Numerous parents in the UAE are opting for private tailors and uniform stores to reduce expenses on school uniforms. For some, this is a cost-saving measure, while for others, it's about obtaining uniforms that fit well. Zahra Abdul Rahman, a mother of three, has been purchasing from a Karama-based uniform shop for over three years. She reports a 50% reduction in her uniform expenses. 'The school provider sells a shirt for Dh95,' she noted. 'I can get the same shirt in Karama for Dh45. The quality is better and they last longer.' Rahman highlighted the significant difference in quality and price when buying for three children. 'Every item costs about 50% less than from the school provider,' she explained. 'For three children, buying two sets of uniforms and one set of PE uniforms, that's a substantial saving. I spent around Dh1,000 for all my children's uniforms this year, compared to over Dh2,000 from the school provider. Also, the uniforms from the private shop last longer, so I buy every 1.5 years instead of annually, saving more in the long run.'
The busy season for private tailors and uniform shops has started, with most schools reopening on August 26. At Al Abaq uniforms in Dubai, the wait time is already 10 days. 'We tailor any school uniform to the child's size,' said a salesman. 'Pricing depends on the fabric and size. Currently, there's a rush, and due to the backlog, it will take at least 10 days for delivery. We expect a bigger rush by the end of the month.' Zahra mentioned that several friends chose to have uniforms tailored for fitting issues. 'Some children are tall and need longer pants, or are heavier and struggle with waist sizes. Tailoring helps a lot for such cases.'
At Bambino uniforms, with outlets in Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, the rush has started and is expected to increase. 'This year, with schools reopening by the last week of August, we've already seen increasing crowds,' said Rasheeda Mohammed, MD of the company. 'By August 20, we expect to serve 250-300 parents daily in our Sharjah stores. In Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, it might be slightly less.' LCT uniforms in Karama also noted a gradual increase in parents since the beginning of August. 'Currently, there's not a huge rush, but parents returning to the country have started shopping,' said a spokesperson. 'However, we expect a significant rush by the end of the month.'
Some parents are also choosing to buy generic uniforms from well-known retailers. Syrian expat Mohammed Younis bought skirts and pants for his children from popular stores. 'My children's school uniform includes navy blue pants and grey skirts with white shirts,' he explained. 'I bought a set of grey skirts for Dh89 from a department store. Last year's purchase lasted the entire school year. I also bought a navy blue pant for my son online for Dh68, opting for a pull-on waist.' He continues to buy certain items from the school provider due to the need for the school logo on pullovers and shirts, but is open to other options.
