Getting the right size first time saves a return trip and keeps your child comfortable all term. This guide covers how to measure for every part of the uniform, what our age sizes actually mean, and what to do when your child sits between two sizes.
What you need
A soft tape measure, a pair of well-fitting trousers or a skirt your child already owns, and five minutes. Measure over light clothing, not a thick jumper.
How to measure
Waist
Measure around the natural waistline, level with the belly button, keeping the tape snug but not tight. This is the key measurement for boys' school trousers, girls' school trousers and skirts. Most of our trousers have an adjustable or fully elasticated waist, so there is room either side of the exact number.
Inside leg
Measure from the top of the inside thigh to the ankle bone. Compare this against a pair that currently fits well to choose the right leg length.
Chest
Measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms. Use this for polo shirts, blouses, shirts and jumpers and cardigans. Our blouses and shirts are cut with a generous chest, so if your child is broader across the shoulders you usually will not need to size up.
Height
Stand your child against a wall without shoes and mark the top of their head. Age sizes are built around average height for that age, so height is the quickest way to sense-check an age size.
Understanding age sizes
An age size such as "7–8 years" is a guide to average build for that age, not a promise it will fit every seven-year-old. Always cross-check the waist, chest and height measurements against the size chart on each product page.
Between two sizes? Size up
Children grow through a school year, not around it. If your child is between sizes, choose the larger size and use the adjustable waist to take it in. Elasticated and pull-on styles give the most room to grow.
Buying for the whole year
Uniform gets worn five days a week, so most families buy two or three of each item. Our multipacks work out cheaper per item, and everything in the Back to School range is stocked in the full age range from 2 to 18 plus adult sizes.
Still unsure? Contact us with your child's measurements and we will recommend a size.