Insights Into the Chinese Children’s Wear Market

1. Overview of the Chinese Children’s Wear Market

1.1 Definition of Children’s Wear

Children’s clothing trends in China reflect 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 China kidswear market size reached USD 53.92 billion in value in 2023. It is expected to grow to USD 79.66 billion by 2028. This reflects a CAGR of 8.12% from 2023 to 2028. The market grows due to China’s large customer base and rising middle-class families. China kidswear market size continues expanding with strong economic and demographic support.

“Chinese children’s wear market statistics 2023-2028”

	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.

“Trends in China kidswear market by age group”

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 children’s clothing trends in China, with suitability for different scenarios being the primary consideration for consumers when choosing children’s clothing and footwear.

“Scenario-based children’s clothing in China”

Source: Taobao Report 2024 [JS3]

From the baby stage of learning to walk, to kindergarten and elementary school life, each scenario needs specific clothing styles.
Teenagers’ social activities also drive demand for stylish and functional children’s clothing in China.
Parents want children to dress suitably for each scenario, promoting confidence and a good social image.
These expectations shape children’s clothing trends in China and influence purchase decisions significantly.

Among all scenarios, outdoor clothing and swimwear show the highest growth potential in the China kidswear market.
Formalwear and festival outfits are also expanding rapidly, unlike the mature casual and campus clothing segments.

“Future forecast of Chinese children’s fashion industry”

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 China kidswear market size.