How to Dress Kids for the School Day (and Beyond)

What should kids wear to school in the UAE? Start with comfort, flexibility, and styles that can handle a full day’s activity. From classroom time to after-school play, the ideal school wear includes breathable fabrics and uniforms with helpful innovations such as easy iron, permanent creases and stain resistance. Add in practical and fun accessories, and you’ve got outfits that work from morning to night.

Prioritize Comfort for Busy Days

Kids spend long hours in their clothes, so soft, breathable fabrics are essential, especially in the UAE’s hot weather. Cotton-rich tops, trouser hems that be extended and grow with them, and relaxed fits keep them comfortable in the classroom and on the playground. Lightweight layers also make it easy to adjust to indoor and outdoor temperatures throughout the day.

Try easy staples like the Boys' Pure Cotton Graphic T-Shirts, which come in soft jersey and feature bold, fun prints they'll love. Pair them with Pull-On Cargo Joggers for a casual look that moves with them through lessons and break time. These styles are great additions alongside classic school uniform essentials.

For girls, pieces like the Pure Cotton Striped Dress or Jersey Skater Dress are perfect for school and play. They’re made from soft fabric that allows plenty of movement and can be layered with leggings or cardigans when needed, making them excellent companions to uniform shirts and skirts.

Build Around Multipacks for Effortless Mornings

Multipacks are a game changer for school mornings. With coordinated colours and classic cuts, they make outfit planning easy and help simplify the weekly laundry load.

Look for the 3-pack Easy Iron School Shorts for girls, perfect for rotating through the week and pairing with jeans, skirts, or leggings. For boys, the 2-pack Polo Shirts offer a smart-casual option and stain resistance, ideal for classroom days or dress-down Fridays. Include a few crisp white uniform shirts to mix into your child’s wardrobe with expandi-cuffs making it easy for kids to learn to dress themselves.

Shop school uniforms for easy-to-wear staples built with care, and made to last.

Go for Mix-and-Match Flexibility

Creating a mix-and-match wardrobe gives kids the freedom to dress themselves while still looking put-together. Stick to a colour palette that allows tops and bottoms to be worn in multiple combinations. Think navy, grey, white, and muted pastels.

A great example is the Girls' Denim Jeggings, which pair easily with printed tops or plain tees for any day of the week. Boys can style the Cotton Rich Sweat Shorts with anything from basic tees to zip-up hoodies, ideal for P.E. days or after-school hangouts. These can be rotated with formal M&S uniform pieces when needed.

Add Layers for All-Day Wear

Air-conditioned classrooms, outdoor play, and changing weather all mean layers are essential. Lightweight hoodies, zip-up jackets, and easy-to-carry sweatshirts make great add-ons that keep kids comfortable without disrupting their style.

The Cotton Rich Zip Hoodie available in the boys’ new-in section is a must-have staple, simple, soft, and easy to throw on. For girls, the Cropped Denim Jacket adds a touch of style while still being school-appropriate and versatile.

Let Kids Express Their Style

While comfort and practicality matter, it’s also important that kids feel good in what they wear. M&S’ latest kids wear collections blend everyday comfort with colourful prints, fun graphics, and thoughtful details, so kids can express their personality while staying school-ready.

Pieces like the Boys' Themed Tees or Girls' Printed Tops add just the right touch of fun, without compromising on practicality.

Uniforms – Shirts, Dresses & Breathable Fabrics

Dressing for school in the UAE means prioritising breathable, lightweight materials. Cotton shirts, pleated skirts, and jersey dresses are ideal for keeping kids cool and comfortable. Incorporate smart, easy-care uniform shirts and white uniform shirts into the weekly rotation, easy to wash, iron, and wear.

If your school requires formalwear, M&S offers M&S uniform options that combine style and practicality. Multipacks of polos and shirts help ensure there's always a fresh one ready to go.

Shoes – Smart & Comfortable for All-Day Wear

Finding the right shoes is just as important as the clothes. They need to be supportive, easy to wear, and durable enough for schoolyards and hallways, look out for antibacterial Freshfeet technology that keeps shoes fresh.

Choose sturdy girls’ school shoes with Velcro or buckle fastenings for independence and style. For boys, opt for cushioned boys’ school shoes with flexible soles. Whether you're shopping for trainers, loafers, or classic black uniform shoes, look for styles that blend comfort and polish.

Explore girls’ school shoes and shop boys’ school shoes that are ready for every school step.

Accessories – Bags, Bottles & More

No back-to-school outfit is complete without accessories. A functional school bag or backpack is essential for carrying books, lunch, and supplies.

Explore colourful and practical kids backpacks that feature padded straps and character designs from Mickey Mouse to Spiderman and. Stock up on extras like cotton-rich socks, reusable water bottles, and lunchboxes to make the school week even easier.

Browse kids’ backpacks to find their new favourite.

FAQ

Lightweight, breathable materials like cotton are best for the UAE climate. Look for cotton shirts, shorts, and loose-fitting school uniforms to keep them cool throughout the day.

Aim for at least five uniform shirts or polos, one for each school day, with a couple of backups for sports or after-school activities.

Opt for closed-toe smart shoes with cushioning and support. Whether you choose lace-up or Velcro styles, make sure they’re designed for daily wear, browse our full range of school shoes to find the right fit.