For many South African families, back-to-school shopping is one of the biggest yearly expenses. School uniforms are compulsory in most public and private schools, and with rising living costs, parents are constantly looking for ways to cut down on uniform costs without sacrificing quality.
This guide explores where to buy the cheapest school uniforms in South Africa in 2025, compares popular retailers, and provides money-saving tips to help parents stretch their budgets further.
Why School Uniforms Are So Expensive
Before we dive into the cheapest options, it helps to understand why uniforms often cost so much:
- Exclusive suppliers: Some schools appoint specific suppliers, limiting competition.
- High demand at the same time: Parents usually buy uniforms in January, creating seasonal price spikes.
- Durability: Better-quality fabrics are meant to withstand daily wear, but they cost more upfront.
- Branded items: Blazers, jerseys, or sports kits with logos are significantly more expensive.
A full set (blazer, shirts, trousers/skirt, jersey, tie, shoes, and sports kit) can easily cost R2,500–R4,000 per child. For low-income families, this is a huge burden.
Cheapest Retailers for School Uniforms in South Africa (2025)
Here’s a breakdown of the most affordable stores and outlets that South African parents use for uniforms:
1. PEP Stores
PEP is consistently one of the cheapest uniform suppliers.
- What they offer: Shirts, tunics, trousers, skirts, socks, and accessories.
- Price range: From R30 for socks, R50–R90 for shirts, and R100–R200 for trousers and skirts.
- Why it’s cheap: Mass-market production and wide distribution keep costs low.
- Best for: Everyday basics like shirts, pants, tunics, and socks.
2. Ackermans
Ackermans is another popular budget-friendly retailer.
- What they offer: School shirts, tunics, dresses, skirts, pants, and school shoes.
- Price range: Shirts start at around R80, tunics R150, and school shoes from R200.
- Why it’s cheap: Good quality at mid-to-low prices, regular back-to-school promotions.
- Best for: Durable basics and affordable shoes.
3. Jet Stores
Jet has a wide range of affordable clothing, including school uniforms.
- What they offer: Shirts, trousers, skirts, jerseys, tunics, and socks.
- Price range: From R70 for shirts to R250 for jerseys.
- Best for: Full school outfits if you want to buy everything in one go.
4. Mr Price (MRP)
Known for trendy fashion, Mr Price also offers affordable uniforms.
- What they offer: Shirts, tunics, trousers, skirts, socks, jerseys.
- Price range: R80–R120 for shirts, R200–R300 for blazers, R250 for shoes.
- Best for: Stylish but affordable uniforms, especially for high school students.
5. Woolworths
Although Woolworths is pricier, their uniforms are known for quality and longevity.
- What they offer: Full range, including eco-friendly school shoes.
- Price range: Shirts around R120–R150, skirts R200–R300, shoes R300–R450.
- Best for: Parents willing to invest in durability, meaning fewer replacements over time.
6. Game Stores
Game is often overlooked but stocks affordable schoolwear, especially during back-to-school promotions.
- What they offer: Shirts, trousers, tunics, and multipacks.
- Price range: Shirts from R90, multipacks with discounts.
- Best for: Stocking up on basics in bulk.
7. Makro
Makro sells multipacks of schoolwear and shoes, ideal for families with multiple children.
- What they offer: Shirts, trousers, socks, and shoes in multi-packs.
- Price range: Multipacks of 2 shirts for ~R160, shoes from R250.
- Best for: Bulk shopping and bigger savings.
8. Independent & Local Uniform Shops
Most schools have designated uniform shops or local suppliers.
- Pros: They sell official items like blazers and sports kits with school logos.
- Cons: Usually the most expensive option.
- Tip: Buy only branded items here (blazers, ties, badges), and get the rest (shirts, trousers, socks) at cheaper retailers like PEP or Ackermans.
Comparing Prices: Popular Retailers (2025)
| Item | PEP | Ackermans | Jet | Mr Price | Woolworths | Makro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Shirt | R50–R90 | R80–R100 | R70–R90 | R80–R120 | R120–R150 | R80–R90 |
| Tunic/Skirt | R100–R200 | R150–R180 | R160–R200 | R180–R220 | R200–R300 | R160 |
| Trousers | R100–R180 | R150–R200 | R150–R180 | R170–R200 | R250–R300 | R180 |
| Jersey | R180–R250 | R200–R250 | R220–R250 | R220–R280 | R300+ | R240 |
| Shoes | R200–R280 | R200–R250 | R220–R280 | R250–R300 | R300–R450 | R250+ |
(Prices are averages in 2025 and may vary by store and location)
Money-Saving Tips for Parents
- Mix and match suppliers – Buy blazers and logo items from the school shop, but get basics like shirts and socks from PEP or Ackermans.
- Shop during sales – Most big retailers (Game, Makro, Jet) run January “Back to School” sales with discounts on multi-packs.
- Buy bigger sizes – Kids grow fast; buying slightly bigger sizes can save money over the year.
- Look for multipacks – Shirts, socks, and vests are cheaper in multi-packs at Makro or Game.
- Consider second-hand – Some schools run thrift shops where parents resell old uniforms at a fraction of the cost.
- Join parenting groups – Local Facebook and WhatsApp groups often have parents selling gently used uniforms.
- Take advantage of loyalty points – Stores like Woolworths (WRewards), PEPclub, and Clicks ClubCard can help you save through cashback points.
The Role of School Governing Bodies (SGBs)
In South Africa, schools are not allowed to enforce exclusive contracts that make uniforms unnecessarily expensive. The Competition Commission has ruled against restrictive practices, ensuring parents have the right to buy from multiple suppliers. If your child’s school insists on a single expensive supplier, you can raise the issue with the SGB or Department of Education.
Balancing Cost and Quality
While affordability is critical, quality should not be ignored. Cheaper items may wear out faster, meaning you’ll need to replace them mid-year. For essentials like shoes, it’s often better to spend a little more upfront on durable brands. For everyday items like shirts and socks, budget retailers are usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I buy the cheapest school shoes in South Africa?
PEP, Ackermans, and Jet typically offer the cheapest, with prices starting around R200. Woolworths and branded shoes cost more but last longer.
2. Can I buy school uniforms online?
Yes. Retailers like Woolworths, Mr Price, Makro, and Ackermans offer online ordering and delivery. Some schools also partner with online suppliers for branded gear.
3. Are second-hand uniforms allowed?
Most schools allow them, as long as they are clean and meet the dress code. Check if your school has a second-hand shop.
4. Do schools have to allow multiple suppliers?
Yes. The Competition Commission has made it clear that schools must allow parents to choose where to buy basics like shirts, trousers, and shoes.
5. How much does a full school uniform cost in 2025?
On average:
- Budget-friendly full set (from PEP/Ackermans): R1,200–R1,800
- Mid-range (Mr Price/Jet): R1,800–R2,500
- Premium (Woolworths + school shop items): R2,500–R4,000+
Conclusion
Buying school uniforms in South Africa does not have to break the bank. While branded items like blazers may be unavoidable from school shops, parents can save significantly by shopping smartly at PEP, Ackermans, Jet, Mr Price, Makro, and Game. Combine this with multipacks, seasonal sales, and second-hand options, and you can cut your uniform bill by almost half.
In 2025, the key to saving on school uniforms is strategic shopping: buy essentials cheaply, invest in durable shoes and blazers, and always compare prices. With the right approach, your child can look neat and presentable at school without putting financial strain on your household.
