We're proud school uniform experts here at Banana Moon. Working with primary and secondary  schools, both private and state, we've created countless robust and smart school uniforms to promote positive and inclusive learning environments. 

Creating or redesigning a new uniform for your school? Our tips can help with key decisions during the process, from materials to personalisation methods. Plus, we'll look at how to set up an online school uniform fulfilment store for efficient, hassle-free distribution.

Why is a Uniform Important in Schools?

Having a uniform in your school creates a sense of unity and camaraderie. With all students dressed exactly the same, you reduce judgment around clothing and family finances. 

On top of that, a set uniform reduces stress in the morning before school, as students have one less decision to make in their day. This strategy for reducing decision fatigue is actually employed by successful figures like Mark Zuckerberg, meaning it could likely help the future innovators in your student population, too. 

UK Government Guidance on School Uniform Design

In 2026, the government released new guidance for schools in line with the new school uniform policy, which comes into effect in September 2026. 

This guidance encourages schools to engage with parents and students in the design process, considering how accessible the uniform will be for students of different backgrounds, including cultural groups and those with disabilities. 

The government also encourages schools to consider adaptations for extreme and adverse weather, such as permitting the removal of jumpers and blazers in excessive heat. 

Gender neutral uniforms are also encouraged, and the guidance states that traditionally gendered options, such as skirts, shouldn’t be more expensive. 

Last but not least, changes to your uniform supply should ideally occur over a 12-18 month timeframe to reduce waste and additional costs for parents.  

As a B-Corp that values sustainability, inclusivity and value for money, we at Banana Moon welcome the new guidance. If you need a helping hand in changing the supply or design of your uniform, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to advise and assist. 

Which School Uniform Items Should be Branded?

One of the most significant changes to school uniform policy is the 3-item limit on compulsory branded pieces in a school uniform. 

The government defines a branded item of uniform as one that features a unique characteristic, such as a name or logo, that signifies the school, academy, or trust. Branded items are described as compulsory if the student must have or wear them at school, when travelling to or from school, or to take part in a lesson, club or activity facilitated by the school (such as a PE lesson or playing for a school sports team). Your uniform policy, which should be displayed on your school’s website, should clearly explain which items are and are not compulsory. 

At Banana Moon, we advise the following three items as your chosen branded pieces:

• Polo Shirt
• Sweatshirt or Jumper
• PE Top

Choosing to add your logo to a polo shirt and a sweatshirt allows for left-chest logo placement. This spot is ideal because it’s clearly visible while still feeling natural. And by having it on both the jumper and the polo shirt, you ensure a visible logo is always on display while keeping your uniform adaptable to the weather, in line with government guidance. 

Choosing the PE top as your third branded item means students can also display the school logo during PE lessons when they aren’t wearing their typical uniform. This also doubles as a sports team uniform, allowing students to feel a sense of school pride and team spirit on match days and during tournaments. 

Should Schools Offer Non-Compulsory Branded Items?

While schools are only allowed to make three branded items compulsory, that doesn’t mean you can’t offer optional branded pieces via your online store. This is a wonderful way to generate extra revenue for the school, which can go toward school trips, additional supplies and more. 

One great optional branded item is personalised book bags and gymsacs. Bags are at risk of being accidentally left on transport or in parks by students, but with your school’s logo proudly printed in the front, they can easily be returned to your school. 

You can also provide branded book bags and jackets to students who may not have their own, and make these items accessible through your second-hand uniform scheme. This is a great way to ensure that all of your students have the essentials they need for productive learning every day. 

How Much Does it Cost to Create a Custom School Uniform?

The government advises estimating the spend on your school uniform by multiplying the total number of items to be bought per year by the number of years the contract will be in place.

Direct school spending should follow buying procedures & procurement law for schools. If you spend under £214,904 (including VAT), the government recommends requesting at least 3 quotes. If you’ll be spending more than this amount, you should create an invitation to tender to get bids (this also applies to combined school and guardian spend)

If parents buy directly from the supplier, government guidance states that you should request a minimum of 3 quotes to demonstrate value for money.

To learn more about the cost of creating a school uniform with Banana Moon specifically, our costing guide can explain further. 

How to Ensure Value for Money for Your School Uniform

Value for money isn’t just about choosing the cheapest school uniform supplier - especially if those uniforms are made from low-quality materials that are uncomfortable for students, inconvenient for parents and short-lasting.

By choosing high-quality uniforms, parents and schools save money in the long-term as fewer replacements are required. Durable uniforms also mean you can create a supply of second-hand uniforms for those who need them, allowing you to support your students and increase sustainable practices in your school. 

What Materials Are Best for School Uniforms?

Polycotton blends are an amazing choice for school uniforms because they’re comfortable and breathable thanks to their cotton component, yet hard-wearing and durable thanks to the polyester. This means your uniform balances pupil comfort with fantastic longevity. On top of that, this fabric is famously wrinkle-resistant, so the parents will thank you, too!

What is the Best Way to Customise a School Uniform?

Small-format embroidery is generally a winner for applying logos to school uniforms, as it withstands frequent washing and works well with dense cotton blends. As we’ve mentioned, placing the logo on the left chest is great for drawing the eye while staying subtle, making it the go-to placement for both primary and upper schools across the UK. 

What Colour is Best for a School Uniform

Choosing colours for your school uniform means considering not only the practical factors, but also how the uniform might make students feel when they wear it. 

Bear colour connotations in mind when choosing. Yellow is associated with creativity and cheer, while blue is linked to tranquillity and focus. Green is associated with growth and health, and red inspires confidence. However, we should note that especially vibrant colours, such as bright yellow and orange, might be too energising for a learning environment. Darker colours, such as black, navy, and maroon, are popular with parents because they don’t show dirt as easily as lighter tones.  

How to Create Sustainable School Uniforms

As the government guidance states, “The manufacturing of items of clothing can have a significant impact on the environment. Schools may therefore want to consider the environmental impact and sustainability of their uniform and should consider how any branded items, if they choose to have them, are sourced.”

As a B-Corp, we at Banana Moon are proud to help environmentally-conscious schools ensure that their uniform aligns with their values. Our embroidery is done with OEKO-TEX certified threads made from recycled bottles. We also recycle all bobbins for our threads, and the embroidery backings we use are 70% biodegradable and OEKO-TEX certified, too. 

On top of this, we also offer clothing items made with organic cotton, regenerated cotton and post-consumer recycled polyester for even greater sustainability. 

How to Distribute School Uniforms 

When it comes to the distribution of school uniforms, government guidance emphasises taking the preferences of the parents and caregivers into account. 

One great option is to bulk order uniforms for the school at once, reducing overall delivery and personalisation costs. 

However, another option that’s incredibly popular with schools and parents alike is the online fulfilment store. This is a website that Banana Moon can create for your school, complete with your school branding, where parents and caregivers can order uniforms as needed. We at Banana Moon can then store, package and distribute those orders on your behalf. This reduces hassle for the school significantly - and it’s convenient for parents too, allowing them to order new uniforms swiftly in just a few clicks should their child’s uniform become damaged, lost or outgrown. 

On top of that, the website can double as a platform to sell leavers hoodies. Plus, our core fulfilment store offering is free to schools! Just read our guide to online fulfilment stores to learn more. 

How Long Does it Take to Deliver a School Uniform?

Banana Moon can have a full branded school uniform produced as standard within 7 to 10 working days. This is from confirmation of order, and includes a full visual sign-off of proofs before we begin production.

We also have 3 and 5 day express options available, if required. 

Feel free to contact us to learn more about what we’re about and how we can create the best uniform for your school. Or, if you prefer, our online ordering guide can help you submit an enquiry today.