Just my 2 cents...I have lots of experience with this topic! I started out buying the Gap/LLBean/LandsEnd shirts until I realized some of the "washable" markers, paints, etc., the kids were using in school didn't always come out. Then I switched to the Target shirts. If things didn't wash out, it wasn't as much of a loss. Plus, they lasted just as long, or longer. I was able to pass down many of the shirts.

I did buy pants, however, from French Toast or Flynn & O'Hara. Double knees, super sturdy. Easy to care for. Those things definitely outlasted the kids! I'm pretty sure they have some sort of stainguard on them. I admit, though, I never looked at Target for pants.

HTH

i don't put much stock in GAP shirts. the quality just never seemed to fit the price. thought it was just me but then my cousin mentioned the same thing. my son starts kindergarten in the fall as well ...in a uniform. my plan is to buy LOTS of shirts.

A trick I used was to buy an extra shirt or two, or just reserve one, for "good" rather than rotating through them all insdiscriminately. Since over time they all acquire some signs of wear, having one that is not used as much makes it possible to have one that is in slightly better condition than the "average" ones. Towards the end of the school year I just added it in to the rotation so as to use it up before it was grown out of. There are always some days (class trips, plays, classroom open houses etc.,) when you wish you had a really nice shirt and this keeps open that possibility, longer, IYKWIM. I just sewed at loop of colored seam tape to the label so it was easier to identify.

HTH,

Molly~

I foundthat the Target Cherokee brand held up as well as Gap with stainguard. In fact, the stainguard treated shirts didn't hold up any better then the others, and my Gap ones developed an unattractive yellowish tint. It is a great idea to keep one shirt separate so it will be nice for picture day, etc.

I also found that oxi-clean worked really well on stains for the shirts, and that the pants hold up much better if you don't put them in the dryer.

Leslie

Target brand has held up well. They have a stainguard in them if you get the uniform shirts and their pants do also. We bought several pairs of uniform pants at a uniform place with the double knees and my son hated them because they were so stiff. I never could get them to soften enough through washings and fabric softener. He is not normally a picky kid so I would suggest having your kiddo try them on before buying a bunch if you think that might be an issue for him. Also we found out that it's not easy to find the right shirts and pants inexpensively after school starts-- target only carries them for a short while -- we had to buy a shirt at a uniform store and I didn't care for it as much. I found that having lots of shirts in rotation meant that they didn't wear out too fast. I used Downy with Whitening on them and they made it through a school year looking good. Lands end has great quality shirts and I buy them when they are on clearance at nearly the same price as target shirts.
Hope some of that helps!!

I second the previous post, and recommend buying on clearance. I prefer Gap and Lands End for my son, but price is more of a factor to me than label (including quality issues) as he is an 'all boy' 7 year old so likely he will either stain beyond repair or outgrow it before the life of even the cheapest of shirts.

I also keep back one or two nice shirts as previously posted. I recommend using the most gentle of detergent to delay any fading on the navy trousers.

Stacey =)

Yes! Definitely have a shirt or two in reserve for "special" days. I also meant to suggest turning the shirts inside out when washing and drying. It seems to help keep them from developing so many "pills."

Amy-you're right about those pants! You can practically stand them up instead of using hangers!! I'm surprised that doesn't bother my boys, now that you mention it!

Also I meant to mention that I read a comparison on polo shirt quality (they did test men's, not childrens but I would imagine they are similar quality by brand)Land's End was #1 and Target Ultimate was #2. When they did an overall comparison with a price consideration Target came in #1. My boys are allowed white or the school 'green' color polos -- I am amazed at how much better the green ones have held up.
Just my 2 cents again!!
Amy