Kids Apparel Market Analysis

Global Kids Apparel Market Overview

Kids Apparel Market Size valued at USD 186.2 Billion in 2022. The Kids Apparel market industry is projected to rise from USD 193.6 Billion in 2023 to USD 265.0 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.00% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Changing fashion trends and styles for children and parental awareness and concern for quality are the key market drivers enhancing growth of the market.

Source The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Kids Apparel Market Trends

Changing fashion trends and styles for children is driving the market growth

Market CAGR for kids' apparel is being driven by the changing fashion trends and styles for children. Parents often want their children to look stylish and on-trend. They are influenced by fashion trends and want their kids to dress in a way that reflects their own fashion sensibilities. As a result, they are more likely to purchase fashionable clothing for their children. As children grow and develop their own sense of style and identity, they become more vocal about their clothing choices. They are exposed to various fashion influences through media, peers, and social media platforms, which can affect their preferences for trendy clothing.

Children may feel pressure from their peers to dress in a certain way to fit in or stand out. This social aspect can drive the demand for clothing that aligns with current trends and styles as kids seek to be a part of the fashion conversation among their friends. Fashion trends for children are often popularized through media, including television, magazines, and social media. Advertisements and endorsements by celebrities or child influencers can have a significant effect on the clothing choices of both parents and children. Just like in the adult fashion industry, kids' apparel also experiences seasonal changes. As the weather changes, so do the clothing styles, creating a continuous cycle of demand for new and seasonally appropriate clothing. The rise of e-commerce and fast fashion has made it easier for parents to access a wide variety of fashionable kids' clothing. Online retailers can quickly adapt to and offer the latest trends, making it convenient for consumers to stay updated.

Events like birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings drive the purchase of special occasion clothing for children. These occasions often demand stylish and unique outfits. An increasing number of parents are concerned about the sustainability and ethical practices of children's clothing brands. This has given rise to a demand for trendy yet sustainable and eco-friendly apparel for kids. Some parents prefer to personalize their children's clothing, reflecting their unique style and identity. Brands that offer customization options tap into this trend. Celebrities and their children often set fashion trends that are emulated by others. When famous kids are seen wearing certain brands or styles, it can create a surge in demand for similar clothing items.

Additionally, factors like the age, gender, and activities of children can influence the choice of clothing, further driving the market. For example, sportswear for active kids, formal wear for special occasions, and seasonal attire are all influenced by parental concerns for their children's well-being and comfort. Thus driving the Kids Apparel market revenue.

Kids Apparel Market Segment Insights

Kids Apparel Product Type Insights

The Kids Apparel market segmentation, based on product type, includes Formal, Casual, and Semi-Formal. The casual segment dominated the market, accounting for the largest market revenue due to its versatility and comfort. Casual clothing appeals to parents and children alike as it can be worn on a daily basis, accommodating a wide range of activities and settings, from school to playdates. This category often includes t-shirts, jeans, and comfortable loungewear, reflecting the shift towards a more relaxed and practical approach to children's clothing, aligning with changing lifestyle preferences and the need for durable, easy-to-maintain garments. Further, the semi-formal category is anticipated to attain the second fastest-growing share as it strikes a balance between the casual and formal segments, making it the second most popular category.

Kids Apparel End User Insights

The Kids Apparel market segmentation, based on end user, includes Boys and Girls. The boy category dominates the market as the boys' apparel segment often covers a broader age range compared to girls', encompassing infants, toddlers, and older children, which naturally results in a larger consumer base. Also, the changing societal norms and gender-neutral fashion trends have led to a broader range of choices for boys' clothing, expanding their options and driving demand. As boys tend to be more active and wear out clothing faster, there is a consistent need for replacements and updates, contributing to the sustained growth of the boys' kids' apparel market. This combination of factors solidifies the influence of boys as key consumers in the market.

Kids Apparel Distribution Channel Insights

The Kids Apparel market segmentation, based on distribution channels, includes Offline and Online. The offline category dominates the market as parents often prefer shopping for children's clothing in physical stores, as they can see and feel the garments, ensuring the right fit and quality. Offline retailers offer a wide range of options in a single location, making it a convenient choice for busy parents. Further, in-store shopping provides a sensory experience for children and allows them to express their preferences, creating a sense of engagement and fun, which online shopping may lack. These factors combine to give the offline channel a strong foothold in the market, especially when it comes to kids' apparel.

Figure 1: Kids Apparel Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Kids Apparel Regional Insights

By region, the study gives market insights into the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Kids Apparel market area dominates this market due to its large consumer base with high disposable income, a strong fashion culture, and a penchant for frequent wardrobe updates for children, leading to consistent demand. The presence of well-established brands, extensive retail networks, and e-commerce platforms also contributes to North America's leading position in the kids' apparel market.

Further, the main countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: KIDS APPAREL MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source The Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Kids Apparel market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the shifting consumer preferences towards sustainable and ethically produced clothing for children as environmental consciousness and concern for child welfare lead to a growing demand for eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and high-quality, long-lasting clothing. Further, the German Kids Apparel market held the largest market share, and the UK Kids Apparel market was the fastest-growing market in European region.

The Asia-Pacific Kids Apparel Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from the year 2023 to 2032. This is due to a burgeoning population, rising middle-class income, and increasing urbanization, which leads to higher consumer spending on children's clothing. Moreover, China’s Kids Apparel market held the largest market share, and the Indian Kids Apparel market was the fastest-growing market in Asia-Pacific region.

Kids Apparel Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Kids Apparel market grow even more. Market players are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to spread their footprint, with important market developments including mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, contractual agreements, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To spread and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Kids Apparel industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize the operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by the manufacturers in the Kids Apparel industry to benefit the clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Kids Apparel industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to the apparel industry. Major players in the Kids Apparel market, including Carter’s, Inc., The Children's Place, Inc., Nike, Inc., Gianni Versace S.r.l, Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A, Hennes & Mauritz AB, Mothercare plc, Cotton On Group, Burberry, Gerber Childrenswear LLC, and others, are trying to increase market demand by investing in the research and development operations.

Carter's, Inc. is an American retail company that specializes in children's apparel and accessories. The company owns several popular brands, including Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, and Skip Hop. Each of these brands caters to different segments of the children's apparel and accessory market. Carter's, Inc. is known for providing high-quality and affordable children's clothing. Their products are designed to be both fashionable and practical, appealing to parents and caregivers. The company has a strong focus on the baby and toddler segments, recognizing the unique clothing needs of young children and infants. In September 2023, Carter's, Inc., the largest publicly traded children's apparel company in the United States, announced that it had acquired OshKosh B'gosh Corporation for $1.1 billion. This acquisition is expected to strengthen Carter's position in the kids apparel market and give it access to OshKosh B'gosh's strong brand and customer base.

Nike, Inc., one of the world's leading and most recognizable sports and athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment companies. Nike is known for its high-profile endorsements and sponsorships with athletes, teams, and organizations. They partner with many sports stars and sports teams, which enhances their brand image and visibility. Nike has invested heavily in its online presence and e-commerce capabilities, allowing customers to shop for their products directly from the Nike website and app. In June 2023, Nike, a leading sportswear company, announced a new partnership with Amazon to launch a new line of Nike-branded kids apparel on Amazon. This partnership is expected to give Nike a new way to reach its target audience and make it easier for parents to purchase Nike-branded kids apparel.

Key Companies in the Kids Apparel market include

• Carter’s, Inc


• The Children's Place, Inc


• Nike, Inc


• Gianni Versace S.r.l


• Industria de Diseño Textil, S.A


• Hennes & Mauritz AB


• Mothercare plc


• Cotton On Group


• Burberry


• Gerber Childrenswear LLC

Kids Apparel Industry Developments

For Instance, August 2023 The Children's Place, a leading children's apparel retailer, acquired Gymboree, another popular children's apparel retailer. This acquisition is expected to create a more diversified and competitive children's apparel company.

For Instance, July 2023 Hanes Brands, a leading apparel company, announced a new partnership with Disney to launch a new line of Disney-branded kids apparel. This partnership is expected to expand HanesBrands' reach into the kids apparel market and give Disney a new way to reach its target audience.

For Instance, June 2023 the sustainable clothing brand Pact partnered with the children's clothing brand Hanna Andersson to launch a new line of sustainable clothing for kids. The line is made from organic cotton and recycled materials.

Kids Apparel Market Segmentation

Kids Apparel Product Type Outlook

• Formal


• Casual


• Semi-Formal

Kids Apparel End User Outlook

• Boys


• Girls

Kids Apparel Distribution Channel Outlook

• Offline


• Online

Kids Apparel Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America