Key Insights
Essential data points from our research
The global children’s apparel market was valued at approximately $187.29 billion in 2022
The children’s apparel market is projected to grow to $296.85 billion by 2029
North America held a market share of around 22.5% in the global children’s apparel market in 2022
The Asia Pacific region accounted for over 50% of the global market share in 2022
The baby segment (0-12 months) in children's apparel saw a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2022
Online channels accounted for around 30% of children's apparel sales in 2022
E-commerce in children’s clothing is expected to reach over $80 billion by 2026
Cotton remains the most preferred fabric in children's wear, making up 60% of market share
Organic children’s apparel is growing at a CAGR of more than 6% globally
In the U.S., the children’s apparel market reached $34 billion in 2022
Children's apparel made from sustainable materials grew by 41% in sales in 2021
Boys' apparel accounts for 53% of the global children’s apparel market
Girls' apparel accounts for 47% of the global children’s apparel market
Consumer Behavior and Purchasing Trends
- Online channels accounted for around 30% of children's apparel sales in 2022
- The average American family spends around $300 per child per year on apparel
- Back-to-school season accounts for more than 40% of annual children's apparel sales in the U.S.
- Disney is the leading licensed character in children’s apparel globally
- 64% of parents consider sustainability when buying children's clothing
- 72% of U.S. parents shop for children’s clothing online
- 86% of mothers influence brand choice in children's apparel purchases
- 55% of children’s apparel purchases are impulse buys
- Holiday season accounts for 20% of yearly children’s apparel sales
- 90% of parents rate comfort over fashion in choosing children's clothes
- Amazon accounts for 13% of online children’s apparel sales in the U.S.
- Average clothing size for U.S. children has increased by one full size since 2000
- More than 80% of children’s clothing purchases are made by mothers
- 76% of parents prefer buying from brands with ethical labor practices
- White and blue are the most popular kids fashion colors worldwide
- 45% of kids’ apparel retailers offer some form of in-store customization
- 50% of children outgrow their clothes every 6 months
- 67% of parents are willing to spend more for higher quality kids’ clothing
- 40% of children in the U.S. wear uniforms to school, driving consistent demand
- 15% of parents use rental services for kids’ special occasion clothing
- 82% of parents report sizing inconsistencies across children's brands
- Market penetration of kids’ wear subscription models reached 9% in the U.S. in 2022
- 20% of U.S. consumers buy children’s apparel as gifts, especially during holidays
Interpretation
In a market where moms steer the cart, impulse buys fuel the ride, and comfort trumps couture, the children’s apparel industry is stitching together ethics, e-commerce, and ever-growing sizes into a $300-per-kid, character-driven fashion frenzy—especially when schoolbells or sleigh bells ring.
Market Size and Growth
- The global children’s apparel market was valued at approximately $187.29 billion in 2022
- The children’s apparel market is projected to grow to $296.85 billion by 2029
- The baby segment (0-12 months) in children's apparel saw a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2022
- E-commerce in children’s clothing is expected to reach over $80 billion by 2026
- Organic children’s apparel is growing at a CAGR of more than 6% globally
- In the U.S., the children’s apparel market reached $34 billion in 2022
- The licensed character children's apparel segment grew by 10% in 2022
- Custom and personalized children’s clothing grew by 25% year-over-year in 2021
- Luxury children's clothing sector reached $7 billion globally in 2022
- Gender-neutral children's clothing grew 19% in popularity between 2020 and 2022
- In China, children’s apparel market reached approximately $60 billion in 2022
- EU imports of children’s clothing rose by 8.3% between 2021 and 2022
- India’s children’s apparel market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2028
- Subscription box services for children's apparel grew 18% between 2020 and 2022
- Children's activewear segment is growing at a CAGR of 7.6%
- Secondhand children's clothing market is estimated to grow to $12 billion by 2026
- Children’s swimwear segment is projected to grow 6.1% CAGR through 2027
- The global kidswear market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2030
- The toddler category (1-3 years) is the fastest-growing segment in children’s clothes globally
- Brands like Zara Kids and H&M Kids expanded their children’s collections by over 30% since 2020
- Kids’ formal wear declined 12% year-over-year in 2021 due to fewer events
- Baby apparel market in Europe is forecast to reach $20 billion by 2027
- Gender-fluid collections grew by 22% in 2022 in children’s fashion
- Sales of adaptive clothing for children with disabilities increased 19% year-over-year
- Children’s loungewear and athleisure sales rose 27% during COVID-19
- Sustainable kids' brands saw 34% revenue growth in 2022
Interpretation
As pint-sized consumers power a multi-billion-dollar boom—from organic onesies to gender-neutral joggers—the children's apparel industry proves that even the smallest fashionistas are driving some of the biggest shifts in global retail.
Product Segmentation
- Cotton remains the most preferred fabric in children's wear, making up 60% of market share
- Boys' apparel accounts for 53% of the global children’s apparel market
- Girls' apparel accounts for 47% of the global children’s apparel market
- School wear accounts for 20% of the children's apparel segment in urban India
- Fast fashion brands hold approximately 37% market share in children’s fashion
- Footwear accounts for 17% of total children’s apparel spending
- Children's apparel sizes span 0-16 years, with the 5-8 age group having the highest sales
- Infant wear (0-24 months) accounted for 25% of kids' apparel sales in 2022
- Walmart is the largest retailer of children’s apparel in the U.S. by volume
- Newborn and layette wear make up 18% of total infant clothing sales
- Character-branded pajamas are the top-selling sleepwear for children in North America
- Over 65% of kidswear brands are introducing digital design features for custom fit
- The average profit margin on children’s apparel is approximately 55%
- Puffer jackets and hoodies are the highest-selling winter items in children's fashion
- Denim makes up 12% of children’s clothing fabrics used globally
- Most purchased children’s items in 2022 were tops (39%), bottoms (28%), and outerwear (15%)
Interpretation
In a market where cotton reigns supreme, fast fashion seduces young wardrobes, and character pajamas tuck in the profits, children’s apparel is proving that even pint-sized fashion is big business—with a 55% margin and a hoodie in every closet.
Regional Insights
- North America held a market share of around 22.5% in the global children’s apparel market in 2022
- The Asia Pacific region accounted for over 50% of the global market share in 2022
Interpretation
While North America's kids may dress to impress, Asia Pacific is clearly where the world’s wardrobes for tots are being tailored.
Sustainability and Resale Trends
- Children's apparel made from sustainable materials grew by 41% in sales in 2021
- Clothing resale for kids is growing 5x faster than traditional retail
- 58% of kidswear brands aim to be fully sustainable by 2030
- The children’s apparel resale market is expected to grow 10% annually through 2028
Interpretation
As parents dress their kids for the future, the children's apparel industry is shedding fast fashion with a growth spurt in sustainability and secondhand smarts.