Kidswear Market Assessment, By Product Type [Clothing, Footwear, Accessories], By Category [Formalwear, Activewear, Beachwear and Swimwear, Loungewear, Others], By Material [Leather, Wool, Cotton Mix/Blended, Polyester, Cotton, Others], By End-user [Girls

Kidswear Market Assessment, By Product Type [Clothing, Footwear, Accessories], By Category [Formalwear, Activewear, Beachwear and Swimwear, Loungewear, Others], By Material [Leather, Wool, Cotton Mix/Blended, Polyester, Cotton, Others], By End-user [Girls, Boys], By Age Group [Toddlers, Preschooler, Grade-schoolers, Above 12 years], By Price Range [Mass Segment, Premium Segment, Luxury Segment], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global kidswear market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 191.72 billion in 2023 to USD 276.08 billion in 2031.

The kidswear market is witnessing growth due to factors such as introduction of colorful and playful kidswear merchandise by the key players, increasing disposable income of consumers, rise in the influence of social media inducing the consumers to make frequent purchases and buy trendy and fashionable clothes, celebrity endorsements, availability of flexible and gender neutral kidswear, focus on functional and comfortable clothing, and rise of the retail stores.

Also, the usage of bamboo and cotton for the creation of breathable, comfortable, and sustainable kidswear is supplementing the market growth. For instance, Peregrine kidswear offers a range of kids’ bamboo clothing.

Growing demand for branded and premium kidswear is due to a rise in disposable income. As personal income grows, parents spend more on high-quality and luxury kidswear to boast about their social status and standard of living. Moreover, higher disposable income aligns with consumers’ desire to spend on luxury experiences that enhance their appeal and satisfaction. The preference of the consumers drives the market growth for premium and luxury kidswear.

The unisex apparel fosters the kidswear market's growth by eliminating the requirement of separate production of boys and girls, streamlining consumers’ shopping experience, promoting inclusivity, and catering to a broader audience with the need to maintain large stocks. For instance, Pacsun, an apparel retailer launched its latest category of Pacsun Kids, which featured gender-neutral apparel for kids of age group 4 years to 14 years.

The growth of the global kidswear market is supported by the design of vibrant and colorful clothing, footwear, and accessories, as consumers often get attracted to vibrant and colorful stuff. For instance, in March 2023, There Was One, launched kidswear collection which comprises of vibrant and colorful pieces for both boys and girls. Their clothes have bold prints, brightly colored knitwear, raincoats, and graphic t-shirts, which appeals to the kids, serving the age group of 4 to 10 years.

Clothing Segment to Dominate Global Kidswear Market

Clothing dominates global kidswear market share for various significant reasons. Due to the rise in dual-income families, parents have higher disposable income. Hence, they are willing to spend on quality and wider variety of children’s clothing. Moreover, modern parents are more inclined towards prioritizing their kid’s comfort and well-being. The inclination of parents towards better and smart clothing is driving the growth for superior quality, functional, durable, and fashionable apparels in the kidswear market.

Moreover, clothing offers a wide variety of options, ranging from everyday essentials such as t-shirts and jeans to formal wear such as suits and dresses. Moreover, the clothing brands are frequently innovating products and incorporating new materials, designs, and technologies to enhance durability, comfort, and style. Continuous innovation attracts consumers looking for high-quality and fashionable clothing for their children.

In September 2023, H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB collaborated with Eva Chen to launch a kid’s collection. The collection is a gender-neutral collection which include standout pieces such as a classic and cozy stripped fisherman sweater and pointelle cardigan set.

Kidswear for Boys to Hold a Greater Market Share

Kidswear for boys is expected to dominate global kidswear market share over the girls kidswear due to the boys to girls ratio. The global population of boys is greater than the global population of girls. As per the data of UN World Population Prospects, in 2024, the sex ratio at birth globally is 105.5 boys per 100 girls. With 106.03 boys per 100 girls in the age group of 0-14 years, accounting to 1.033 billion boys and 974 million girls.

Various trends have been observed in the kidswear for boys such as incorporation of cartoon characters and other elements inspired by superheroes, sports, outer space, and adventure. These themes and elements align with the interest and imagination of boys and foster the market growth.

Moreover, the development of functional kidswear, such as moisture-wicking fabrics in sportswear, is further appealing to parents as these features cater to their kids' practical needs. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on quality and improving products to promote the growth of the global kidswear market.

Cartoon Character Inspiration Serves as Global Kidswear Market Trend

Cartoon-inspired kidswear has emerged as a significant factor that is driving the growth of the global kidswear market. These offerings provide kids with beloved characters and popular cartoon themes, captivating their imaginations and interests. Brands use these elements in visually appealing designs, incorporating vibrant colors, unique patterns, and iconic imagery. Moreover, the increasing access to digital media and the penetration of the internet globally have impacted the choices and preferences of young consumers, driving global kidswear market growth.

Additionally, cartoon-inspired kidswear enables children to express their personalities and creativity through fashion, fostering a sense of individuality. The widespread popularity of these collections has led to increased demand in the kidswear market, facilitating the opportunities of expansion for the manufacturers in the global marketplace. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, cartoon-inspired kidswear remains a pivotal factor in shaping the trend of the global kidswear market, fueling innovation and driving market growth.

Online Retail to Foster the Market Growth

Online retail is driving the growth of the kidswear market for several reasons. Convenience plays a significant role in online retail as it allows shoppers to browse and purchase clothing from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the requirement of travel and saving consumers’ valuable time. Additionally, the wide range of options available online offers a greater array of choices as compared to the offline stores, allowing the parents to choose specific styles and sizes in their preferred brands with convenience. Moreover, online retail provides accessibility to the consumers to a global marketplace.

Additionally, the online retailers offer competitive pricing and frequent discounts, making it more cost-effective and budget-friendly for the consumers, enhancing the overall experience of parents while shopping.

For instance, in September 2022, Gerber Childrenswear LLC announced the launch of their Softest Edit, latest Gerber baby and toddler apparel line which was developed by the company in partnership with Livaeco by Birla Cellulose. The offerings are available exclusively on online retail platforms at Amazon, GerberChildrenswear.com, and Walmart.com.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Global kidswear market has been witnessing growth in the historical period and is anticipated to surge in the forecast period as well as due to manufacturers catering to the children’s preference of unique and colorful clothing, footwear, and accessories. Moreover, technological advancements in footwear, such as LED light footwear and funky prints and designs, are further appealing to consumers.

For instance, in April 2023, PatPat, children’s e-commerce brand, introduced its most unconventional and innovative development, Go-Glow. This kids’ clothing brand combines fabric with illuminating technology, Glotech, which makes clothings appealing and playful for kids aged 3 to 8 years old.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players are helping in the growth of the market by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

The key players are innovating the designs and prints of the kidswear and launching exclusive range of products. For instance, in November 2023, The Gap, Inc. unveiled its latest DAP Collection of kids’ clothing. The collection which included 18 pieces, including the hoodies and sweatpants in DAP logo and a tote bag with clutch insert, baseball, socks, hats, and a logo ascot, is available in sizes for toddlers of 12-18 months at a retail price of USD 25 to USD 128.