School blazers: cleaned, repaired and ready
What you’ll learn: Why it helps to bring school blazers and uniforms in before the end-of-holiday rush, what may be repairable, and how a little extra time can help us care for the garment properly.
Every year, we see the same situation.
A parent arrives on a Friday afternoon with a school blazer needed for Monday morning. The blazer has been put away since the end of term, and suddenly there are only a few days left to deal with the ink on the cuff, the missing button and the small tear in the lining.
Parents do not leave it late because they do not care. School finishes, the uniform is put out of sight and everyone is ready for a break. Then the new term seems to arrive far more quickly than expected.
We will always advise where we can, but bringing the blazer in earlier gives us more time to inspect it properly, treat difficult marks and look at any repairs that may help it last for another term or school year.
The easiest time to do this is often just before you go away on holiday.
Drop the blazer or uniform into our Cambridge or Trumpington branch, leave it in our care and enjoy your time away. We can then arrange for it to be ready with some breathing room before school begins again.
Why extra time can make a difference
A school blazer works hard.
It is worn throughout the week, carried in bags, hung over chairs and exposed to everything from ink and lunch to rain and the rugby field. By the end of the school year, it may need more than a quick press.
Ink marks and older stains can take time to assess. In some cases, a garment may benefit from more than one careful treatment or cleaning cycle. We also need to know when to stop. Protecting the fabric matters more than chasing a mark until the material is damaged.
Repairs take time as well. A loose button might be straightforward, but worn cuffs, damaged pockets, tired linings and areas of thinning fabric need to be looked at properly.
When the blazer arrives a few days before it is needed, the choices may be limited. When we have more time, we can give you clearer advice and carry out the work without rushing.
A repair may help the blazer last longer
A damaged blazer does not always need to be replaced.
Depending on its condition, it may be possible to replace missing buttons, repair pockets or zips, reinforce worn areas, or attend to damage around the cuffs and elbows. We may also be able to carry out alterations to other parts of the school uniform.
Some repairs, such as elbow patches, also need to remain in keeping with the school’s dress code. That is why it is better for us to see the blazer before saying exactly what can be done.
A repair that sounds simple in an article may be more involved once we see the size, position and age of the damage. Equally, something that looks worrying to a parent may turn out to be quite manageable.
Bring the garment in and let us assess it. We will explain what we believe is worthwhile and what may not be practical.
Extending the useful life of a good blazer may save the cost of replacing it too soon. It also avoids discarding a garment that may still have plenty of wear left in it.
When bobbling makes a blazer look older
Small balls of fibre, sometimes called bobbles or pills, can build up on the surface of a blazer.
They often appear in areas where the fabric rubs, such as under the arms, along the sides or around the sleeves. The blazer may still be perfectly wearable, but the bobbling can make it look more tired than it really is.
Farthings offers a de-bobbling service that may help improve the appearance of a suitable garment. As with any treatment, we will look at the fabric and condition first.
A short note about blazer fabrics
School blazers can be made from wool, cotton, polyester, viscose, acrylic or a blend of natural and man-made fibres.
Each material behaves differently. A wool or cotton blend may feel comfortable but can crease or lose shape if handled incorrectly. Polyester and blended fabrics are often chosen for durability and ease of wear. Viscose and acrylic may also be used on their own or as part of a blend.
The outer fabric is only part of the picture. The lining, padding, badge, construction and trims can all affect how the blazer should be treated.
Always check the care label, and do not assume that two similar-looking blazers can be cleaned in exactly the same way. We examine the label, fabric and construction before deciding on the safest process.
What to check before bringing the blazer in
Take the blazer out of the wardrobe and look at it in good daylight.
Ask your child to try it on. Check that the sleeves, shoulders and body still fit comfortably. Children have a habit of growing over the holidays, and it is better to discover a fit problem early.
Look at the cuffs, elbows, pockets, buttons and lining. Check for ink, food marks and areas where the fabric has become thin. Empty all the pockets, particularly forgotten pens, sweets and pieces of paper.
When you bring the blazer in, tell us what you know about any stains. It helps to know what caused the mark and roughly when it happened.
Structured jackets are best carried on a hanger rather than folded tightly into a bag.
If you are going away, please leave us with a contact number and email address that you will be able to access. If we need to discuss a repair, confirm a treatment or check something while you are on holiday, we can reach you without delaying the work.
It is also sensible to agree a likely collection date. Where possible, aim to have the blazer back around a week before school starts. That gives you time to check the fit again and deal with anything else the uniform may need.
School blazer care questions
How far in advance should I bring in a school blazer?
The earlier the better, particularly if there are stains or repairs to consider. Bringing it in before you leave for your summer holiday gives us more time to inspect it and advise you without the pressure of the final few days before school.
How often should a school blazer be cleaned?
There is no single answer for every blazer. It depends on the fabric, care label, how often it is worn and whether there are marks or odours. The end of term is a sensible time to inspect it and decide what it needs.
Can I put a school blazer in the washing machine?
Check the care label first. Some garments may allow machine washing, while structured, woollen or dry-clean-only blazers may require a different process. The badge, lining and internal construction also need to be considered.
What should I do about an ink stain?
Tell us about it when you bring the blazer in, including how old the mark is and, where possible, what type of pen caused it. Avoid experimenting with strong household products, as these may affect the colour or fabric and make professional treatment more difficult.
Can a damaged school blazer be repaired?
It depends on the damage and the condition of the surrounding fabric. Buttons, pockets, zips, linings, cuffs and worn areas may be repairable, but it is best for us to see the blazer before making a recommendation.
Before heading off on holiday, bring it in for advice and leave it in our care if the work is suitable. We can then agree a collection date, ideally with some time to spare before school returns.
Can you help with bobbling?
We offer a de-bobbling service for suitable garments. We will inspect the material first and explain what improvement is realistic.
Can I bring in other school-uniform items?
Yes. We can look at school uniform as well as blazers, including items that may need cleaning, repairs or alterations. Bring the garments in and we will advise you based on their condition and care instructions.
One less job before September
The aim is simple: to have the uniform ready without the last-minute rush.
Bring it in before you go away, make sure we have your current contact details and let us know when school begins. We will inspect the garment, explain what can realistically be done and help you plan a suitable collection date.
You can visit us at:
Farthings Cambridge143 Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1XE01223 755180info@farthingscambridge.co.uk
Farthings Trumpington1 Anstey Way, Trumpington, CB2 9JE01223 625310info@farthingstrumpington.co.uk
Bring the blazer or uniform in when it suits you. We will take a proper look and guide you on the safest next step.
