Private schools have always mandated the children wear uniforms. Parents are already aware of this policy well in advance. Most private schools do own their own uniform shops due to the uniform colors and prints being 'recopied" from other private schools.Where I live now there's only 8 private schools in the whole county, Now back home there's 59 in my county ( this doesn't included the charter schools), Thus there's more shops to buy from. So it really depends on how many schools there are vs where you are able to buy from. Now, even tho most private schools state you have to buy from their shops that usually only means their skirts, jumpers and Skorts and dresses. mainly due to the "print" But in my dealings with having my oldest DD attend 2 different schools you are able to find a uniform shop that will order the same print-colors that supply the school shop.( sometimes you are lucky to hit a sale there also ).but in either case, it's usually only these items. Now as far as shirts. I have never seen a private school that solely required you wear only their shirts with logos. you have the opt to wear a solid color or the "schools"logo shirt. can be an advantage as well as the pants. Both you can pick up any where since they are solid colors with no logos. However, 99.9 % of private school state girls can't wear pants. Now , getting into private vs public schools uniforms. Outside the girls both can be just as costly due to the logo's. If you want your child to wear the logo school shirts you will shell out the same price Vs a private school. If you want your child to wear only uniforms that come from a good quality shop you will pay the same price. the only differences I can see or have knowledge of is the girls. Public schools do not have a "print" and the girls can wear pants. But, both private and public schools you can get solid color shirts and pants from anywhere.or at least thats how it's done in this county and back home.
BTW, Jackets and sweaters are the same, unless it has to have the logo.
Our schools in both counties offer the parents and students a choice on logo items. Jackets, shirts, sweaters P.E uniforms. You must order from the schools. They have been always the same or near same price as private schools. Now here at the public schools shirts, jackets, sweaters and P.E uniforms are only offered at a few times. P.E, Shirts are offered at the start of the school year, Jackets and sweater are only offered in the fall. So if you want them with a logo you better get them when offered or else due without till next school year. I got really lucky last week and founded a logo wind breaker for my 6 yo DD at a bargain store for 2.99 ( org cost 29.00 ) I have also picked up my kids logo shirts for 1.99 ( org cost 25.00 ). I don't "normally" buy logo's. The public schools offer them because they get a small percentage of the cost ( I want to say I was told 1.00 - 2.50 ) So they offer them so they can get the money. I'm sure it's the same way with the private schools if they are requiring your friend to buy only from the school. They are making a TON on the sale. They really don't have any over head cost. They buy from a company at a discount and charge ungodly prices for something they only paid 5- 10 for. ( Remember they buy in bulk ) since all the kids are required to have the same thing. But thats the price of sending a child to private schools as far as uniforms go. But as far as pants and shirts go they really don't make a profit if you are able to go outside the school.

Now, Take the uniforms Vs regular clothing .I don't really see much difference in the prices. Unless you outfit your child in 2nd handed clothing which most DON'T outside this site, Hey after all we are a Coupon site/ smart bargain shopping site And we value the bargain like no ones business . Most parents are willing to slap down 50.00 for a pair of jeans and 30.00 for a logo shirt. Thats 80.00 FOR 1 OUTFIT ! .and this doesn't even add in the shoes of 40.00, 50.00 or even more. But unless the school requires their own print or you dress your child in the "name brands" you are still spending the same amount of money... I see no differences in the prices.

Parents that send their children to public schools are willing to pay the same prices for NON uniform clothing as they would be paying if that same public school was requiring uniforms. In my personal opinion it IS cheaper to have uniforms in the public schools since I not willing to shell out 50.00 for a pair of jeans and I'm willing to pay 15.00 for uniforms pants. I have saved 35.00..

I bet if I was to tour a public school with out a uniform policy I would find over 90 % of the kids wearing brand named clothing and shoes. Out of those . I would only find very few that got the items on sale. Parents are too wiling to pay what ever cost for what ever the " most up to dated " thing thats going so their child doesn't " stick out " Again this is not the same as us on this site as we are all here for the bargains, we are a Few in the shopping world.

The word YOU is meant as ( general you ).

This will NEVER happen hence why public schools are now turning to uniforms. History has shown thru the years by watching private schools that there's less problems with kids attacking each from lack of being able to afford that 100.00 pair of jeans. When children feel they are "equal" in the clothing world there's less problems. Thus why more and more public schools are either test running uniforms or now requiring uniforms.