APS PE 1/4 Zip Midlayer Top
APS PE 1/4 Zip Midlayer Top
A quarter-zip midlayer top for Altrincham Prep School in a moisture-wicking performance fabric. A versatile layer for PE, training sessions and outdoor lessons. School logo embroidered to the chest.
Wash & Care
- Machine wash at 30–40°C inside out
- Air dry preferred, or tumble dry on low
- Do not use fabric softener
- Do not iron over prints or logos
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Size Guide
Size Guide
How to Measure Your Child for School Uniform
Getting the right size first time saves hassle — and saves you returning items at the busiest time of year. All you need is a soft measuring tape (or a piece of string and a ruler) and five minutes. Here's exactly how to do it.
🏆 Top tip from our team: Always measure — don't go by age alone. Children of the same age can vary by two or three sizes. Body measurements give you accurate results every time.
If your child is between two sizes, always go to the larger size for a comfortable fit and room to grow.
The Key Measurements
Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest — under the armpits, level across the shoulder blades. Your child should breathe normally and stand relaxed. Don't pull the tape tight.
Used for: blazers, pullovers, cardigans, polo shirts, sweatshirts, girls' blouses, PE tops, swimsuits, summer dresses
Collar
Wrap the tape around the base of the neck where the collar would sit. Slide two fingers between the tape and the neck — this ensures a comfortable fit and allows for growth.
Used for: boys' formal shirts only (polo shirts are sized by chest, not collar)
Waist
Find the natural waistline — usually the narrowest point, roughly midway between the bottom of the ribs and the hip bone. Measure around while your child stands relaxed. Don't let them hold their breath.
Used for: trousers, skirts, shorts, skorts, kilts, tracksuit bottoms
Inside Leg
Have your child stand with shoes on. Measure from the top of the inner leg (crotch) down to approximately 2.5cm (1 inch) above the floor. This gives you the finished trouser length.
Used for: school trousers only — to choose Short, Regular, or Long leg
Hips
Measure around the widest part of the hips and seat — approximately 20cm below the natural waistline. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Used for: girls' senior trousers, sports leggings
Height
Your child stands without shoes, back straight, feet flat on the floor. Measure from the top of the head to the floor.
Used for: coats, fleeces, waterproof trousers, outerwear
Skirt / Dress Length
For skirts: measure from the natural waistline to the desired hem. For summer dresses: measure from the nape of the neck to the desired hem (back length).
Used for: senior pleated skirts, kilts, summer dresses
Head Circumference
Wrap the tape around the widest part of the head — just above the ears and across the forehead.
Used for: fitted caps — not needed for elasticated beanie hats (one size)
Quick Reference Size Charts
Blazers, Pullovers, Cardigans & Sweatshirts — Chest (inches)
| Size Label | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Approx Age | Typical Year Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22" | 22" | 56cm | 3–4 | Nursery / Reception |
| 24" | 24" | 61cm | 5–6 | Year 1 |
| 26" | 26" | 66cm | 6–7 | Year 2 |
| 28" | 28" | 71cm | 7–9 | Years 3–4 |
| 30" | 30" | 76cm | 9–11 | Years 5–6 / Yr 7 (small) |
| 32" | 32" | 81cm | 11–12 | Year 7–8 |
| 34" | 34" | 86cm | 12–13 | Year 8–9 |
| 36" | 36" | 91cm | 13–14 | Year 9–10 |
| 38" | 38" | 96cm | 14–15 | Year 10–11 |
| 40" | 40" | 102cm | 15+ | Sixth Form / Adult S |
| 42" | 42" | 107cm | Adult | Adult M |
| 44" | 44" | 112cm | Adult | Adult L |
| 46" | 46" | 117cm | Adult | Adult XL |
Sized "to fit" — a 30" blazer is designed to fit a 30" chest with room for a shirt and jumper underneath. No need to size up.
Boys' Shirts — Collar (inches)
| Collar | Collar (cm) | Chest (approx) | Approx Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11" | 28cm | 26–28" | 5–6 |
| 11.5" | 29cm | 27–29" | 6–7 |
| 12" | 30.5cm | 28–30" | 7–8 |
| 12.5" | 32cm | 29–31" | 8–9 |
| 13" | 33cm | 30–32" | 9–10 |
| 13.5" | 34.5cm | 31–33" | 10–11 |
| 14" | 35.5cm | 32–34" | 11–12 |
| 14.5" | 37cm | 33–35" | 12–13 |
| 15" | 38cm | 34–36" | 13–14 |
| 15.5" | 39.5cm | 35–37" | 14–15 |
| 16" | 40.5cm | 36–38" | 15+ |
Boys' shirts (not polos) are sized by collar — the same as adult shirts. Use the two-finger rule when measuring.
PE Shorts & Skorts — Waist (inches)
| Size Label | Waist Range | Waist (cm) | Approx Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/26 (MY) | 24–26" | 61–66cm | 7–9 |
| 26/28 (LY) | 26–28" | 66–71cm | 9–10 |
| 28/30 (XLY) | 28–30" | 71–76cm | 10–11 |
| 30/32 (S) | 30–32" | 76–81cm | 11–12 |
| 32/34 (M) | 32–34" | 81–86cm | 12–13 |
| 34/36 (L) | 34–36" | 86–91cm | 13+ |
| 36/38 (XL) | 36–38" | 91–96cm | Adult |
Measure the waist at its natural narrowest point. Order the size band that includes your child's measurement.
Junior Trousers, Shorts & Skirts — Age / Waist guide
| Age | Waist (in) | Waist (cm) | Inside Leg – Regular |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 20–21" | 51–53cm | 37cm |
| 4/5 | 21–22" | 53–56cm | 39cm |
| 5/6 | 22–23" | 56–58cm | 42cm |
| 6/7 | 23–24" | 58–61cm | 46cm |
| 7/8 | 24–25" | 61–64cm | 50cm |
| 8/9 | 25–26" | 64–66cm | 54cm |
| 9/10 | 26–27" | 66–69cm | 56cm |
| 10/11 | 27–28" | 69–71cm | 58cm |
| 11/12 | 28–29" | 71–74cm | 61cm |
Senior Trousers — Waist + Inside Leg
| Waist (in) | Short Leg | Regular Leg | Long Leg | Approx Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26" | 27" | 30" | 33" | 11–12 |
| 28" | 27" | 30" | 33" | 12–13 |
| 30" | 27" | 30" | 33" | 13+ |
| 32" | 27" | 30" | 33" | Adult S |
| 34" | 27" | 30" | 33" | Adult M |
| 36" | 27" | 30" | 33" | Adult M/L |
| 38" | 27" | 30" | 33" | Adult L |
Summer Dresses (Gingham) — Age / Chest guide
| Age | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Back Length (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 22" | 56cm | 19–21" |
| 4/5 | 24" | 61cm | 20–22" |
| 5/6 | 26" | 66cm | 21–23" |
| 6/7 | 28" | 71cm | 22–24" |
| 7/8 | 30" | 76cm | 23–25" |
| 9/10 | 34" | 86cm | 25–27" |
| 11/12 | 36" | 91cm | 27–29" |
| 12/13 | 37" | 94cm | 28–30" |
Socks — UK Shoe Size Bands
| Label | UK Shoe Sizes | EU Sizes | Approx Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child 9–12 | UK 9–12 | EU 27–30 | 3–6 |
| Child 12.5–3.5 | UK 12.5–3.5 | EU 31–36 | 6–9 |
| Junior 3–5.5 | UK 3–5.5 | EU 36–39 | 9–12 |
| Adult 4–7 | UK 4–7 | EU 37–41 | 11–13 |
| Adult 7–11 | UK 7–11 | EU 41–45 | Adult M |
| Adult 11–13 | UK 11–13 | EU 45–48 | Adult XL |
Top Tips for Ordering the Right Size
- Measure, don't guess. Age labels are a rough guide only. Children of the same age can vary by two or three sizes — body measurements give you the right answer every time.
- If between sizes, always go larger. School uniform is "to fit" sized — a 30" blazer fits a 30" chest with room for layers underneath. There's no need to order up for fit; if they're between 28" and 30", order 30".
- Buy in August. Children often have a growth spurt during the summer holidays. Measuring in August before the new term gives you the most accurate size.
- Boys' shirts are the exception. Unlike everything else, boys' formal shirts are sized by collar — just like adult shirts. Always measure the neck for shirts.
- Kilts and senior skirts need two measurements. Always select both waist size AND length when ordering a pleated skirt, kilt, or senior skirt. One without the other can't be processed.
- For leggings, measure hips not waist. The hip measurement is what determines whether leggings go on comfortably. Always use hip as your guide.
- For coats and fleeces, use height. A coat sized for height will allow room for layers underneath. Height is a more reliable guide than chest for outerwear.
- Blazers are true to size. Unlike some brands, you don't need to order up a size to fit a shirt and jumper underneath — our blazers are cut with that in mind already.
Questions about sizing? Our team is here to help.
Get in touch
Wash Care Guide
Wash Care Guide
Wash Care & Garment Care Guide
School uniforms are put to the test every day. The good news is that most school uniform is made for exactly that. Follow these simple care instructions and your child's uniform should see out the full school year looking smart.
🏆 The single most important rule: Always check the care label sewn inside the garment. It overrides everything else. The guidance below applies to most standard schoolwear — but the label is always the final word.
If in doubt, wash cooler, not hotter. You can always wash again — you can't undo shrinkage.
Understanding the Wash Care Symbols
Tub with number = machine wash at that temperature (°C)
Hand in tub = hand wash only
Circle in square = tumble dry
Dot = low heat
Two dots = medium
Square = dry flat or hang to dry (no tumble dryer)
Iron = can be ironed
One dot = low
Two dots = medium
Three = high
Cross through any symbol = DO NOT do that action
Plain circle = dry clean only
Triangle = can use bleach
Cross through = no bleach
Care by Garment Type
School Blazer
Polyester/viscose or wool mix
- Dry clean recommended, or 30°C delicate cycle
- Hang immediately on a wide hanger after wearing — this prevents creasing
- Steam or cool iron on the reverse to remove creases
- Never iron directly over the school badge
- ✗ Do not tumble dry — loses shape
- ✗ Do not wring
Pullovers & Cardigans
100% acrylic or acrylic mix
- Machine wash at 30°C on a gentle or wool cycle, inside out
- Dry flat on a towel — hanging while wet causes the shoulders to stretch
- Reshape gently while still damp
- Cool iron on lowest setting if needed — never directly over the logo
- ✗ Do not tumble dry — will shrink and felt
- ✗ Do not use fabric softener
Sweatshirts & Hoodies
Polyester/cotton fleece
- Machine wash at 40°C, inside out to protect logo and colour
- Tumble dry on low heat, or air dry
- Remove promptly and hang to prevent creasing
- ✗ Do not iron directly over embroidery
- ✗ Do not use fabric softener on performance fabrics
Polo Shirts
65% polyester / 35% cotton piqué
- Machine wash at 40°C, inside out
- Tumble dry on low or air dry — remove promptly
- Cool iron if needed
- ✗ Do not bleach white polos — use a specialist white detergent
- ✗ Do not iron directly over the embroidered logo
School Shirts & Blouses
Easy-care polyester/cotton
- Machine wash at 40°C
- Tumble dry on low, or iron whilst slightly damp for best results
- Iron collar and cuffs first, then the body
- Hang immediately after drying to prevent creasing
- ✗ Do not tumble dry on high — causes deep creasing
School Trousers
Polyester/viscose
- Machine wash at 30–40°C
- Hang on a trouser hanger as soon as possible
- Press on the reverse with a damp cloth for a smart crease
- ✗ Do not tumble dry — ruins the pressed crease
- ✗ Do not bleach
Skirts & Kilts (Pleated)
Polyester / wool mix
- Machine wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, or dry clean
- Hang on a skirt or kilt hanger to preserve the pleats
- Press pleats from the inside using a damp cloth and warm iron
- ✗ Do not tumble dry — destroys the pleats permanently
- ✗ Do not bleach
Summer Dresses & Pinafores
Polyester/cotton mix
- Machine wash at 40°C
- Tumble dry on low or iron whilst slightly damp
- Hang immediately after drying
- ✗ Do not bleach colour gingham — colour will fade unevenly
PE Kit (Shorts, Tops, Skorts, Tracksuits, Leggings)
100% performance polyester / wicking fabric
- Machine wash at 30–40°C, inside out
- Air dry preferred — or tumble dry on low
- Never use fabric softener — it coats the fibres and stops the moisture-wicking from working
- ✗ Do not iron over sublimation prints or screen prints
- ✗ Do not bleach
Coats, Fleeces & Dry Robes
Polyester outer / fleece lining
- Machine wash at 30–40°C gentle cycle — zip up first
- Tumble dry on low, or hang to air dry
- Cool iron around the logo only — never over fleece
- ✗ Do not use conditioner on fleece lining — reduces softness
- ✗ Do not dry clean
Swimwear
Nylon / polyester / Lycra
- Rinse in cold fresh water immediately after use — chlorine degrades the fabric over time
- Hand wash at 30°C or machine wash on a delicate cycle
- Air dry flat in the shade — not in direct sunlight
- ✗ Do not tumble dry
- ✗ Do not wring or twist
- ✗ Do not leave rolled up while wet
School Bags & Backpacks
Polyester / nylon
- Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Air dry — do not machine wash unless the label specifically says so
- Empty the bag and store upright to maintain shape
- ✗ Do not submerge in water
- ✗ Do not tumble dry
Socks, Ties, Hats & Accessories
Cotton/nylon (socks) · Polyester (ties) · Acrylic (hats)
- Socks: machine wash at 40°C — do not bleach white sports socks
- Ties: wipe with a damp cloth only — do not machine wash or tumble dry; store loosely
- Beanie hats & scarves: hand wash at 30°C, reshape and air dry flat
- Caps: spot clean — do not machine wash caps with a stiff peak
Embroidery & Logos — Special Care
Applies to all embroidered and printed garments
- Always wash embroidered items inside out — this protects the stitching from friction in the drum
- When ironing, work around the embroidery — never press the iron directly onto it
- For printed logos (sublimation / screen-print) — do not iron over the print at all
- For multi-colour or raised embroidery on blazers, professional dry-cleaning is recommended
🪡 Looking after your school badge
- The embroidered school badge is the most expensive and most visible part of your child's uniform. It responds well to gentle care.
- Turn the garment inside out before every wash — this is the single biggest thing you can do to preserve embroidery.
- If a thread comes loose, do not pull it. Secure it with a small amount of clear fabric glue or take it to a seamstress.
- For blazer badges specifically: a quick brush with a soft clothes brush after wearing keeps the badge looking fresh.
General Care Tips — Making Uniform Last All Year
- Wash cooler rather than hotter. Higher temperatures increase shrinkage and fading. 30–40°C handles most school uniform perfectly well.
- Inside out, always. Washing inside out protects colours, logos and embroidery from rubbing against the drum.
- Don't overload the machine. Uniform needs room to move freely — overloading causes creasing and uneven washing.
- Hang immediately. The longer uniform sits in the drum, the more creased it becomes. Hang or lay flat as soon as the cycle finishes.
- Skip the fabric softener on PE kit. Fabric softener coats performance polyester fibres and stops the moisture-wicking from working properly. Use it on cotton items, not sportswear.
- Buy an extra set for the busy weeks. Having two sets of key items (polo shirts, shirts, PE shorts) means less pressure on wash days mid-week.
- Name everything. Iron-on or sew-in name labels save hours of lost property headaches — and most schools ask for it anyway.
- Repair before replacing. A loose button or small hole caught early is a 5-minute fix. Left until later, it becomes a reason to replace the whole garment.
Have a question about caring for a specific item? We're happy to help.
Get in touch
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Delivery
Goods are posted Standard Delivery (£5.50). Your parcel will be delivered 7-10 working days from date of shipping. We aim to despatch all orders on the same day. If an order is placed after 2pm, please allow an extra working day before your goods are delivered. Any orders placed on a weekend or Bank Holiday will be processed the following working day. Our carrier will deliver your parcel anytime between 9am and 6pm.
UK Next Day Delivery (£10.00) service is available on all UK deliveries but orders must be placed before 1.00pm, Monday – Friday, for the parcel to be delivered on the following working day.
If you have any specific delivery requests please inform us when placing your order and we will be more than happy to help.
We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to uniform during delivery. This includes delivery on purchase and delivery on return.
We offer Free UK Shipping for orders over £65.
Personal Home Fitting (£100) service is available on all orders for delivery addresses located within 5 miles of the school the order relates to. If the delivery address is more than 5 miles distance, a surcharge will apply.
Hassle-Free Returns
Customer satisfaction is our priority. If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase we will be happy to refund/exchange any items purchased, provided they are returned in their original condition, with all tickets and tags attached.
If you wish to cancel or refund/exchange your order please email contact@expressuniform.co.uk stating the following:
Order Number:
Name:
Contact:
Product/s:
Reason for return:
Items wishing to be refunded must be returned within 28 days of receipt. Ensure that all returned goods are complete with original tags and packaging, are unworn and not damaged, marked or used in any way. Items that are returned without tags, have signs of wear or damage in any way will be refused and sent back at your expense.
We are unable accept returns on earrings, swimwear or underwear due to hygiene reasons. We regret that we are unable to offer refunds on any Sale items unless proven faulty. We will be happy to offer a like for like, size exchange or credit note for any unwanted Sale items, provided the items are re-saleable with all tags attached. This does not affect your statutory rights.
The returned item is your full responsibility until it is signed for as received by us. We strongly advise sending the return directly to us at the school shop or via a recorded, express courier service. We cannot be held responsible for returned items that are lost or damaged in the post.
Once your return has been received it will be processed and a refund will be issued within 28 days. Refunds will be given less all postage charges. Please note, we can only refund to the card/payment method used for purchase.
Temporary Returns Policy Extension
From 15th June 2026 to 15th August 2026, we are offering an extended returns window. Items purchased during this period may be returned within 90 days of purchase.
After 16th August 2026, our standard returns policy will resume.
Exchanges
We have three options for exchanges:
1. You can post your items to the following return address and re-order online:
Express Uniform Ltd
Storage World Holding Room
4E Sunbank Lane
Alpha Airport City
Manchester
M50 5AD
2. We offer a collection service within a 5 mile radius of our office, located at Alpha Airport City, M90 5AD. You can email us (contact@expressuniform.co.uk) with your exchange request and mention the days/times that are suitable for the courier to call. Our courier will deliver the new items and collect the unwanted items from you at the same time. The courier charge for the exchange is £9.95.
3. You can attend one of the Summer pop ups (Wilmslow High) or visit a school uniform shop (Pownall Hall, Ryleys, Terra Nova) for a free exchange. Opening times/dates are online.
If you have any further questions please email contact@expressuniform.co.uk.
