The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

You’ve found it! Our most popular post of the year, when parents have one question on their minds: What does my child need to be ready for the first day of school? And we know just what to say: Get great-fitting school uniform pieces that will last them all year.

It’s always nice to start a new school year with new school uniforms. Besides, summer growth spurts have turned last year’s clothes into hand-me-downs, so shopping is a must-do. Thankfully, French Toast makes back-to-school clothes shopping hassle-free and easy.

We’ll help you check stylish school uniforms off your to-do lists so you can still squeeze in one last weekend of camping before summer draws to an end. 

Your Back-to-School Clothing Checklist

This checklist will help you buy everything you need to have a fresh, clean outfit every day–with backup to allow for laundry, and little emergencies. Here's a quick rundown of how many school uniforms to buy for the upcoming year: 

Everyday Basics

• 5 Polos: Choose a mix of long and short sleeve
• 1-2 Oxford Shirts or Blouses: Wrinkle-free fabrics make it effortless to look sharp
• 2 Pairs of Pants: Adjustable waists and durable knees give them room to grow
• 2-3 Pairs of Shorts: Because whatever they're doing, comfort is key
• 1 Jumper or Dress: Pair with leggings for fall and winter comfort
• 2 Pairs of Leggings: Extra stretch make them unbelievably comfy 
• 1-2 Skirts or Skorts: Made to move in stay-dry moisture-wicking fabric

Layering Pieces

• 1 Sweater: Anti-pill yarn keeps them looking great
• 1 Hooded or crewneck sweatshirt:  So comfy they’ll want it on weekends
• 1 Jacket: For fall activities and chillier days spring
• 1 Blazer: Polished and still machine-washable

Footwear & Accessories

• Comfortable shoes for daily wear: Studies recommend light, flexible shoes for kids
• Gym shoes (if required)
• Socks: Our 5-piece multi-pack is a great value
• Ties (if required)
• Belts

TIP: Not sure what size to buy? Our Find Your Fit sizing technology makes it easier than ever to find your child’s current size. See how it works.

Back-to-School Supplies Checklist for Parents

Each school, and each grade, may have its own checklist for the new year. If you want to get ahead of the back-to-school shopping rush, our school supply checklist covers the basics for elementary school, middle school and high school students for the start of the school year. 

 Writing

• Pencils, Pens, Erasers, and Highlighters
• Crayons, Markers–consider washable options

Paper and Organization

• Single Subject Notebooks and Folders for each class
• Binders, Loose-Leaf Paper, Dividers and Folders for organization

Everyday Carries

• Backpack
• Pen Case 
• Lunch box 
• Water Bottle 

Tips for Stress-Free Back-to-School Prep

Back to school can be stressful for both parents and kids. We’ve gathered some of our top tips to help you move from summer days to the first day of school so you’re as prepared and stress-free as possible.

Be Aware of Uniform and Dress Code Requirements

This may feel like a no-brainer, but it really is our top tip. Schools may change dress code policies for different grade levels and sometimes these changes catch parents by surprise. 

A quick check-in on your school's website for information will save you from last minute scrambling–and expedited shipping fees–should you need to update your child’s uniform. 

Shop Uniform Bundles to Save 30%

Want to save big–and avoid stress? Our school uniform bundles could be just the thing! They give your child uniform basics they need and the easy shopping experience frees you up for more fun. 

When you shop French Toast bundles, you get to select the color of each individual item. For example, if your school allows three different polo colors, you can customize your bundle with the colors you need to match your dress code. 

What parents say: “I love that I can choose the colors, and they are exactly what is expected at my child's school. Her school is uniform-based, and this is a perfect match to our needs.”

SHOP BUNDLES

Start Early

In school uniform shopping, as in everything else, the early bird gets the worm. Shop early in the season (the beginning of summer) to score the best deals and widest selection. You’ll also avoid last-minute scrambling and expedited shipping that come with waiting till the last minute. 

We know summer schedules are busy. Make a plan and mark your family calendar to set time aside for early back to school shopping to help ensure you make time during the excitement of summer. 

Involve Your Child in the Process

Now that you know what you need it’s time to get shopping–but wait!–there’s one more important thing to remember: including your kid in the fun.  

While they don’t need to weigh in on every decision you make, some kids love shopping for school supplies and uniforms. It’s a great opportunity to help your kids understand money and the basics of smart shopping. 

As an added bonus, if they’re invested in their new school gear they’re more likely to want to wear it and even help to take care of it. It’s a great way to help get excited for back-to-school, which is always a good thing.

• Look At Shopping Lists Together: Let them help you take inventory of what you have and what you need. 
• Discuss Wants VS Needs. This is a great opportunity to discuss quality vs trendy items–as well as to add in some fun where it makes sense.
• Be True To Your School. If your child's teacher has a wishlist for classroom supplies–shop for items together. This can give kids a sense of doing their part to support their teachers and classmates.
• Support Students In Need: If you’re in a position to support education in places where resources are needed–the first week of school is a great time to do it. You'll feel good, children will get things they need, and your kids can experience the satisfaction of helping to make a difference. 

Budget Wisely 

Our top tips for making the most of your money are focus on what you need, and when you do buy new schoolwear, choose quality pieces made to last all year.

To ensure you’re focusing on what you need, take inventory of what you already have. If your child hasn’t changed schools, and their dress code hasn’t changed, start by checking last year’s school clothing for fit and wear. If they still fit and look good, you’ve got a head start on this year’s wardrobe! 

For items that do not fit anymore, check out our guide on what to do with old clothes: a handy resource for responsibly clearing out last year’s items to make room for the new. 

TIP: Want this year’s pieces to look great next year? Check out our tips on school uniform care and make them last longer! A little care goes a long way. 

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to shopping for your kids’ school uniforms and we appreciate that you value the comfort and quality of school uniforms that keep families like yours coming back year after year. If you’re looking for school uniforms that last all year long, French Toast is a great place to shop. We hope you’ve found our back-to-school lists helpful.

Wishing you a successful school year... happy shopping!