The Schoolwear Show Review
Businesses recess for The Schoolwear Show
Schoolwear has been a hot topic of discussion in recent months with changes to legislation imminent. With no one really any wiser as to what is going to happen, everyone is seeking information, so where better to do so than at The Schoolwear Show. Assistant editor Benjamin Austin visited the most recent event on October 13 to see what’s what.
I
t may be the end of the back to school season but the topic of uniform does not stop for those in the industry.
In fact, now is the perfect time for retailers and distributors to think ahead to what will be needed for the next year. So where better to do that than at The Schoolwear Show. Returning to Cranmore Park in Solihull, the two-day event displayed a number of prolific brands with which prospective retailers could converse, compare and, collaborate. The exhibition has seen its overall stature shrink over time with its days reducing and the operation condensing into a conference hall but its impact on those who return year on year is vital. Many of the exhibitors even expressed this year had an increase of visitors however the attendance may have been in reaction to Parliament’s proposed Bill regarding school uniform.
Under the planned Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Labour intend to help parents save on standard uniform expenses by limiting the number of branded garments for school uniforms. Though it isn’t set to be implemented until this month, not much has been confirmed about the restrictions, leaving a lot of uncertainty within the industry. Discussing it only leads to speculation but for those attending The Schoolwear Show, it seemed the only thing on people’s minds.
On everyone’s mind
It is thought the new Bill will limit the number of optional branded items a school can offer as uniform to three. There is already some uncertainty in what is considered optional, nonetheless some of the exhibitors were more concerned than others.
Falcon, who deal solely in sportswear and PE kit, was one such exhibitor whose staff expressed worry about the bill.
| 50 | November 2025 The Schoolwear Show was held at Cranmore Park in Solihull
Conversations being had
The company was at the show to promote its newest lineup, Ignite, but also brought along samples of its other collections. Dan Blair, business development manager, said: “We see more kids going to school in PE kits now so Ignite was more designed as longer wearing and all day activewear. “But a lot of our discussions have been around the Schoolwear Bill.
“You have a lot of people at the moment who don’t know what’s going on. Retailers ask us because schools ask them and they don’t know.
“They may only decide a blazer, jumper or a PE top, then maybe a skirt as a third option so it could impact it massively.” Danny Villa from Surridge, another sportswear brand exhibiting at the show, shared the same sentiment.
“Nobody knows what the impact will be. It’s more about holding our customers’ hands best we can but people are concerned about the new legislation.”
Hub of discussion It seems this is why The Schoolwear Show
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