1. Overview of the Chinese Children’s Wear Market
1.1 Definition of Children’s Wear
Children’s wear can be divided into children’s clothing and children’s footwear in general. These items are tailored to meet the unique size, comfort, and style requirements of children at various stages of development.
Children’s clothing includes a wide range of garments such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, sleepwear, and accessories designed for babies (aged 0-3), kids (aged 4-12), and teenagers (aged 13-18).
Similarly, children’s footwear encompasses shoes designed for children from all age groups, considering factors like foot size, comfort, and safety.
These products often adhere to safety standards and regulations to ensure they are suitable for the age group they are intended for.
1.2 China Children’s Wear Market Size
The children’s wear market in China was valued at USD 53.92 billion in 2023, and it is anticipated to reach a value of USD 79.66 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecasted period (2023-2028). The market in the country is rapidly growing on account of a large potential customer base with a massive population and an increasing middle-class population.
| 2023 Market Size | 2028 Market Size | CAGR (2023-2028) | |
| China Children’s Wear Market Size | USD 53.92 billion | USD 79.66 billion | 8.12% |
Source: Childrenswear Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029) By MordorIntelligence[JS1]
2. Current Situation of the Chinese Children’s Wear Market
2.1 Expansion of the Older Children Market
Over the past decade, the population of 0-14 year-olds in China has steadily increased, rising from 224 million in 2013 to 239 million in 2022. However, in recent years, with the annual decline in China’s birth rate, it is expected that the population of babies and young children will decrease in the future. Despite this, the potential customer base for the children’s clothing and footwear market in China remains substantial.
Looking at different age groups, the population of babies and young children in the next 5 years will be influenced by the birth rate, leading to a downward trend. However, the population of older children aged 7-16 is expected to maintain stable growth, driven by the inertia of relatively higher birth rates in earlier years.
Source: CWE Report 2023-2024[JS2]
2.2 Increasing Demands for Special-Scenario Clothing
The concept of scenario-based dressing has become a significant driving force behind the trends in children’s wear, with suitability for different scenarios being the primary consideration for consumers when choosing children’s clothing and footwear.
Source: Taobao Report 2024[JS3]
From the baby stage of learning to walk, to the campus life of kindergarten and elementary school kids, and further to the social activities of teenagers, different scenarios entail varying styles and functionalities. Parents also expect their children to dress appropriately for different scenarios, helping them to present themselves well and to develop good social images.
Among all these scenarios, the ones with the most growth potential are outdoor clothing and swimwear, and formalwear and festival attire, since the existing market for campus life and casual wear is already mature.
Source: Taobao Report 2024[JS4]
3. Future Trends of the Chinese Children’s Wear Market
3.1 Lifted Quality & Safety Requirements
With the improvement of living standards, parents’ expectations for children’s wear are no longer limited to basic dressing needs but also focus more on quality and safety. The production and design of children’s wear should emphasize the use of environmentally friendly materials and the improvement of safety standards.
3.2 More Pronounced Branding Effect
Children’s wear products from well-known brands are more popular. From the parents’ perspective, major brands usually have higher quality assurance and better after-sales service, meeting their demands for product quality and service.
3.3 More Precise Market Segmentation
The children’s wear market is putting an increasing emphasis on the segmentation of needs for different age groups and occasions. For example, for babies, young kids, and preschool children of different age groups, different styles and functional clothing products are introduced. At the same time, for specific occasions such as sports, swimming, and outdoor activities, corresponding professional clothing products are also introduced.
3.4 Continuous Expansion of Product Categories The children’s wear market is evolving towards diversification. In addition to traditional clothing products, various accessories, toys, and other related products have been introduced to meet the diverse needs of children. The introduction of these products has also brought new growth points to the children’s wear market.
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