David Luke School Uniform Review
DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by LS
David Luke is a Manchester based school uniform brand that has been around since 1982. Over the years, it has grown from a small local business into one of the UK’s most trusted names in schoolwear. What really makes the brand stand out today is not just its heritage, but its commitment to sustainability. More than ten years ago, David Luke became the first company to pioneer uniforms made from recycled polyester. That decision put it ahead of the curve, and since then the company has continued to explore new ways to create clothing that not only reuses waste materials, such as plastic bottles, but can also be recycled in the future.
For families, the start of the school year is always a costly time, especially if your child is moving from primary to secondary school. While uniforms can be found in plenty of high street shops and supermarkets, the quality and durability can vary enormously. A cheaper option might seem attractive initially, but it often ends up costing more in the long run when items wear out quickly or lose their shape after a few washes. With this in mind, I was really pleased to have the chance to try out several pieces from the David Luke school uniform range, as well as a pair of school shoes from Term Footwear. Term is a specialist shoe brand acquired by David Luke’s parent company earlier this year, and their products are now available alongside the clothing range.
The items we tried were the Boys’ Eco-Blazer, the Regular Fit Elastic Waist Trousers, the Eco Short Sleeve Shirt two pack, a pair of Training Pants, and the Term Chivers Black Leather School Shoes.
The Eco-Blazer is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and comes fully lined. I have to admit I was a little sceptical about how a blazer made from plastic would feel, but I was pleasantly surprised. The fabric is smooth, soft, and feels like a premium garment. It also has the weight and structure you would expect from a traditional blazer, so it looks smart while remaining comfortable. We used the sizing guide on the David Luke website and followed the advice to size up slightly to allow for growing room. The fit was excellent, and my son commented straight away on how comfortable it felt to wear.
The trousers are made from a polyester and viscose blend and finished with a stain guard to help them last longer. Straight away I could tell they were superior to other school trousers we have bought in the past. The fabric is a nice weight, which makes them hang well and look properly smart. One thing to note is that the trousers run on the small side, which is detailed on the website, so you may need to order a size up. I initially ordered too big but had no trouble exchanging them for the next size down. The leg length was longer than expected for a standard fit, but that was easily fixed by taking them up slightly, and it actually means they will last longer as my son grows.
The Eco Short Sleeve Shirts come in a two pack and are made from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, with each shirt using the equivalent of three and a half plastic bottles. Unlike many other school shirts, these are sold by collar size rather than by age, which makes it much easier to get the right fit. The material is of good quality, thick enough to avoid being see-through, but still light and flexible so that it doesn’t restrict movement.
The Training Pants were a big hit with my son. They are unisex, have a water-repellent coating, and are designed with an elasticated waistband and sculpted shape for comfort. The material is soft against the skin, and they allow plenty of movement. He liked them so much that he asked to wear them before the new school year had even started, which says a lot about how comfortable they are.
Finally, we tested the Chivers Black Leather School Shoes from Term. As the parent of a football-loving boy, I need shoes that can stand up to a lot of movement and wear in the playground. These shoes really impressed me. They are reinforced at the toe, feel solidly built, and yet are still lightweight and comfortable. They were true to size and my son found them easy to put on and take off thanks to the touch tape fastening. The fact that they are designed with durability in mind gives me confidence that they will last longer than other pairs we have tried in the past.
When we put the whole outfit together, the blazer, trousers, shirt, training pants, and shoes, I was struck by how smart my son looked. Just as importantly, he felt comfortable and confident in what he was wearing. Another huge bonus is that all the David Luke clothing is machine washable, which makes life so much easier for parents.
David Luke uniforms and Term shoes are not the cheapest options on the market, but I genuinely feel they are worth the investment, whilst supporting a UK business. The quality is noticeably better, the fit is excellent, and the sustainability element is a real added value. The trousers, blazer, and shirts all come in a range of colours to suit different schools, and the sizing guides are clear and reliable. With over 700 stockists nationwide and online availability, the products are also easy to find.
Overall, I would give the David Luke school uniform and Term shoes a strong five out of five. They deliver on quality, comfort, and sustainability, and they look smart too. For parents who want durable schoolwear that lasts; while also doing their bit for the environment, this brand is an excellent choice.
Rating: 5/5
The full range of uniform and shoes can be found here: www.davidluke.com
With free delivery on orders over £50.