AW21- MARKET RESEARCH:

Parents prefer variety in designs, colors, and natural fabrics and hence, the fashion industry
players are striving to meet the increasing and changing preferences of the consumers. With the
ever-evolving parent preferences along with the rapidly changing fashion scenario, the kids’
apparel and accessories markets focus on product innovations. This is the reason why they come
up with trendy designs- to satiate the parents’ cravings for adorning their kids in a fashion
influencer avatar. With the Covid-19 pandemic changing consumer buying priorities and habits as well

as affecting finance, listed below are prominent trends:

Rise of Craft

The first key driver is around the rise of craft. During the stay home orders across the globe,
families were crafting at an unprecedented rate. Google Trends reported a 150% rise in
“kids craft ideas” in March alone. We expect this trend to continue to drive kids’ apparel design,
with an eye towards considered craft, authenticity, as well as the celebration of local cultures.

This is also a good place to explore upcycling and deadstock materials for a sustainable-driven
focus, highlighting key items such as patchwork jeans, crafted puffs, as well as removable-collar
dresses. 
Elevated basics:
There’s a strong consumer shift towards comfort-driven purchases with anticipated lasting
lifestyle changes. Elevate core bestsellers such as the turtleneck, dungaree, as well as a two-piece
set, all featuring high-quality materials and minimal design features that allow for more extended
wear.
Adaptable construction:
Adaptable construction will become priority and it has already been picking up momentum in the
kids wear space. Consumers will look to items that offer value, but not in the traditional sense,
instead with items that offer multifunctional qualities. For example, adding features to items such
as the puffa poncho that can allow it to open up and double as a blanket, or a removable-pocket
skirt all, where the pocket can be removed and worn as a purse. 

Speaking about the latest trends in the growing fashion industry; GENDERLESS
FASHION has made its way to kids wear as well.

Breaking free from all stereotypes, gender-neutral fashion makes its way into kids wear – and is
here to stay. Fashion United deciphers a societal change driven by millennials.
What started as a trend in women’s and men’s runway collections is not a niche statement
anymore. Kid swear is letting go of its outdated cliché of pink versus blue, welcoming unisex
clothes that allow for self-expression and a neutral concept of gendered identities.
Genderless children’s wear focuses on the functional rather than the decorative side of fashion
and enables kids to play freely in clothes that do not restrict movements.

Kid swear is letting go of its outdated cliché of pink versus blue, welcoming unisex clothes that
allow for self-expression and a neutral concept of gendered identities.
The economic impact of genderless kid’s wear is not to be forgotten. It brings newness without
compromising the planet, there is less throwaway clothing in landfills and a reduction of the
manufacturing carbon footprint. It becomes a way for brands and retailers to bring in more
consumers and increase their profits.

COLOR TRENDS:
Children grasp the essentials of the world through their eyes and bright colors are one of the
aspects of visual that help distinguish them and categorize objects. Their eyes see the color and
they thus remember the things according to the color it’s painted in. It’s easier for them to
distinguish bright colors, also they be happy in bright colors. Color has also known to affect their
behavior and mood. Thus, it’s really important for you to choose best color combination for kids
clothing. Let’s here read to know what are some best color combinations you can pair their
clothes to.
Bright, juicy, deep shades prevail in the 2021 season. The development of computer games has
influenced the world of fashion. The border between reality and the virtual world is blurred. 
o Digital, acidic colors will be key while saturated, neon colors will create a futuristic
effect. 
o Black is also included in children’s fashion. An uncertain future lead to long reflections
on a dark night. Black is the color of silence, alluring attractiveness, and restraint. 
o Fashion designers define red as the second most popular color of the season. Moreover,
all its shades from scarlet to burgundy. It is included in the wardrobe of not only girls but
also boys. Unlike black, red symbolizes rebirth and an uncontrollable spirit, which is so
characteristic of children. 
o The next relevant color is purple. It ranges from pastel lavender to deep purple. Dressed
in a light purple outfit, the child seems like in a fairy-tale world. The romantic image will
inspire new achievements and belief in miracles. Purple will harmoniously fit into an
urban, dynamic style. 
Color blocking:
The so-called color blocking, the use of a contrasting color of the fabric in any details of the
product, has long been present on the catwalks in kids’ fashion. This season, designers have
decided to accentuate the details of the clothes, adding contrasting piping on various
elements – on the collar, shoulders, plackets, and flaps.
Color blocking is a method of wearing multiple solid colors in an outfit. It is sometimes
written as color blocking, with two separate words. The outfit revolves around a palette of
two or more colors, usually in bold and bright shades. The result is a simple yet very chic
look. Prints and patterns are typically not used in color blocking as such designs would take
away from the “blocked” visual.
 How to color block?
Creating a successful and eye-catching color blocking moment takes just a touch of creativity
along with following these easy tips and tricks. There are three different ways to go about
color blocking
Trend 1: Monochromatic
By mixing different tones, saturation and texture of the same color you can take a softer (yet
equally fun!) approach to the color blocking trend. This is a great place to get started if you're
quite new to wearing color as it's impossible to go wrong! We have no doubt you're going to
become addicted to how wearing color makes you feel and be keen to move onto the next
trend very quickly. Try a navy-blue skirt paired with electric blue blouse and baby
blue belt for a moody everyday look or if you're off to a celebration, a soft blush dress, blush
satin pumps and sparkly pink belt works a treat.
Trend 2: Same Color Family
During the summertime, the brighter the better! We adore bright pink tones paired with red,
or fresh green hues and navy blue to complement each other beautifully. During the colder
months you may opt for more deep purples with navy or red and burgundy for a rich autumn
look.

Trend 3: Contrasting Tones

This trend is all about jumping from opposite sides of the colour wheel to create a look with
maximum impact. This look is perfect for celebrations as it is bound to instantly uplift any
room that you walk into and enhance the part vibes! Remember, confidence is always the key
to pulling of a bold fashion statement. Carry yourself with the same pizazz of the bright
colour that you are wearing. As a general rule, we recommend sticking with two or three
complimentary colors here to no overwhelm the look. 

Bright colors:
In recent years Winter has seen more neutral-colored options for children. This Winter we
expect to see bright colors saturating the styles. More looks will feature a dominant bright
 color or combination of vivid colors. We expect basic primary colors like Red, Yellow, and
Blue to grow in popularity. Children will love this new splash of color.
Adult looks:
Many people associate children’s clothing with cartoon characters, children’s shades,
carefree shapes, and styles. However, nowadays, outfits for babies look like adults’ but in
smaller versions. Kid’s fashion will bring many bright shades to the stylish wardrobe, in
particular:
 coral,
 blue,
 yellow,
 bright red,
 mint,
 black,
 gray,
 green shades.
Unisex Looks:
At the same time, the boundaries of colors between things for boys and girls are erased. Fashion
designers are increasingly offering unisex options. The tendency is the same as in the fashion of
adults.

PRINTS AND PATTERNS:

Prints and patterns rule the kids’ apparel industry in 2021. Layers, geometric cuts, asymmetry,
and pleated patterns will be increasingly preferred along with stripes, checks, floral, abstract,
geometric, artsy, and cartoonist prints. This will provide the requisite funky, vibrant and childish
appearance to the kids.
Animal Prints:
It is not just the feature garments and separates that will show off more animal themes.
Accessories will take on the look more of animals, too. There are more backpacks and purses
shaped like animals, and more head-to-toe looks will incorporate animal-themed textiles and
animal graphics. We expect children to go wild for this trend.
Eye- Catching Graphics:
attention-grabbing sayings, humor, and characters remain popular this Winter. More
coordinating outfit options featuring graphics will again be popular, too. Looks for siblings and
parents to match or complement children’s looks will expand. Those choices with graphics will
be most popular.
 
No matter the budget or occasion, the growing availability of kids’ fashion choices has become
available. This is especially true this Winter. Garments, outfits, and accessories will feature even
more options that showcase personality and style. We will also see more options that create an
entire look. From head to toe, we expect to see children stepping out in more looks specifically
tailored to their personalities and needs.
Ditsy prints:
Tiny, delicate florals are spreading their tendrils everywhere this season. Think miniature vintage
chintz, liberty prints and muted tones and you’ll get the picture. These are the kind of fabrics you
might find in your great grandmother’s trunk, saved for the very best and softest patchwork quilt.
Geometric prints:
These are in fashion all the time in kid’s wear. Bright colorful prints.
Tie & dye:
Hippy, dippy Tie-Dye is spiraling all over t-shirts, dresses and overalls this season, giving a
homespun feel to clothes and reminding us of the creative hands behind the process.
Gingham:
Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric typically with striped, check or plaid
patterns in white and a bright color made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarns. It is made of
carded, medium or fine yarns.

FABRIC CHOICES:
1) COTTON: Cotton is traditionally considered one of the most environmentally friendly
fabrics. Children’s jeans, t-shirts, dresses, and baby rompers from this fabric are perfect
for any time of the year: they do not cause allergies, are durable enough, and are highly
chemical resistant. Cotton allows air to pass through it, and it can absorb and retain
moisture. Nevertheless, it also has drawbacks: difficult ironing and the ability to change
the shape during washing. That is why a small amount of elastane or polyester is allowed
in cotton items.

2) LINEN: Linen, like cotton, is one of the most popular natural fabrics. Linen items are
perfect for hot summer weather. It passes air well, absorbs moisture, but it is difficult for
ironing. Natural linen can be hard to touch, which is not very good for baby skin.
However, clothes from thin linen are still a good option.

3) FLEECE: It is a synthetic artificial fabric that is often used in the production of

children’s clothing. Fleece has many advantages: it is durable, easy to wash, dries
quickly, and does not deform. Besides, fleece does not cause allergies. Due to this set of
 advantages, fleece fabric has gained great popularity among sportswear and outerwear,
especially for children.

4) WOOL: This is a natural fabric with many advantages, but it requires special attention
and care. Wool is great for children’s clothes, as it keeps heat and almost does not get
dirty. Nevertheless, some types of woolen fibers cause discomfort when worn. Therefore,
when choosing children’s items from woolen fabric, pay attention to the composition of
the wool. For example, acryl will soften the fabric, and it will certainly be pleasant to the
touch.

KNITTED FABRICS:
Artificial eco-friendly, recycled elastic fiber and soft eco-dyed cotton can be applied to maintain
the yarn color natural and original. Its natural perspiration, quick drying, deodorization and
temperature control add healthy elements to the fabric. The air-permeable and soft plain knitting
provides tactility and practicality. The natural knitted fabric has delicate surface and soft tactility,
which can create versatile knitted items in neutral pale colors.

PROMINENT FASHION TRENDS:

There is a decidedly nostalgic vibe to a lot of the upcoming fall trends for kids. Maybe this retro
spirit is being driven by our longing for a simpler, safer time, when stylish students were more
concerned with outfits than with masks. And yet, for every old-school classic making a
comeback.
1. Multi- colored garments:  it is one of the current trending designs in the market. These are
nothing but abstract designs with different combinations of colors. They are very eye-
catching and look adorable on your kids. These designed dresses are well-suited for any
occasion.
2. Character T- shirts: So, I am assuming that you have researched your kid's liking. Now
search for their favorite cartoon, fictional, and comic character T-shirts. Also, see that the
colour scheme is properly matching the shirt's character; so that the image may be
highlighted.
3. Pumpkin Sweats: Call it the Kanye effect. Matching sets of oversize athleisure in rust,
putty, beige or cocoa are now the official uniform of under-10 influencers. Cozy autumn
leaves-inspired looks.
4. Over-size: Unlike previous seasons, the oversize will be restrained, the volume of outfits
will be accentuated. We are at the stage of freedom and emancipation in everything,
including clothes. Oversize is exactly what gives comfort, practicality and does not
hinder movement.
5. Mixing fabrics: The combination of fabrics with lacquer and modern jacket fabrics cause
different sensations, look interesting and unusual. New fabrics and combinations should
 be included on the list of important trends, as they open up the possibility of creative
experimentation.
6. Futuristic fabrics: The trend for the use of high-tech, futuristic fabrics was quite high
last season and continues to be popular in 2021. Fabrics with a metallic, holographic,
vinyl coating are relevant. During Haute Couture weeks, designers showcased the
possibilities of lacquer-effect materials and metal foil usage to reflect the personality that
the younger generation is striving for. The rainbow and holographic colors create a
cosmic effect and uplift the mood. Metallic fabrics are in trend, however, in this season,
fashion designers rely on non-ferrous metals (green, blue, cappuccino). Gold and silver
remain trendy; however, the priority is on the color variety side.

Understanding the online market growth of children’s wear:

 The kids wear segment took the online apparel industry by surprise with over 200% order
volume growth, says a study by e-commerce enablement company Unicommerce
 Sale of kids wear on e-commerce channels for apparels grew significantly in FY21
compared to a year ago period, as parents logged online when lockdowns forced stores to
shut down, according to a study on the online fashion market. The study was by e-
commerce enablement company Unicommerce.
 Overall, online fashion order volumes were down 4% in FY21 compared to FY20, as the
pandemic impacted sale of occasion and formal wear.
 The fear of children getting infected in offline shopping has been a key driver for parents
to shop online for kids wear. Given the current situation, this growth trend is expected to
continue establishing kids wear as a lucrative category with immense growth potential
 Casual wear brands, on the other hand, reported a 49% growth in year-on-year in order
volumes as compared to the previous financial year.
 Moreover, Indian kids in both urban and semi-urban regions are increasingly being
exposed to media and are therefore more aware about brands which cater to them. This
has resulted in children’s active participation in their apparel purchase decisions as much
as their parents.
 Additionally, organized retailers and foreign investors are establishing brands which
target the requirements of both parents and their children. They have attracted consumers
through better visual merchandising, right product assortment, promotional strategies and
focused advertising.

REFERENCES:
 https://fashionunited.com/news/fashion/genderless-kidswear-how-the-trend-is-
turning-into-societal-statement/2021070140804
 https://www.wgsn.com/blogs/three-key-trends-for-kidswear-a-w-21-22/
 https://www.urdesignmag.com/lifestyle/2021/05/25/5-trends-in-kids-fashion-in-2021/
 hoprockvale.com/kids-winter-fashion-2020/
 https://www.babycouture.in/blog/ideal-colour-combination-for-kids-clothing/
 https://ourculturemag.com/2021/01/05/stylish-kids-clothes-in-2021-recent-trends/
 https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-colorblocking-13649
 https://theislandnow.com/blog-112/five-fabrics-that-are-best-suited-for-childrens-
clothing/
 https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-kids-apparel-market
 https://www.livemint.com/industry/retail/childrens-apparel-grabs-a-larger-share-of-
the-online-fashion-market-report-11623476106414.html