Failing to make the grade? New research shows uniforms almost never last the school year

A study of 1,400 British parents found over 8 in 10 (86%) parents say their kids’ uniform isn’t durable enough to last the school year
Over a quarter of parents (27%) are forced to replace a new item of uniform every 2- 3 months with half believing uniform durability could be better
Louis Smith hosts ‘The Ultimate Playground Games’ to put Tu’s uniform to the test Tu clothing is partnering with charity Family Action to donate £10,000 worth of school uniforms to help vulnerable families across the UK

With research showing that over two thirds (68%) of new school uniforms become ripped or damaged over the course of a school year, Olympic gymnast Louis Smith is helping parents see why Tu’s uniform gets gold for durability at the ‘The Ultimate Playground Games.

From scuffed shoes to torn trousers, new research from Tu clothing has revealed half of UK parents believe the durability of their kids’ school uniform could be better.

Stains from everyday use was the most common uniform grievance (37%), followed by broken zips (34%) and missing buttons (33%). While shirts (27%), trousers (26%) and shoes (23%) were the items parents replace the most.

To help alleviate uniform headaches, Olympic medallist and new dad Louis Smith teamed up with Tu and Family Action to put school uniforms to the test.

Tu Clothing’s school uniform, which has a 150-day guarantee1, was stress-tested through a range of action-packed challenges set by gymnast Louis to see if it passed the ultimate test – kids’ playground antics.

Celebrating the tenth anniversary of his exploits at the London games, the Olympian led a one-off P.E lesson like no other, where children took on various challenges inspired by the Olympics, all while kitted out in Tu school wear. From the 100m sprint to floor exercises – the outfits were put through the wringer.

With many families feeling the financial strain of the new school term, Tu is partnering with Family Action, a charity that provides support for disadvantaged families across the UK. Through the charity, Tu is giving away ten thousand pounds worth of vouchers for durable school uniform to help support those most in need in the cost-of-living crisis.

Louis Smith said: “My mum has always said I went against the grain as a kid in that I literally did run before I could walk. I was a nightmare and school uniforms were getting destroyed quicker than she could buy them.

“Now that I’m a Dad I can understand why and if my daughter grows up to be half as hyper as me then we’re definitely going to need a durable uniform that can keep up.”

David Holmes, CBE, Chief Executive at Family Action, said: “At a time when every penny matters, we’re delighted with Tu’s donation of £10,000 worth of school uniforms to help vulnerable families across the UK.

“Although the return to school is often an exciting time, it’s also a transition point that can cause significant stress. For families struggling, we have a free helpline – FamilyLine – which provides emotional support and guidance on family issues via telephone (0808 802 6666), text (07537 404 282), live web chat and email ([email protected]).”

Emma Benjafield, Director of Product at Tu Clothing, said: “Kids want to be kids in the playground and that’s why we’ve purposefully designed our school uniform range to be durable enough to withstand the joyful realities of school life.

“Whether it’s reinforced knees across boys’ and girls’ trousers or our 150-day guarantee, Tu is there for parents with a great range of new back to school items that make life a little easier.”

The Savvy School Shop is available at Tu.co.uk, Argos.co.uk and in selected Sainsbury’s stores.