It’s a big moment – your child or teenager no longer needs their school uniform. Perhaps they’re graduating or embarking on a new adventure at a different school. Whatever the occasion, this new chapter often raises the question – what to do with old school uniforms?
It can often feel wrong to simply throw them away. Not only are there strong memories attached to that uniform, but many uniforms (or pieces of uniforms) still have a lot of life left in them.
Here at LookSmart, we believe that high-quality alterations, tailoring, and repairs can breathe new life into old garments, prolonging their life and usability. We’re sharing tips on how you can reuse, repurpose, or responsibly recycle your child’s school uniform.
Five ways to reuse old school uniforms
When it comes to reusing your child’s old or outgrown school uniform, you can be as practical or as creative as you like, depending on your preference, time, and budget. Here are five ways you can repurpose old school uniforms.
1. Alter the school uniform
If your child will still be using the school uniform but has outgrown it, or if a complete uniform is being handed down to another child, altering the school uniform to fit is the easiest and most cost-effective way of extending its life. A professional tailor can work magic, finding length in the seams to adjust the uniform to fit your growing child, or taking in material without adding uncomfortable bulk.
Adjust the length and size of the sleeves. Hem pants and skirts to allow for growth. Taper in or let out the waistline on dresses so that they are comfortable.
A well-tailored uniform that is clean and in good repair will help your child approach the school year with confidence, making a good first impression. It will also save you money (and help save the environment) by using the uniform you have, rather than purchasing a new one.
2. Alter pieces of the school uniform
Many parents of school-age children encounter this conundrum: certain pieces of their child’s school uniform are in good condition, but others are worn out or beyond repair. This often happens when the school uniform is handed down from one child to their younger sibling.
For LookSmart’s expert tailors, this is no problem. We can repair or patch items that need to be mended and fit others to size, shortening (or lengthening), tapering, and hemming pants, skirts, dresses, and sleeves, and making the uniform clean and comfortable for the next owner.
It’s important for your child to feel their uniform is theirs, and not a hand-me-down. Getting it professionally altered and repaired so it looks as good as new will help their confidence, at a fraction of the cost of replacing an entire school uniform.
3. Donate the school uniform
Donating school uniforms is a great way to repurpose and reuse them, saving them from landfill.
You may have family or friends with children who attend the same school who might appreciate preloved uniforms (or parts of it). Some schools also offer a uniform exchange program, either officially or through Facebook pages organised by parents. Another option is to check if second-hand stores near the school accept preloved uniforms. (Many of them do, offering parents a budget-friendly option for purchasing uniforms.)
If you’re donating to charity, it’s a lovely idea to take your school uniform to a professional tailor to have it cleaned and repaired before gifting it to a new owner. If you’re picking up a school uniform second-hand, a professional tailor can alter it to fit your child so they can start their school year in comfort and feeling great.
4. Recycle the school uniform
According to SBS World News, Australian schools send around 2,000 tonnes of uniforms to landfill every year. [1]
Recycling old school uniforms is a smart way to reduce textile waste and help your community (and the environment) by being a part of the circular economy. Start with your local recycling centre and ask if they accept textiles and clothing donations. Be sure to check if they have any special uniform recycling requirements, such as removing zips and buttons and/or cleaning the clothing prior to recycling it.
In addition, look into organisations like Worn Up, which transforms old school uniforms into new products that can be used by students, such as school desks.
5. Transform the school uniform into something creative
School uniforms carry memories. If reusing your child’s school uniform isn’t an option, think about upcycling it into something creative.
Why should you repurpose old school uniforms?
Although it might seem easier to simply buy new, there are a number of reasons why you should repurpose old school uniforms.
Most school uniforms can be repaired and repurposed
Your expert LookSmart tailor can provide you with options and advice. You’ll be amazed at what they can do!
It will save you money
Investing in repairs is usually much more cost-effective than buying new.
The environment will thank you
Around the world, every second of the day, the equivalent of a rubbish truck-load of unwanted clothing is buried or burnt in landfills, according to the Australia Institute. And Australia is the second largest consumer of clothing in the world per capita, rivalling the United States. [2]
High-quality alterations and repairs aren’t only for school uniforms. If you’ve bought something at a secondhand store or online, or if you have an old favourite that needs a little love and attention, bring it to us. We can tailor it to fit flawlessly, mend rips, add embroidery, and more. Check out our range of services or stop by your local LookSmart store and speak with one of our helpful team members.
Summing up
What to do with an old school uniform? There are many different options for reusing, repurposing, responsibly recycling, or upcycling your child’s school uniform. It all depends on whether you’re looking to reuse the entire uniform (or parts of it), recycle or donate it, or transform it into something creative.
Let us help. At LookSmart, we provide high-quality alterations and tailoring services that complement your unique body shape and size. Speak to us about what you’d like to achieve and we’ll make it happen.
FAQS
How long does it take to alter school uniforms?
It depends on how extensive and intricate the alterations are, as well as the current level of demand.
If you need a fast turnaround time, enquire about our Express Service. We’ll complete your alterations in 24 hours or less. (Additional charges apply.)
Should I wash a school uniform before taking it to be altered?
It’s helpful to wash the uniform at least once before taking it to one of our expert tailors for alterations. If the school uniform is made of material that will shrink in the wash, that should happen before the uniform is altered in any way.
How do I find a tailor near me?
It’s easy! LookSmart has more than 135 locations around Australia. Visit the store locator on our website to find your nearest LookSmart tailor.
Sources
[1] SBS World News: Annie repurposes old school uniforms and has so far kept 100 tonnes out of landfill. Here’s how. Sourced 2024.
[2] The Australia Institute: Textiles waste in Australia. Sourced May 2024.
