Kids Apparel Market Size, Share & COVID-19 impact Analysis, By Product Type (Formal, Casual, and Semi-Formal), By End-user (Boys and Girls), By Age Group (0-12 Months, 1-5 Years, 5-10 Years, and 10-12 Years), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global kids apparel market size was valued at USD 172.52 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 187.29 billion in 2022 to USD 296.85 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with kids apparel experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 24.70% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Kid’s fashion is becoming a trend as children's fashion and apparel are increasing awareness. Kid’s apparel is mainly made of cotton as it is easy to wash and has less shrinkage and color fading. Parents also love the soft, natural feel of cotton for their children. Demographic change is one of the most important drivers for the children's clothing market. Rapid urbanization has led to retail expansion, and e-commerce is also on the rise worldwide. The tendency to buy branded products for children is particularly strong among parents in big cities. Increasing parents' disposable income, media coverage, peer pressure, and children's brand awareness drive the global kids apparel market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Transport and Travel Restraints Hindered Market Progress During the Pandemic

The governments imposed worldwide lockdown and travel restrictions to minimize the spread of coronavirus in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the market growth. Various lockdowns imposed worldwide have forced manufacturers to close manufacturing facilities due to reducing demand for apparel products and labor shortages. Additionally, severe lockdowns worldwide negatively impacted sales in the market due to the closure of specialty stores, fashion stores, and hypermarket channels. Moreover, trade tensions and trade protectionist measures at the international level between China and Australia, the United States, and other trading partners are likely to hinder the sales of consumer goods in the short term. In recent years, several players implemented various strategies to minimize the operational impact of COVID-19 on the markets. Brand recovery strategies include diversifying product offerings, pricing, personalized marketing campaigns, and investing in new technologies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created business opportunities for domestic and foreign brands to take advantage of severe supply chain disruptions. Offline sales have been hit hard, but online sales have remained resilient during the COVID-19 crisis. In a post-COVID scenario, DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) should benefit from the customer relationship.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Influence of Social Media on Kids Apparel to Propel Market Growth

Parents in developed and developing countries use Instagram and other social media platforms to post pictures of themselves and their children in matching clothes. This trend was inspired by major brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, creating miniature and age-appropriate versions of adult clothing. This trend of partnering with children has gained tremendous popularity in the market. Fueled by celebrity parents such as Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, the trend could boost the market growth. The more time kids spend on social media, the more brand awareness they have and the more willing they are to share their opinions on clothing choices. Parents are also willing to make these decisions regardless of the costs involved, thus driving the market's growth.

Gender-neutral clothing is trending in the kidswear market. Manufacturers are focusing on launching gender-neutral apparel and boosting their product sales worldwide. For instance,

• In June 2021, Pascun launched a new category, Pascun Kids, on their website and special pop-up shops. The new category will feature gender-free wardrobe choices for kids between 4 and 14 years.


• In September 2021, the Row, a luxury brand, launched its first kids line of clothing, which is gender-neutral. The line includes crewneck sweaters, lounge pants, and belted cardigans, all in luxurious cashmere.

DRIVING FACTORS

Escalating Number of Newborn Babies Worldwide to Favor Market Expansion

The increasing number of newborns worldwide has led to an increase in demand for kids apparel products, resulting in parents increasing their clothing-related consumption. Significant progress has been made in reducing child mortality worldwide, which has positively impacted the growth of the children's apparel market. For instance, according to the World Bank, 25% of the worldwide population is under 15 years old in 2021.

Growing Demand for Branded Apparel Products to Fuel Market Progress

The demand for children's clothing has recently increased due to rapid changes in consumer lifestyles and changing demand for branded clothing. Consumers are always willing to switch to new products and brands to obtain maximum satisfaction from consuming quality products and make some strategic decisions related to product pricing. These aspects will likely influence the demand for kids apparel products and are expected to drive the global kidswear market during the forecast period. For instance, in November 2021, Poppabum, a sustainable premium clothing brand, offered a uniquely designed and vibrant range of jumpsuits and pinafores for children in the Indian market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Volatility in the Prices of Raw Materials to Hamper Sales

Fluctuations in the price of raw materials, such as cotton, which is used in manufacturing children's clothing, among others can hinder the market growth. Fluctuations in yarn prices are expected to continue as the demand for cotton continues to increase in the global market. Since the pandemic hit the world, the biggest news from the yarn industry has been price increases, which disrupted the textile value chain and impacted the final price of apparel products.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

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Casual Segment to Lead Backed by Regular Usage of Casual Clothes

The market is segmented into formal, casual, and semi-formal based on product type. The casual segment is estimated to rise at a significant growth rate during the forecast period. These days, parents are more concerned about their children's health and prefer clothes that are light, comfortable, and easy to wear all day long.

Since children have sensitive skins, they are prone to rashes, inflammation, and skin allergies. Parents choose children's clothes made of skin-friendly fabrics to prevent skin troubles. The materials used in children's clothing should be soft and light to provide maximum comfort for children.

By End-user Analysis

Boys Segment to Dominate the Market Due to Increasing Newborn Boys Birth Rate

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into boys and girls. The boys segment is expected to dominate the market as the number of boys born in the last few decades is more than that of girls worldwide. According to World Bank, the global sex ratio at birth was 106 male births per 100 female births in 2021. Manufacturers are launching new products to boost their sales of boy’s clothing. For instance, in July 2022, Airwalk ventured into the boys clothing section by launching a new extensive range of boys’ apparel at JCPenney.

However, the availability of a wide variety of clothes for baby girls, including dresses, skirts, and tops, is projected to experience a hike in the coming years, thus boosting the kids apparel market share of the girl’s end-user segment. For instance,

• In February 2022, Maurices, an apparel retailer, expanded into women’s fashion and launched tween girl’s (ages 8-12) brand, Evise.


• In December 2021, Myntra launched Justice, an exclusive girls’ tween fashion brand in India.

By Age Group Analysis

Kids Preference for Stylish & Trendy Apparels to Drive the 10-12 Years Segment to Dominate the Market

The market is segmented into 0-12 months, 1-5 years, 5-10 years, and 10-12 years based on age group. The 10-12 years segment held the largest share of the market in 2021. Increasing preference for branded clothes and the growing trend for parents & kids to wear identical clothes surge the demand for the product. Furthermore, escalating demand for stylish and trendy apparel is boosting the market growth.

The 1-5 years segment is expected to grow significantly throughout the forecast period. The increasing number of newborn babies and the rising trend of using branded items are key factors driving the market growth. Furthermore, parents opting for sustainable, durable, and long-lasting clothes that do not have any adornments, which could rip off and lead to strangling hazards, choking, or tripping are driving the growth of the segment in the market.

Gender-neutral baby apparel is gaining significant popularity, and many key players are introducing unisex sections to their children's clothing categories. Consumers are becoming more conscious about their baby’s presentation and want new cultural trends to be adopted. These factors surge the demand for baby and toddler clothing and are expected to grow in the coming years. Market players are focusing on launching products to cater to this segment's increasing demand for baby apparel. For instance,

• In April 2022, H&M launched a new line of baby clothes with a 12-piece cotton collection for newborns, which are recyclable.


• In September 2022, PatPat, a toddler and baby clothing brand, launched Go-Neat Techwear, its first baby techwear range for babies and toddlers that is extra comfortable and stain-restraint.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Offline Segment to Lead Owing to Rising Number of Offline Stores

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into offline and online. Offline channels segment held a large market share in 2021, accounting for over 75% of the global revenue. Large children's clothing retailers are encouraging retail expansion to meet the growing demand for baby clothing. Manufacturers are focusing on expanding their distribution channel and product portfolio. For instance, in November 2021, Peter England launched Peter England Boys and Girls in the kidswear segment with its exclusive store in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

Online channels are expected to grow significantly through the forecast period. Rising internet penetration and ongoing promotions by e-commerce sites, such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Alibaba, along with the significant discounts they offer have made online shopping more accepted among parents worldwide. Additionally, this distribution channel provides a platform for new entrants to the industry to promote and sell their products worldwide, regardless of geographical boundaries. For instance,

• In June 2021, Brave Kid, a company of the OTB Group, opened its direct online multi-brand store and new additions to its licensed brands, including the addition of the MM6 Maison Margiela line to its portfolio.


• In 2020, Nykaa Fashion launched kids apparel on its official website and app with more than 30 International and Indian kids apparel brands.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The global market is studied across Europe, North America, South America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific is expected to maintain a significant market share during the forecast period, owing to the growing infant population, increasing disposable income, and improved childcare in rural and urban areas, especially in developing countries such as India and China. Consumer spending on children's clothing and footwear in Asia is expected to increase due to robust economic growth and rising household incomes. For instance, in July 2021, Nesavu launched a new designer ethnic kids apparel store in Coimbatore, India.

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North America is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Working-class parents in the U.S. are becoming more aware of the safety and health of their infants, leading to a growing labor force and an increase in dual-income households. Recently, rising temperatures in the region have prompted parents to purchase high-quality woolen baby products that provide comfort and safety for their babies. Demand for products increases during festivals and events when many children participate in programs such as Halloween, cosplay, and school talent shows. These factors are driving the market growth in this region.  

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

The kids’ apparel market is highly competitive, and prominent players such as Carter’s, Nike, Burberry, and others have focused on store launches, partnerships, and expansions for a strong foothold in the market. Players focus on promotion and marketing strategies to create strong brand awareness. In April 2022, Michael Kors launched a new sporty-chic line of children’s clothing.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Carter’s, Inc. (U.S.)


• The Children's Place, Inc. (U.S.)


• Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A. (Inditex) (Spain)


• Hennes & Mauritz AB (Sweden)


• Nike, Inc. (U.S.)


• Mothercare plc (U.K.)


• Cotton On Group (Australia)


• Gianni Versace S.r.l. (Italy)


• Burberry (U.K.)


• Gerber Childrenswear LLC (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In October 2022: H&M launched its new collection “Imagine That”, the first independent kidswear range from its innovation stories initiative. The new collection is produced from recycled bottles and a cactus-derived leather alternative.


• In October 2022: Les Petits, a luxury fashion brand, launched a new exclusive range of kids apparel from its in-house brands Rang and Stella Rossa. The new collection of Rang consists of ethnic wear, while Stella Rossa caters more to party wear for special occasions.


• In October 2022: Starrior, a kids clothing brand, launched its first collection of high-quality, eco-friendly clothing for children. The range consists of t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, sweatpants, hats, and everyday wear in sizes ranging from Newborn to Youth XL.


• In July 2022: Abercrombie kids, an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. division, launched its new denim collection 2022 for kids with brand new options for fit and sizing.


• In January 2022: Michael Kors, in partnership with Children Worldwide Fashion (CWF) announced the launch of children’s apparel and accessories for boys and girls.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Kids Apparel Market

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The research report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects such as prominent companies, product types, and sizes. Besides this, the research report provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth.

Report Scope & Segmentation