Dress Code Aside: What Makes a Great School Uniform?
The best school uniforms become part of the school day itself: comfortable, reliable and ready for whatever the day brings.
When a uniform fits well, feels comfortable, holds up to daily wear and gives students one less thing to worry about, it becomes part of the background of their day. It lets them focus on learning, building friendships, discovering new interests and simply being kids.
To understand what goes into creating a great school uniform, we turned to Nicola Lewis, Lands’ End’s Merchandise Manager for School Outfitters. Below, she shares the details, standards and insights that guide how Lands’ End designs uniforms families count on every school year.
”I spend a lot of time thinking about the details…”
As the Merchandise Manager for the Lands’ End School Outfitter business, I spend a lot of time thinking about the details students and parents rarely notice (p.s. that’s the point!)
When people see a uniform, they see a polo, a cardigan or a plaid skirt. What they don’t see is everything that happens behind the scenes. Before a product reaches a student, it goes through our rigorous quality evaluation process on our end. Every decision is made with one goal in mind: creating a reliable product experience that families can count on day after day.
“I hope that students feel comfortable and confident — and give them one less thing to worry about during the school day.”
— Nicola Lewis, Merchandise Manager, Lands’ End School Outfitters
Parents Demand More
Parents are asking more of school uniforms today than ever before, and we hear them. The garments students wear each day sit at the intersection of comfort, durability, affordability, appearance, and performance. There is no shortcut to getting all of that right. That’s why Lands’ End approaches uniforms less like a seasonal fashion item and more like a long-term product system, obsessing over:
- Every fiber
- Finding the right fit
- Fabric safety tests
- Customer feedback
With these in mind, we build school uniforms so that parents never have to think twice about what their students are wearing.
”It’s a standard we’re proud to uphold …”
Regarding our obsession over fabric, we ensure that every item is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, meaning every component (button, thread, etc.) has been independently tested for harmful substances. It’s a standard we’re proud to uphold because trust matters when it comes to the products students wear every day.
At the same time, some of the most exciting innovations come from honoring tradition.
”… a school’s identity is woven into fabric.”
One of my favorite parts of this business is working with plaids, and how a school’s identity is woven into fabric. Whether we’re developing a custom plaid that reflects a school’s colors or expanding plaid into new products and accessories, there’s something special about helping a school bring its story to life. For students, those patterns can become a symbol of belonging. For parents, they often become part of cherished memories.
The most valuable insights, however, come directly from students and parents.
”I’ve listened to students …”
At some of our recent events, I’ve had the opportunity to help families find the right sizes and hear immediate feedback about our products. I’ve listened to students talk about what feels comfortable and what doesn’t. I’ve watched parents evaluate durability, fit and value in real time. Those conversations are invaluable because they remind us who we’re designing for.
When I think about what makes a great school uniform, my answer is surprisingly simple.
Lands’ End School Outfitters weaves in extra care. Because dress code aside, the quiet power of a great uniform is how seamlessly it supports the school moments that matter most.
Start the School Year with Confidence
A great school uniform supports every school day with comfort, durability, thoughtful fit and quality families can trust. From tested fabrics to meaningful school colors, Lands’ End School designs uniforms with care in every detail. Shop early and help students start the year with confidence.
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