Millions of children wear school uniforms for around 35 hours a week. But most are covered in chemicals due to being ‘easy-iron’ and also many are coated with toxic Teflon, to make them easy-to-clean. As well as not being good for the planet or health, these clothes can also cause problems for children with skin conditions like eczema. There are a couple of good organic cotton brands. A YouGov survey of 1000 parents found that almost half from low-income households would buy sustainable uniforms, if they could afford them.
Ecoutfitters (UK) is the main brand of organic cotton school uniforms. This is not just good for the planet, water, wildlife and farmers, but also more suited to children with eczema and itchy skin conditions. Although more expensive, organic cotton has not been treated with chemicals, so fibres last longer.
The company sells all types of school uniform, ideal for children who usually wear them for at least 35 hours a week. Most school uniforms are made from polycotton mix or plain polyester (a plastic made from crude oi that is not sweat-absorbent, nor allows skin to breathe).
This uniform brand also does not treat the fabrics with Teflon (a toxic chemical) to make them easy-to-iron. The toxic coatings can trigger rashes and aggravate skin conditions. The range includes:
- Shirts
- Skirts
- Trousers
- Pinafore dresses
- Gingham summer dresses
Eczema Clothing (UK) also sells organic cotton school uniforms. This company also ensures items are comfortable for children with skin – cotton pockets in trousers, shirt collars without toxic glue, and socks with flat toe seams.
There are also now companies creating school uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. Although this sounds good in theory (and is pretty safe for wearing), the problem is that such clothing deposits microplastics in the washing machine, which go to the sea. If you use them, use a microplastic catcher, to at least try to stop some of these plastic fibres breaking off and escaping the machine.
Where to Buy Secondhand School Uniforms
These are not always eco-friendly to wear or wash, but at least they offer a way to stop the consumerist binge of buying new uniforms packed with chemicals and unethical fabrics. Here are a few choices:
