Innovation is one of our core principles at Schoolblazer. Since our inception, we have driven a programme of product development that keeps schools and parents satisfied, with the comfort of each child a key motivation. Over the last 18 months, product development at Schoolblazer and Limitless has focussed on new garments which move the look of school uniform forwards, as well as introducing new fabrics which help us reduce our impact on the planet; all whilst ensuring that durability is never compromised.

On the school uniform side, our dedicated Buying team have addressed products large and small in 2024. A relaxed fit trouser for girls was developed, following the post-Covid trend of less formality in High Street retail. This less-structured trouser style with an elasticated waistband keeps girls comfortable and is more flexible in terms of fitting different body shapes, ensuring girls can focus on their lessons and not their clothing. This has already proven popular at Brighton College, Wycombe Abbey and Monkton Combe, amongst others.

There has also been an advance in the knitwear offered to schools, with cable-knit cardigans, quarter-zip jumpers and ribbed V-neck jumpers, now possible for schools. Each comes with its own unique look and advantages; the quarter-zip jumper in particular has allowed some schools to move away from a blazer, with this warm, smart, crested jumper in its place. The ribbed and cable-knit patterns evoke a traditional, British heritage feel which brings a different overall look to a school’s uniform. In addition, we developed a tie weave to add a more premium finish option to our selection of ties; the 100% polyester version is also available in a satin finish and we now offer a 100% silk option.

With regards to the choice of fabrics available for our garments, our fabric development team have worked hard to change the polyester in our polywool into recycled polyester, testing to ensure the durability remains consistent.  This has ensured that we met our recycled polyester goals in 2024, reducing the effect of our business on the planet. We also investigated weaving our Performance Cotton in a different finish and can now provide textured shirts which offer a more premium and mature feel to the shirt, ideal for senior and sixth form students. This has been taken up at schools such as Cheltenham College, Barnard Castle and Charterhouse.

For Limitless sportswear, the focus has been on ensuring comfort and choice, enabling everyone to enjoy school sport. The team listened to the girls that wear our shorts and developed a new PE short specifically for them, offering this in two lengths. We also introduced a new skort, as this garment continues to be the most popular, so that it now has more stretch properties than our standard skort.  We are now offering a polycotton-lined training pant, after feedback that this would be amore comfortable offering for those who prefer wearing a trouser.  Our drill top for rugby was updated with stretch side panels, to ensure it is up-to-date with the latest styling. Contrast stitching is now also available.

Finally, the Limitless Team have been working over the last year to develop our own range of swimwear, to ensure we have control of the supply and stock availability.  They have successfully achieved this, and are actively rolling this out to schools this year.

With innovation as the cornerstone of Schoolblazer, in 2025 the team will be looking at many development projects including the creation of a pink textured shirt, in a more subtle shade of pink than the standard shirt, as well a knitted pinafore for junior girls. We are extremely proud of the hard work and the positive outcomes achieved by our Buying team over the last 18 months and know that the team will continue to focus on ensuring pupils at all our schools look smart and are comfortable.