M&S' £2.25 school tops split opinions as some mums say it's the best ‘life hack' & others claim it's ‘making kids lazy'

The Sun

6 days ago

AS the back-to-school scramble looms, parents across the UK are already eyeing up uniforms.
But one particular item from Marks & Spencer has sparked a surprising debate online: their £2.25 'easy dressing' school polo shirts.
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Hailed by some as an absolute "life hack" for busy parents, others are raising an eyebrow, claiming we might be "making kids lazy."
The shirts in question are M&S's two-pack of unisex easy dressing school polo shirts, designed with ingenious hidden features to make getting ready for school a breeze.
They're part of M&S's Adaptive range, developed in collaboration with The National Autistic Society, focusing on simpler, quicker, and more comfortable dressing.
Made from 100% pure cotton, they boast StayNew technology for lasting colour and Stain Away to tackle those inevitable playground marks.
The clever bit? Behind the traditional buttons, there's a hidden tape, making them easier to fasten - a godsend for little fingers - or rushed parents!
One mum, Kimberley - known as @ winging.momlife - took to TikTok urging other parents: "Why on earth would you send your infant school child to school in anything but this?! Easy dressing shirts from @Marks & Spencer."
She even advised her followers to "Run to M&S instore before 6 Aug for 20% off," tagging her video with #schoolhack and #mumhack.
For her, it seems the shirts are a non-negotiable for starting school, promising to shave precious minutes off the morning routine.
And it seems she's not alone, with many parents praising the quality and practical ease of use.
Parents are praising it as many think it can help navigate the daily chaos of school mornings, especially with your children who are learning how to dress themselves.
School banned my daughter, 12, from 'diversity day' for wearing Union Jack dress - the reason was ridiculous
The video gained 123.8k views and 60 comments after just four days of it being shared.
Many people rushed to share their opinions, but some views were mixed.
One wrote: 'Are we making kids lazy, I just think they need to practice their fine motor skills.
'That's just me though, they may have a place for kids with difficulties.'
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However, in defence of the clothing one person said: 'They are designed for kids with disabilities… it's the 'easy dressing' range which is designed to make school uniforms accessible to all!'
But another commented on their use after a couple of washed by writing: 'Yeah they're not great.
'The velcro goes all weird and eventually stops working properly.
'Great until you've washed them a few times. I got them last year and replaced them all after the first term.'
And another said: 'Yes it's a life hack but my god don't they irritate the kids putting them on and off.'
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you can't get targeted help from your council, you might have some other options available to you.
In some areas, you can talk directly to your school, which might be able to offer you clothing.
Or, you might be able to get cheap garments from low-budget shops or charity stores.
Some charities offer help to families in need too.
But bear in mind charities often have a limited amount of money to give and usually have specific criteria which must be met in order to get a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Meanwhile, you can always try approaching your nearest Citizens' Advice branch.
If you don't know where your nearest Citizens' Advice branch is, you can find out by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you're not eligible for a school uniform grant you might be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.