Canterbury

Get School Uniform Sizing Right the First Time

School uniform is worn day in, day out, whether it’s a smart blazer and shirt or a full PE kit. That’s why getting the right fit isn’t just a nice-to-have. It makes a big difference to how confident and comfortable your child feels throughout the school day.

From scratchy seams to trousers that ride up or kit that drowns them, badly fitting uniforms can be a real distraction. But with a little preparation, you can get sizing right the first time and avoid the faff of returns, exchanges, or uncomfortable compromises.

Why It’s Worth Getting It Right

Uniforms should help students feel ready to take on the day, not hold them back. Whether it’s a blazer that pulls across the shoulders or PE kit that’s too tight to move in, poor fit can knock confidence and affect concentration.

A uniform that fits properly not only looks smarter, it’s more likely to be worn without complaint. It lasts longer too, no strained seams, stretched collars or too-short sleeves.

What Can Go Wrong?

We’ve all been there. Shirts that are too roomy to look sharp. Joggers that are too short by half term. Or branded sports tops that come up unexpectedly snug.

Problems with sizing often crop up when:

• Uniform is chosen by age rather than actual measurements
   
• Different sizing charts aren’t checked properly
   
• Growth spurts haven’t been factored in
   
• Items can’t be tried on before ordering
   

And when it comes to branded kit such as Canterbury PE tops, sizing can be very different from regular children’s wear. That's why accurate measurements and checking charts is essential.

Our Top Tips for Getting It Right

Start with actual measurements
Using your child’s age is a rough guide at best. We recommend measuring your child using a flexible tape and rechecking each year, as sizes can change quickly. You’ll need:

• Height (head to floor, no shoes)
• Chest (under arms at the widest part)
• Waist (natural waistline, not hipbone)
• Hips (widest part)
• Inside leg (crotch to ankle, with shoes on)
• Collar (base of the neck)
• Skirt length (from under the belly button to preferred hemline)
   

Consult the size charts
Every retailer’s sizing is different. Before you click 'buy', match your child’s measurements to the specific size guide on our site. This is especially important for PE kit, where branded items sometimes come up smaller than standard clothing.

Think ahead, but don’t overdo it
Sizing up by one size can give you a little extra growing room. But don’t go too far, if the item is too big, it can look sloppy and feel uncomfortable. Our products are true to size, so we don’t recommend sizing down.

Fit check: what to look out for
You’ll know it’s too small if:

• Seams are strained or pulling
• Waistbands pinch or dig in
• Sleeves ride up or cuffs stop at the forearm
• It’s uncomfortable to move
   

Too big? Look for:

• Excess fabric pooling at ankles or wrists
• Shoulders drooping below the shoulder line
• Waistbands that shift around
• Your child saying it feels bulky or awkward
   

Need a Hand? We’re Here to Help

At Blue Blood, we know uniform sizing can be a bit of a minefield, which is why we’re always on the end of the phone if you need help. Just give us a call and we’ll talk you through it.

We also run pop-up shops at many of the schools we supply, giving families the chance to check sizing and try on key pieces in person. It makes a big difference, especially when you’re unsure between sizes or styles.

And if you’re ordering a PE kit, watch our short Canterbury sizing video to get the right fit, first time.