If you are born and raised in Baltimore, as I was, the question always asked is what school you went to. And this question had nothing to do with college, instead it referred to your elementary and high school, which more often than not was a private school with pricey, uncomfortable uniforms.
These days it’s not just the private schools that require uniforms, many public schools do as well.
Rather than spend $200 a child on new uniforms from the one and only retailer approved to sell our specific school’s uniform, Mom would first ask cousins and neighbors if she could buy from them their old uniforms (the pattern NEVER changes). These people were more than happy to unload clothes just taking up space, and Mom was thrilled to spend less money. In some cases these uniforms (at one point I was asked if I worked at Friendly’s because the jumper was so similar…ugh) were more comfortable than the new ones because they had been “broken in.”
If neighbors or relatives can’t help you out, many schools will offer (even on the side) a sale at the end of the year where parents can sell the uniforms they no longer need.
Finally, if these options aren’t available for you, try the local Yahoo Groups list-serv for parents in your area. These list-servs are filled with people always trying to sell or even give away old clothes just taking up space.
Obviously these clothes have to be in good condition and I would check everything and anything before buying. With that said, most things can be fixed with a good washing and some sewing to patch things up. Besides, wouldn’t you rather give your money to a parent, instead of the big monopoly down the street who is the “only authorized seller?” I know I would.
By Mary B
