The children’s clothing market, defined as sleepwear, underwear, daywear and outerwear for kids 0 to 12, is estimated to be worth $30.6 billion in sales in 2005. This figure is up from $27.1 billion in 2002, in current terms. The category is somewhat limited by the large numbers who are unwilling to pay premiums and instead, shop at discount stores. However, the growth in the past four years has been driven by consumers’ need for more plus size kids’ clothing and the growing diversity in the U.S. Indeed, blacks and Hispanics are more likely to spend larger sums on children’s clothing than other groups. Hispanic families, in particular, tend to have more kids for whom to buy.

While even young children get to weigh in on the clothes they wear, the purchasing parent often buys clothing not just to care for their kids, but also to demonstrate their own style and lifestyle. Girls’ clothing showed the greatest amount of growth during 2003-2005. This segment is boosted by a more fashion conscious group of wearers who enjoy shopping. This is especially true among pre-teens.

This report covers the retail market for children’s clothing up to and including pre-teen clothes, and includes the groups:

infant/toddler (0-2 years)

pre-school (3-4 years)

young boys and girls (5-8 years)

pre-teen (9-12 years)

Several types of clothing are covered in this report, including:

sleepwear

underwear

daywear

outerwear