Amanda Paolino’15, Cole Testaiuti ’16: In an effort to ease the process of back-to- school uniform shopping, Episcopal has decided to switch clothing providers from Flynn & O’Hara to Lands’ End. Although not strikingly evident at a glance, the uniform itself will undergo a few minor changes as a result of the switch.
Sarah Baker, VI Form Dean and overseer of the process, indicated that, “the customer service at Lands’ End is top notch.” The higher quality of service, she explained, was the primary reason for the switch.
“With Flynn & O’Hara, customers were previously unable to view or order uniforms with the same ease online. Lands’ Ends now
offers parents and students the option of purchasing products by phone, online, or from various Sears stores, such as the one located in the King of Prussia Mall.”
In terms of the uniform itself, the move to Lands End appears to have no effect upon the male half of the student body. The only way to access the Episcopal striped tie and the school blazer patch remains through the school store or the front desk in the campus center.
The change, however, does bring a few minor adjustments for the girls. With Land’s End, girls are now offered only one of the four previous kilt options. The new design closely resembles the navy kilt that had been sold by Flynn O’Hara. Nevertheless, girls are still permitted to wear the old gray, plaid, or light blue kilts that many most likely already own. For students who do not have more than one color of skirt, and would like another, their purchases must be made at Flynn O’Hara. Flynn O’Hara still produces the old designs, which can still be worn, even though the company is no longer affiliated with Episcopal. However, before anyone becomes too stressed by the now crossed company uniform, Baker also mentioned a few future possibilities with Lands’ End. If the school community is satisfied with its products this year, Baker noted that additional designs, that “more closely mimic the old ones,” may be created.
This prospect should assuage some of the concerns raised by students who are not fond of the new skirt. Haley Potter ’16 stated that, “It’s just easier for girls to wear the same kilts they’ve already bought, especially if the new one is less appealing.” Thankfully though, with the possibility of new uniforms to come from Lands end, it is possible that we will not find ourselves amongst a sea of blue, at least not for long.