---
title: "A Teacher’s Guide to Choosing the Right PE Kit"
url: https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/a-teachers-guide-to-choosing-the-right-pe-kit-for-primary-schools/
description: "A helpful guide for teachers on choosing the right PE kit for primary schools, including tips on PE shorts, kit bags, and setting uniform standards."
---

# A Teacher’s Guide to Choosing the Right PE Kit for Primary Schools

13 January 2025 · [Advice](https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/categories/advice/)

## **PE Kit Guide**

Ensuring pupils have the right PE kit is key to promoting participation, comfort, and confidence in physical education. A modern, practical kit sets expectations for behaviour, safety, and readiness. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best decisions for your school.

**1. Keep It Simple and Functional**

The ideal PE kit should be affordable, comfortable, and suitable for all activities. Essentials to include:

- A plain t-shirt or polo shirt
- PE shorts
- Joggers or leggings for colder months
- A hoodie or sweatshirt for outdoor sessions
- Trainers with non-marking soles
- A labelled PE kit bag

Many schools opt for a plain white top and black shorts to keep things affordable and easy to find.

**2. Consider Weather and Seasonal Needs**

Ensure the kit works year-round:

- Include joggers and sweatshirts for winter PE
- Remind parents to pack hats and sunscreen in summer
- Include spare socks if sessions are on grass

For tips on warm-weather safety, see our blog on [Teaching Safe PE in the Heat](https://thepehub.co.uk/blog/teaching-safe-pe-in-the-heat/).

**3. Think About Safety Equipment**

Depending on your PE curriculum, you may want to include:

- Gum shields
- Shin pads
- Additional items for specific sports like hockey or football

Check AfPE’s [Safe Practice guidance](https://www.afpe.org.uk/page/Safe_Practice_in_PESSPA) when updating your PE kit requirements.

**4. Make It Inclusive**

Be mindful of all pupils:

- Allow options like skorts or joggers
- Make reasonable adjustments for cultural or religious dress requirements
- Consider sensory sensitivities when choosing materials

**5. Use Visual Aids to Show Expectations**

Help parents and pupils understand your policy with:

- Visual examples of the correct kit
- Clear dos and don’ts for clothing and footwear
- Suggested retail sources for hard-to-find items

**6. Communicate Clearly with Parents**

Good communication makes everything easier:

- Share any kit policy changes well in advance
- Provide a printed kit checklist with new starter packs
- Remind parents to label all items clearly

**7. Keep Lost Property to a Minimum**

Encourage families to:

- Use permanent name labels
- Re-check kits each term for sizing and missing items
- Store kits in labelled bags to avoid mix-ups

### **Ready to Level Up PE in Your School?**

With the right PE kit and clear expectations, children are free to focus on fun, learning, and movement. Want support embedding high-quality PE in your school day? The PE Hub offers:

- Ready-to-teach [lesson plans](https://thepehub.co.uk/features/lesson-plans/)
- A flexible [curriculum mapping tool](https://thepehub.co.uk/features/curriculum-maps/)
- High-impact [resources for primary PE teachers](https://thepehub.co.uk/features/resources/)

## Want to get started? Start your free trial today.

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