Kids fashion has grown in recent years, and there are a number of apparel and footwear brands and categories available for children. According to OMR Research, the global kids’ wear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2023–2029). The world's steadily growing population is one of the main factors propelling market progress. According to UNICEF data, as of February 2023, there were 656.6 million children across the globe under the age of five. Additionally, according to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2022 report, 134 million babies were born globally in 2021. Between 2040 and 2045, the number of births is expected to more than double to 138 million per year.
Moreover, as the trend of social media grows, parents are creating accounts for their children as well and making them online celebrities, which is further increasing the demand for fashionable clothing and footwear to attract followers. Besides, retail growth and online commerce have both increased as a result of rapid urbanization in different regions of the world. Parents who live in metro areas have an especially high preference for branded children's clothing. Companies also market their kids’ wear mostly in urban areas and on online platforms, resulting in high market growth owing to urbanization and internet shopping.
Another factor in the market’s growth is the penetration of health-conscious efforts in the kids' wear line. For instance, in February 2023, Hanna Andersson, a children’s clothing brand, launched the first-ever activewear line for kids, called the Active. The line includes bike shorts, skorts, tank tops, and quarter-zip jackets. This clothing line is created using stretchable, moisture-wicking, and sun-blocking fabric. Moreover, 80% of Active Kids' clothing is made from recycled nylon and polyester.
Recent Developments
The key companies in the market include Adidas India Marketing Pvt. Ltd., Arvind Fashions Ltd. (Tommy Hilfiger), Benetton India Pvt. Ltd., Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., Carter's, Inc., Catmoss Retail Pvt. Ltd., Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., Gini & Jony Ltd., Future Lifestyle Fashions Ltd., H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB., Lilliput Kidswear Ltd., ID Group, and others. These companies contribute to the market’s growth through various product launches, marketing efforts, expansions, and other activities. Some of the recent developments in the market include-
• In February 2023, Frugi, a kids' clothing brand, announced the launch of its new line of children's clothing that emphasizes circularity and includes items made particularly to be recycled. To make sure that the new collection's design, development, and manufacturing processes incorporate important circular ideas, Frugi collaborated with the Circular Textiles Foundation.
• In February 2023, the pioneer in the children's footwear market, Stride Rite, introduced environmentally friendly shoes, the Sprout and Fern, which are produced from recycled and renewable materials. The shoes' eco-friendly design includes chrome-free suede that reduces pollution and produces cleaner waste streams; recycled twill lining and hook-and-loop; and a twill top comprised of 30% seaweed fiber and 70% organic cotton. The sneakers are available in small kids' sizes 3–10.
• In January 2023, Nike announced the debut of Jordan Brand’s 23/7 sneaker for children. The easy-entry shoe includes a step-in design that is suitable for children.
• In September 2022, Gerber Childrenswear LLC announced the release of "Our Softest Edit," a new Gerber® baby and toddler clothing line created in collaboration with Livaeco by Birla Cellulose. The super soft range of rompers, jammies, dresses, and headbands is available on GerberChildrenswear.com, Amazon.com, and Walmart.com and is constructed with a more sustainably manufactured Viscose fiber sourced mostly from natural eucalyptus. The new fabric choice (95% viscose, 5% spandex) is the brand's first of its kind.