India Kids Apparel Market Research Report and Industry Forecast

India Kids Apparel Market:

The India kids apparel market size reached USD 22.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 27.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.17% during 2025-2033. Escalating population, huge consumer base, surging disposable income, and adoption of promotional strategies by the manufacturer are some of the key factors propelling the market growth.

India Kids Apparel Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The growing disposable income of individuals, changing fashion preferences, and elevating levels of lifestyles are primarily driving the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing availability of children's apparel across the expanding e-commerce platforms, making it easier for parents to access and buy a wide range of kid clothes from the comfort of their homes, is also contributing to the market growth.
• Key Market Trends: The growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing, increasing preference for gender-neutral and inclusive designs, and rising influence of social media are some of the key trends bolstering the India kids apparel market.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major India kids apparel companies include Gini & Jony Ltd., Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., Benetton India Pvt. Ltd., Arvind Fashion Pvt. Ltd. (Tommy Hilfiger), Indian Clothing League Pvt. Ltd., and Tiny Girls Clothing Pvt. Ltd., among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Price sensitivity, high competition, changing consumer preferences, and seasonal demand are some of the challenges that the market is facing. However, with the increasing affluence of the middle class in India, there's a growing demand for premium and branded kids apparel. Brands that offer high-quality products and cater to aspirational consumers have an opportunity to capture market share.

India Kids Apparel Market Trends:

Rising Disposable Income and Changing Consumer Preference

Rising disposable income and changing lifestyles are significantly driving the market growth. For instance, in 2023-2024, the per capita disposable income in India reached approximately Rs 2.14 lakh. Moreover, per capita disposable income rose 8% in FY24. Moreover, as disposable incomes rise, parents have more purchasing power, allowing them to spend more on items such as clothing for their children. This increased spending capacity directly translates to higher demand for kids apparel. For instance, according to the report published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, in February 2024, there is a significant change in spending patterns. It shows that while spending on necessities like food has declined, spending on non-essentials like clothing has increased. In line with this, per capita expenditure reached INR 6400 by 2023, a significant increase from spending in 2023 that stood at INR 3,900. Moreover, with higher incomes, parents are willing to invest in higher quality and branded clothing for their children. They see clothing as an extension of their lifestyle and are willing to pay a premium for well-designed, durable, and fashionable apparel. This, in turn is propelling the India kids apparel market’s recent price.

Increasing Urbanization and Escalating Number of Retail Stores

Urbanization in India is on the rise, with more people migrating from rural areas to urban cities in search of better opportunities. Urban areas tend to have higher purchasing power and greater exposure to fashion trends, leading to an increased demand for kids apparel. For instance, according to the article published by migration portal, the proportion of the world's population living in urban regions is anticipated to rise from 55% in 2018 to 60% by 2030. Moreover, as urban areas grow, there's a corresponding expansion of retail infrastructure, including shopping malls, department stores, and specialty stores. These retail outlets provide convenient access to a wide range of kids apparel brands and options, thus augmenting the India kids apparel market revenue. For instance, in September 2023, Pine Kids, a clothing brand from FirstCry, launched its first exclusive brand outlet in India at the Z Square Mall, Kanpur. In addition to this, international and domestic kids apparel brands are increasingly targeting urban markets due to their higher concentration of affluent consumers. This has led to the proliferation of branded retail outlets and multi-brand stores in urban areas, offering consumers a diverse selection of kids clothing. For instance, in February 2024, US Polo Assn, a US-based casualwear brand, launched its largest store in Bengaluru, offering a wide variety of kids wear. Similarly, in February 2024, Kate and Oscar, a premium kids wear brand launched its first store in Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. Kate and Oscar provide a premium selection of children's wear options, international styling catered to Indian kids, and a wide range of party wear. These factors are further positively influencing the India kids apparel market forecast.

Brand Visibility and Marketing Campaigns

With the widespread adoption of smartphones and internet connectivity, digital marketing has become increasingly important in reaching to a wide consumer base. Brands leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to engage with parents, share product updates, run promotional campaigns, and collaborate with influencers to reach a wider audience. For instance, in March 2023, FirstCry.com appointed KlugKlug, a New Delhi-based Global Decision Making B2B Tech Platform for the influencer marketing. As part of this agreement, KlugKlug was responsible for boosting the Influencer's outreach with accuracy and in-depth insights about the Influencers in India. Moreover, introduction of innovative campaigns for the kids is also creating a positive impact on the market. For instance, in March 2024, Hopscotch, a destination for children's clothing, launched its first brand campaign. The ad, with the tagline 'We get kids' fashion,' tried to send a clear message to parents that their children's fashion choices are distinctive and should be celebrated. In line with this, in November 2023, Allen Solly, a brand owned by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, launched a new #BeWhoYouWantToBe campaign for children. The project demonstrated the brand's commitment to encouraging independence and curiosity in children, allowing them to follow their dreams and hobbies. These factors are positively influencing India kids apparel market forecast.

India Kids Apparel Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India kids apparel market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on category, season, distribution channel, gender, sector, and cloth material.

Breakup by Category:

• Uniforms
• T-shirts/Shirts
• Bottom Wear
• Ethnic Wear
• Dresses
• Denims
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the category. This includes uniforms, t-shirts/shirts, bottom wear, ethnic wear, dresses, denims, and others.

According to the India kids apparel market overview, the demand for school uniforms remains relatively stable as it's a necessity for children attending schools with uniform policies. In contrast, demand for t-shirts is driven by the rising younger population, and the need for comfort. Moreover, bottom wear such as trousers, jeans, shorts, and skirts also experience steady demand throughout the year, with slight fluctuations based on fashion trends and seasonal preferences. Besides this, the sales of ethnic wear typically peak during festive seasons such as Diwali, Eid, and weddings. Parents often purchase traditional attire for their children to wear during religious and cultural celebrations. Furthermore, the market for dresses varies based on fashion trends and seasonal preferences. Summer dresses are popular during the warmer months, while party dresses see increased demand during festive seasons and special occasions.

Breakup by Season:

• Summer Wear
• Winter Wear
• All Season Wear

All-season currently dominates the overall market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the season. This includes summer wear, winter wear, and all-season wear. According to the report, all-season represented the largest segment.

According to India kids apparel market outlook, all-season wear holds a dominant position in catalyzing the market growth in India. This is primarily due to the country's diverse climate, where varying weather conditions prevail throughout the year across different regions. All-season wear items such as lightweight cotton T-shirts, breathable bottoms like jeans or leggings, and versatile dresses can be worn comfortably across different seasons. They provide flexibility for parents and children to dress appropriately regardless of the weather. Moreover, clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton ensures comfort for kids, especially during India's hot and humid summers. These fabrics allow airflow, preventing overheating and discomfort. For instance, in January 2024, Shilpa Shetty launched Zip Zap Zop, a kid's fashion brand in India. The brand introduced apparel in comfortable, soft, and hypoallergenic fabrics.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Exclusive Stores
• Multi-Brand Retail Outlets
• Online
• Others

Multi-brand retail outlets acquires the largest share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, exclusive stores, multi-brand retail outlets, online, and others. According to the report, multi-brand retail outlets represented the largest segment.

As per the India kids apparel market statistics, multi-brand outlets (MBOs) play a significant role in driving the growth of the market. These outlets offer a wide range of brands and styles under one roof, providing convenience and variety for parents and children alike. It provides a one-stop shopping destination for kids apparel, making it convenient for parents to browse and purchase clothing for their children without having to visit multiple stores or websites. This saves time and effort, especially for busy parents. Moreover, MBOs frequently offer promotions, discounts, and seasonal sales on kids apparel, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. These promotional activities help drive foot traffic to the stores and boost sales volume. For instance, in March 2023, VERO MODA, JACK & JONES, ONLY, SELECTED HOMME, JACK & JONES JUNIOR, KIDS ONLY & INDIFUSION opened their multi-brand store located at Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur.

Breakup by Gender:

• Girls
• Boys

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the gender. This includes girls and boys.

The demand for both girls and boys apparel in India is significant and will continue to grow steadily. India has a large and growing population, with a prominent portion being children and adolescents. This demographic trend fuels the demand for kids apparel as parents seek clothing options for their growing children. In girls, demand for traditional Indian attire such as lehengas, churidars, and anarkalis remains strong, especially for special occasions like weddings, festivals, and cultural events. While, in boys, western-style clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, shirts, and trousers are widely popular for casual and everyday wear among boys, reflecting a blend of comfort and style.

Breakup by Sector:

• Organized Sector
• Unorganized Sector

Currently, unorganized sector exhibits a clear dominance

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the sector. This includes organized sector and unorganized sector. According to the report, unorganized sector represented the largest segment.

The unorganized sector is often more localized, with small-scale manufacturers, artisans, and home-based enterprises producing kids apparel. They cater to specific regions or communities, offering custom-made or traditional clothing. Artisans and craftsmen within the unorganized sector specialize in traditional techniques like hand embroidery, block printing, and weaving. They produce unique and culturally rich garments that appeal to consumers looking for authentic and artisanal products. Moreover, it is known for its flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing market trends and demands. Small-scale producers can respond rapidly to local preferences and seasonal variations in demand.

Breakup by Cloth Material:

• Nylon and Rayon
• Wool
• Cotton Mix/Blended
• Polyester
• Cotton
• Others

Cotton represented the largest share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on cloth material. This includes nylon and rayon, wool, cotton mix/blended, polyester, cotton, and others. According to the India kids apparel market report, cotton represented the largest segment.

Cotton is prized for its natural comfort and breathability, making it ideal for children's clothing, especially in India's warm and humid climate. It allows air circulation, keeping children cool and comfortable throughout the day, whether they are playing outdoors or indoors. It is inherently soft and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for children, particularly those with sensitive or delicate skin. Parents prefer cotton clothing for their kids to minimize the risk of skin irritation or allergies, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. For instance, in January 2024, Shilpa Shetty launched Zip Zap Zop, a kid's fashion brand in India. 80% of the collection comprises sustainable fabrics like organic cotton.

Breakup by Region:

• North India
• East India
• West and Central India
• South India

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North India, East India, West and Central India, and South India.

North India experiences diverse climatic conditions, ranging from cold winters in states like Punjab and Haryana to hot summers in regions like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Fashion trends in North India are influenced by a mix of traditional and modern styles, with a preference for vibrant colors, intricate embroidery, and ethnic prints. In contrast, East India has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters, influenced by the Bay of Bengal. Traditional Bengali attire like dhoti-kurta for boys and sarees for girls are popular, especially during festivals like Durga Puja. Western wear is also prevalent, with a growing demand for casual and comfortable clothing. Besides this, West and Central India have a mix of tropical and arid climates, with hot summers and relatively milder winters. Traditional attire such as bandhani outfits, ghagra-cholis, and kurta-pajamas are popular for festivals and weddings. Western wear is also in demand, with a preference for lightweight and breathable fabrics.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also analyzed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the key players are:

• Gini & Jony Ltd.
• Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.
• Benetton India Pvt. Ltd.
• Arvind Fashion Pvt. Ltd. (Tommy Hilfiger)
• Indian Clothing League Pvt. Ltd.
• Tiny Girls Clothing Pvt. Ltd.

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

India Kids Apparel Market Recent Development:

• March 2024: Hopscotch, a destination for children's clothing, launched its first brand campaign. The campaign, with the tagline 'We get kids' fashion,' tried to send a clear message to parents that their children's fashion choices are distinctive and should be celebrated.
• February 2024: US Polo Assn, a US-based casualwear brand launched its largest store in Bengaluru, offering a wide variety of kids wear.
• January 2024: Mothercare India, a retailer of baby clothing, collaborated with Ed-a-Mamma, a sustainable kids and maternity wear brand. The partnership will benefit customers by offering them a more immersive and interactive in-store shopping experience.

India Kids Apparel Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India kids apparel market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India kids apparel market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India kids apparel industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.