Back to School Labelling Guide

Everything you need to know about labelling school uniforms, PE kits, bottles and everyday school items before term starts with our back to school labels.

Back to school season often means preparing uniforms, shoes, bags, PE kits, lunch boxes and bottles all at once. A simple labelling plan makes everything easier to organise and helps avoid lost property once term begins. This guide will help you choose the right labels for different items and make sure everything is ready before the first school day.

✔ Organise school items quickly

✔ Label uniforms and everyday essentials

✔ Reduce lost property stress

✔ Prepare everything before term starts

Quick Answer

Before the school term begins, label clothing such as jumpers, coats and PE kits along with items like water bottles, lunch boxes and pencil cases. Clear name labels help children and teachers quickly identify belongings.

What should be labelled before school starts?

Parents often focus on jumpers first, but many more items get misplaced during the school year. Labelling as much as possible at the start of term saves time later.

school jumpers and cardigans
shirts, polos and blouses
trousers, skirts and shorts
PE kits and sportswear
coats and jackets
water bottles
lunch boxes and snack pots
school bags and pencil cases

Which labels should you use?

Different school items need different types of labels. The easiest way to approach it is by surface type.

For clothing

Use labels designed to stick to garment care labels. These are ideal for school uniforms, PE kits and coats. Shop name labels for clothes

For bottles and lunch boxes

Use labels designed for hard surfaces. These are ideal for water bottles, lunch boxes and school supplies. Shop personalised stickers

For younger children

Photo labels can be especially useful for younger children who recognise their picture before they read their name. Shop photo name labels

Back to school labelling checklist

Sort all uniform and PE kit before term starts.
Apply clothing labels to garment care labels.
Label bottles, lunch boxes and school supplies.
Check coats, bags and sports kit are clearly marked.
Keep spare labels ready for replacement items.

Why families label early

Labelling before the school term begins helps avoid the last-minute rush. It also means children start the year with everything clearly organised from day one. That usually means fewer lost items, fewer replacement costs and a lot less frustration later in the term.

A simple place to start

If you are preparing for school and want a quick option, our white stick on clothing labels are one of the easiest ways to get uniforms labelled quickly.