Evolution of Children’s Wear as an Independent Fashion Industry Drives Gains in the Global Children’s Wear Market

The global market for Children’s Wear is forecast to reach US$339 billion by 2024, driven by factors such as improving birth rates in some of the major countries, growing affluence of parents with  higher disposable incomes, expanding base of luxury and designer children’s wear sector,  and growing penetration of organized retail across emerging countries.

Children’s wear has evolved into one of the most lucrative segments in the global clothing industry, holding significant sales potential. The dynamic world of children’s wear is now known for exciting fashion trends, new styles and collections designed to make kids comfortable, stylish, and trendy. Global children’s wear market is driven by a combination of factors including improving economies, growing disposable incomes, high birth rates in certain countries, growing influence of media, design innovations and expanding product offerings by manufacturers and designers. Children also tend to outgrow shoes and clothes quickly, creating the need for new clothing. Demographic trends such as rise in millennial parents and working women with greater disposable incomes also contribute to the industry growth. The growing penetration of organized retail across emerging countries provides consumers with an extensive array of children’s brands and products, which is anticipated to further push spending on children’s clothing.

Notable trends in children fashion space include adorable imitations of adult fashion and rise in adoption of unisex clothing. Usage of environmentally friendly materials is taking on center stage. In an attempt to reduce carbon footprint, manufacturers of children’s clothing, more particularly in developed countries, are increasingly adopting usage of organic fibers and new eco-friendly fibers made from hemp, bamboo, organic cotton and soy fabrics, thereby cashing in on the trend towards greener clothing.  Mounting parental concern about the safety of clothes worn by their children is contributing to surge in popularity of organic fabrics that utilize natural resources and are free of toxic chemicals. Luxury childrenswear is currently widespread, offering lucrative opportunities for several adult fashion houses entering the market. All major luxury accessories and apparel brands now offer fashion for the under-twelves. This is in line with rising fashion consciousness among parents and children. The athleisure trend which has become popular in the women’s and men’s wear market is also trickling down to the kidswear market as well.  Children's wear manufacturers are also shifting attention towards making of adaptive clothing that are easier to put on and are comfortable for kids with special needs.

As stated by the new market research report on Children’s Wear, Asia-Pacific represents the largest and the fastest growing market with a CAGR of 7.7% over the analysis period, led by factors such as favourable demographics, increasing number of nuclear families with a large number of double-income parents, expansion of the organized retail segment, and preference for premium apparels among the affluent middle class.

Key players in the market include Benetton Group S.p.A., Carter’s Inc., OshKosh B'gosh Inc., Esprit Holdings Limited,  Fruit of the Loom Inc., Gap Inc., Global Brands Group Holding Limited, Gymboree Corp., Hanesbrands, Inc., J.C. Penney Company Inc., Kellwood Company LLC, Kohls Corporation, Macy’s Inc., Marks & Spencer, Mothercare Group, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sears Holdings Corp.,  KMART, Target Corp., The Children’s Place Retail Stores, and VF Corporation, among others.

The research report titled “Children’s Wear - Market Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of market trends, drivers, issues, challenges, and other strategic activities of major companies. The report provides market estimates and projections in dollars for all major geographic markets including the US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India and Rest of Asia-Pacific), the Middle East and Latin America (Brazil and Rest of Latin America). Product segments analyzed include Boys Wear, Girls Wear, and Infants & Toddlers.

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