Getting Started
Whether you're new to school uniforms or moving up a grade, we've got you covered.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know—what to buy, where to shop, and when to get ready—so you can start the school year with confidence.
When should I Shop?
Although you can order online or shop our stores year-round, most customers buy the majority of their uniform products during the summer. We strongly recommend that customers avoid waiting until the last minute, and shop at least 30 days before the start of school!
Keep in mind, more than 40% of all uniform products are customized with your school’s logo, which means they may take a little longer to produce than your typical childrenswear. By shopping early, you’ll avoid the long August lines in our stores, allow yourself plenty of time for returns or exchanges, and be sure you’ll have everything you need to return to the classroom.
Shop early, and get back to enjoying your summer. You’ll thank us later!
How much should I buy?
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Shirts/Blouses (3-5 QTY)
Shirts are worn every day, and tend to get the dirtiest the fastest since they're worn against the skin. Depending on how often you do laundry in your household, we recommend at least 3-5 total shirts in a combination of available colors and styles. Our rule of thumb is: one on the student, one the in wash, one in the drawer for tomorrow!
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Dresses/Jumpers (2-3 QTY)
Because these products are worn on top of a shirt and made from stain-resistent fabrics, they can be worn for a few days before being washed. We recommend a minimum of 2-3. This way, if a jumper gets left at sports practice or at a friend's house, you'll always have a backup for tomorrow!
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Pants/Slacks (2-5 QTY)
Similar to shirts, pants are worn every day and can get pretty dirty - especially at recess. Depending on how often your household does laundry, it's helpful to have a few extra in rotation so your student has a clean pair each morning. We recommend a minimum of 2-5.
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Shorts (2-4 QTY)
The quantity of shorts you buy depends on the climate of your school. If you know your student will wear shorts every day, we recommend between 3-5 pair. If he or she only wears them in the fall and spring, 2-3 pairs is plenty!
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Skirts (2-3 QTY)
Because these products are worn on top of tights or spandex shorts, and are made from stain-resistent fabrics, they can be worn for a few days before being washed. We recommend a minimum of 2-3.
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Sweaters/Vests (1-3 QTY)
Sweaters are great year round: for chilly air-conditioned classrooms in the fall and spring, and to layer in the colder seasons. Because sweaters are worn on top of a shirt, they don't need to be washed quite as often.
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Ties/Accessories (2-3 QTY)
If your program requires a tie, you may want a few on-hand as these tend to be easily misplaced. Hair accessories are not a required item, so quantites are completely up to you!
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Performance Wear (1-2 Sets)
How much performance wear you should buy depends on how often your school holds gym class. If gym takes place once a week, 1-2 sets should be fine (a second in case the first gets lost or left in the locker room!). If gym takes place twice each week, 2-3 sets.
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Socks/Tights (4-8 QTY)
Since socks and tights are worn daily (and feet can be stinky!), we recommend stocking up. Again, it depends on how often laundry is done in your house, but most customers buy between 4-8 pairs of socks.
Where can I shop?
You order online. Allbasics.co offers a streamlined, easy-to-navigate uniform ordering experience for families from our partner schools. Get started by finding your school at the link below!