When Morrisons offered us the chance to review their school uniform, which is part of the Nutmeg clothing range, Brodie was more than happy to give the items a vigorous testing.
And I don't just mean trying it on and seeing how it looks.
We're in Scotland. We've been back to school for 2 whole weeks already.
So he's worn this uniform for lessons, for playtime, for football on the grass during his lunch break, and I've thrown the lot in the wash a few times now to see how it endures.
We were sent: a pair of grey trousers (age 8-9), a pack of two white shirts (age 8-9), a pack of grey socks and a pair of black plimsolls (size 1) to test out.
And here's what we think about Nutmeg – in a nutshell.
Simplicity
Morrisons is all about the 1-2-3 simplicity in their Back to School range.
It's £1 for a pack of socks (containing either 2 or 3 pairs).
£2 for a pack of 2 shirts
And finally £3 for individual trousers, skirts, jumpers and cardigans. Oh and for a pair of black PE plimsolls too.
So not including underwear and gym kit, you can dress your child top to toe for less than a tenner. Good news for those strapped for cash.
My only issue was that Morrisions jumpers and cardigans come in black, red or blue – when our school uniform is bottle green.
I think their range of colours could be expanded a little as I've seen many schools go for bottle green uniforms, and where we live there are even maroon red colour schemes and royal purple too at local schools.
Hardwearing
I've heard many parents complaining supermarket clothing can be flimsy. Not so with this range, which has Teflon-coated trousers to prevent stains, made from a thicker material than I would have expected from such a cut-price range.
In many cases, the dirty marks Brodie inflicted on his trousers actually brushed off quite easily.
The sliding tackles on the football field left a few grass stains, which washed out without issue. But I'm glad to say no holes have appeared in the knees (yeah, I know it's early, but he has been known to do this to his trousers within days of getting them).
The shirts are easy iron, and I will say that by hanging them up straight from the wash, they were crease-free once they dried. Result!
Adjustable
Like many manufacturers these days, Morrisons has gone with the adjustable waistband with buttons which can tighten – almost like having a belt sewn into the waist of the trousers.
I know this would work for many of Brodie's friends who are pocket-sized skinny 7-year-olds.
Brodie, however is not pocket-sized. He's head and shoulders above his classmates.
He was weighed and measured by the school nurse earlier this year, who told me he was in the 90th percentile for weight AND height. So he's in perfect proportion.
Yet to my dismay, the trousers for 8-9 year-olds wouldn't fasten. I had to go to the store and swap them for an age 10-11, which just fit him in the waist – but were a little too long and had to be taken up.
I can't help thinking that an elasticated waist would have meant the original size could have fit him – and it was perfect in length too.
The adjustable button waistband only allows for taking the size in – not letting it out if a child is a bit more sturdy and needs more room.
(I should add that Brodie has a pair of school trousers from last year which is for age 8-9, from a different store, and they still fit him)
Overall, I've been impressed by the quality and durability of this range. It's more than I expected.
The trousers and shirts are 95% polyester (but what do you expect for the price?) The Teflon coating is a huge bonus for a Mum of two lively, messy boys.
Although I didn't get a sweatshirt to try, I'm told they are 100% cotton to make them cool and comfortable, which sounds great.
The bevelled edges on the plimsolls make me think they'll last a good while, and Brodie found them comfortable to run around in.
I'd prefer more colours to choose from, but really that is a minor thing. I don't think it's possible for any range to stock every colour of school uniform in the country.
But the sizing in the trousers is a major thing for me. Something a little bit of elastic could have easily fixed.
To have a 7-year-old son who's in size 8-9 shirts, but needs size 10-11 trousers makes me think the sizes aren't quite right yet.
Especially when a health professional has assured me he's the perfect weight for his height. I know it's not him.
Sort that out Morrisons, and you've got yourself a regular Nutmeg customer.
