Finding school uniform for a 14, 15 or 16 year old can be harder than it should be. Some children's ranges stop at age 12 or 13, and adult clothing is not cut for school. Lister Schoolwear stocks most of the school uniform list up to age 17–18, and blouses, skirts and cardigans in adult sizes too. This guide lists exactly which items go up to which size.

Which uniform comes in ages 14 to 18?

Item Largest size Styles
Boys' pull-up school shorts Age 17–18 Elasticated pull-on, no zips. Black, grey, navy
Boys' zip-fly school shorts and cargo shorts Age 15–16 Black, grey
Boys' pull-up school trousers Age 17–18 Fully elasticated, no zips. Black, grey, navy
Boys' adjustable-waist trousers Age 17–18 Regular fit. Black, grey, charcoal, navy
Boys' slim-fit trousers Age 17–18 Slim leg, adjustable waist
Girls' jersey trousers and flared trousers Age 17–18 Pull-up stretch jersey. Black, grey
Girls' short-sleeve blouse Age 18, then adult chest 42"–48" White, non-iron
Girls' long-sleeve blouse Age 15–16, then adult chest 42"–48" White, non-iron
Boys' white school shirts (long and short sleeve) Age 15–16, then collar 16", 16.5", 17" Non-iron, regular fit
Box-pleated school skirt Age 18, then adult M to XXL Elasticated waist, 7 colours
Gingham summer dress Age 17–18 7 colours
V-neck school sweatshirt Age 17–18, then S and M 8 colours
Adult fleece cardigan L, XL, 2XL 10 school colours

Crew-neck sweatshirts and long-sleeve polo shirts go up to age 15–16, and plain PE T-shirts to age 14–15.

How to choose a size for a teenager

Teenagers vary far more than younger children, so go by measurements rather than age. Measure the waist and inside leg for trousers and shorts, and the chest for blouses, shirts and jumpers, then compare with the size chart on the product page. Our size guide shows how to measure.

  • Tall and slim: choose the age that fits the leg length, then pull in the adjustable waist.
  • Broader build: pull-up elasticated trousers and shorts give the most room at the waist. For blouses, adult chest sizes up to 48" are an option.
  • Between sizes: size up. Teenagers can grow several centimetres in a school year.

Trouser size guide by age

These are the body measurements each age size is made for, for our regular-fit school trousers. Measure your child's natural waist and inside leg and pick the size that matches; if they are between sizes, go up a size.

Age Height Waist Inside leg
3–4 years 104 cm 21" (53 cm) 17.5" (44 cm)
4–5 years 110 cm 21.5" (55 cm) 19" (48 cm)
5–6 years 116 cm 22" (56 cm) 20.5" (52 cm)
6–7 years 122 cm 23" (58 cm) 21.5" (55 cm)
7–8 years 128 cm 23.5" (60 cm) 23" (58 cm)
8–9 years 134 cm 24.5" (62 cm) 24.5" (62 cm)
9–10 years 140 cm 25" (64 cm) 25.5" (65 cm)
10–11 years 146 cm 26" (66 cm) 27" (69 cm)
11–12 years 152 cm 27" (69 cm) 28" (71 cm)
12–13 years 158 cm 27.5" (70 cm) 29" (74 cm)
13–14 years 164 cm 28.5" (72 cm) 30" (76 cm)
14–15 years 170 cm 29" (74 cm) 30.5" (77 cm)
15–16 years 176 cm 30" (76 cm) 31.5" (80 cm)
16–17 years 178 cm 30.5" (77 cm) 32" (81 cm)
17–18 years 182 cm 31.5" (80 cm) 32.5" (83 cm)

Children with a fuller waist

Our pull-up, full elastic and comfort-waist trousers and pull-up shorts have an elasticated waist with extra stretch, a good choice for children with a fuller waist. They have a regular straight leg rather than a wider plus-fit cut, so check the inside leg and choose the size that fits the waist comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

Do you sell school shorts for 14, 15 and 16 year olds?

Yes. Our pull-up elasticated school shorts come in ages 13–14, 14–15, 15–16, 16–17 and 17–18 in black, grey and navy. Zip-fly and cargo school shorts go up to age 15–16.

What is the largest size of school trousers you sell?

Boys' pull-up, adjustable-waist and slim-fit trousers, and girls' jersey trousers, all go up to age 17–18.

Do you sell school uniform in adult sizes?

Yes, for some items: girls' blouses in chest sizes 42" to 48", boys' shirts in collar sizes 16" to 17", skirts in M to XXL, V-neck sweatshirts in S and M, and fleece cardigans in L to 2XL.

Is the uniform suitable for sixth form?

Yes. Plain black, grey and navy trousers, skirts and white shirts and blouses in sizes up to 18 and adult sizes suit most sixth-form dress codes. Check your school's own rules on colour and style.

Do you have trousers for a child with a bigger waist?

Yes. Our pull-up, full elastic and comfort-waist trousers have an elasticated waist with extra stretch, a good choice for children with a fuller waist. They are cut with a regular straight leg, not a wider plus-fit leg.

How much is delivery?

UK delivery is free on orders over £20. Orders placed before 3pm on weekdays are dispatched the same day.

Older children, Secondary school, Sizing