It’s that time again — back-to-school season! With supply lists, schedules, and school prep in full swing, one of the most important tasks on your list is uniform shopping. But before you hit “add to cart” or head to the store, let’s make sure you're picking pieces that won’t just look good on day one, but will also hold up all year long.
We’re sharing 5 important things every parent should check when buying school uniforms based on our TikTok school checklist.
Fabric Test: Comfort Meets Quality
Kids are active, messy, and growing — so the fabric you choose matters. Scratchy materials, stiff seams, or cheap blends can cause discomfort and wear out faster.
What to check:
• Stretch test: Give it a gentle pull. Is there a bit of give without losing shape?
• Crease test: Scrunch it in your fist. If it wrinkles badly, it might not hold up during the day.
• Feel test: Is it soft to the touch? Kids will wear these for 6–8 hours — they need to be comfortable.
At David Luke, we use breathable, soft-touch, easy-care fabrics that are gentle on skin but tough on wear.
Fit Check: Not Too Big, Not Too Small
Fit is more than just looking nice — it's about movement and longevity. A good fit today should leave room to grow tomorrow.
Checkpoints:
• Sleeves & hems: Should fall just past wrists/ankles, not drag or feel tight.
• Adjustability: Look for adjustable waistbands, stretch panels, or elastic backs for a custom fit.
• Try the “reach test”: Have your child raise their arms or squat — if anything rides up or pulls, size up.
Durability: Built for Real Life
Let’s face it: school uniforms take a beating. From jungle gym climbs to lunchroom spills, they need to last.
Durability indicators:
• Reinforced stitching: Strong seams at high-stress areas (like knees and underarms).
• Double-layer knees: Especially for younger kids who spend time crawling, sliding, or kneeling.
• Bar tacks: Small stitches used at tension points (like pocket corners) to prevent tearing.
All our David Luke pieces go through kid-approved wear tests and feature extra-strong seams to withstand the school year.
Easy Care: Because Laundry Shouldn’t Be Homework
Let’s keep it real — parents are busy, and no one wants high-maintenance uniforms.
Look for:
• Machine washable, tumble dry safe
• Stain-resistant or stain-release technology
• Fade-resistant dyes to keep colours sharp even after multiple washes
• Wrinkle-free or easy-iron fabrics
Style & Compliance: Smart, Not Stuffy
Uniforms should tick both boxes — school-approved and kid-friendly.
Make sure you:
• Double-check your school’s dress code (some have specific length or colour requirements!)
• Look for modern fits that your child wants to wear — updated cuts, softer collars, and stylish options can make uniforms feel less “blah”
• Give kids a choice in colours or accessories (if allowed), so they feel confident
Our uniforms blend timeless school styles with modern comfort, so everyone is happy.
Shopping for your kids' school uniform doesn’t have to be a guessing game. When you know what to look for, you can shop with confidence and set your child up for a successful school year.
At David Luke, we believe school uniforms should work with your child’s day, not against it. That’s why every piece we make is designed to handle the spills, the sprints, the growth spurts and still look great at the end of the day. Happy back-to-school season!
💡 Pro Tip for TikTok-Savvy Parents:
Save our checklist video for your next uniform shop — it’s quick, visual, and easy to follow.
Follow @davidlukeschooluniform on TikTok for even more back-to-school hacks, style tips, and behind-the-scenes looks!