listed in the product description:

• Resists fading and pilling for long-lasting color and comfort 
• Easy-care blend feels soft as cotton 
• Fully-fashioned construction for a great fit 
• Full-zip front 
• Easy-moving raglan sleeves 
• 60% cotton/40% rayon-modal 
• Machine wash/Imported

Compared to last year's version, the collar on this new one is smaller, more like a traditional cardigan and the fabric is a softer cotton blend.  I agree with the claim that it resists fading. We've washed the product numerous times so far and it is holding it's color well.  Also, no pilling so far.  The feel of the cotton is soft to the touch while the weight of the sweater feels substantial and warm. My daughter quickly adopted this as her new favorite sweater.  She demanded I put it in her book bag in the early fall when a lighter weight sweater may have been more appropriate.  I understood why when I visited the classroom for our first parent teacher conference of the year.  It is freezing in her classroom.  The teacher said the room is the coldest in the school and she encourages the kids to always have a sweater on hand.

I was surprised when I went to wash it for the first time.  I read the tags that recommended 'block flat to dry".  Huh?  I honestly had no idea what that meant. So, I did what any normal person would do, I Googled it. It outlined a method that made sense laundering hand knitted clothing and fragile fine fabric sweaters. I quickly decided that the process was too complicated for me, as a busy working Mom.  I don't have time to find butcher paper and trace the outline of the sweater, etc.  It all seemed like too much effort for a simple school sweater that I wash every weekend.  Instead, I tested my own simpler method.  I made sure the zipper was fastened and washed the sweater in cold water in the delicate cycle with other items that seem suited for that cycle.  Normally, I then would have thrown it in the dryer on low.  Instead, I "blocked" it, not to fit its traced outline on paper, but instead I simply shaped it resemble its original shape and size and then carefully laid it across my drying rack to air dry.

After repeating this process each week for a several months now, the sweater has held its original shape and looks just fine.  If you've devised your own simple strategy for blocking sweaters, please feel free to share your feedback in the comments below.  Also if you also have this sweater, tell us how you launder it.

My overall opinion is that this sweater is worth the money.  It retails for $50, so try to catch it on sale. At 30% off, it will definitely earn it's keep in the school wardrobe rotation.  I would guess that my daughter will end up getting at least 2 years of wear from this sweater before she outgrows it.

Cherokee Girls Pleated Scooter, a Review

One of our favorite scooters is this Girls Pleated Scooter by Cherokee.  I was reviewing old posts over the holiday break and I couldn't believe I hadn't written about it yet.  I think we got ours from the uniform exchange program second-hand several years ago.  But it is such a classic that you can still find it at Target online.

The reasons we love it-

The box pleats are classic without being too traditional.  

It is a scooter with shorts built in for modesty.  It has a side zipper closure. They can be a bit tricky for the youngest students, but my daughter doesn't mind it.

The fabric has held up very well over time. it comes in both navy or khaki.  As I mentioned above, I think we got this scooter second hand and my daughter has been wearing it for 3 years.  It still looks great.  The material is listed as a 60/40 cotton poly twill blend with a peached fabric treatment.  The label says to machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat.  I throw this skirt in a load with all of our workout wear then hang it on a hanger to dry. No ironing needed. 

Did I mention the adjustable waist? This is why my daughter has been able to wear it for so long. While she's gotten taller and stronger, she hasn't grown more than an inch or so in the waist since Kindergarten. We adjust the waist a button or two each season. 

This scooter has an above the knee length which is another reason it has stayed in the active wardrobe rotation for so long. Many skorts that would otherwise still fit became too short as my daughter has grown taller.  Those were taken out of rotation and passed along to the uniform exchange program. Because this one was designed to hit above the knee, it is still long enough for her to wear and pass the fingertip test.

The classic styling, the longer length, and the quality fabric make this scooter a winner. When my daughter does finally outgrow this one, I'm sure we'll order another one.

Update on Student Standard Attire- Florida CS/HB 7043

Back in March, I told you about HB 7043, a bill making it's way through the Florida State Legislature that could make school uniforms the norm across the entire state.  The bill creates the "Students Attired for Education (SAFE) Act" which appropriates 10 million dollars from the General Appropriations for the 2015-16 school year to be allocated at up to $10 per student to Florida schools that enact a student standard attire policy in kindergarten through eighth grade. It quickly moved through the process and passed the Florida House in March with a vote of 108 to 8. 

On April 1st, it was delivered to the Florida Senate.  It was assigned to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education for review.  And this is where it sits.

The Florida State Legislators are in the home stretch of their legislative session. It remains to be seen if this bill will get picked up again for consideration.  Many bills die this way.  And this one may be no different.  However, it is a candidate to get added into another piece of legislation as they try to wrap up work for the session which adjourns May 1. 

Image Source:

"Gavel" by walknboston is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0.

My Favorite School Uniform items from Lands' End

Disclosure - I'm working with Lands' End as a Brand Ambassador during the 2014 Back to School season. 

Below are some of my favorite school uniform items for girls and boys at schools with a standard or uniform dress code. These are classic wardrobe items that always make a popular choice for Back to School.  A few of these items will be reviewed here at Uniform Mom in the next few weeks.

Follow Uniform Mom's board Uniform Mom Favorites at Lands' End on Pinterest.

Examples of School Uniform Policies

As a reader of this blog, your child likely attends a school with a uniform policy or a uniform dress code. Most school's now post their policy online on the school's website or the PTA website.  Please take a minute and add a link to your school's written policy.

In the comments below, share with us:

1. What type of school? Public, Private, Charter, Parochial, etc.
2. Where is the school located? City and State & Country if you are outside the US.
3. URL Link to the school's written policy:

(image used with permission from Microsoft)

Vintage School Uniforms

I recently submitted a post over at Vintage Shopper.  It explores the British origins and history of school uniforms, how they came to be popular in the US, and how to wear and how not to wear a retro school uniform look today. 

• Did you know the origin of school uniforms originated in the U.K.during the reign of King Henry VIII?
• Did you know that Bill Clinton suggested that schools adopt uniforms in his 1996 state of the union speech?
• Did you know that a 2013 study conducted by Lands' End and the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that 49% of U.S. public schools have a school uniform policy in place or plan to implement one.

I invite you to check out my post over at Vintage School Uniforms.

Best Bets on Girls Pants for Back to School

Updated: This post has been updated for the Back to School 2017 season. This post was originally published in 2013, but is reviewed an updated regularly to ensure the links and ensure pricing is still accurate.

The regular retail price for basic girls school uniform pants at the major retailers range from just under $10 and up to $30 a pair. Based on my comparison reviews, you should set a target price to find girls uniform pants for under $15 each. When you are watching the Back to School ads or out shopping and you find a pair that at or below that target price range, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price.

There are several features you should look for in girls uniform pants to get the best value for your dollar:

• Adjustable Waist 
• Stain Resistant 
• Wrinkle Resistant 
• Reinforced Knees 
• Adjustable Hem

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Best on a Budget

George Girls Flat Front Pants at Walmart

• George Girls School Uniforms Flat Front Pants with Stain Resistant Scotchguard Treatment
  Navy, Black and Khaki
  60% Cotton/40% Polyester.
  Stain Resistant. Adjustable waistband.Machine Wash Cold. Imported.
  $12.97, also available in 2 pack (featured on right)
• CookiesKids Lee Uniforms Big Girls' Original Straight Leg Pant
  97% Cotton/3% Spandex. Machine Wash Cold.
  Made in Vietnam.
  $16.99

Best Bets for Slim Fit

• Children's Place Girls Uniform Skinny Pants
• French Toast Girls Adjustable Waist Pants Slim Fit (7S-14S)
• Gap Uniform Ponte Pants or Uniform Stretch Skinny Chinos  (Slim fit)
• JCPenney Izod Skinny Pants
• Lands' End (various options)
• Old Navy Girls Stretch Skinny Khaki Uniform Pants
• Walmart George Girls Skinny Pants

Best Bets for Plus Fit

• Children's Place Uniform Pants - Plus
• Cookies Genuine Girls Straight Leg Flat Front Pants (Plus sizes)
• French Toast Girls Adjustable Waist Pants Plus Fit (10.5P - 20.5P)
• JCPenney Izod Bootcut Flat Front Pants - Girls Plus
• Lands' End (various options)
• Walmart George Girls Plus Flat Front Adjustable Waist Pants

Related Posts:

Best Bets for Kids Polo's for Back to School

Best Bets for Girls Sweaters for School

Best Bets in Girls Blouses for School

Best Bet in Girls Scooters for School

Best Bets in Girls Shorts for School

School Uniforms at the Cookie's, the Kids Department Store - Retail Round Up Series

Cookie's was established in 1972, now with 7 retail locations in New York City.  The are known as the World's Largest Kids Department Store and they were noted in 2007 by Crain's Magazine as the #1 School Uniform Headquarters in the United States.

The Cookie website features a special school uniform section. It is well organized making it easy to find items by gender, size and item type. They carry a wide range of brands including a Cookie store brand, French Toast, Dickies, U.S. Polo Assn., Blueberry Knitting, and Rifle School Wear.  They carry both plaids and solid uniform items.  As the "school uniform headquarters" they have a wide selection of uniform items available including polos, pants, shorts, skirts/skorts, shirts, sweaters, vests, blazers, gym wear, jumpers, outwear, shoes, ties and accessories.

For boys, they offer the following sizing options: Toddler Boys 2T - 4T, Boys 4 - 20 including husky sizes, and Men's.  For girls, they offer little girl 2 - 6X, girls 7 - 20 including plus and half sizes, as well as juniors and adult. Online orders ship for $5.95 everyday in the contiguous US.

If you have a few minutes, you can check out this great video segment from the Balancing Act (Lifetime Television) with an interview with Cookie executive highlighting the benefits of school uniforms and a fashion show of uniform looks.

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Related Posts:

CookiesKids School Uniform Fundraiser Program