Irish parents call for school uniform overhaul

Irish parents are calling for changes to the way school uniforms are designed and sold, with new research highlighting concerns around availability, pricing, quality and comfort.

A survey of more than 1,000 Irish parents commissioned by school uniform business Flydays found that 50 percent believe the current purchasing system is outdated.

Access is a particular issue for parents, with around 40 percent of respondants stating they are limited to a single approved retailer when buying their child’s uniform, while 38 percent have found their child’s size out of stock. A further 25 percent said they have had to travel somewhere inconvenient to make a purchase.

Value is another concern, with 35 percent saying uniforms do not offer good value for money and 41 percent describing them as expensive. Meanwhile, 28 percent consider uniforms old fashioned and 29 percent say they are uncomfortable.

The research also suggests potential opportunities for retailers to improve the product itself. Nearly half of parents said their children complain about itchy fabrics, while 35 percent cited uncomfortable shirt collars and 34 percent restricted movement.

Flydays co-founder and CEO Sara Banks pointed to her own challenging experiences when buying uniforms, adding: “The world of workwear and uniforms for adults has prioritised comfort, why shouldn’t we do the same for our children? These findings show that parents are ready for that change, and we want to give schools the opportunity to be part of it.”

The company is now inviting 25 Irish schools to trial its new comfort-focused uniforms, providing sample sets free of charge.